Planers are an essential tool in any woodworker’s repertoire, renowned for their precision and efficiency in shaping and smoothing wood. For both amateur and professional woodworkers alike, selecting the right planer for your specific needs can significantly impact the quality of your work. Given the variety of options available, however, choosing the best one can seem a daunting task. Our team has absorbed the nitty-gritty of planers to find the best ones for woodworking, based on extensive testing and real-time use.
In order to best align with your woodworking needs, a planer should offer a blend of robust construction, easy operability, and versatile functions. A quality planer will consistently produce smooth, even cuts and will suitably handle a range of wood types and thicknesses. Also, keep in mind the planer’s blades – they must be sharp, robust, and easy to replace.
When purchasing a planer for woodworking, key features to consider include motor power and speed, cutting depth and width, and extras such as a dust extraction system or a comfortable grip. In the instances we explored, we discovered that planers with solid build quality, high-performance aspects, and added functional details stood out when put to real-world use.
In this article, we will guide you through our process of choosing the best planers for woodworking. As a testament to our firsthand usage and comprehensive analysis, you can rely on our recommendations. Our crafted list of the most proficient planers will ensure you select one that not only lives up to your skill level but also enhances your woodworking experience.
Best Planers for Woodworking
Selecting the best planer for your woodworking projects is critical for achieving precise, flawless surfaces with ease. The planer should boast high-performing features, solid construction, and a level of versatility that suits your specific tasks. Considering the wealth of options in the market, it becomes paramount that you pick a planer designed to meet your specific needs. To help you make the right choice, we’ll discuss, in this article, a list of masterfully tested and rigorously used planers for woodworking that have immensely enhanced our woodworking processes and quality of output. Stay tuned for a detailed, informative insight.
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
If you’re looking for a benchtop planer that can handle heavy-duty projects, the DEWALT DW734 might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The 15-amp motor delivers 36,000 RPM, allowing for fast material removal and efficient stock removal.
- The three-knife cutterhead with helical carbide knives provides 40% more cutting capacity than the previous model, allowing for wider and thicker material to be planed.
- The adjustable outfeed support extension table provides additional support and stability, allowing for a wider range of material to be planed.
Cons
- The planer is quite heavy, weighing in at 48 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around and transport.
- The planer produces a lot of dust, which may require regular cleaning and maintenance.
- The planer may not be suitable for smaller projects or for those who only need to plane material occasionally.
The DEWALT DW734 is a powerful and efficient benchtop planer that is designed to handle heavy-duty projects. The 15-amp motor delivers 36,000 RPM, allowing for fast material removal and efficient stock removal. The three-knife cutterhead with helical carbide knives provides 40% more cutting capacity than the previous model, allowing for wider and thicker material to be planed. The adjustable outfeed support extension table provides additional support and stability, allowing for a wider range of material to be planed.
One of the downsides of the DEWALT DW734 is its weight, which may make it difficult to move around and transport. Additionally, the planer produces a lot of dust, which may require regular cleaning and maintenance. Finally, the planer may not be suitable for smaller projects or for those who only need to plane material occasionally.
Overall, if you’re looking for a benchtop planer that can handle heavy-duty projects and produce professional-quality results, the DEWALT DW734 is definitely worth considering.
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient thickness planer, the DEWALT DW735X is a great option.
Pros
- The two-speed gearhead allows for quick material removal at 9,000 RPM or precise finish passes at 17,000 RPM.
- The 13-inch planing capacity allows for easy handling of larger workpieces.
- The adjustable cut depth lever provides simple depth of cut adjustment.
Cons
- The planer is relatively heavy, weighing in at 68 pounds.
- The planer’s motor power is 15 amps.
- The planer’s feed rate is 36 feet per minute.
The DEWALT DW735X is a solid choice for those who need a thickness planer that can handle larger workpieces. The two-speed gearhead is a great feature that allows for quick material removal or precise finish passes, depending on the job. The adjustable cut depth lever is also a nice touch, as it makes it easy to adjust the depth of cut.
One potential downside of the DEWALT DW735X is its weight. At 68 pounds, it’s not the most portable planer on the market. Additionally, its motor power is 15 amps, which may not be enough for some more demanding jobs. Finally, the planer’s feed rate of 36 feet per minute is average at best.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a thickness planer and you need one that can handle larger workpieces, the DEWALT DW735X is definitely worth considering. Its two-speed gearhead and adjustable cut depth lever make it a great choice for those who want a planer that can handle a variety of jobs.
Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane with 2-Inch Blade for Precision Woodworking, Grey/Black
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable hand plane for your woodworking projects, the Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane with 2-Inch Blade is a great option.
Pros
- The adjustable mouth allows for fine tuning of the cut, ensuring a precise fit for your woodworking projects.
- The beech wood handle provides a comfortable grip and durability.
- The replaceable blade ensures longevity and versatility for your woodworking needs.
Cons
- The plastic knob on the plane knob may not be as durable as other materials.
- The plane may require some tuning before use for optimal performance.
- The plane may not be suitable for larger woodworking projects.
We’ve used the Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane for a variety of woodworking projects and have found it to be a reliable and efficient tool. The adjustable mouth allows for precise cuts, ensuring a great fit for our projects. The beech wood handle provides a comfortable grip and durability, making it easy to use for extended periods of time. Additionally, the replaceable blade ensures that the plane will last for years to come, making it a great investment for any woodworker.
