Do you want to focus more and have more control over your woodwork? Need more involvement to feel the actual work? Then, the tool that can help you is a hand planer. Although there are power planers available in the market, a hand planer gives you more involvement and customization in your woodwork. Furthermore, as it is a more traditional way of woodworking you will get a more natural and satisfying experience. Moreover, you will not have the motor sound to deal with. You will find hand planer of different kinds. Starting from manual to electric hand planers. Both are able to produce better results with your effort than the motorized ones.

Finding the best hand planer for your need is a bit tough. There are myriads of hand planer available and many of them do not even perform half as well as they promise to. So, you have to be very careful when choosing your hand planer.  In fact, there are many features you need to check to decide if that is what you need. You also have to check that the features actually are effective. So, here is a buying guide and with it reviews of the ten best hand planer to guide you to your planer.

Our Top Hand Planer Reviews

Let’s now check out the ten best hand planer that turns woodworking into a passion.

WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer

If you are not sure of the task that you will be using the planer for, the Wen 6530 will be perfect for you. Apparently, this has got the first position in our review because of the performance and convenience it offers to woodworkers. Whether it is just a door of your house you want to fix or rigorous work project, the Wen 6530 can take it all! With a motor of 6-ampere power, it has a speed of cutting 34,000 cuts per minute.

One of the customers claimed that it works at a lightning speed and we agree. You can already imagine how good the finished product is thanks to the speed as speed has a direct effect on the smoothness. Moreover, you can adjust your cutting depth easily to 16 different positions starting from 0 to 1.8 inches with the adjustment wrench. Furthermore, you can even make rabbets of up to 7 or 10 inches sizes. The base plate also has a V-shaped groove to efficiently flatten board corners. Last but not least, it also features a parallel fence bracket to keep your boards parallel. Now you know why we said you could do whatever you wanted. It’s an all-rounder!

So, you know about the performance, let’s get to the convenience. Thanks to its design it is quite comfortable to use. Not only does it feature a depth gauge but also comes with a rabbeting guide. If storing it was worrying you, you will be happy to know that it’s very lightweight weighing around 6 pounds and comes with a kickstand. The blade won’t be damaged anytime soon as the kickstand keeps it away from any surface when it’s not being used. After finishing the work, you will be able to get rid of the dust easily thanks to the multi-directional dust chute that had gathered all the dust in one place and the dust bag to carry it to the dustbin.

Pros:

• Good for almost any kind of woodworking.
• Very efficient and effective design.
• Powerful motor with great speed.
• Produces great end-products.
• Adjustable cutting depths.
• Safe.
• Chamfer groove.
• Rabbeting guide and rabbeting capability.
• Retractable kickstand.
• Useful dust chute.
• Two-year warranty.

Cons:

• Short cord.
• Dust port often clogs or leaks.

>>Check Latest Price<<

Makita KP0810 Electric Hand Planer

Makita is one of the best power tool brands and it would be absolute blasphemy to not include the KP0810 in this list. It is yet another of the hand planer which performs great in many different ways. First of all, with its 7.5 Ampere motor power, it has a speed of 1600 RPM. With the least effort and time, the finished boards come out smooth and perfect. Furthermore, you can easily adjust the cutting depth to 5/32 inches with the comfortable rubber handle this planer features.

Apparently, the adjustment handle even has a scale to help you fix the cutting depth accurately with a click. The three V-shaped grooves in the shoe of the planer let it chamfer the rough corners really well too. Furthermore, it features a guide that keeps the cutting absolutely straight. So, you can do just about anything you want with this planer and very comfortably.

With a weight of only 7.3 lbs. this planer is not just lightweight enough to be comfortable and easy but is very efficient for the task. Furthermore, it is not only suitable for both lefties and righties but users can operate it sideways without any strain. Being made of molded aluminum, it is quite the durable product. Furthermore, you can feel completely safe keeping this planer at your home. Because it features a trigger-lock button that will make sure it does not start suddenly when put at rest. As for after work cleanup, you will be able to do it quite easily as it not only has a chip discharge chute but also a dust ejection port. You can easily collect the dust in a bag or plastic and get rid of it.

Pros:

• Great motor power.
• Smooth and perfect cuts and finish thanks to the efficient speed.
• Comfortable and suitable for use by both lefties and righties.
• Can be operated sideways.
• Durable build.
• Chamfers as well.
• Safe.
• Dust and chip ejection port.

Cons:

• There is no dust bag or plastic to contain the dust ejected.

>>Check Latest Price<<

Bosch PL2632 Electric Hand Planer

When performance does not differentiate the product enough, it’s the convenience of use that comes into account. And, the PL2632 lives up to Bosch’s reputation in both cases. Performance is as good as what you expect from Bosch products. With a 6.5-ampere motor power, it can cut at a speed of 16,500 RPM. So, you will get your work done quite quickly and smoothly. The cutting blades are not the general carbide ones but the Woodrazor Mini Micrograin blades which won’t be damaged even if it accidentally hits a nail.

As you already know about the quality of the product let’s see the quality of its performance. Not only does it plane the wood boards efficiently, it also chamfers really well. In fact, you can adjust the depth up to 5/16 inches to aid chamfering. To further improve the performance quality, it also features dual mount guide fence that helps it to cut to the exact depth.

Now, it’s really the ease of use that makes this product greater than others. First of all, although it is corded, the cord creates no problem being smartly joined at a ball joint. You can move it any way you want and it won’t be tangled. Since you will be working for a long time and holding the button to keep it going for so long will get not just tiresome but impossible. Therefore, it also features a lock-on button that keeps your hands free. Furthermore, it comes with a bag that will collect the shavings so the cleanup process gets easy for you.

