Best Hand Planers

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 9, 2024
When it comes to smoothing rough boards, hand planers just can't be ignored. We have shortlisted 5 best hand planers to help you find the one for your needs. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Planing depth
Planing width
No-load speed
Power
Convenience
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS
The depth adjustment knob has a comfortable rubber coating and serves as an extra grip. The detachable guide rule allows you to cut accurately.
CONS
The flush planing is difficult due to a small distance between the blade and the shoe.
OUR VERDICT
Having a powerful motor, this Makita hand planer will cope with any wood flawlessly and its great planing depth will let you do the job after several passes.
detailed parameters
Type
Corded
Planing depth
0 - 5/32"
Planing width
3 - 1/4"
No-load speed
16 000 RPM
Power
7.5A
Convenience
Rubberized depth adjustment knob, Rigid die-cast aluminum housing, Adjustable chip ejection, 3 chamfering groove options, Guide rule, Lock-on/off button
Weight
7.3 lbs
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
PROS
The brushless motor isn't prone to overheating and saves the battery charge.
CONS
Battery isn't included.
OUR VERDICT
The small weight of this portable hand planer will let you process large areas without fatigue and easily maneuver on any material. DeWALT planer is truly versatile thanks to its cordless design.
detailed parameters
Type
Cordless
Planing depth
0 - 5/65"
Planing width
3 - 1/4"
No-load speed
15 000 RPM
Power
20V
Convenience
Calibrated depth adjustment knob, Precision machined groove for chamfering, Lock-off button, Blade storage
Weight
5.5 lbs
Warranty
3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, 90-day money back guarantee
PROS
A high blade speed and the large shoe guarantee the perfect smoothness.
CONS
The planer is pretty big.
OUR VERDICT
Picking the PORTER-CABLE planer, you'll get the tool to process any kind of wood. We have no doubts that this electric hand planer will bring the joy to any woodworker.
detailed parameters
Type
Corded
Planing depth
0 - 5/64"
Planing width
3 - 1/4"
No-load speed
16 500 RPM
Power
6A
Convenience
3 chamfering grooves, Dust bag attachable to either side of planer, Edge guide, Kit bag, Lock-on button
Weight
8.8 lbs
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
PROS
A convenient ball joint of the power cord extends its service life and allows a more comfortable planer positioning.
CONS
The bag gets full of shavings quite fast.
OUR VERDICT
Bosch PL2632K is a great and efficient power planer which branded Woodrazor blades will let you plane hardwood such as oak and beech without any troubles.
detailed parameters
Type
Corded
Planing depth
0 - 3/32"
Planing width
3 - 1/4"
No-load speed
16 500 RPM
Power
6.5A
Convenience
Lock-off release button, Lock-on button, Dual-mount guide fence, Dust ports on both sides for shavings bag, Machined chamfering groove, Carrying case
Weight
6.3 lbs
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
PROS

The high-speed motor allows processing wood very fast. There is a special compartment for storing a blade replacement wrench.

CONS

You'll need an adapter to connect the tool to a vac.

OUR VERDICT

This planing tool is a wonderful choice for rough processing jobs, as well as for hardwood finishing. Make any surface smooth and flat with WEN!

detailed parameters
Type

Corded

Planing depth

0-1/8"

Planing width

3-1/4"

No-load speed

17 000 RPM

Power

6A

Convenience

Trigger lock, Adjustable front shoe, Rabbeting depth gauge, V-shaped groove, Dust bag, Dust/Chip Extraction Port, Kickstand

Weight

6.5 lbs

Warranty

2-Year Limited Warranty

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Makita KP0810

Jointer's Favourite Tool

If not Makita, is there another company that knows better what a hand planer should be? Since 1958 when the company designed its first electric planer, it's made a huge leap and become the leader of power tools manufacturing in the market. For our review, we've decided to pick the Makita KP0810 hand planer, which has got a powerful 7.5А motor with 16 000 RPM yield. Not bad, don't you think? The dual blade revolving at this kind of speed provides the ultimate planing sleekness in a short time. As for the planer's body, it has a stiff molded aluminum housing that holds the drum and provides its long service life. Apart from planing, the Makita KP0810 planer allows you to make chamfers in wooden pieces thanks to 3 V-shaped grooves in the shoe. In addition, you'll appreciate a removable guide rule that makes cutting perfectly straight. To sum up, we'd like to say that KP0810 copes with both damp and dry wood equally well.

