If you did manage to get those crucial first measurements wrong, though, don’t scrap the project – scrape it instead. The hand planer is built specifically for that kind of situation and can bring your project back into desired guidelines when it originally turned out wrong.
Why is purchasing the best hand planer so important? A planer works by shaving layers off the wood to bring it down to the desired width. Using an electric hand planer allows you enormously improved freedom of angle and movement, making it preferred over a benchtop planer for detailed or hard-to-reach spots.
Many projects will incorporate the planer not only to fix mistakes but as an integral part of the process. A planer’s even cuts and the resulting smooth finish make it the optimal tool for all kinds of woodworkers.
With so many uses for one appliance, there’s naturally a teeming market of planers to choose from. We’ve narrowed the selection of the five best options and put together hand planer reviews to help you get started on your next project.
Read Article: Best Bench Top Drill Press in 2023 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]
Best Hand Planer – Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. WEN 6530WEN 6530
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. PORTER PC60THP
| Check Price |
  | 3. Bosch PL1632
| Check Price |
  | 4. Makita 1806B
| Check Price |
  | 5. DEWALT DW680K
| Check Price |
Our Best Hand Planer Reviews and Comparisons
1. WEN 6530WEN 6530
Product Highlights
This planer has an ergonomically designed exterior with several modifications intended to make it easier and more comfortable for the carpenter.
Features
- Built-in dust collection
- Six amps
- 34,000 cuts per minute
- 6lbs operational weight
What We Like About WEN 6530WEN 6530
This model includes a number of helpful add-ons to back up the cutting element, including a safety kickstand, integrated dust bag, and coated grips for maximum comfort. It certainly is a high-quality power tool built for heavy-duty work.
What We Don’t Like About WEN 6530WEN 6530
Due to manufacturer shipping policies, this tool is often shipped with little protection and can arrive worse for the wear.
PROS
- Integrated kickstand
- Adjustment tool included
- Double-handed safety design
- Depth gauge
- Multidirectional dust chute and included dust bag
CONS
- Louder than similar tools
- Alignement may not be correct out of the box
2. PORTER PC60THP
Product Highlights
A powerful and straightforward tool that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Features
- Six amps
- 10-stop depth gauge
- 11.5” aluminum shoe
What We Like About PORTER PC60THP
This model comes noticeably cheaper than competing tools, making it an ideal starting point for anyone looking to come in under budget. The Porter-Cable pc60THP is known for its ease of use and competitive features.
What We Don’t Like About PORTER PC60THP
This planer is limited to basic functions. Those seeking particularly advanced results may need to look elsewhere.
PROS
- Multidirectional dust chute
- Affordable
- Simple to learn and use
- Aluminum safety shoe
- Three chamfering grooves
CONS
- Housing is loose around the trigger
- Poor quality instruction manual
3. Bosch PL1632
Product Highlights
Bosch’s entry into the field includes an improved fence and slide for maximum effectiveness with every stroke.
Features
- Six and a half amps
- 16,500 rpm
- Multiple depth scales
- Spring stand to protect tool add user
What We Like About Bosch PL1632
With this tool’s added power and enormous speed, you can count on fast and smooth results every time. It has a high RPM of 16,500 which is above industry standards too.
What We Don’t Like About Bosch PL1632
The included guide and larger fence and stand are inconveniently shaped for carrying cases, even the one included with the tool.
PROS
- More powerful motor than similar tools
- Spring stand protects tool and resting spot
- Can enter in the middle of a piece
- Large guide for new users
- Carbide blade is exceptionally durable
CONS
- Dust collection is subpar
- Inconvenient shape
4. Makita 1806B
Product Highlights
Incredible motor strength and streamlined design give immediate and superior results.
Features
- 10.9amp motor
- 15,000 rpm
- Extra large shoe plate
- 19.3lbs
What We Like About Makita 1806B
A large steel shoe and perfectly aligned grips make this tool an example of Makita’s storied commitment to excellence in their tools. We were not impressed with its dustbag, and its dust extraction and collection abilities are below average.
What We Don’t Like About Makita 1806B
At only 15,000 rpm, this planer runs slower than many other models, which could be problematic for larger jobs.
PROS
- Oversized shoe for safety and tool protection
- Exact alignment
- Dual-blade cutting head
- Added insulation against shock and vibration
- Comfortable handle shape and placement
CONS
- Fewer rpm than competing models
- Power cord mount is ineffective
5. DEWALT DW680K
Product Highlights
Easily among the most common names in power tools. DeWalt once again delivers a machine that can take all the rough use your workshop has to offer.
Features
- Seven amp motor
- 11.8 lbs
- 15,000 rpm
- Reversible carbide blades
What We Like About DEWALT DW680K
The Makita 1806B is a DeWalt has always prided itself on its durability, and this tool is no exception – ergonomics and exterior comforts have been done away with in favor of cutting power and impressive resilience to damage. If you need a hand planer that will cut a chamfering groove, this is a brilliant job tool.
What We Don’t Like About DEWALT DW680K
The DeWalt DW680K has not been ergonomically designed. There is little in the way of vibration or noise dampening – gloves and earplugs are highly recommended.
PROS
- Carbide blades have exceptional lifespan
- Three beveling channels
- Calibrated depth knob never needs to be reset
- Large trigger is easier on the hands
- V-belt driver increases machine life
CONS
- Louder than other machinesn
- Little to no vibration dampening
Final Verdict
Whether you need to do delicate work at corners or joints or just need to take some thickness off of a swollen piece of timber, these planers should get the job done in a hurry. Each one represents one of the most trusted brands in power tools worldwide, so you can shop with confidence.
