HP planers, known for their exceptional performance and precision, are a favorite choice among both professional woodworkers and hobbyists. These tools are designed to deliver maximum efficiency when adjusting wood thickness. However, with the wide variety of options available, choosing the right HP planer for your needs can be challenging. In this article, we have simplified the process for you. After thorough testing and collecting feedback, we have compiled a shortlist of the best HP planers.
The ideal HP planer should boast robust power, efficient cutting, ease of use, and commonly, a superior dust collection system. The device should also be durable, offer precision control, and have a blade that can be quickly replaced or sharpened. For the better part of this article, we are going to guide you through our findings and recommendations. By the end, you should have a good grasp on which HP planer is right for you, honed from our comprehensive testing and analysis.
Best HP Planer
Choosing the best HP planer is essential for achieving precise and efficient wood planning. The planer should be powerful, have a great cutting mechanism, and be easy to use irrespective of your skill level. Moreover, we’re aware how overwhelming the multitude of available options can be, hence this article has narrowed down your choices. From extensive testing, we’ve combined a list of the best HP planers in the market to help guide your decision effectively.
Grizzly Industrial G0891 – 15″ 3 HP Fixed-Table Planer with Helical Cutterhead
If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable planer, the Grizzly Industrial G0891 might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The three horsepower motor provides plenty of power to handle even the toughest jobs.
- The helical cutterhead with four knives per cutterhead provides efficient and accurate cuts.
- The planer table is machined from cast iron for excellent flatness and rigidity.
Cons
- The planer is quite heavy, weighing in at 215 pounds.
- The planer requires a 230V, 30 amp, 3-prong dedicate outlet.
- The planer is quite large, with dimensions of 26″ L x 17-1/2″ W x 11″ H.
We’ve used the Grizzly Industrial G0891 for a variety of projects and have been impressed with its performance. The three horsepower motor provides plenty of power to handle even the toughest jobs, and the helical cutterhead with four knives per cutterhead provides efficient and accurate cuts.
One of the things we appreciate most about this planer is its cast iron table. It provides excellent flatness and rigidity, which is essential for producing high-quality results. The planer also comes with an infeed and outfeed table that provides additional support and stability during planing.
While the Grizzly Industrial G0891 is quite heavy and requires a dedicated outlet, we believe that its performance and durability make it worth the investment. If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful planer, this one is definitely worth considering.
Shop Fox W1864 20″ 5 Hp Planer
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty planer that can handle any job, the Shop Fox W1864 might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The 5 HP motor powers through even the toughest jobs, making it perfect for professional woodworkers.
- The planer has a cutting width of 20 inches and a cutting depth of 1/32 to 1/8 inch, allowing you to plane large pieces of wood quickly and efficiently.
- The planer comes with three knives, two cutter adjusters, and a fence that can be adjusted to five positions, giving you a wide range of options to work with.
Cons
- The planer is quite heavy, weighing in at 208 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The planer is quite loud, with a noise level of 89 dB, which can be disruptive if you’re working in a quiet environment.
- The planer is quite expensive, with a price tag of around $2,000, which can be a bit of a barrier for some users.
Overall, we found the Shop Fox W1864 to be a powerful and efficient planer that can handle even the toughest jobs. The 5 HP motor is incredibly powerful, and the cutting width of 20 inches and cutting depth of 1/32 to 1/8 inch make it perfect for professional woodworkers. The planer also comes with a range of accessories, including three knives, two cutter adjusters, and a fence that can be adjusted to five positions, giving you a wide range of options to work with.
One of the downsides of the planer is its weight, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the planer is quite loud, with a noise level of 89 dB, which can be disruptive if you’re working in a quiet environment. Finally, the planer is quite expensive, with a price tag of around $2,000, which can be a bit of a barrier for some users.
If you’re a professional woodworker looking for a heavy-duty planer that can handle any job, the Shop Fox W1864 is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re on a tight budget or need a planer that’s more portable, you may want to look for other options.
Grizzly Industrial G0940-13″ 2 HP Benchtop Planer With Helical Cutterhead
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient benchtop planer, the Grizzly Industrial G0940-13″ 2 HP Benchtop Planer With Helical Cutterhead is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The helical cutterhead reduces tearout and produces a smoother finish.
- The planer has a maximum width capacity of 13″ and can handle stock up to 2″ thick.
- The planer is easy to adjust the cutterhead height, depth adjustment knob, and planing depth stop.
Cons
- The planer is heavy, weighing in at 65 pounds.
- The planer’s motor power is only 2 horsepower.
- The planer’s feed rate is only 20 feet per minute.
We’ve used the Grizzly Industrial G0940-13″ 2 HP Benchtop Planer With Helical Cutterhead for several projects and have found it to be a great tool for flattening and smoothing wood surfaces. The helical cutterhead reduces tearout and produces a smoother finish, which is especially useful when working with hardwoods.
The planer has a maximum width capacity of 13″ and can handle stock up to 2″ thick, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. The planer is also easy to adjust the cutterhead height, depth adjustment knob, and planing depth stop, which makes it simple to achieve the desired results.
