Electric Hand Planer: Well, in this post, I would walk you through the various aspects of an Electric Hand Planer to help you make an informed buying decision.
Furthermore, I’ll also throw light on the essential parameters that you must consider when buying an electric hand planer.
Lastly, I’ll respond to the queries related to the best electric hand planer so that you can easily narrow down the options and make a smart buy.
The post also includes a buying guide which would be of great help for both first-time buyers as well as professionals.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Best Electric Hand Planer Review
To be honest, the market is flooded with a wide variety of electric hand planers, and needless to say, every brand has its own promises and commitments.
As a result, most of the first-time buyers get confused and end up buying the wrong planer.
It happened to me as well when I was just starting out, and trust me, it can happen to anyone who isn’t well-informed about the product.
I along with my team have come up with the top 5 best electric hand planers for your perusal.
Moreover, it doesn’t mean by anyways that other planers aren’t up to the mark.
Rather, I would say, these 5 planers performed better than the others on the parameters that we set for the evaluation.
Well, we’ll also have a comprehensive discussion on those parameters in the buying section.
(DW680K) DEWALT | Best Electric Hand Planer For DIY
Personally, I love this hand planner because of the value that it brings to the table.
DEWALT is a well-known and well-trusted brand, and has proved its mettle time and again.
The DW680K offering by the brand DEWALT is one of the best electric hand planers and definitely there are reasons for it.
Trust me, the 7.0 Amp motor will help you with the best finish ever for the hardest of the woods.
Well, as compared to many other electric hand planers, DW680K offers a reduced amount of passes on your material, and it was made possible only because of its ability to cut a 3/32-inch (2.5-millimeter) maximum in one pass.
Moreover, whether you’re just starting out your woodworking shop or you’re an experienced professional the Calibrated Depth Adjustment Knob would help you in completely eliminating the need to re-zeroing your depth.
If straight edge and framing are your cups of tea then the DW680K would be of great help as it is compatible with reversible carbide blades.
The 11.8 pounds DW680K uses corded electricity for power and it doesn’t have a battery included in the package.
It goes without saying that the brand DEWALT offers a long-lasting and dependable warranty to its customers making it a popular choice, especially among professional woodworkers.
The 15,000 RPM motor is capable of tackling even the demands of complex woodworking projects.
I personally like the unique combination of yellow and black color and also, the ease of use feature as you can easily control the machine using the on/off button present on its handle.
On top of it, the manufacturer has given priority to safety by covering the essential components in a special type of rubber to mitigate the risk of electric shocks.
Even though you’re just trying your hand on woodworking you would be able to do a great job, and with the help of DW680K, you can easily control the depth of the cut by using the front knob.
On the downside, the portable electric planer doesn’t come with a dust collector bag which I believe may offend many of you, right?
In case, you’re planning to buy DW680K then I would highly recommend you go through the warranty terms and conditions carefully by clicking here.
Needless to say, this high-quality portable electric planer has a longer lifespan, and the credit goes to the poly-v drive belt that it comes with.
Even for extended use, you wouldn’t feel exhausted because it gives you a superlative user experience and you can easily operate it with the help of just two fingers, interesting, isn’t it?
The review of DW680K would be incomplete if I skip what comes with it as a package, right?
Well, the package includes two reversible carbide blades, rabbeting fence, and a rugged carrying case.
So, what are you waiting for?
Check DEWALT Hand Planer Current Price On AmazonMakita 1002BA | Best Electric Hand Planer For Hardwood
When it comes to buying a curved base planer then definitely, Makita 1002BA is a great option.
Especially, if you’re looking for an electric hand planer that can help you with creating arches and arcs in timbers then definitely, 1002BA could be a great choice, indeed.
Not only that, it can work on scarves in logs.
Personally, I love the idiosyncratic superlative design of 1002BA which gives me great control of the cutter making the entire process smooth and hassle-free.
Along with the large front grip, the fine depth adjustment is definitely something to brag about as it helps you with great precision in complex woodworking projects.
Trust me, whether you’re a Timber Framber or a Log Home Builder, the 1002BA is bound to help you with your projects.
Needless to say, the planner will help you in saving lots of your precious time.