Review of Makita KP0810 7.5 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Planer

Comfort in Small Things

So, КP0810 is a powerful electric hand planer that has some convenience features worth mentioning. The accessory rubber-coated handle is a pleasing feature that absorbs vibrations and also serves as a cutting depth adjustment knob. The knob is equipped with an easy-to-read scale with click stops to let users accurately set the cutting depth. By the way, the cutting depth of this electric planer amounts to 5/32" and it's not something every planer can boast. Naturally, hand planing generates lots of shavings, and Makita KP0810 is equipped with a chip discharge chute. This chute can eject chips leftwards or rightwards, so, you'll be able to direct chippings to the side you wish. Though, if you need to keep your working area free from debris, you can connect a vacuum cleaner to the planer's dust extraction port for efficient dust collection. As for the safety, the planer features a trigger lock-off button to prevent accidental starting of the tool. Moreover, you can operate this button on both sides of the handle, so it's comfortable whether you're leftie or rightie. Considering all the advantages of Makita, we're more than sure you'll love it using this planer.

Makita KP0810 7.5 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Planer in the use

More Products to Consider

We advise buying a jointer to dub rough planks, and a planer to make them perfectly smooth.

Detailed review of Makita KP0810 7.5 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Planer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $229.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B001ASDU7G

 

DEWALT DCP580B

No Overheating

DeWALT is a blooming company that has gained a good reputation over 90 years in the design and production of reliable power tools. Reliability, power, stiffness, durability, and accuracy are branded qualities of DeWALT. The DCP580B cordless hand planer is powered by a 20V MAX battery that can last for many hours of use. This battery of MAX series is interchangeable and fits other cordless DeWALT tools. The motor of this electric hand planer is brushless. What advantage does it give? The matter is that a common electric motor features carbon brushes that undergo friction while transferring the current to the shaft and heat the motor up. Contrarily, a brushless motor is less susceptible to heating as it features no friction and consumes less power, saving the battery charge. DeWALT DCP580B has the blade revolving at 32 000 RPM, so you can be sure this cordless planer isn't less powerful than cordless models. Speaking of the performance characteristics, we'd like to note that this planer has a cutting depth of up to 5/65". Such capacity allows removing wood layers for further planing quickly and efficiently. Like most planers, DeWALT has a special groove to create chamfers which are widely used in design, for decoration and convenience.

Review of DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Brushless Planer

Freedom of Action

On top of decent performance features, the DeWALT DCP580B planer has got a number of functions and accessories that make it easy and safe to use. We'd like to highlight that the weight of the tool is only 5.5 lbs which allows using it for long hours without hand fatigue. We were also pleased with an ergonomic handgrip wrapped in a rubber coating for user's maximum comfort, while the auxiliary handle provides users with more control over cutting depth adjustment. Also, DCP580B features a kickstand that automatically lowers upon the completion of planing and lifts the blade above the work surface to protect it from damage. The blade storage is one more nice design solution; there you can store away several blades to keep some spare at hand. We'd like to note a safe tool starting which is done by pressing a lock-off button when pushing a trigger switch. 

DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Brushless Planer in the use

More Products to Consider

We recommend buying a 2-pack battery to guarantee longer operation of the tool. Use one and charge another meanwhile.

Detailed review of DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Brushless Planer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01FHOWQQO

VIDEO
Dewalt DCP580B 20V MAX Brushless Planer
 

PORTER-CABLE PC60THP

Great Capabilities at Affordable Price

No planer review is full without one of the PORTER-CABLE tools and we've picked PC60THP model for this shortlist. The first point to draw your attention to is a moderate price for this planer. Being pretty much affordable, the tool features a fairly powerful 6А motor driving the cutterhead up to 16 500 RPM. This is more than enough for processing most types of hardwood. We'd like to note that the blades and brushes are easy to replace and you can do it yourself referring to the manual. This planer is unique for its molded aluminum shoe which is 11.5" long and provides better control and high planing accuracy. What is more, the shoe features 3 V-shape grooves to make facets in your wooden pieces. Similarly to most hand planers, the maximum planing depth of this model is 5/64" and it can be set to 10 positions by the control knob with 1/128" increments. Such planing depth may seem mediocre, yet mind that a hand planer is designed for the superficial cutting and can't do beyond its capabilities.