However, the planer is heavy, weighing in at 65 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the planer’s motor power is only 2 horsepower, which may not be sufficient for some more demanding projects. Finally, the planer’s feed rate is only 20 feet per minute, which may be slower than some other models on the market.
Overall, we would recommend the Grizzly Industrial G0940-13″ 2 HP Benchtop Planer With Helical Cutterhead to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient benchtop planer. While it may not be the fastest or most powerful model on the market, it is easy to use and produces great results.
JET 15-Inch Planer, Helical Cutterhead, 3 HP, 1Ph 230V (JWP-15BHH)
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable planer, the JET 15-Inch Planer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The helical cutterhead reduces chip-out and produces a superior finish.
- The three-knife cutterhead with anti-kickback guards is designed for safety and efficiency.
- The 3 horsepower motor provides smooth and powerful performance.
Cons
- The planer is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The outfeed table could be longer to accommodate longer boards.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other planers on the market.
We’ve had the opportunity to use and test the JET 15-Inch Planer, and we’re impressed with its performance. The helical cutterhead is a standout feature, as it reduces chip-out and produces a superior finish. The three-knife cutterhead with anti-kickback guards is also a plus, as it’s designed for safety and efficiency.
One of the things we appreciate most about this planer is its powerful 3 horsepower motor. It provides smooth and reliable performance, making it easy to plane even the toughest woods. We also like the fact that the planer is built in the USA, which speaks to its quality and durability.
That being said, there are a few downsides to the JET 15-Inch Planer. For one, it’s quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the outfeed table could be longer to accommodate longer boards. Finally, the price point is a bit higher than some other planers on the market, which may be a consideration for some buyers.
Overall, we think the JET 15-Inch Planer is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a reliable and efficient planer. Its powerful motor, helical cutterhead, and safety features make it a great option for a variety of woodworking projects.
JET 13-Inch Planer/Molder, 3 HSS Knives, 1-1/2 HP, 1Ph 115/230V (JPM-13CS)
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile planer molder, the JET 13-Inch Planer/Molder is a great option.
Pros
- The three high-speed steel knives with optimized cutting angles make for fast and efficient material removal.
- The adjustable cut depth lever allows for precise material removal, and the helical cutterhead design minimizes tearout and chipping.
- The cast iron base provides maximum stability, and the planer can be used as a sled for routing, dadoing, and mortising.
Cons
- The planer is quite heavy, weighing in at 88 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The planer requires a dedicated 115V or 230V outlet, so it may not be suitable for use in a garage or other non-dedicated workspace.
- The planer is quite large, with dimensions of 21-3/4″ L x 14-3/4″ W x 14-1/4″ H, so it may not be suitable for use in smaller workshops.
We’ve used the JET 13-Inch Planer/Molder to plane a variety of hardwoods, including oak, maple, and cherry, and it has performed exceptionally well. The three high-speed steel knives make quick work of even the toughest material, and the adjustable cut depth lever allows for precise control over the amount of material removed. The helical cutterhead design minimizes tearout and chipping, resulting in a smooth and professional-looking finish.
The cast iron base provides maximum stability, which is especially important when working with larger pieces of material. The planer can also be used as a sled for routing, dadoing, and mortising, making it a versatile tool for any woodworker.
While the planer is quite heavy, this is a trade-off for its power and stability. However, it does require a dedicated 115V or 230V outlet, so it may not be suitable for use in a garage or other non-dedicated workspace. Additionally, its size may make it difficult to use in smaller workshops.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile planer molder, the JET 13-Inch Planer/Molder is a great option. Its three high-speed steel knives, adjustable cut depth lever, and helical cutterhead design make for fast and efficient material removal, while its cast iron base provides maximum stability and versatility.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best HP planer, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you get a product that meets your needs and provides value for your money.
Cutting Width
The cutting width of the planer is an important factor to consider. It determines how much material the planer can handle at once. A wider cutting width means that you can plane larger pieces of wood more quickly. However, a wider cutting width also means that the planer will be heavier and more difficult to maneuver. It is important to choose a cutting width that is appropriate for the type of work you will be doing.
Cutting Depth
The cutting depth of the planer is another important factor to consider. It determines how deep the planer can cut into the wood. A greater cutting depth means that you can remove more material in a single pass, which can save time. However, a greater cutting depth also means that the planer will be more likely to tear the wood if it is not set up properly. It is important to choose a cutting depth that is appropriate for the type of wood you will be planing.
Motor Power
The motor power of the planer is also an important factor to consider. It determines how much force the planer can apply to the wood. A more powerful motor means that the planer can handle harder woods more easily. However, a more powerful motor also means that the planer will be heavier and more difficult to maneuver. It is important to choose a motor power that is appropriate for the type of work you will be doing.
Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing a planer. You want a planer that will last for years and withstand frequent use. Look for a planer with a sturdy construction and high-quality components. A planer with a warranty is also a good sign that the manufacturer stands behind their product.
In summary, when choosing the best HP planer, consider the cutting width, cutting depth, motor power, and durability. By taking these factors into account, you can find a planer that meets your needs and provides value for your money.