For example, you can get a 16′ timber done in about 7 min or less.
On top of it, the curved planer is great for projects such as customized wood benches.
Furthermore, this Japanese tool in spite of being slightly heavier will serve the purpose, and its functionality and user-friendliness are bound to grab your eyeballs.
On the downside, the curved planer doesn’t come with curved knives so you’ve to buy them separately.
Well, I’ve personally used this workhorse to sculpt wood for some very crucial woodworking projects, and I can affirm that it’s worth every penny spent.
I highly recommend it for log craftsmen as it can notch out logs at a 12-5/8″ curved radius, and trust me, you guys are gonna thank me for this unfeigned underpin.
Lastly, the powerful 9.6 AMP motor with 15,000 RPM would never let you feel the lack of energy and power in order to expedite your woodworking projects.
Wait, just forget to mention, the manufacturer also gives a 1-year warranty on this beast.
Check Makita 1002BA Current Price On AmazonMakita KP0800K | Best Electric Hand Planer For Woodworking
So, here I come up with yet another offering from the brand Makita especially engineered for framing and woodworking.
From fine woodworking to doors and windows installation, you can trust KP0800K, and if needed you can even use large and high-speed steel blades which come as optional accessories and are indeed a great way to deal with complex construction framing.
With a two-blade cutter head, and the capability to deliver 17,000 RPM, the 6.5 AMP motor planer is meant to take its place as a preferred planer when it comes to increased stock removal and superior finish.
Furthermore, the planer’s ability to plane up to 3-1/4 inches wide and 3/32 inches deep in a single pass certainly puts it into a different league altogether.
Without any doubt, I can affirm that the planer is user-friendly, and features such as a lock-on button, blade setting system, etc add to durability and vibration reduction which is definitely something most of us look for in a planer, isn’t it?
To be honest, you don’t have to worry at all about precision as a precision-machined aluminum base would do the trick for you.
Moreover, you can even elevate the base with the help of a spring-loaded stand that the planer comprises.
And, the good news is, you’re getting high-end features at an affordable price.
So, what are you waiting for?
Go, and grab the planner.
Well, KP0800K is one of the few models that you can use straight out of the box without a need for much prep time.
Check Makita KP0800K Current Price On AmazonPL2632K, Bosch | Best Electric Hand Planer For Beginners
Needless to say, BOSCH is a well-known as well as a well-trusted brand across the globe, and PL2632K is one of the best electric planers available on the market at an affordable price.
Keeping in mind the necessity, importance, and demand for fast stock removal and smooth finishes, the manufacturer has come with a 6.5 Amp motor that is capable of 16,500 RPM to help you achieve success in your dream woodworking projects.
If we talk about accuracy and precision then let me tell you, the electric planer has done everything to match up to your expectation and stand strong to its brand value.
The front and rear shoes are comprised of aluminum and precision-machined together for accuracy.
Not only that, the tool has a machined groove for chamfering as well.
On top of it, tool-resting spots and blades are well-protected by the spring-loaded stand.
Well, users can experience a smooth and hassle-free user experience since the planer is equipped with reversible Bosch Woodrazor micro-grain carbide blades and gives you the option to accommodate high-speed steel blades with the help of the two-blade system.
Furthermore, with the BOSCH planer, you’ve got a unique combination of the ambidextrous lock-off release button as well as the lock-on button.
The idiosyncratic combination of the aforementioned buttons helps in extended operation and safe start so if you’re a first-time user then definitely lock-off and lock-on buttons would be of great help to you.
The poly micro-V drive belt adds to the durability of the planer and the ball-joint cord swivel helps in the positing of tool and cord to help you with a unique user experience.
All in all, a great electric planer that you can consider taking home.
Check Bosch PL2632K Current Price On AmazonHitachi P20ST | Best Portable Electric Hand Planer
The last portable planer that we’ve for you is none other than the Hitachi P20ST, a planer capable of planning, beveling, rabbeting, tapering, and side planing of a flush door in one of the best possible ways.
With a 5.5 amp motor, 17,000 RPM, and a max cutting depth of 1/16″, the planer has lots to offer especially to professional woodworkers.
This 5.51 pounds planer is not only lightweight but also durable.