Pros:

• High-quality and sturdy product by Bosch.
• Performs really fast and smoothly.
• End- product is also smooth and of the best quality.
• Can both chamfer and plane.
• Very convenient for use.
• Lock-on button.
• Ball jointed cord to easy movement.
• Powerful motor.
• Bag for shaving collection included.
• Accurate adjustment of depths.

Cons:

• Not the best one for serious woodworkers.
• The carrying case included is not the best but it’s still free.

>>Check Latest Price<<

DEWALT DW680K Electric Hand Planer

This is yet another great product by a great brand DeWalt. You can count on it to last long enough to delight you and perform good enough to keep you interested. With a motor power of 7 amperes, this planer has a speed of 15000 RPM which is a decent speed.

You will be able to enjoy great results quite fast. As for the blades, although it features re-sharpen able high-speed steel blades or reversible carbide blades, you can replace these blades with anything better. However, the steel blades it features are not bad either. They provide straight and even edges and framing well enough. It cuts 3/32 inch in one cut maximum and that reduces the number of passes and makes the surface evener. You also get to adjust the depth with a depth adjustment knob that is quite easy to operate and accurate. Furthermore, it can handle rabbet joints as well thanks to its precision-machined shoe bottom.

Even you want the planer for professional use, it will really impress you. In fact, it is more suitable for it. You won’t get tired after using it for a long time as it features a comfortable two-finger trigger. In fact, you can adjust the knob really easily by just locking it to the desired height. Weighing only 6.2 lbs. it does not even strain your hand. Furthermore, it has front chamfering guides to make sharpening edges and framing the easiest tasks in your life. Lastly, all these comes packed in a rugged case that you can always use.

Pros:

• Powerful and efficient motor.
• High-speed performance.
• Reduced number of passes.
• Easy to set adjustable knob.
• Great quality reversible Carbide blades.
• Suitable for most kinds of blades.
• Great for framing, sharpening and also chamfering.
• Very durable.
• Lightweight.
• Comfortable to use and does not cause fatigue.

Cons:

• Does not have any accessories to manage dust.

>>Check Latest Price<<

PORTER-CABLE PC60THP Electric Hand Planer

This is a great-quality Porter-Cable hand planer that is not just versatile but also accurate in what it does. What is worth mentioning before everything else is its price. The price is affordable and also something you do not expect a hand planer with so many great features to be at. That is also one of the reasons it is great for beginners who do not want to spend much but need the quality.

With a 6-ampere motor power, it has a speed of 16,500 RPM which is quite great to produce even and smooth boards. And, can also handle hardwoods well. It is the only hand planer that features an 11.5 inch cast aluminum shoe that improves both control and performance. Moreover, it’s not only the smoothing it’s great at, the three chamfering grooves make it a great selection for chamfering edges as well. Furthermore, you can adjust the depth at ten different positions with the over-mold knob. The depth cut of 5/64 inches and the dual blade design also makes the cuts by this tool even and flawless. You can even make rabbets with a depth cut of 0.47 inches on each pass.

Another thing that is made completely easy and convenient by this planer is dust management. In fact, it features dual side dust extraction that enables you to extract dust from any side you want. It not only expels the wood chips but also prevents clogging of it. But, it is best to clean and collect the dust to throw it away fast as it might reduce the durability. In fact, this dust handling mechanism helps increase the durability of this planer!

Pros:

• Great value at a cheap price that you do not expect.
• Very functional and effective design.
• Has three chamfering grooves to improve it.
• Dual and replaceable blades create smooth and even surfaces.
• Cuts and rabbets well.
• Powerful motor with great speed improves performance.
• Has a wide 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe.
• Easy to use.
• Dual dust ejection mechanism.
• Ten adjustment positions.

Cons:

• Not the most durable for regular or professional use
• Blades are not adjusted accurately and adjustment is difficult as well

>>Check Latest Price<<

Black & Decker 7698K 5.2 Planer

If you want to have the option to taste all kinds of hand planning tasks with just one hand planer, this planer is as close as you will come to have such a planer. Apparently, the 7698K by Black & Decker does not only help you to level and smooth but also chamfer and decorate.

With its 5.2-ampere high torque motor, it has a nice speed of 16,500 RPM. So, it is not only capable of handling tough wood but will also do it really fast. Furthermore, with a deep cutting capacity of 5/64 inches, it removes more in one go and thus gives your woodwork a very even finish. Again, with a rabbeting depth of 5/16 inches, it helps you chamfer and decorates your woodwork quite easily. Furthermore, you will have more control over your work with the easy adjustment of the blades to ten precise positions. So, this planer is versatile enough to fulfill most of your wishes for woodworking.

In fact, this hand planer will last long enough to satisfy you. It has a durable build and features four reversible carbide blades in it. Furthermore, you will have less trouble handling dust as it not only has a dust port but also a dust bag to collect and help you get rid of the dust. However, the dust bag is a bit small. But it also features a vacuum adapter to make things easier for you. Moreover, it also offers an edge guide and a kit bag with it. You will find it very easy to work with this planer for hours as it has a lock-on button to keep it working when your hands get tired. Yes, you do not have to hold it all the time to work.

Pros:

• Great performance.
• The motor is quite powerful and has a great speed.
• The finished product is really smooth and even.
• Suitable for chamfering and decorating the edges as well.
• Durable and smart build.
• Lock-on button.
• Vacuum adapter and dust port.
• Easy to adjust and use.
• Two-year warranty.

