Ever wonder how those smooth, flat wooden surfaces are made? It’s often thanks to a tool called a planer. Planers are woodworking machines that shave off thin layers of wood. They help you get the perfect thickness and smoothness for your projects. But choosing the right planer can be tricky.
Picking a planer can be tough because there are many different types. You have to think about the size, power, and features. Some planers are for small projects, and others are for big jobs. It can be confusing to know which one is best for you. This guide will help you understand the different types of planers and what to look for when you buy one. We’ll also talk about how to use them safely.
By the end of this post, you’ll be able to choose a planer that fits your needs. You will also learn how to use it properly. Get ready to start creating smooth, beautiful wood projects. Let’s get started and learn about planers!
Our Top 5 Planers Woodworking Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEWALT Thickness Planer | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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JORGENSEN 3.5″ Mini Wood Planer – Mini Hand Planer for Woodworking | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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CRAFTSMAN Planer | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Planers Woodworking Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.5/10
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful thickness planer. It has a 13-inch cutting width and a strong 15-amp motor. This planer is designed for both professionals and serious hobbyists. It helps you make smooth, accurate cuts in wood. It’s a great tool for any woodworking shop.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor is very strong. It easily handles tough cuts.
- The three-knife cutter head lasts a long time. It makes changing blades quick and simple.
- You can change the feed speed with the two-speed gearbox. This helps you get the best finish.
- The fan-assisted chip ejection keeps your workspace clean.
- The cast aluminum base is very rigid. This helps prevent problems like snipe.
- The material removal gauge and thickness scale are easy to read. You get accurate cuts.
- The turret depth-stop allows you to easily return to your favorite settings.
- It comes with infeed and outfeed tables and extra blades.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find it a bit heavy.
- The noise level can be a little high.
Overall, the DEWALT DW735X is a great thickness planer. It’s a reliable tool for many woodworking projects. If you need a planer that works well, you should consider this one.
2. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.4/10
The WEN PL1252 is a benchtop thickness planer. It is black and has two blades. This planer is great for woodworkers. It can plane boards to the perfect thickness. The WEN PL1252 can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide. It has a strong 15-amp motor. The motor makes 20,000 cuts every minute! You can adjust the depth of each cut. It comes with two blades that can be flipped.
What We Like:
- Planes boards up to 6 inches thick.
- The 15-amp motor is powerful.
- It cuts fast with a 26 feet per minute feed rate.
- It comes with two reversible blades.
- You can adjust the depth of each cut easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a dust collection system.
- The blades will eventually need to be replaced.
The WEN PL1252 is a good planer for the price. It is a great choice for anyone who needs to plane wood.
3. WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
The WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a handy tool for woodworkers. It has a powerful 6-Amp motor. This motor makes up to 34,000 cuts every minute! You can adjust the cutting depth. It goes from 0 to 1/8 inches. The planer can also make rabbets up to 1 inch. It is a lightweight design. It only weighs 6 pounds. The package includes the power planer, a dust bag, a kickstand, and a parallel fence bracket. It also comes with a 2-year warranty.
What We Like:
- The strong motor works fast.
- You can easily adjust the cutting depth.
- It’s lightweight, so it is easy to handle.
- The included dust bag keeps your workspace clean.
- The 2-year warranty gives you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may want a more powerful planer.
- The included instructions could be clearer.
This WEN hand planer is a good choice for many woodworking projects. It is a great option for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
4. JORGENSEN 3.5″ Mini Wood Planer – Mini Hand Planer for Woodworking
Rating: 8.9/10
The JORGENSEN 3.5″ Mini Wood Planer is a small but mighty tool for woodworking. This mini hand plane is designed for trimming, planing, and crafting. It’s built for both pros and beginners. The adjustable cutting depth lets you work on different projects with ease.
What We Like:
- The professional-level O1 tool steel blade cuts wood well. It’s also made to last.
- The ductile iron body is strong and can handle tough jobs.
- You can easily adjust the blade depth with a knob.
- It’s great for small projects, like trimming and polishing.