On top of it, the machine comes with durable and cost-effective re-sharpenable blades to help its clientele with the best possible user experience.
Moreover, keeping in mind the importance of cleanliness, the planer includes a dust bag or a vacuum attachment in order to keep your woodworking space free from dust and debris.
To prevent damage to the woodworking space, the planer has a built-in kickstand which is really something impressive, and it tells about the long-term visibility of the brand, and also, how well it knows the problems and concerns of its end users.
In short, the planer comprises almost all the essential ingredients required for starting your woodworking shop or successfully running one.
Definitely, it is one of the most affordable electric planers that we’ve reviewed so far, and even though you’re on a shoestring budget, you can think of buying one.
On the downside, it doesn’t come with a reversible discharge port.
Lastly, P20ST comes with a professional 5-year limited warranty.
Do I really need to convince you to buy this amazing electric planer?
Check Hitachi P20ST Current Price On AmazonBuying Guide
Well, as promised to you, I’ve come up with some of the important parameters that you must consider when it comes to buying a “value for money” product.
I highly recommend you go thoroughly through this section irrespective of whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced professional.
Power
Well, as an informed buyer it is really important for you to understand that currently, two models of electric planer exist on this planet, that is, cordless and corded planer.
Depending upon your preference you can select either a corded planer or a cordless counterpart.
For example, if your preference is flexibility and convenience overpower then cordless would be a better option for you and vice-versa.
Again, what is a powerful electric hand planer is a point of discussion and a relative term as well.
For example, what may be a powerful electric planer for you may not be for me, and vice-versa.
Well, the amount of power you need depends to a large extent on the material you’re planning and the size of your project.
In layman’s language, a lightweight cordless planer would be perfect for small to medium size woodworking projects that don’t involve highly dense woods.
On the other hand, you would need a very powerful corded planer for a large woodworking project that involves highly dense wood.
At the same time, if you’re on a shoestring budget then I would highly recommend you to go for a corded electric hand planer as it is less expensive and may sync well with your budget.
So, when you’re considering power, always look for an amps rating.
A very complex woodworking project would require an electric hand planer with 10 Amp or more.
On the other hand, for most woodworking applications, a rating of 7 Amp or more should be adequate.
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
Again, depending upon your project and the materials that you’re using you should opt for a particular RPM.
However, I always advise my client to choose a planner with an RPM rating of 15,000 and above.
Maximum Cutting Depth
The maximum cutting depth tells you about the amount of material that you would be able to remove with each pass.
Well, if you’ve got the right combination of RPM and power, and your planer is up to the task, then definitely, a deeper cut would help in finishing the task faster.
Moreover, you should always look for a good cutting depth capability as it will help you in achieving more cutting per pass.
Cutting depths from 2/32 inches up to 5/32 inches or more are available so choose the depth that suits best for your profession and project.
Maximum Cutting Width
A common maximum cutting width for an electric planer is 3-1/4 inches.
In case, your requirement is for a wider electric planer then definitely you can find one on an e-commerce website like Amazon.
However, be ready to pay more for wider electric planers as they are NOT only more powerful but more expensive too.
Cutting Blades
Most of the handheld electric planer models come with dual blades that do the work of removing the materials.
For example, If the motor is running at 15,000 RPM it means that the blade is hitting the material 15,000 times per minute so chances are very high that the blade can go dull rapidly.
So, depending on your projects and the materials used in them, you need to select from high-strength steel blades and carbide blades.
Well, for heavy-duty use, I would suggest, you should go for the planer that comes with carbide blades or has an option for them.
On the other hand, for light to medium-duty uses, a high-strength steel blade would do the trick for you.
Many of you wouldn’t be aware of the fact that some blades are reversible for double the use before you need them to replace.
The performance of your electric hand planer to a great extent depends upon the selection of the cutting blade so choose the blades wisely.
Depth Control
When it comes to effective planning depth control plays a crucial role, and as you would’ve noticed that almost all the models that we reviewed come with some sort of depth adjustment, right?
The importance of depth control increases automatically if you’re working on a woodworking project that demands highly accurate material removal.
