The Ultimate Planer Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Whether you’re a professional woodworker crafting custom furniture or a DIY enthusiast tackling home projects, investing in the right planer is crucial for achieving smooth, precise results. A quality planer transforms rough lumber into perfectly dimensioned boards, saving you time and ensuring professional-grade finishes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the ideal planer for your needs, from understanding different types to evaluating key features and maintenance requirements.
Understanding Planer Types: Which One Fits Your Workshop?
The first step in choosing a planer is understanding the different types available and their specific applications. While jointers and planers are often confused, they serve distinct purposes in woodworking. A jointer creates a flat surface on one face of a board and squares edges, making it essential for preparing rough stock. In contrast, a planer (also called a thickness planer) ensures consistent thickness across the entire board, working from above to create parallel surfaces.
1. Thickness Planers
Thickness planers are the workhorses of woodworking shops, designed to reduce boards to a uniform thickness. These machines feature a bed where the board rests and a set of rollers that feed the material through rotating blades. The Dewalt DW735X 13-inch two-speed thickness planer stands out as a professional favorite, boasting a powerful motor and dual-speed gearbox that handles both softwoods and hardwoods with ease. For larger projects, 15-inch models like the JET 15-inch planer offer increased capacity with a 3HP motor capable of tackling the toughest hardwoods.
2. Benchtop Planers
Ideal for home workshops and small professional spaces, benchtop planers balance performance with space efficiency. The Dewalt DW734 benchtop planer features a 15-amp motor delivering 20,000 RPM, three-knife cutter head, and extra-long infeed/outfeed tables for stable support during operation. Budget-conscious woodworkers might consider the WEN PL1326, a 13-inch spiral benchtop planer that offers smooth finishes at a more affordable price point.
3. Hand Planers
Electric hand planers provide portability and versatility for on-site work or smaller projects. These compact tools excel at trimming doors, smoothing rough edges, and fitting boards to precise dimensions. The Bosch PL2632K and WEN 6-amp hand planer are top choices for 2025, offering adjustable depth settings, comfortable ergonomics, and sufficient power for most hardwood applications. When selecting a hand planer, look for models with 3-1/4 inch cutting widths and variable speed controls to handle different wood densities.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Planer
Motor Power
Motor strength directly impacts a planer’s ability to handle hardwoods like maple and oak. For benchtop models, 15-amp motors (approximately 1.5HP) work well for occasional hardwood use, while 3HP motors in larger floor models provide sufficient power for daily professional use with dense materials. Hand planers typically range from 3.8 to 6 amps, with higher amperage models offering better performance on harder woods.
Cutter Head Configuration
The cutter head design significantly affects finish quality and maintenance requirements:
Three-knife cutter heads (common in Dewalt models) deliver 96 cuts per inch and feature reversible knives for extended life
Spiral/helical cutter heads reduce noise and produce smoother finishes by using multiple small carbide inserts, ideal for fine woodworking
Straight knives (found in JET models) offer simplicity and easy replacement, making them popular with traditional woodworkers
Cutting Capacity
Consider both width and depth capacity when selecting a planer:
Width capacity ranges from 12-1/2 inches (compact benchtops) to 15 inches (professional models)
Maximum depth of cut typically ranges from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch, with micro-adjustments for precise material removal
Remember that hardwoods often require shallower cuts (no more than 1/16 inch per pass) to prevent motor strain and ensure smooth results
Dust Collection
Effective dust management keeps your workspace clean and protects your health. Look for planers with fan-assisted chip ejection systems and 2-1/2 inch dust ports that connect to shop vacuums or central dust collection systems. EVA Tool Kit’s premium dust collection accessories are designed to fit most major planer brands, ensuring efficient debris removal during operation.
Additional Features
Two-speed gearboxes allow optimization of cuts per inch for different wood types
Automatic carriage locks reduce snipe (uneven end cuts) in thickness planers
Infeed/outfeed tables provide material support, with extendable options available for longer boards
Digital depth readouts offer precise settings for consistent thickness across multiple boards
Portability features like built-in roller wheels (found on JET models) make moving heavy planers easier
Matching Planer to Your Woodworking Needs
Professional Woodworkers
For daily commercial use with diverse materials, invest in a 13-15 inch thickness planer with:
3HP motor or higher
Spiral cutter head for superior finish quality
Large infeed/outfeed tables with extensions
Two-speed operation
Heavy-duty cast aluminum base for stability
The Dewalt DW735X and JET 15-inch planer excel in professional settings, offering the durability and performance needed for continuous operation with hardwoods.
DIY Enthusiasts/Home Shops
Home woodworkers should consider a benchtop model that balances performance and space:
12-13 inch width capacity
15-amp motor
Three-knife cutter head
Integrated dust collection
Compact storage design
The Dewalt DW734 and WEN PL1326 provide excellent value for occasional to moderate use, handling both softwoods and occasional hardwood projects with ease.
On-Site Workers
For contractors and mobile woodworkers, electric hand planers offer portability without sacrificing functionality:
5-6 amp motor
Ergonomic design for extended use
Adjustable depth settings down to 1/128 inch
Kickstand to protect blades when not in use
Rabbeting guide for joint creation
Models like the WEN 6-amp hand planer and Bosch PL2632K deliver the portability needed for job site work while maintaining sufficient power for trimming doors and fitting lumber.