Cons:

• Dust port gets clogged and dust bag is small.

>>Check Latest Price<<

Triton TPL180 1500W Triple-Blade Planer

Now it is hard to differentiate between planers based only on performance and convenience so it is best to bring its design into account. In the case of Triton, it is the design that makes it noticeable and appealing. First of all, it’s somewhat different shape and build will definitely catch your eyes and it has its purpose. Apparently, Triton has a 7-inch base which is what helps it to be more efficient in making planes even as it removes more in one go. With a 1500 watt motor and a 15000 RPM speed, it is not just highly capable but also fast.

What differentiates it more is its three-blade drum design. No other planer has blades arranged this way and it only makes the TPL180 perform better. All other features are just what our previous planers offered. It lets you be accurate with adjustable cutting depth between 0-3/32 inches. Moreover, it has ten different positions to which you can set the depth. It also has a guide fence to makes things parallel or straight. Therefore, you can expect everything that other planers offer just in an improved design.

The handle is soft and comfortable enough to not tire you after long use. In fact, this planer is well capable of handling long hours of work. The dust collector it features also eases up the cleaning procedure for you. Furthermore, you will feel safe as you will always know what the planer is doing. Because it has an LED screen that lights up when it is on. So, there is reduced the risk of accidents.

Pros:

• Unique and smart design.
• The wide base that allows more wood to be planed in one go.
• Provides a more even and smooth result than most others.
• Powerful and fast.
• Easy to handle and adjust.
• Comfortable enough to use for hours.
• Precautions added for safety.
• Has a dust collector and guide fence.

Cons:

• A few problems in blade alignment.
• Not great for lefties.

>>Check Latest Price<<

Makita 1806B 10.9 Amp 6-3/4-Inch Planer

Look who made it to our list again! Having Makita on our list twice, we will skip the part about the company’s reputation and the product quality because it’s obvious what you should be expecting. As for the performance, it offers nothing less than the others. First of all, with a 10.9-ampere motor and a speed of 15000 RPM, it can handle tough tasks and give you amazing results fast.

Planing around 6-3/4-inch wide and 1/16-inch deep in one go, it does not provide the most even surface but a satisfying one. You can, of course, set the depth easily. Moreover, the sole plate is large and sturdy so that the unit is stable while operation. Furthermore, the aluminum base build helps you to be more accurate in work. The two blades on the cutter head are very fast and can make 30,000 cuts per minute. Moreover, they are of great quality and also has a swing down blade protector to protect it when the planer is not in use.

Being a bit large in size it is heavy but light enough to not cause any distress and will require two of your hands to maneuver it. The handle, however, is very comfortable and won’t get you achy when used for long. You will also find it quite easy to sharp because it has features to help it. Furthermore, Makita assured that the perfect alignment of the front and back grips will let you easily control the planer. It is also, double insulated, has guides and triangular rules.

Pros:

• Great brand reputation and quality.
• Expected performance.
• Powerful motor.
• Fast and accurate.
• Produces smooth, even and satisfying results.
• Easy to use.
• Adjustable.
• Safe for use and also durable.
• Easy to maintain.
• Includes a number of accessories to improve performance.

Cons:

• The power cord is long but sticky.
• The odd shape of the shavings exhaustion port makes it hard to find suitable vacuums.

>>Check Latest Price<<

DEWALT D26676 Portable Hand Planer

If you are looking for a user-friendly and easy to deal with planer, this is a great choice. In fact, it asks the least of your efforts and gives you all of its own. Although it does not have the most powerful motor but does a decent job with its 5.5 amperes one. Its speed, however, won’t disappoint you in any way. Apparently, it has a speed of 17,000 RPM which enables it to cut 34,000 cuts per minute.

With a planning width of 3-1/4 inches, it can remove a considerable amount in one go so the surface is received is quite smooth and even. You can adjust the cutting depth 1/16 inches very accurately so it gives you ample control over your work. Furthermore, the 23/62 inch rabbeting depth and the precision machined-groove in the shoe really helps you to deal with edges. The resharpen-able high-speed steel blades are not only durable but also very efficient and easy to maintain. The package includes a blade sharpening tool in it.

You will find using it for a long time comfortable thanks to its ergonomically designed handles. Furthermore, it has a built-in kickstand that keeps the blade safe from friction when not in use. While it does have nice shaving and dust port, it does not, however, come with a vacuum hose neither a dust bag.

Pros:

• Quite durable and sturdy.
• Good and ergonomic design.
• Decent power and speed.
• Produces smooth and even surfaces and also allows to chamfer.
• Includes a kickstand.
• Great quality blades that can also be replaced.
• Accurate adjustment and alignment.
• Easy to maintain.

Cons:                                          

• Does not include a dust bag.
• A bit expensive for what it offers.
• Cutting depth is not the best either.

>>Check Latest Price<<

Timmart Electric Wood Planer

Certainly not the best in the market but it does well for the price it comes at. If you are not into woodworking much let alone being a professional, this is a great choice. You can keep it for fixing doors or sudden, unexpected tasks that just need some smoothing or planing. With a 1000 Watt motor and a voltage of 110V, it is quite fast and powerful enough for the tasks you will have at hand. In fact, it has a speed of from13, 000-15,000 RPM which is quite decent. Apparently, it has a nice lively look with its blue color which will make you feel pleased enough to keep it on as a decoration. The cutting quality is good enough.

It is very easy to maneuver and use thanks to its lightweight body of 6.55 pounds and its design. Furthermore, it includes a blade sharpener to help maintenance and an instruction manual as well.