- The flat bottom is smooth. It makes the plane easy to use.
- It comes with an instruction manual.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sharp blade needs careful handling.
The JORGENSEN mini wood planer is a useful tool for any woodworker. It’s a good choice for small projects and detailed work.
5. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a benchtop planer. It has a 15 Amp motor. This planer is built for both hard and soft wood. It uses a two-knife cutter head made of solid steel. This feature makes it easy to get a smooth finish. The planer also has a vacuum port. This helps keep your workspace clean.
What We Like:
- The 15 Amp motor is powerful. It removes wood from both hard and soft materials.
- The design helps get the most wood removed with each pass.
- The cutter head runs smoothly. It is mounted on ball bearings for long life.
- The knives are made of high carbon steel. They can be flipped for longer use.
- A vacuum port helps keep the area clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may want a larger planer for bigger projects.
- The dust collection could be better.
This CRAFTSMAN planer is a good choice for woodworkers. It offers good features for the price.
Planning Your Purchase: A Woodworking Planner Guide
Are you ready to make your wood smooth? A planer is the tool you need! This guide will help you choose the right one.
Key Features to Look For
You need to know what makes a good planer. Here are some important things to think about:
- Cutting Width: How wide can the planer make wood smooth? Decide what size wood you will use.
- Cutting Depth: How much wood can it take off at once? More depth means fewer passes.
- Motor Power: A stronger motor is better. It can handle thick or hard wood.
- Feed Rate: This is how fast the wood goes through. Faster is good, but you need control.
- Dust Collection: Wood dust is bad. Make sure the planer has a good dust port.
- Knife System: Some planers use disposable knives. Others have knives you sharpen.
- Portability: Do you need to move it? A smaller, lighter planer is better.
Important Materials
The materials used matter! They affect how well the planer works.
- The Bed: The bed is where you put the wood. It should be flat and smooth. This helps the wood go through straight.
- The Knives: Knives should be made of strong, hard steel. This helps them last longer.
- The Body: The body of the planer should be sturdy. It should not shake when you use it.
- Motor: The motor should be strong. It should be made of good quality materials.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a planer work better. Other things make it worse.
- Quality Blades: Sharp blades make smooth cuts. Dull blades make rough cuts.
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built planer will last longer. It will also work better.
- Accurate Adjustments: You need to adjust the planer to the right depth. Good planers are easy to adjust.
- Poor Maintenance: Not cleaning a planer will make it break down. You should oil it often.
- Cheap Materials: Planers made of cheap stuff will not last. They will not work well.
- Weak Motor: A weak motor will struggle with thick wood. It might stop working.
User Experience and Use Cases
Planers make wood smooth. They are good for many jobs.
- Smoothing Boards: Planers make rough boards smooth. They can also make them the same thickness.
- Making Furniture: Planers are used to build tables, chairs, and other things.
- Creating Projects: Planers can make your projects look better.
- User-Friendly: Planers are easy to use. You feed the wood through.
- Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and ear protection. Never put your hands near the blades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planers
Q: What is a planer used for?
A: A planer makes wood smooth and the same thickness.
Q: What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A: A planer makes wood smooth on one side. A jointer makes one edge of a board straight.
Q: How do I choose the right size planer?
A: Think about the size of the wood you will be using. You will also need to think about the size of your shop. Choose a size that will work for you.
Q: What kind of safety gear do I need?
A: You need safety glasses and ear protection. A dust mask is also a good idea.
Q: How do I maintain my planer?
A: Clean it after each use. Keep the blades sharp. Oil the moving parts.
Q: What is a lunchbox planer?
A: It’s a small, portable planer. It is good for small projects and moving around.
Q: What is a stationary planer?
A: This planer is bigger and heavier. It is good for a shop. They often have more power.
Q: How do I change the blades?
A: Read the manual! It will show you how. Always unplug the planer first.
Q: What kind of wood can I plane?
A: You can plane most types of wood. Some very hard woods may be difficult.
Q: Where can I buy a planer?
A: You can buy planers at hardware stores and online. Make sure you research the planers before buying.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!