Best Electric Planers Reviewed & Rated
Whether you need to shave off a swollen door by taking off a fraction of an inch, level off sagging floor joists, or shape pillars or deck post edges, an electric planer will make quick work of the project and yield professional results. While hand planers do the job, conserve more time and effort is required and the results inconsistent; to anyone who often works with studs and lumber, an electric planer is essential. With many versions of this tool available, our buying guide will direct a woodworker to some of the best electric planers on the market today.
Our Top 3 Picks
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Electric planners combine the function of a hand planer that gets wood to the same thickness, a jointer that smooths and flattens rough lumber, and a belt sander that finishes long planks all in one. They have two adjustable tungsten carbide or high-speed steel (HSS) blades that spin on a cutter head mounted to the rear of a sole or shoe. A depth adjustment knob mounted on the front controls the depth of the cut.
With planers on the market from all the major tool makers, how do you choose the best electric planers?
5 Best Electric Planers
1. DEWALT DW680K
Key Features
Weight: 6.2 pounds
Size: 15.8" x 11.4" x 9.8"
Torque 1400 inch pounds
7-amp motor 15,000 RPM no-load speed
Planning width 3-1/4"
Depth of cut 3/32"
Rabbeting depth ½"
Comes with two reversible carbide blades, rabbeting fence, and a rugged carrying case
3-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Performance
The DeWalt DW680K is a corded electric planer powered by a 7-amp motor that provides speeds of up to 15000 RPM. With double blades, the actual cuts per minute are double the RPM, so this planer quickly and effortlessly cuts through the toughest projects, invariably producing high-quality, consistent results.
Design
The unit rests on a precision-machined shoe bottom and side that provides flat surface finish as well as accurate and square rabbet joints. The shoe features three machined grooves on its front for three different sizes of beveling.
To reduce the number of passes needed to properly even off lumber, the tool features a cutting width of 3/32 inches, plus a kickstand for resting the tool between passes. A user-friendly height adjustment knob that is rubber-coated to allow comfort and better control prevents taking off too much material.
Cutting Blades
A pair of reversible carbide blades do the work for the DW680K planer. The tools also work with resharpenable steel blades for straight edging or framing. The blades are tough and long-lasting.
Extras
The DW680K planer is comfortable to operate for an extended time as it has a two-finger trigger to reduce exhaustion for extended use and is equipped with a poly-v drive belt for strengthened longevity. Planer includes two reversible carbide blades, rabbeting fence, and a rugged carrying case.
While the tool lacks a dust bag, it does have a port that attaches to a shop vac.
The planer comes in a durable case.
This well-respected model, introduced in 2001, is hard to find these days, but where available, it runs around $250.
High-quality construction yet lightweight
Comfortable and easy to use
Accurate with two reversible carbide blades
Offers exceptional value
A tad expensive
Dust collection can be better
2. Bosch PL2632K
Key Features
Weight: 6.3 pounds
Size: 17.75" x 14.5" x 7.25"
6.6-amp motor
16,500 RPM
Ambidextrous lock-off release button to help avoid accidental starts
Lock-on button for extended operation
Planing Depth" 0" - .09375"
Planing Width: 0" - 3.25"
Rabbet Depth: 5/16"
Set includes planer, wood razor micro-grain blades, dual-mount guide fence, straight no-mar plastic overshoe for fence, 3-degree no-mar plastic overshoe for fence, shavings bag, blade wrench, and carrying case.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Performance
Competitively priced, the Bosch is surprisingly powerful, packing a powerful 6.5-amp motor with speeds of up to 16,500 RPM. Faster than the DeWalt DW68K, this planer takes minimal time to remove extra stock from a wide range of materials, leaving them with a high-quality, smooth finish. With a poly micro-V drive belt, this planer is built to last.
Design
For accuracy, this planer's aluminum front and rear shoes are precision-machined together, allowing detailed, intricate woodworking projects. The front shoe has a machined groove to facilitate chamfering or beveling.
What makes this planer particularly versatile is a dual blade system that can be used with high-steel blades that are up to 30 percent more durable than traditional carbide blades and works remarkably with softwoods and hardwoods. The planer also has a dual-mount guide fence that can be mounted on either side of the tool, and it has a plastic overshoe to prevent marring the door or other workpiece face being planed.
The Bosch PL236K is built for safe operation and convenience. Its ambidextrous lock-off release button helps prevent accidental starts, plus a lock-on button for extended operation – a combination of features found only on Bosch planers. A ball-joint cord swivel males to easy to position the tool and cord.
Cutting Blades
Equipped with reversible Bosch Woodrazor micrograin carbide blades, which are protected with a spring-loaded stand that elevates. Utilizing the dual-blade function that uses high-speed steel blades requires extra accessories.
Extras
To suck up the large quantity of dust and shavings generated by this speedy planer, dust ports are located on both sides of the tool to accommodate a large shavings bag. The chip-ejection switch can be moved to discharge the shavings left or right.
Ninety-three percent of Amazon reviewers love this planer enough to give it a 4- or5- star rating. At $169, it will allow any woodworker to up their crafting game.