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Suitable for people who want a planer to use occasionally.
• Good motor power.
• Great speed.
• Good-looking.
• Ergonomic and user-friendly design.
• Performance is quite good.
• Durable.

Cons:

• Not good for thicker or tougher woods.
• Lacks many features of expensive planers to make work easy and the result nice.

>>Check Latest Price<<

Your Hand Planer Buying Guide

This list will let you know pretty much everything about a hand planer and what to consider when buying one.

The types of hand planers: You can do a variety of woodworking with different kinds of planers. Some aid you to smooth the surface and some help you mold something on it. So, here are the various kinds of planers available and the task they will help you accomplish:

Block Planer: This is the type most people suggest to beginners. It is suitable for doing a number of tasks like smooth milling miles, handling sharp edges, planning end grain, etc. It is set on a lower angle than a bench plane and also has a shallow cutting angle that makes it good at slicing through wood fibers in the end grain. You will get a smooth finish with this planer.

Bench Planer: This planer is used to smooth and flatten the surface of the wood boards. In fact, it is the shortest planer among the various kinds of planers. Apparently, there are a number of types among the bench planers themselves.

• Smoothing Planers: You can guess from its name what it is used for. Yes, it is mainly used for smoothing the surface and providing a nice finish. This has a size and weight that helps to smooth the surface in the end.
• Jack Planers: The name is achieved through its trait of being the jack of all trades. In fact, it is versatile enough for being short enough to smooth and long enough to help to joint. That is it has a length that can flatten longer edges easily.
• Fore Planer: They are basically for flattening the boards. However, they can also be used to square stock before joining.

 Jointer-Planer: As the name suggests, this planer is used for the joints of the boards. Apparently, the edges or the places where the boards will be joined in the future. For this purpose, these planers are quite long in length because longer the planer better it is at fattening the edges.

Shoulder Planer: This kind of planer has blades covering the whole width of it with flat sides. Apparently, they are great of trimming and cutting a plane across its entire width.

Bull Nose Planer: They are suitable for being used to create nice, smooth and square, finishing cuts. Apparently, they are shorter than the shoulder planer and might have blades that are wider than their own width to prevent binding against the rebate.

Rabbet Planer: This planer is like shoulder planer but it features fences that help it to cut parallel. Moreover, it features a depth-stop and may feature a sharp spur that cuts ahead to make the rebating better.

Apart from these there are many different kinds of planers like router planer, Japanese planer, plow planer, etc. You have to identify the type of task you will be doing and buy the type that supports it.

Electric or Manual: While there are motorized planers that do not require your hand to function, there are also electric ones that do. Manual hand planer depends on your strength and pressure to work. But, electric ones depend on you for directions and guidance and does not require much pressure or effort. However, you might have to deal with a wire in case of electric planers which may reduce its portability while in operation.

There are some extra features to consider when using electric hand planers:

Motor Power: One thing electric planers do have and the manual ones do not is the motor. The more powerful the motor, the more expensive and efficient it is. Therefore, if your needs are huge and professional, you should choose one with great power. However, if woodworking is just a hobby and you don’t need the best finish or capacity, a  motor power of 5-6 amperes will suffice.

Control: Manual hand planers are completely dependent on you while the electric ones are not. So, you should check what the electric ones feature to enhance your control over it. You should have the options to adjust heights and move the planer as you please. Furthermore, there should be dust control accessories on it.

Cord: As we already mentioned that you might have a wire to deal with which will definitely be attached to a source. This will limit your area of work. Therefore if there is a cord, you should check that it is long enough to reach the places you need to plane. Or else, the preparation time and fruitless efforts will ruin not only your working mood but your day.

1. The Body Material: The body of a planer is usually made of either wood or metal. Both of them have their own pros and cons. Apparently, the planers with a metal body are heavier and more durable and resistant to abrasive woods. Their heavyweight may aid in efficient cutting but too much of it poses a difficulty for portability. On the other hand, wooded planers are far more light but less resistant to abrasives. However, the wooden ones are really better at providing better, smoother finishes. So, you have to ultimately choose between these benefits.
2. The frog type: If you have decided to buy a bench planer, this is an important factor to consider. The frog is a part of the plane that supports the blades. It should have design good enough to help its performance. Apparently, they are of two kinds generally. The Bailey frog is held in place with two screws and can be adjusted fully when the iron assembly is removed. While the Bedrock features recess at both sides which attaches it to the two ridges rigidly, it does not require you to disassemble the iron assembly to adjust it. In fact, you can adjust it with just the screws at the back of it.

1. The Blade: It’s not only the blade’s quality you must check but also its placement and other details. First of all, make sure the blade is an efficient, sharp, high-quality and durable one. Secondly, check the thickness of the blade. The thicker blade the better. Because thin blades tend to flex while cutting and that produces an unsatisfying finish.

Third of all, check the angle of the blade. Blades with lower angles seem to slice more than scrape. As a result, they are perfect for end grain cutting. Similarly, blades having higher angles scrape more and thus are great for cutting complex grain patterns of lots like timbers and burrs. Then again, there are blades which are angled neither too low nor too high but just in the middle- 45-degrees. They are capable of handling both soft and hardwoods well. So, based on what kind of work you plan to do, check the angle the blade is placed at.

Safety: Since we have a blade involved, you must check how safe it is to use and keep. The planer should have ample features that keep the blade as covered by your hand and other parts as possible. Because you might make sudden mistakes while working but the safety features of the planer should not let that mistake cost too much.