Whichever tool you pick, always make sure you’re using the right components and power supply. The wrong voltage or blades can cause irreversible and even dangerous damage to your planer.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Smoothing the surface of a wooden object may seem like a straightforward job, the only problem is when it comes down to it, it’s a little more complicated than that. Using the wrong tool can result in ruining the piece of wood you are working on, costing you a lot of money in replacement material.
Not all wood planers are the same; some are more robust, modern and easy to use than others. Understanding what you need to look for in a hand planer is the first step in making a purchase, that is why we have put together this hand planer buying guide to help you out.
Types of Planer
There are more than 11 types of hand planers available. The type of planer you choose will depend on the kind of work you plan on doing with it. The planers in this review are modern with motors and have been developed for specialized use. Original planers were not relatively as high tech and were simplistic and practical.
Here is a basic overview of the basic types of hand planers available to you:
1. Block Planer
A block planer is a perfect tool for those of you that like to work one-handed. Its blade is situated slightly lower than other planer types and is brilliant at creating a seamless finish.
2. Smoothing Planer
Short and sweet, this planer will smooth wood far better than a sander.
3. Jack Planer
Flatten and smooth down boards swiftly with the Jack planer. It is far more massive and more extensive than other planers, which makes it easy to control and a favored option for new hand planer users.
4. Jointer Planer
If you need to smooth and straighten an edge ready for jointing, the jointer planer is the one to use.
5. Fore Planer
Use this planer to flatten down boards and other bits of wood.
6. Bull Nose Planer
The bullnose planer is excellent at performing small-sized finishing jobs. Most bull nose planers have a wide blade and have a removable front section.
7. Shoulder Planer
Being precise is made easy with the shoulder planer. This is due to the blade being the width of the planer.
8. Plough Planer
Do you need to fit draws together? This kind of task calls for a plough planer. They cut grooves on to wood precisely for a sleek finished product.
9. Rabbet Planer
The rabbet planer gives a smooth cut and has a blade the width of its body.
1o. Router Planer
The router planer doesn’t particularly look like a hand planer at all. Choose from two cutting positions and use it to cut into corners.
11. Japanese Planer
This is the most simple in design. Japanese planers are rather old fashioned and have been replaced by more durable and modern designs.
Power planers are a variation on the original non-motorized hand planer. These are modern tools that are designed to help you complete DIY and construction jobs.
Material
Originally, hand planers were made out of wood. Fast forward to today, and you can find planers made of iron and bronze too.
Old hand planers were powered by good old fashioned elbow grease, and it would take carpenters hours of painstaking work just to do the finish on a small piece of wood. Now that power hand planers have made it to the shop shelves; their durable material makes them reliable and easy to use.
Blade
As we touched upon above, some hand planers have a blade the width of their bodies, while others are narrower. For precise and parallel cutting, opt for a planer that has a blade the width of its body.
Features
No two hand planers are the same, and each manufacturer tries to make their hand power planer unique. Because of this, features vary from model to model, so understanding what features are important to you is a crucial step in the buying process.
1.Lockon Button
Every hand planer has a lock-on button. Ensure this button is easily accessible and secures the planer in place without moving.
2. Depth Adjustments
Hand planers are meant to be adjustable, so ensure that you purchase a hand planer can be adjusted to suit the depth settings you need.
3. Spring Loaded Stand
Does the planer you are thinking of buying have a spring-loaded stand? The spring-loaded stand will lift the base and make using the planer easier.
4. Blades
Having easy to sharpen blades is a must. Double-edged blades are the popular blade type for use in hand planers.
5. Motor
On average, hand planers have a 5 amp motor, however more powerful planers with a more powerful 6.5 amp motor can be found on the market.
6. Can the Blades Be Replaced?
Being able to replace the reversible cartridge blades and other important components is a brilliant feature for your hand planer to have.
Budget
How much are you willing to spend on a planer? Prices vary greatly, so finding a tool in your budget is possible with a bit of research.
FAQ
Are you still unsure whether or not you need a hand planer? The following frequently asked questions section should help you make up your mind.
When it comes down to spending your hard-earned cash, it is vital to do so with full confidence in the product you are about to splash out on.
Q: Do I need a hand planer?
A: Investing in a hand planer is a good idea if you need to complete professional jobs.
Q: What is the best hand planer?
A: The DeWalt DW680K is considered to be one of the best hand planers on the market.
Q: Are handheld planers any good?
A: Yes, they are brilliant!
Q: What is the best handheld planer to buy?
A: The DeWalt DW 680K or the Makita KP0810 power planer are the best planers to buy.
Q: When would you use an electric hand planer?
A: You should use an electric hand planer if you need to complete a job quickly and precisely.
Q: Can you use a hand planer on plywood?
A: You could do it if you wanted; however, there are plenty of reasons not to. The blade will become dull too quickly due to the glue that is used to hold the plies together. Instead of fine chips, stringy pieces of wood are produced when attempting to plan plywood.
Q: What angle should a planer be sharpened?
A: Hand planers should be sharpened at a 30-degree angle.
Q: Can you use a hand planer on epoxy?
A: It can be used on epoxy; however, it must be used with great care to prevent damage.
Q: Should I buy a hand planer or jointer first?
A: Carpenters worldwide know that in order to do their job efficiently, you must have both a jointer and a hand planer in your tool kit.