Works powerfully and smoothly
You can switch the dust port
Long-lasting construction
Removing the fence is a cinch
Unreliable depth control
Heavy
3. PORTER-CABLE PC60THP
Key Features
Weight: 8.36 pounds
Size: 14.63" x 7.75" x 8.2"
6-amp motor
16,500 RPM
Planing Depth" 0" - .078"
Planing Width: 0" - 3.25"
Rabbet Depth: .047"
Kit includes PV60thp hand planer, 2carbide cutting blades, wrench, dust bag, edge guide, kit bag
3-Year Limited Warranty and 90 Day Money Back Guarantee.
Performance
Powering the PC60THP is a heavy-duty 6-amp motor with a no-load speed of 16,500 RPM to remove unwanted material quickly. Its heavy-duty, high-speed steel blades aggressively plane tough wood, even those nail-embedded pieces lying around your workshop.
The machine has a cutting depth of 5/64", which removes more material with each cut.
Design
The planer has an 11.5" shoe that makes for more controlled cutting and finish quality and features 3 chamfering grooves for options on edge beveling. It also has a depth control knob that offers 10 settings to control the depth of cuts.
Cutting Blades
Two carbide blades that are pressure fit into blade holders the drum do the work on this planer. Adjusting blade holders and changing the blades is easier with a 2.4mm key, which is not included but easy to find at a hardware store.
As with many planers, the tool comes with both carbide and high-speed steel (HSS)
Extras
This planer has dual-side dust extraction that allows for flexibility to place the dust extraction on either side of the tool as needed to keep the work area clean.
For about $75, the Porter-Cable PC60THP is a good value for its high-speed blade, large shoe, and overall design.
Offers the best bang for the buck
A cinch to use
High-quality construction
Powerful
Small capacity dust bag
Corded
4. WEN 6530
Key Features
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Size: 12" x 7" x 7"
6-amp motor
34,000 RPM
Planing Depth" 0" – 1/8"
Planing Width: 0" – 3-1/4"
Rabbet Depth: .7/10 "
Multi-directional dust chute
Kit includes hand planer, dust bag, rabbeting depth stop, parallel guide fence, blade wrench
2-Year warranty
Performance
The WEN 6530 comes with a high-speed, 6-amp motor providing speeds up to 34,000 cuts per minute (17,000 per blade), more than enough for the quick, efficient, and accurate processing of various wood stocks. A perfect choice for planing large bars and planks, it boasts a cutting width of 3-1/4" and up to 1/8" in cutting depth. The heavy-duty motor can effortlessly toil for hours on end, even when faced with tough industrial-grade applications, removing material quickly for a flat, smooth finish.
Design
The base plate shoe includes a v-shaped groove for easily flattening sharp post corners. The depth control located over the shoe offers 16 positive stops with increments of 1/128" between 0 and 1/8 inches. In between uses, you can choose to use the kickstand to prevent the blade from inadvertently com
The parallel fence provides an accurate and straight cut to make sure your strokes are directly parallel to the edge of the wood (a necessity for planing door edges, wood trim, and boards). \
And since it's compact and lightweight at 6 pounds, it's remarkably easy to maneuver and use for extended periods.
Cutting Blades
The WEN 6530 uses reversible carbide blades. They cannot be sharpened, but replacements are readily available.
Extras
For additional convenience, it comes with a reversible dust chute that attaches quickly and easily to either side of the planer. A simple, easy-to-reach button lets you change the directional aim of the sawdust for optimal dust collection and ease of use.
The package includes essential accessories such as a dust bag, kickstand, and parallel fence bracket, which contribute to its industry-best performance.
The tool is cost-effective yet powerful, reliable, and durable. With its 24-month warranty, you have the confidence and peace of mind to give every project your best shot. Since the price is so affordable, this planer is worth having on hand even for occasional use.
Budget-friendly
Offers powerful and smooth performance
Versatile and highly customizable
Lightweight
Not ideal for heavy-duty use
Tool may stop working if used for too long
5. Makita KP0810
Key Features
Weight: 7.3
Size: 11.42" x 6.61" x 6.93"
7.5-amp motor16,000 RPM
Planing Depth" 0" – 5/32"
Planing Width: 0" – 3-1/4"
Rabbet Depth: .7/10 "
Kit includes guide rail, socket wrench, depth gauge, 3-1/4" planer blade, 2/pk (D-46246)
1-Year Warranty
Performance
The planer comes with a 7.5 amp motor capable of delivering exceptional cutting and planing prowess. It yields maximum speeds of 16,000 RPM, enabling you to quickly and easily remove stock from your workpieces.
Design
The KP810 has rigid die-cast aluminum housing with all-ball-bearing construction that holds the blades in place and provides durability. Weighing just 7.3 pounds, it has a resultant high power-to-weight ratio that pairs nicely with the ergonomically-centered balance and user-friendly handles for comfort and ease of use.
A lock-on/off button can be operated from the left or right side of the handle for convenience.
The depth control knob located on the top of the tool has an easy-to-read scale with click stops in 0.1-millimeter increments for precision planning, while the front base features three chamfering groove options: approximately 1.4 millimeters, 3 millimeters, and 4 millimeters.