Price: This is a factor you just cannot avoid. When it comes to planers, if you expect better quality with more features, you will definitely have to pay more. However, there are also many cheap planers which provide much more value for their price. So, first set your budget and need, then look for a planer within your range.

The Benefits of a Hand Planer

Despite there being heavier and heavy-duty power planers to do the planing job themselves, the demand for hand planers is still on the rise. The reason is the benefits you get:

1. Portability: You might not always be able to take the wood to your planer. Moreover, it is much better to have both the objects needed to be portable than one to be too heavy to move. You can take it and keep it anywhere and use it in any way you want. This is particularly because of the compact and lightweight designs of hand planers to aid in holding it.
2. Cheaper: With the heavy parts and the weight comes with the heavy price tag. Therefore, the lighter hand planers are much cheaper yet equally useful so they are preferred more.
3. Efficient and Better: While you have to depend completely on the heavy machines to do its job in its own way, you can have your way with hand planers. In fact, you can produce better results by mixing your efforts and skills with the hand planers capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps I should follow to use an electric hand planer?

Answer: In order to use an electric planer, you have to follow the following steps:

1. Firstly, you have to make sure that the blades are in place, facing the right directions and are properly aligned.
2. Connect the cord to the power source and if it’s cordless just turn on the device and adjust it to your required depth and lock it.
3. Place the planer on the surface you want to plane and move it in the forward direction. Apparently, you have to apply the same force at the same level to get the best results.

There is hardly anything more left for you to know about hand planers. With so much information in your head, it’s highly unlikely for you to get a planer that does not suit your needs. Still be careful and check the quality of the planer and more reviews. So, go out there and find the best hand planer for yourself to live a creative and productive life. 

When you are just starting something great, you will find ways to underestimate yourself in many ways. Which is not a very bad thing either because that will push you to improve yourself. So, when you start woodworking, at first you make do with cheap hand planers. Slowly, you start realizing that neither the plane is working fast enough nor is it performing great. Then, you notice professional products and wonder what you are doing wrong to not get that smooth, even finish.

Well, what you are actually doing wrong is using the wrong equipment or a worn out one. It’s time you upgraded your planer to a professional level that will not only help you be fast but also help you with the results. DeWalt DW735 is one such planer that will surely level up your work and also the time you spend. So, keep on reading our DeWalt 735 planer review to find out if this is the planer that will bring you out of your frustration.

DeWalt 735 Planer Review

In order to find out if this is the product that will meet your needs with its features, let’s check out its features first.

15 Ampere Motor

You cannot expect a motor of lesser power from a professional level planer. Apparently, this motor is powerful enough to plane almost any kind of wood. It won’t slow down or weaken if you plane hardwood with it. However, if you intentionally put in rocks or something, it won’t last.

20,000 RPM Speed

The speed is literally mind-blowing. In fact, the speed not only helps you with wider and harder woods but also ends your tasks really fast! Furthermore, this speed definitely affects the planing quality. expect to get the most even and smoothest surface using this planer.

Speed Adjustment

The most unique features this planer offers is the ability to adjust between two speeds. The different speeds allow you to have different types of planing. You can choose between 96 CPI or 179 CPI. When you set the speed to 96 CPI, the machine will make 96 cuts per inch of the board. Thus, there will be fewer cuts but you will also require less time to finish it. On the other hand, when you set the speed to 179 CPI, you will get 179 cuts per inch and it will take longer but the finished product will be of better quality and more even.

Depth Adjustment

This is another feature which if was absent would have definitely dragged the planer to the bottom. Since you will not be planing the same kind of wood and of the same size all the time, you need to adjust the depth of cutting for consistency. Fortunately, you can do that easily on this planer with the help of the depth adjustment dial. You can choose the depth from 1/16 to 1-1/4 inches for your work. Furthermore, the planer features an extra-large turret depth stop to let you pick up at the depth you most frequently work with.

Three-knife Cutter Head

The generous three knives not only provide you with more efficiency but also durability. In fact, these knives combined with the 10,000 RPM speed of the cutter head lasts 30% longer than other knives. Apparently, the knives are not only sharp but reversible as well. Moreover, when the knives wear out, you will be able to replace them easily and dispose of them too.

Smooth and Easy Operation

The whole planer would go null if it fails in performance. Which luckily it does not and has passed it with flying colors. First of all, you will be able to plane for as long as you wish to and with any quantity of wood, you need to. This planer’s capacity allows it to take on as much wood of as much toughness and also do its magic on it very precisely. You will get the same result that you got when turning this machine on at the end of your day too. Moreover, it is really fast.

In order to enjoy all these benefits, you do not even have to tear your hair out to operate it. The operation is easy and simple. So, asking the least from you, this machine offers the best performance you could wish for.

Minimal Snipes Received

Not only does it do all its duties perfectly, it also takes care that nothing ruins the quality of its work. Apparently, the DW735 planer’s high speed and ability to plane 13 inches in one go keep snipe minimum. Moreover, the cutter head sitting on for different locations also helps to reduce the snipes. Therefore, this planer helps you avoid a flaw that most other planers cannot avoid in any way.

Dust Ejection

Apparently, this planer has a built-in blower to throw out wood shaving and not let it clog on the blades. This not only helps you to collect the shavings and dust into a bag or something else to dispose of but also increases the durability of the blades. There you have it! Here’s the machine that not only keeps itself clean but also increases its lifetime.

Maintenance

One thing that would be a sin to mention in case of maintenance is how easily you can replace the blade. The manufacturers probably were so sure that the machine will last long enough for you to replace the blades many times that they made this process easily accomplishable. All you have to is unscrew the Allen wrench, remove the cover and replace the blade form the wide space that exists for you to do it.