Review of PORTER-CABLE PC60THP 6-Amp Hand Planer

Keeping Place Clean

Generally, PORTER-CABLE PC60THP has nice capabilities for efficient work, but we would like to highlight a few features that make its use easier. Let's start with the bag for collection of chips. This accessory will be appreciated by those who like to keep their workplace tidy. The planer is designed so that you can attach this bag to either left or right side. Yet, you should consider that a planing generates lots of dust and shavings, which can clog the tool and the bag pretty quickly. Hence, we recommend you to clean the unit with a vacuum using the included vac adaptor, particularly after a long-time planing. The manufacturer also provided this portable hand planer with a kit bag to carry and store the tool in a convenient way. To sum up, we can state that PORTER-CABLE PC60THP is a user-friendly, simple-to-use and affordable hand planer that can become your best assistant. 

PORTER-CABLE PC60THP 6-Amp Hand Planer in the use

More Products to Consider

It'll be nice to store some branded blades to replace the worn one of your planer.

Detailed review of PORTER-CABLE PC60THP 6-Amp Hand Planer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $63.60
Stock In stock
ASIN B00PSPUWV4

VIDEO
Porter Cable Hand Planer Reclaimed Lumber Gate Part 1 v24
 

Bosch PL2632K

Hard Nut

Bosch is the embodiment of ultimate technical skills and reliability. So, when it comes to a Bosch tool, no one can question its quality. PL2632K hand wood planer isn't an exception. It comes with a powerful electric motor that provides a high planing speed, and that's not the end. The Woodrazor Mini Micrograin Blades are the main advantage of this planer as they are truly stiff and won't break when the planer accidentally hits a nail or any other piece of metal. Such blades last up to 30% longer than conventional carbide blades. The chamfering is easier thanks to the depth stop that allows making rabbets to the depth up to 5/16". Additionally, the tool comes with the dual-mount guide fence for extra comfort and cutting to the exact depth. This accessory is especially helpful for planing vertical edges like trimming a door for installation.

Review of Bosch PL2632K Planer with Carrying Case, 3 1/4"

You'll Never Get Bewildered

We'd like to tell you about the handiness and comfort of this electric hand planer. Despite the corded design, Bosch engineers took all pros and cons into account and equipped their planer with a ball joint. Owing to this solution, the power cord will last longer and the tool will be much easier to maneuver. As for conveniences, we can also mention the bag that will help you collect shavings and can be attached from either side. You will also appreciate the Bosch plastic case for carrying the planer. A longtime work means you need to press a trigger switch permanently, and your finger may get tired. Therefore, Bosch PL2632K has been fitted with a lock-on button that allows you to work continuously without keeping the trigger pushed. Besides, the planer features a lock-off release button that prevents accidental starts. Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that this planer has all essentials for your comfortable work. Once you buy this tool, you won't regret your choice.

Bosch PL2632K Planer with Carrying Case, 3 1/4" in the use

More Products to Consider

The woodworking results in a mass of sawdust harmful for a respiratory tract, so we recommend wearing a respirator.

Detailed review of Bosch PL2632K Planer with Carrying Case, 3 1/4"

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $159.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00V4DJ6AC

VIDEO
Bosch PL2632K 3-1/4" Planer Review
 

WEN 6530

Works Flawlessly

Reviewing the WEN 6530, we didn't suppose that this model could be equipped with a heavy-duty motor able to toil for hours. It makes the tool efficient for both house jobs and industrial projects. The tool's cutterhead revolves at 34000 RPM and it's an impressive speed. This planing capability is advantageous for processing hardwood and you'll get a flat and smooth surface after a single tool run. The WEN is able to remove up to 1/8" of wood at once and covers the area 3-1/4" wide that's more than enough for dressing large bars and planks. In addition, the WEN 6530 can cut rabbets 11/16" deep, so you can overlap plywood, fiberboards, sheets, and flooring boards. Finally, we should mention a special V-shaped groove on the planer's shoe that allows making precise facets.