For highly accurate material removal, I highly recommend you go for the electric hand planer that comes with calibrated adjustment knob or depth gauge.
Power Cord
It goes without saying a power cord that is quite long would negate the need of carrying an extension cord.
However, a longer extension cord is again a “relative” term so it is you would be the correct person to decide on the length of the power cord.
In short, a longer cord would be more convenient.
Accessories
The first thing that you should look for as an accessory is the dust control capabilities such as dust collection bags, vacuum attachments, etc.
So, if you’re getting a dust collector in the form of accessories then it’s well and good.
Nonetheless, depending on your project and requirement you can look for accessories.
Warranty
Well, the warranty is yet another thing that you should look for when it comes to buying an electric hand planer.
Again, different brands offer different types of warranties.
Some offer a year-limited warranty while others offer a 5-year warranty so it’s up to you what type of warranty syncs well with you.
Corded Vs. Cordless Electric Hand Planer: Which Is A Better Bet?
To be honest, both corded and cordless electric hand planers have their own benefits, and depending on your requirement, you can select any one of them.
If you’re working in a woodworking shop where sharp objects are present in abundance then definitely, I would recommend you buy a cordless electric hand planer.
As with the corded one, you would be at a higher risk of cutting the cord accidentally which definitely means a costly replacement.
On the other hand, corded planers are more powerful and could be a top priority if your preference is power over convenience.
Needless to say, for heavy-duty jobs, a corded planer could be a better option.
Well, I highly recommend my clients to go for a corded model in case they need to do a lot of indoor heavy planning work that lasts continuously for more than 15 minutes at a time.
When it comes to convenience definitely a cordless planer is a better option.
Belt Sander Vs. Planer: Which One Should I Buy?
To be honest, belt sanders and planers both come with their own pros and cons.
It would be completely wrong on my part to say one is better than the other.
In fact, depending upon the circumstances, the benefits of one could overshadow the other and vice-versa.
However, I’ve seen many beginners having a misconception that both belt sander and planer are equally good.
Well, today I would try to the best of my capabilities to help you understand the difference between the two.
What is a belt sander?
A belt sander is an awesome tool and can do wonders for you if you’re in a woodworking space.
Well, even though you’re in a soundproofing space the belt sander would help you to remove imperfection from surfaces such as drywall.
If we talk in the context of woodworking, then let me tell you, a belt sander would be of great help as it will remove imperfections from the wood surface in the best possible manner.
Another benefit of using a belt sander in the woodworking space is that it will help you to fix improper staining in your woodworking projects.
So, using a belt sander for refinishing a piece of wood could be a great choice.
What is a planer?
As the name suggests, a planer is a perfect tool when it comes to leveling a surface.
A planer is specifically designed to remove silver from woods with every pass which isn’t the case with a belt sander.
In fact, a belt sander is never meant for creating a uniform level across wood rather it is made for removing finishes.
For example, if a window in your home is slightly larger to fit into its frame then you can easily use a planer to adjust the width of the wood.
And, the same holds true for doors, cupboards, and shelves.
Advantages Of Electric Planer Over Hand Planer
Well, electric planers have quite a few advantages over a hand planer, and knowing them would definitely help you in making an informed buying decision especially since the beginners would be benefited from it.
Correct me, if I’m wrong.
Depth-Adjustment
As per my knowledge and understanding of power tools, I can affirm that the depth adjustment feature present in the electric planer could be of utter importance the depth adjustment gauge gives you a ton of flexibility to pick any of the thickness settings.
For example, as per the requirement of your woodworking project, you can take off 1/8th of an inch or even 1/64th of an inch, and other variations are also present.
Features
Well, the electric planer comes with features that make the entire process hassle-free and unique.
Though some features like cordless electric planer may be a bit costlier still I would recommend you go for planers with such features because it gives you operational feasibility.
You can take the planer in any corner of your woodworking Jobsite and operate it until the battery dies.
How To Sharpen Electric Hand Planer Blades?
To be honest, one of the frequently asked questions from my client related to the electric hand planer is how to sharpen the tool.
Well, there are many ways indeed to do so.
However, I would discuss the steps that we follow for an optimum result.
Blade Removal
First and foremost, you need to remove the blades from your planer.