Three-years Warranty

Although I expected them to give a lifetime warranty three years seem fair enough.

Pros:                                      

• Sturdy and quality build that will last.
• Features two speeds to choose from.
• Reversible and efficient blades.
• Great speed and power.
• Easy to maintain, specifically to replace the blades.
• Built-in blower keeps it clean and makes blades durable.
• Produces minimum snipes.
• Very easy to operate.
• Creates great, smooth and even planes.
• Three-year warranty.

Cons:

• Despite the mention of the durability of the blades, the blades get blunt too quickly and are too expensive to keep replacing.
• Many received the planer damaged and a few claimed that it is poorly manufactured.

DeWalt 735 Planer: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the voltage of this planer?

Answer: 110 Volts.

• Can the blades be re-sharpened?

Answer: Unfortunately, no.

So, there you go! The DeWalt DW735 Planer in a nutshell for you. The features mentioned come in quite handy but the durability issues from a few customers seem like a downside. But, then again, there were many who were very satisfied with not just the performance but the quality of the product as well. If you are worried about the durability, you have the three-year-warranty to look up to. So, our DeWalt 735 Planer review should help you make the final decision about this great planer.

While working on wood with your own hands can be very satisfying and fun as leisure, it’s not when it’s a professional task. So, you have to resort to using a power planer to do your job while you attend to other tasks. Apparently, a power planer can do the job of planing really fast for you while giving you ample time to relax. Moreover, a lot of your energy is saved as well and your piece is planed at a constant level.

Since you are here in search of a planer we expect that you already have decided to use one. We will be reviewing the Mastercraft 12.5 inch thickness planer. Although it’s not the best in the market, it might still be the right one for you. Through this Mastercraft Planer review, you will clearly know what keeps it from being the best and what features still keep it available. Mastercraft is well-known for making many products in this line and deserves the fame well. So, let’s get to know this Mastercraft creation and decide if it’s for you or not.

Mastercraft Planer Review: The Features

The key to knowing if this planer is suitable for you is knowing about all its features. So, here is an in-depth take on the Mastercraft 12.5 inch planer for you:

15 Ampere Motor

The planer does not disappoint in case of its power being a power planer. You get the main ingredient you need in its best form from this planer. A motor power of 15 amperes, in other words, 2 ½ horsepower is capable of functioning at great speeds. The efficiency and performance of planers are well-affected by the motor power. So, the MasterCraft Planer with its 2 ½ horsepower motor is a good choice as a power planer.

9,000 RPM Speed

9,000 revolutions per minute speed is not a speed that we ridicule. However, with a motor power of 15 amperes, you are allowed to expect better. But, the 9,000 RPM speed also provides a great performance leaving a smooth and even finish. However, this unit has a speed of 10,000 RPM without any load. Ultimately, you would expect a planer with such a price and power to be faster.

Cutting width and length

Although the speed might have disappointed you, the cutting features probably won’t. In fact, the Mastercraft planer has a cutting width of 12 ½ inches and a cutting length of 8 inches. These are quite satisfying proportions if you ask us. Apparently, you can plane woods faster with these cutting dimensions.

Adjustable Thickness

If you were looking for one adjustable feature till now like me, bingo, here it is. You can adjust the depth of this planer from 3/16 inches to 6 inches. So, you will be able to plane various kinds of woods with this planer. All you have to do is get the depth perfect for the type of wood you want to plane. However, the hardness or softness of the wood matters. If you want to plane a rock-hard wood, chances are the blades will get stuck.

Maximum depth of 1/8-inch

The maximum depth per cut matter as it determines not only how fast it can plane but also how even the surface will be. Because the more stoppages the planer requires, the more incisions and their uneven marks might be left on the surface. So, deeper the cut each time, less the chances of the surface being uneven.  The maximum depth of 1/8 inches is quite acceptable in this case.

6 ¾-inch Tables

This planer actually features infeed and outfeed tables of 6 ¾ inches. The length is alright if it is enough for your purpose. Apparently, the feeding speed is 5.5 m/min. Which is not very bad either. Furthermore, it features roller knobs to lock the tables in place.

Blades:

The MasterCraft 12 ½ inch planer comes with two steel blades. While steel as the material is not the best, the blades still do a decent job on the woods.

Cutter Head Adjustment Handle:

This planer features a cutter head adjustment handle that makes adjusting the cutter head really easy. All you have to do is rotate it either clockwise or counterclockwise to get the desired setting. Furthermore, there is a depth scale that shows the depth of the cutter head accurately. So, adjusting it will never be easier!

Storage Compartment:

The planer comes with knife alignment gauge, hex keys, and open end wrench. But, where do you keep them? The manufacturers make it simple for you by including a storage compartment on the top of the planer to hold these items.

Portability:

Weighing 88 lbs., this planer is not exactly lightweight to carry. However, it is quite convenient to carry thanks to the carrying handle it features.

Safety:

In fact, this planer features a circuit overload switch to protect itself. Furthermore, you have to keep the guards in place and remove all keys from the tool when using it to be safest.

Dust Chute:

This planer, apparently, includes a dust chute that can connect to a dust bag so you can easily manage dust as well. However, a dust bag is not included.

Three Year Warranty:

You can somewhat estimate the quality of the planer from this warranty. Since the manufacturers are confident enough to include a three-year warranty, it means the product is of high quality and great build. So, if you buy it, you do not have to worry about its durability much.

