Best Portable Planer: Well, in this post, I would walk you through some of the best portable and beginner’s friendly planers available on the market at an affordable price.
Not only that, but I would also touch upon the important parameters that you must not neglect if you want to buy the best portable planer.
Lastly, I would be responding to the queries related to the best portable planers to help you in making an informed buying decision.
I highly recommend you read the comprehensive buying guide section of this post so that you can successfully narrow down the options and reduce the element of error that may end up in initiating a wrong buying decision.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Best Portable Planer Review
To be honest, the market is flooded with portable planer brands and models, and as a result, it really becomes difficult for both beginners as well as professionals to make a correct buying decision.
Correct me, if I’m wrong.
Well, I along with my team have tried to the best of our capabilities to come up with some of the best portable planers to help you buy the best portable planer as per your requirement.
Like you, we also faced a lot of problems when it came to narrowing down on the option.
Trust me, it wasn’t easy at all.
However, we set up important parameters and started evaluating the portable planers on these parameters.
After evaluating a lot of pros and cons, finally, we came up with the top 5 portable planers for you.
So, without wasting any time, enjoy the show.
(DW680K), DEWALT Hand Planer | Best Wood Planer For Beginners
The DW680K offering from DEWALT is definitely a great portable planer and comprises all the essential elements that most of us are looking for in a portable planer.
Needless to say, DEWALT is a well-known and well-trusted brand, and has matched the end-users expectations time and again.
With 15,000 RPM and a 3/32″ depth of cut, this 5.2 Amp 3-1/4″ heavy-duty planer kit is definitely worth every penny spent.
The machine is powerful enough to expedite small, medium, and complex woodworking projects.
In fact, the highly portable nature of this planer makes you more productive as you can take it to any corner of your Jobsite without any hassle.
In layman’s language, if you’re a professional woodworker then definitely DW680K could be a great addition to your workshop.
The thing that may grab your eyeballs is that the planer is equipped with reversible carbide blades that are essential for framing projects as well as resharpening.
Even though you’re a beginner you can easily take on a woodworking project that involves high precision as a height adjustment knob and precision machined shoe on the bottom & sides would help you in achieving your target successfully.
I’ve personally used DW680K for quite a few woodworking projects, and I can affirm that the Calibrated Depth Adjustment Knob will help you to ensure that the positions are fine-tuned so that you shouldn’t waste any time in re-zeroing the depth and height adjustment knob.
It goes without saying that the portable planer has a longer lifespan and it was made possible with the help of a ply-v drive belt.
Furthermore, the machine is user-friendly and uniquely designed to work for a long duration.
In fact, you can operate it with the help of a few fingers to negate exertion during long hours of continuous operation.
Since this 11.8-pound, DW680K is capable of up to 3/32 inches of cut in a single pass so you can expect high-quality outcomes at an affordable price.
Moreover, the 7 Amp motor is capable of producing 1400 in-lb of torque making it a perfect choice for woodworking projects.
Pros
- 15,000 RPM
- 7 Amp motor
- Cuts to a full depth of 3/32 of an inch
- User-friendly
- Affordable
- Compatible with different types of blades
- The adjustment knob on the edge for changing cutting heights
- Highly durable and portable planer
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a dust bag
Makita KP0810 | Best Portable Planer On The Market
The second portable planer that was made to our list is from the brand Makita.
The model KP0810 is known for delivering high power, cutting speed, and user-friendliness.
From fine woodworking to construction framing, the planer is meant to deliver successfully.
Even you can buy it for your home uses such as windows and doors installation, the quality that the machine brings to the table is of utter importance.
Definitely, with the power of a 7.5 Amp motor and RPM of 16, 000, the planer is meant to deliver high performance along with increased stock removal.
Since it comes with a two-blade cutter head so the cutting process wouldn’t consume a lot of time.
In fact, for added performance, the planer is equipped with double-edge carbide blades.
Moreover, the planer’s capability to plane up to 3-1/4 inches wide and 5/32 inches deep in a single pass makes it a great fit for fine woodworking.
Needless to say, the planer is uniquely designed for increased durability and longevity.
On top of it, in order to protect the blades, the spring-loaded stand has the capability to elevate the base.
Furthermore, the planer brings you a high level of precision as the depth adjustment knob click stops in 0.1-millimeter increments.
The KP0810 also comes with three groove options; approximately 1.4 millimeters, 3 millimeters, and 4 millimeters.
As compared to some of its close competitors, the KP0810 is better at comfort and convenience as it comes with both left and right chip ejection.
Furthermore, the planer gives you the option to operate the lock-on/off button from either side of the handle adding to your convenience.
The 10.73 pounds KP0810 comes with a year warranty as well.
So, what are you waiting for?
Check Makita KP0810 Current Price On Amazon(PC60THP), PORTER-CABLE Hand Planer | Best Portable Planer On A Budget
Well, quite a few clients of mine have asked me several times about a high-quality affordable portable planer.
So, here I come with PC60THP, a planer that you would be able to definitely afford.
In fact, even though you’re on a shoestring budget, you can afford PC60THP, and trust me, you’ll never regret buying this little beast.