Like many other planers, this model also features a spring-loaded stand to keep the blades from contacting the workpiece in between uses, while the easy-to-use depth adjustment knob ensures accuracy.
Cutting Blades
This tool comes with double-edge carbide blades that can plane up to 3-1/4 inches wide and 5/32 inches deep in one pass.
Extras
Makita understands that no one would enjoy working in an environment choking with wood chipping, so this model also comes with a multi-directional chip ejection mechanism to keep your workplace neat and clean.
For seasoned professionals, greenhorns, and everyone else in between on the lookout for a high-performance, comfortable, and easy-to-use electric planer, this Makita KP0810. It's also durable, versatile, and a perfect choice for planing. Users agree that the alignment and overall machining quality of the shoes on the KP0810 are outstanding, which makes this $229 an excellent choice for professionals and serious DIYers as well.
Smooth and powerful performance
Works accurately
High-end construction for durability
A solid choice for heavy use
Not ideal for light-duty projects
Doesn’t come with a case
Criteria for Choosing the Best Electric Planers
Performance
The performance of electric planers depends on motor power, speed, cutting depth and width, and of course, the effectiveness of the cutting blades. The best electric options seamlessly balance all these features for the best performance.
Bench-type planers might have a motor with 15-amps, but handheld planers might have half that to do the job well for DIY projects and some professional applications. While hand tools might have two blades that operate at over 10,000 PRM per blade, bench units often have 3 blades that each rotate at that speed for faster cutting. Most are corded.
What electric planers can do is expressed in numbers showing their capacity for cutting width, cutting depth, and rabbet depth.
Design
Handheld planers drive a cylindrical cutter block that has up to three blades attached to trim wood. The motor sits on a base that has a depth control knob on the front. The base or shoe is usually chromed steel, aluminum, or even magnesium alloy, while the upper portion is molded plastic or metal.
To facilitate clean, convenient cuts, a planer will have features such as chamfering guides for bevels, guides to keep the cut straight, a depth control knob, fence guides for perfect corners, a kickstand, an effective dust collection system, and more. The tools should be easy to hold and control, ergonomically designed, lightweight, and well-balanced.
Cutting Blades
Closely related to the performance is the design and construction of the cutting blades. You want a model that uses dual blades for quick and efficient material removal over the tool’s lifetime. The average option has speeds of around 15,000 RPM per blade. To be able to withstand that level of extreme abuse, it should be made from industrial-grade materials to ensure durability and the best performance.
Most manufacturers prefer to use high-strength steel or tungsten carbide because of the materials’ ability to withstand heavy-duty use. Steel blades, which aren’t as durable as tungsten carbide ones, work best on softer woods such as pine, while tungsten carbide excels in cutting hardwood or synthetic woods. To get the most out of your blade, you can consider going for carbide ones that are reversible or high-speed steel (HSS) that are easy to sharpen.
Extras
Planing wood generates lots of dust and debris and so if your model has a dust control or collection capability, all the better as it’ll keep your environment cleaner and healthier at all times. Some of the best have dust shoots on both sides and may utilize a collection bag or connect to a shop vac.
An ergonomically designed handle provides a firm, slip-resistant grip without tiring the user.
Many handheld electric planers come in a package with extras such as extra blades, guide fences, plastic overshoes, a dust bag, a blade change wrench, and a carrying cas
Affordability
One last consideration to pay attention to is the price of the planer and replacement blades. Models intended for occasional DIY use, such as leveling a door, start around $50, while those with the precision, speed, and accuracy required by professionals easily exceed $200.
As for blades, prices for replacements usually wall in the $20-50 range.
FAQs
1. How different is an electric planer from a jointer?
A planer is engineered to create smooth and even wood surfaces and cut your workpiece to the right thickness. A jointer, on the other hand, is for flattening one face of a workpiece and squaring up an edge. Most woodworkers have both tools in their workshop, but an electric planer is the one to buy first as it has more functionality.
2. Do I have to wear protective gear when using one?
Electric planers are noisy and send dust and shaving into the air. Wearing goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield to protect your eyes and earplugs to shield your ears are necessary, while gloves aren’t a bad idea either to keep your hands safe.
3. How do I use an electric planer?
After clamping the piece of wood to be planed in play, you run the tool over the board to cut. Holding the planer with two hands gives the tool the proper support for a consistent cut; the left hand should be at the front to guide the device, while the right hand should keep the rear end balanced. By putting pressure on the front of the tool to keep it level as it moves over the wood, you will get a clean, flat cut.
4. How much should I invest in an electric planer?
Given the range of prices, you should assess your needs before buying. If you anticipate occasional use, a well-rated lower-end one might do the job. Tools are an investment, so buying one with more features might be wise in the long run.
Conclusion
Having an electric planer on can make quick work of cutting warped or blemished wood, and they do so with better consistency than with a hand tool. Whether you are a homeowner willing to handle the task or a woodworker, carpenter, or other professional, adding an electric planer to your toolkit is a wise move. Our buying guide will point you in the right direction when looking for the best electric planers to do the job.