Pros:

• Well-built and durable planer.
• Great motor power.
• Decent speed.
• Quite safe to use.
• Creates smooth and even surfaces.
• Easily adjustable cutter head.
• Good capability.
• Quite portable with the carrying handle.
• Three-year warranty.

Cons:                                                                                                               

• Requires a lot of maintenance.
• No dust bag included.
• The rollers cause issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which blades can be used to replace the original ones?

Answer: You can replace the blades with the 55-5506 version of blades.

In order to get your woodworking from a hobby to a business and to the next level, you need a power planer. They can make your woodworking days better with their speed and efficiency. However, they also have the ability to make days worse with their inefficiency and ineffectiveness. In order to get the best results and performance, you have to choose the planer carefully and check it thoroughly. Our Mastercraft planer review should have given you a clear idea about the product. It’s completely up to you now whether you want it or not. But, in our eyes, you are a great buyer.

We have reviewed Wen 6552 before and it is time for another one. If you are new to the woodworking world the heavier and complex looking planers might scare you. Apparently, they might make your work harder for you. You need the smooth surface but want to pay less for it and also get the best results easily. But, many planers do not let you accomplish such tasks so easily. You might not like working in your garage so you want to work in your lawn where you get more sunlight. Because it just enhances your creative spirits.

But, the bulky, traditional planer just won’t let you do that. So, you need something more modern, easier and lighter to support your sense of freedom and creativity.

A benchtop planer is what you need as it helps you do your woodworking as easily as possible and also wherever possible. In fact, it does not need any assembling at all and is super easy to carry to a suitable place for your mood. The Wen 6550 Benchtop Planer is one such great planer that will make your work flawless and demand the least effort from you. So, this Wen Benchtop Planer review will help you find out if this is the planer you need in your life.

Wen Benchtop Planer Review: Features

Here is what the Wen 6550 will have as features to aid your woodwork:

A powerful motor

A planer wound not be as efficient if you had to use your own strength and precision to get the job done. So, the 15 Ampere motor this planer features really take all the stress away from you. You do not have to prepare to work with a full stomach and a well-rested body, you can just let the planer do its job by placing your wood securely in it. Apparently, this motor can cause 18,000 cuts per minute at a feed rate of 26 feet per minute.

Speed

As you already know this planer can cut 18,000 cuts per minute at s 26 feet per minute rate. In fact, the faster a planer works, the smoother and better the produced service quality will be. The Wen 6552, the larger of the Wen models, has the same motor but a greater number of cuts per minute. But, the Wen 6550 still does a good enough job with its speed.

12.5 X 6 Capacity

This planer has a nice capacity of handling 12.5 inches wide and 6 inch thick woods. This is the smaller capacity between the two products of the same category. The Wen 6552 has a capacity of 13 inches. But, it’s best to take the planer with the capacity that fit your needs. You might not need the extra 5 units and it may even hamper the quality of the finished wood.

Two-Blade System

If you are looking for a basic planer that does not offer you all the extra benefits that come with more features then two-blades should not be a problem. Unlike its brother 6552 which has three blades on the cutter head, this planer features two blades. Two blades work just fine and even better than three blades depending on the design and quality. However, you might receive the same smooth result with the three blades a bit earlier than with the two blades. Except that, the finished quality is still admirable.

Adjustable Height

This is a feature that really comes in handy in making flawless pieces. In order for the planer to do its magic, you need to place the wood at the perfect height. That is not very easy to do in planers that do not come with any adjustability. But, the Wen 6550 has a rubber adjustment handle with which you can easily adjust the height by 1/16 of an inch in each rotation. So, expect the perfect measurement to give your woodwork the finish you specifically wanted.

Cast-Iron and Granite Build

While both Cast-Iron and Granit have their own benefits and flaws, both of them together mostly provides benefits. Cast-iron forms the base and thus offers a sturdy and stable base on which you won’t have to worry about vibrations or movement during work. But, cast iron is a bit less durable and also prone to bending. This problem is solved by the granite table. The granite table itself offers a smooth surface for the wood to be on and also an overhead protection for the cast-iron base. Plus, granite is much more durable and resistant to its environment.

Foldable Infeed and Outfeed Tables

As we already mentioned that this is a very portable planer. Moreover, as the designers know your priority, they have made the infeed and outfeed foldable so you can fold them and carry the planer easily anywhere you want.

Furthermore, the planer also has two handles which you can grab easily to move the planer.

1. Minimized Snipes: You definitely want to avoid snipes as much as possible and the 6550 lets you do exactly that. In fact, it uses a tri-feed roller which helps to reduce snipes.
2. Dust Port: You do not have to worry about cleaning tough dust as the 6550 makes it easy for you. It features a fan-assisted dust port which will take care of all the dust the planer creates.
3. Two-Year Warranty: What you can be sure of about this product are its durability and quality. Even the manufacturers are sure of it so they offer the two-year warranty quite confidently.

Wen Benchtop Planer review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• A sturdy and stable planer with a cast-iron base and granite table.
• Adjustable height for accurate performance.
• Foldable infeed and outfeed tables.
• Very easy to transport with the handles featured.
• A powerful motor with sufficient speed.
• Smooth and accurate end products.
• Tri-roller minimizes snipes.
• Dust Port.
• Affordable.
• Easy operation.
• Almost no assembly required.

Cons:

• Not as fast as the Wen 6552 despite having the same motor power.
• Does not feature the best quality blades.

Wen Benchtop Planer Review: Frequently Asked Questions

• Can the blades be replaced?