Review of WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer

No Limits

Having examined the tool's specs, we paid attention to its ergonomics and convenience. No doubt, this hand planer is extremely easy-to-use! It has two chutes that allow connecting a vac from either side of the planer in order to remove wood chips. This solution largely facilitates planing large workpiece, when the all-round processing is important. Moreover, left-handed people will find this hand planer quite comfy. Connect the vac hose to either side and set the switch to a right position. The tool comes with a dust bag that will collect the wood chips; it's particularly useful for domestic planing jobs. We'd like to highlight an easy cleaning of the dust bag. There is a plastic toggle that detaches the bag with a simple flick of the switch. The adjustable guide will help you make accurate rabbets and set the desired depth in mere seconds.

WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer in the use

Safety in Mind

The tool like a hand planer might be dangerous unless you follow some safety precautions. However, the WEN engineers did their best to make this hand planer as safe as possible. First of all, the tool is equipped with a trigger lock to prevent an accidental start of the motor. Secondly, the planer is fitted with a kickstand that raises the shoe above the machined surface, thereby saving it from damage by the blades. Keep in mind that hand planers are pretty loud, so we recommend using hearing protectors when working. Finally, don't forget to wear a respirator when handling chipboards or fibreboards.

Detailed review of WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $47.02
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00OW5AJTG

 

What is a Hand Planner

Most people know that trees are vital to our very existence as they generate oxygen, yield fruit, and also serve as decoration. Apart from that, timber is widely used in construction and manufacturing. Any wooden item undergoes a few stages of processing, and smoothing is one of the most important. A hand planer will help you make surfaces straight and flat. In comparison with conventional planes, hand planers are more efficient and deliver higher quality, and, what is more important, require minimum skills. Hand planers are able to perform rough chipping, backfitting, chamfering, and rebating, hence these tools are irreplaceable in joinery.

We also recommend you to consider jointers for tougher planing tasks, and our review of orbital sanders for fine wood polishing.

Best Hand Planers

What Features to Compare

Type

Decide on the type of a hand planer, taking into account where and how you will use it. Today, hand planers come in two types, corded and cordless. Corded planers are the most commonly used tools. A corded hand planer is usually equipped with a powerful motor that enables processing all types of wood. Corded models are more durable and work longer, as they are connected to a constant power supply. Cordless hand planers also have lots of advantages. A cordless planer can be used in hard-to-reach areas and sites without power supply thanks to its portability. Moreover, a cordless tool is also safe for operating in a humid environment. Cordless hand planers are lightweight and facilitate processing vertical surfaces.

Performance

When you choose a hand planer, it’s important to consider performance parameters. Planing requires a lot of effort, so the motor power is vital for tool's performance. Pick a model according to the work scope. So, if you’re going to plane a few boards occasionally, a medium-power planer will be enough. Yet, if you have a great deal of work to accomplish, give your preference to a high-power planer. The cutterhead with knives is a key element of a planer that affects the performance. The no-load speed means the number of turns a drum makes per minute. For example, if you use a planer the no-load speed of which is 15,000 RPM and its cutterhead has 2 blades, it means that you'd have to make 30,000 runs with a conventional planer to do the same job. Remember that the higher the speed, the smoother the planed surface. Also, you should know the cutting width and the depth of a hand planer. The cutting width means the width of chips a planer slices per one pass, so the wider the planer is, the fewer runs you’ll make. The cutting depth stands for the thickness of removed shavings and affects the speed.

Convenience

When you consider any hand tool, you surely pay attention to all conveniences it offers. First of all, pay attention to the weight of a planer; it's an important criterion that predetermines working efficiency. For a two-handed comfortable use, look for auxiliary or adjustable handles. Some hand planers come with detachable bags for wood chips, while others may also provide users with a groove and a guide to help them cut accurately and straight. 

Sources:

1. How to Use a Power Planer, The Family Handyman.

2. Hand Plane Versus Power Planer Tools, DoItYourself.

3. Clayton DeKorne Choosing and Using Hand Planes, This Old House.

4. Plane, Wikipedia. November 8, 2016.

5. Types of Planers, eHow.

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