Hardwood vs. Softwood: Planing Considerations
Working with hardwoods (maple, oak, cherry) requires more careful consideration than softwoods (pine, cedar, fir). Hardwoods demand sharper blades, slower feed rates, and more powerful motors to achieve smooth results. A properly tuned planer with razor-sharp blades is essential for preventing tear-out in dense woods.
When planing hardwoods:
Use shallower cuts (maximum 1/16 inch per pass)
Ensure blades are properly sharpened and balanced
Consider spiral cutter heads for reduced tear-out
Opt for higher HP motors to maintain consistent speed
Allow extra time for material removal
Softwoods, while easier to plane, require attention to grain direction to prevent splintering. Most planers handle softwoods effectively, but dust collection becomes more critical as these woods produce finer particles.
Safety Guidelines for Planer Operation
Planers are powerful tools that require proper safety precautions:
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety glasses with side shields or face shield
Hearing protection (planers typically exceed 85dB)
Dust mask or respirator
Non-slip footwear
Fitted clothing (avoid loose sleeves or jewelry)
Operational Safety
Always read the owner’s manual before first use
Inspect blades for sharpness and secure attachment before each use
Remove all foreign objects (nails, staples) from lumber before planing
Maintain a 3-foot clearance around the machine during operation
Use push blocks to keep hands away from cutting heads
Never plane stock shorter than 12 inches or thinner than 1/4 inch
Disconnect power when changing blades or making adjustments
Wait for blades to completely stop before clearing jammed material
Never reach over or near the cutting head during operation
Certification Requirements
Look for planers meeting CE certification standards for safety compliance in European markets. This ensures the tool meets rigorous safety, health, and environmental protection requirements necessary for commercial use.
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
Proper maintenance ensures your planer delivers consistent performance and extends its lifespan:
Blade Maintenance
Keep blades sharp using manufacturer-recommended sharpening kits
Replace blades when nicks or dullness affect finish quality
Balance blades after sharpening to prevent vibration
For hand planers, maintain a razor-sharp edge using honing stones and strops
Regular Inspection
Check for loose fasteners before each use
Lubricate moving parts according to manufacturer schedules
Inspect power cords for damage
Clean dust collection systems to maintain airflow
Verify fence alignment for square cuts
Long-Term Storage
Clean thoroughly before extended storage
Apply rust inhibitor to metal surfaces
Store in a dry environment to prevent moisture damage
Remove batteries from cordless models during storage
Consider EVA Tool Kit’s protective storage solutions for organized and safe tool keeping
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a jointer and a planer?
Jointers create flat surfaces and square edges on rough lumber, while planers ensure consistent thickness across the board. Jointers work from below to flatten one face, while planers work from above to create parallel surfaces. Many woodworkers use both tools: first jointing one face and edge, then planing to final thickness.
How do I prevent snipe in my planer?
Snipe (uneven cuts at the ends of boards) occurs when material isn’t properly supported. Look for planers with automatic carriage locks to reduce movement. Additionally, always use infeed/outfeed tables, support long boards, and avoid planing pieces shorter than 12 inches. Making a test cut on scrap material can help identify and adjust for potential snipe issues.
Can I plane wet or green wood?
While possible, planing wet wood can produce uneven results and increase blade wear. Traditional woodworkers often plane wood while it’s partially dried (but not kiln-dried) for easier material removal. If working with wet wood, ensure proper dust collection as wet chips can clog systems. Allow wood to acclimate to workshop humidity before final planing for best results.
How often should I replace planer blades?
Blade lifespan depends on usage frequency and material type. With regular use on hardwoods, expect to replace or sharpen blades every 2-3 months. Signs of dull blades include rough finishes, burning marks, or increased motor strain. Many professionals keep spare blades on hand to minimize downtime, stored safely in EVA Tool Kit’s blade storage solutions.
Choosing the Right Planer Accessories
Enhance your planer’s performance and safety with these essential accessories:
Extra blades/knives for quick replacement during projects
Dust collection adapters to connect to shop vacuums
Infeed/outfeed table extensions for long stock support
Push blocks for safe material feeding
Blade sharpening kits to maintain cutting efficiency
Mobile bases for easy repositioning of heavy planers
EVA Tool Kit’s custom foam inserts for organized storage and transport
Final Recommendations
The perfect planer depends on your workspace, materials, and project types:
Best Professional Planer: Dewalt DW735X 13-inch Thickness Planer – Offers professional-grade performance with dual speeds, excellent dust collection, and reliable results on all wood types.
Best Benchtop Model: Dewalt DW734 12-1/2-inch Benchtop Planer – Balances power and size for home workshops, delivering smooth finishes at an accessible price point.
Best Budget Option: WEN PL1326 13-inch Spiral Benchtop Planer – Provides spiral cutter performance without premium pricing, ideal for hobbyists.
Best Hand Planer: WEN 6-amp Electric Hand Planer – Offers excellent power-to-weight ratio with adjustable settings for versatile on-site use.
Post time: Aug-29-2025