Answer: Yes, it can be. However, it is best to replace the blades with what Wen offers for this model. Because other blades or blades that have slight features that don’t fit this planer can make it less durable.

• Is it quiet during operation?

Answer: Unfortunately, no. But, there is no planer that does what it does quietly.

The Wen 6550 comes at a more affordable price than most other planers and offers a performance and quality that you cannot complain of. However, it does not also have the features that might make it compete with the more expensive models. Therefore, depending on your level of skill and requirement, Wen 6550 is a budget-friendly and efficient planer for the features it offers. Our Wen Benchtop Planer Review should have given you a clear idea to decide if it meets your needs or if you want more. So, make the decision you need to make.

When you get deeper into the art of woodworking, you start wondering how the finished products of professionals have such nice looks but yours look so rough. A wood planer is what is responsible for this difference. In fact, it will take you to the next level of woodworking.

Apparently, a planer turns rough surfaces into smooth ones, reduces the thickness of woods and also makes two sides of the wood parallel. Therefore, leaves the wood with a professional and smooth touch and look.

Since you are already here looking for reviews, you must already know how a planer will help you. But, you are not quite sure about what are the best features it might offer, are you? That’s a great risk to take as a planer is not usually cheap given their heavy construction.

However, we have a planer at hand that is not only cheap but offers quite the high-performance. It’s the Wen 6552 Planer that might just be the one to meet your needs. So, through our wen 6552 Planer review, you will know about the features and how they benefit you. Also, the cons that you have to work with. So, keep reading to be enlightened.

Wen 6552 Planer Review- Features

Some of the features will amaze and be what you need and others might be what you want to replace for other features. So, the Wen 6552 features:

A 15A Motor

The more powerful the motor, the harder woods you can shape and smooth. In fact, if you try to use your planer on a harder surface than it can take then it might even just stop working. Wen 6552 features a 15A motor which can handle harder woods quite well. Apparently, a more powerful motor also causes the speed to be more. Therefore, the Wen 6552 has a great speed of cutting 26 feet per minute.

Furthermore, the quality of the motor is good enough to last your money’s worth.

High Speed

As we mentioned earlier, with a powerful motor, it has a high speed as well. Now how will a high speed benefit you? Apparently, faster the planer more even and smooth will be the surface planed by it. Therefore, Wen 6552 provides you with great end products with its great speed.

13 X 6 inch capacity

Wen 6552 can handle hardwoods but how much of it can it handle? In fact, it can handle woods of up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. Apparently, this is a much greater capacity than what more expensive planer offers.

Three-Blade System

You generally have the option of choosing between two-blade planers and three-blade planers. In fact, the more blades, the better. Wen 6552 offers you the best cutting performance with its three-blade system on the cutter head. Apparently, this three-blade system cuts more effectively and efficiently resulting in a smoother and better finish. You will definitely feel the difference the Wen 6552 makes through its blades with other planers.

Adjustable Cutting Depth

As you already know, the Wen 6552 has the capacity to handle 6-inch thickness. But, you have the luxury to adjust the thickness level with its height adjustable infeed and outfeed tables. Therefore, you have more freedom to cut and smoothen your wood.

Cast-Iron base

It features a heavy cast iron base which makes it a bit heavy. Unless you plan to move your planer a lot, this slight heavyweight mostly offers performance pros. As heavier the weight of the planer, the more stable and sturdy it stays when operating. It won’t vibrate vigorously with each cut. Therefore, its cutting performance will be even and smooth.

However, unlike other materials, metal bases like cast iron are more prone to bend over time.

Onboard Material Removal Gauge

The depth adjustment would be meaningless if you could not even see the level of adjustment. In this case, it’s not useless as the Wen 6552 features an onboard gauge to inform you of the cutting depth.

Reduced Snipes

While you cannot avoid snipes much in most planers, Wen 6552 allows you to have the minimum snipes. Apparently, its adjustable tables help to limit snipe by providing extra support. Furthermore, most of its design help to snipes.

Fan-assisted Dust Port

It’s impossible to plane woods without expecting dust to gather. Wen 6552 manages the dust gather well with its fan-based dust ejection system. This system simply blows out all the dust out of the planer.

Bench-top Planer

While most heavy-duty planers are massive and heavy, this is a bench-top planer that is compact and light enough to be moved.

Pros:

• Adjustable depth or height of the wood’s thickness.
• The powerful motor with high speed and capacity.
• Excellent, smooth and even cutting performance.
• Three-blade system.
• High capacity of handling 13 X 6 inches of wood.
• As fewer snipes as possible.
• The Cast Iron base making it heavyweight enough to stay stable and handle vibration.
• Onboard gauge.
• The dust removing fan system.
• Easy to move.
• Easy assembly.
• Reasonable price with a two-year warranty.

Cons:

• The cast-iron base is not as durable as other materials and may bend over time.
• Snipe can be an issue if the in feed or out feed support rollers are not used.

Wen 6552 Planer Review: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the voltage of this planer?

Answer: 115 volts.

• What is the main difference between this and the Wen 6550?

Answer: The Wen 6552 has a much better cutting performance with its three blades than the Wen 6550 with its two blades. Furthermore, Wen 6550 has a granite base while 6552 has a cast-iron one.

While a faulty and low-quality planer can ruin your interest and workmanship in woodworking, a good-quality one can make you a professional. Wen 6552 is among the good ones that will keep you motivated and go forward in this art. However, even though you know the features, it would be best to check and test them when you buy it. Our Wen 6552 Planer review should help you decide if you want this or another with different pros and cons. Whatever you decide, be careful to check the quality of each part!