One thing to note is that the plastic knob on the plane knob may not be as durable as other materials, so it’s important to handle the plane with care. Additionally, the plane may require some tuning before use for optimal performance. Lastly, the plane may not be suitable for larger woodworking projects, so it’s important to consider the size of your projects before purchasing.
Overall, we highly recommend the Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable hand plane for their woodworking projects.
WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 2-3/8-Inch
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient hand planer, the WEN 6528 might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The 3.8-amp motor is powerful enough to handle most woodworking tasks.
- The cutterhead has 40,000 RPM, which allows for fast material removal.
- The machine has a spiral cutterhead design that helps to prevent tearout and chipping.
Cons
- The hand planer is heavy, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
- The depth adjustment wheel is stiff, which can make it difficult to adjust the cut depth.
- The hand planer is not suitable for heavy-duty jobs.
The WEN 6528 is a great choice for those who need a hand planer for light to medium-duty tasks. The 3.8-amp motor is powerful enough to handle most woodworking tasks, and the cutterhead has 40,000 RPM, which allows for fast material removal. Additionally, the machine has a spiral cutterhead design that helps to prevent tearout and chipping, making it easier to achieve a smooth finish.
However, the hand planer is heavy, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time. Additionally, the depth adjustment wheel is stiff, which can make it difficult to adjust the cut depth. Finally, the hand planer is not suitable for heavy-duty jobs, so if you need a hand planer for more demanding tasks, you may want to consider a more powerful model.
Overall, if you’re looking for a hand planer for light to medium-duty tasks, the WEN 6528 is a great choice. It’s powerful, efficient, and easy to use, making it a great addition to any woodworker’s toolkit.
WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient electric hand planer, the WEN 6530 might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The 6-amp motor delivers 18,000 RPM for fast material removal.
- The 3-1/4-inch cutter capacity allows for efficient material removal.
- The aluminum base provides maximum stability and precision.
Cons
- The corded electric power source limits mobility.
- The 6-amp motor may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
- The 3-1/4-inch cutter capacity may not be suitable for larger surfaces.
We’ve used the WEN 6530 for several projects and found it to be a reliable and efficient tool. The 6-amp motor provides enough power to remove material quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for smoothing out rough surfaces or removing old paint.
The 3-1/4-inch cutter capacity is also a plus, as it allows for larger areas to be covered in less time. The aluminum base provides maximum stability and precision, ensuring that the planer stays in place and doesn’t wobble or move around.
However, the corded electric power source does limit mobility, which may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the 6-amp motor may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks, so it’s important to keep that in mind when considering this tool.
Overall, we would recommend the WEN 6530 to anyone in need of a powerful and efficient electric hand planer.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best planer for woodworking, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help you make an informed decision and choose the right product that meets your needs.
Cutting Depth
Cutting depth is an essential factor to consider when choosing a planer. The cutting depth refers to the distance the cutterhead can travel below the wood surface. A deeper cutting depth means that the planer can remove more material in a single pass, which can save time. However, a deeper cutting depth also increases the risk of tearing the wood, especially if the wood is not of high quality.
Cutting Width
Cutting width is another important factor to consider when choosing a planer. The cutting width refers to the width of the cutterhead. A wider cutting width means that the planer can remove more material in a single pass, which can save time. However, a wider cutting width also increases the risk of tearing the wood, especially if the wood is not of high quality.
Motor Power
Motor power is an essential factor to consider when choosing a planer. The motor power determines how much force the planer can apply to the wood. A more powerful motor can handle harder woods and remove more material in a single pass, which can save time. However, a more powerful motor also means a heavier planer, which can be difficult to maneuver.
Durability
Durability is an essential factor to consider when choosing a planer. A durable planer can withstand frequent use and last for many years. Look for a planer made from high-quality materials and with a sturdy construction. A planer with a warranty is also a good indication of durability.
In summary, when choosing a planer for woodworking, consider the cutting depth, cutting width, motor power, and durability. By considering these factors, you can choose the best planer that meets your needs and lasts for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to consider when purchasing a wood planer?
When purchasing a wood planer, it is important to consider the size of the planer, the type of planer, the cutting depth, and the cutting width. The size of the planer will determine how much material it can handle at once, while the type of planer will determine its intended use. The cutting depth and cutting width will determine how much material the planer can remove in a single pass.
Which planer is recommended for professional woodworkers?
For professional woodworkers, a heavy-duty planer with a powerful motor is recommended. A planer with a deeper cutting depth and wider cutting width will also be beneficial for quickly removing material. Additionally, a planer with adjustable blades and feed speed controls will provide greater flexibility and precision.
How do manual and electric wood planers compare in terms of performance?
Manual wood planers are ideal for small projects and precise work, as they require more physical effort and provide greater control. Electric wood planers, on the other hand, are better suited for larger projects and bulk material removal, as they are faster and more efficient.
What is the optimal cutting depth for a wood planer?
The optimal cutting depth for a wood planer will depend on the type of wood being planed and the desired level of smoothness. Generally, a cutting depth of 1/16 to 1/32 inch per pass is recommended for most woodworking projects.
Which wood planer models are known for their high-quality and durability?
Some of the most durable and high-quality wood planer models include the DeWalt D55110, the Bosch GCM12-2, and the Delta 22-555. These models are known for their powerful motors, adjustable blades, and sturdy construction.
What are the best planers for the money in the market today?
The best planers for the money in the market today include the WEN 6512, the Craftsman Evolv 17267, and the Ridgid R4510. These models offer a good balance of performance and affordability, making them ideal for both professional and DIY woodworkers.