The process is easy and anyone can expedite it without any trouble.
All you need to do is to loosen the screws by rotating them in an anticlockwise direction.
In order to prevent the misplacing of the screws and bolts, I would suggest, you should use a covered container for placing them.
Cleaning Process
Don’t escape this step.
Well, I highly recommend you clean both blades as well as machines.
It goes without saying that you should replace both the dust and rust from the blades before you expedite the sharpening process.
A piece of cloth would do the trick for you.
However, I would highly recommend that you should use an air compressor for cleaning purposes.
Sharpen the Blades with the Help of a Jig
Well, after performing the aforementioned steps, your blades are ready for the sharpening process.
To be honest, sharpening the electric planer blades aren’t different from sharpening a knife.
I highly recommend you should have a jig for sharpening the blades, and the good thing about the jig is that it holds the blades while you sharpen them.
Another effective way to sharpen a blade is to use wet or dry sandpaper, and it is also less expensive.
The process of sharpening should start from the backside of the blade, and then turn to the bevel side.
If you’re doing it for the first time then you may find grinding the bevel side a bit difficult as it is not only small but also difficult to balance.
Furthermore, with the help of a honing guide, the process could become easy and smooth.
The good thing about a honing guide is that it will give you the right angle to sharpen your blade.
At the same time, many of woodworking experts believe that for a firm grip, you should set up the honing guide at 30 degrees.
Once you’re comfortable with the position and grip of the blade, you can start rubbing the bevel on the grit.
Depending upon your requirement you can select from a coarse, medium, and fine grit.
However, if you’re not well aware of the type of grit that you should use then definitely start with the coarse grit and finish with the fine one.
Check the Sharpness of the Blades
Once you’re done with sharpening the blade it is equally important for you to check the quality of sharpness.
Simply cut something like newspaper and if the cut is clean it means the sharpness is up to mark wherein a ragged cutting depicts improvement needed in blade sharpening.
Return the Blades
Once you’re crossed checked and satisfied with the quality of sharpening, you need to return them to the machine.
Well, before that it is advisable to clean the blade with the help of a clean cloth.
Replicate the process that you did when opening the screws and bolts, the only difference would be to rotate the screws and bolts in the clockwise direction.
At the same time, refrain from over-tightening the blades.
Check the Blades
So, after completing the sharpening and assembling process, it is really important for you to check the working style of the blades.
All you need to do is to power the tool and cut some pieces of wood, a sharp cut would depict the success of the entire process and vice-versa.
FAQs
Well, this is an important section for both the first-time buyer and the professional woodworkers as it will help them in clearing their doubts related to the best electric hand planers.
To be honest, most of the queries that I’m gonna respond to now have been asked by either my clients or the readers of izzysmarthomeguide.com.
Can you use an electric hand planer on a tabletop?
Definitely, you can use an electric hand planer on a tabletop.
In fact, an electric hand planer basically does the same job as a manual planer.
The electric hand planer does the job much faster, more accurately, and efficiently as compared to a manual hand planer.
What is the best electric hand planer?
To be honest, all the electric hand planers that we’ve reviewed in this post are good in their own sense and have come up with flying colors on the parameters that our team has set for their evaluation.
However, if you’re interested in knowing my favorite electric hand planer then it would be none other than this one. (check out the current price on Amazon)
How much is an electric hand planer?
Well, to be honest, there is a wide variety of electric hand planers available on the market, and the prices vary significantly from one brand to another as well as from one model to another.
However, you can check out the price of some of the best electric hand planers available on the market on Amazon.
It’s A Wrap
First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for spending your beyond-price time on this blog.
Moreover, I and my team have tried to the best of our capabilities to come up with a comprehensive buying guide on the best electric hand planer.
Needless to say, all the brands and models of electric hand planers reviewed in this post are one of a kind, and they only made it to our list because they have performed extremely well on the parameters that we’ve set for evaluating them.
To cut a long story short, let us know your favorite electric hand planer in the comment section.
Furthermore, how much are you willing to spend on an electric hand planer?
Lastly, please share this piece of information with the ones who are in urgent need of a buying guide on the best electric hand planer.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
[Also Read]