The planer comes with a 6 Amp motor and has a max RPM of 16,500.
Not only that, it provides you with an option to place a dust extractor on either side of the tool as per the requirement of your woodworking projects.
With a .47″ max rabbit depth, you can expect the planer to remove a decent amount of materials per pass.
Needless to say, the 7.83 pounds PC60THP is user-friendly and easy to clean.
In fact, the 3 chamfering grooves allow for options for edge chamfering to help you complete your woodworking project in the best possible way.
On top of it, an Overmold depth knob with 10 positive steps would take care of the precision requirements as well as the accuracy.
Furthermore, for enhanced control and a high-quality finish, the planer comprises of 1.5-inch cast aluminum shoe.
And, you know what, the good thing is all these idiosyncratic features come at an affordable price.
So, do I still need to convince you?
Just forget to mention, PC60THP also comes with a 3-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Check PC60THP Current Price On AmazonGrizzly Industrial G0505 | Best Portable Benchtop Planer
As the name suggests, Grizzly G0505 comes with all the necessary ingredients that you look for in an industrial planer.
And, you know what, all these superlative features come in a portable form which makes the G0505 highly significant for any kind of project.
So, what can you expect from this high-end high-quality portable planer?
Well, if you’re looking for a lightweight and portable planer that doesn’t lack power and design as well as doesn’t compromise on cutting speed, then trust me, G0505 is perhaps one of the best portable planers that you can buy right now.
To be honest, with the below-mention features, you’ll definitely agree that the manufacturer has tried to the best of its capabilities to make this 12-1/2″ planer one of its kind.
- 2 HP motor
- 10,000 RPM cutter head
- 32 FPM feed rate
- Top-mounted return rollers
- Additional features such as 1/8″-thick knives are meant to rule the job sites for years to come, isn’t it?
Not only that, but the manufacturer has also put loads and loads of effort into making this portable planer the next level of user-friendly.
Keeping safety on top priority, the planer comes with an ON/OFF toggle switch with a safety lock.
The top-mounted return rollers, extra-large extension tables, lifting handles, double-sided blades, and thermal overload protection further add to the flexibility, usability, and convenience.
Well, you don’t have to worry at all about your woodworking projects that require precision as the easy-to-read cutting height gauge would do the work for you.
The 73 pounds G0505 can be easily moved between the job sites without any hassle.
Personally, I love the thermal overloaded feature as it protects the planer against unwanted overload.
All in all, a highly portable planer that you can consider a jack of all trades.
Check Grizzly Industrial G0505 Current Price On AmazonBosch PL2632K | Best Portable Planer For Woodworking
So, the last portable planer that was made to our list is from the brand BOSCH.
As we all know, BOSCH is a well-known and well-established brand so you can definitely trust its offering without any second thought.
The model PL2632K is one of its kind and is a perfect fit for woodworking enthusiasts.
With a 6.5 Amp motor and an RPM of 16,500, you can expect this little beast to remove the stock very fast.
Just to add, the finishes are very smooth and of high quality with minimum scope for error.
Keeping in mind the problems faced by the newbies, the manufacturer has come up with a built-in machined groove for chamfering as well as aluminum front and rear shoes for high precision and accuracy.
Furthermore, the blades and the tool-testing spots are well protected by the spring-loaded stand that is capable of elevating the planer.
Keeping in mind the varying requirement of woodworking projects, the Bosch PL2632 gives you an option of a two-blade system so that you can accommodate high-speed steel blades if your project requires it.
In order to minimize the accidents, the manufacturer has added a built-in lock-off release button and a lock-on button for extended operation.
Another good thing about this portable planer is that it is meant for the accommodation of a large shaving bag, and also, the dust ports are located on both sides so that you can move the chip-ejection switch to discharge the shavings left or right.
Furthermore, you don’t have to worry at all about the durability and longevity of the planer as it is built with a poly micro-V drive belt.
At the same time, even though you’re a first-time user you wouldn’t find any difficulty in positioning the tool and the cord because it comes with a built-in ball-joint cord swivel.
Keeping in mind the requirement of the newbies and the problem faced by them, the manufacturer has introduced separate inch and metric depth scales for easy setting of planning depth.
Lastly, the 14.53 pounds PL2632K could be a great fit if you’re looking for a portable planer that is powerful, versatile, convenient, robust, and accurate.
Check PL2632K Current Price On AmazonThings to Consider When Buying a Portable Planer
Well, I highly recommend you should go through this section carefully as it will help you in making an informed buying decision.
Irrespective of whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced one, I highly recommend you to spend time on the buying guide section.
Portability
It is really important that you should consider portability as a top priority because it will give you flexibility as well as ease of use.
For example, considering a cordless planer over a corded one would give you a better option when it comes to moving the planer to every nook and corner of your Jobsite.
Portability could play a significant role if you’re Jobsite isn’t spacious.
However, you shouldn’t compromise with other features such as power, convenience, safety, price, RPM, etc on behalf of portability.
Safety
Well, safety could become another important parameter if you’ve kids in your house.
As discussed in the portable planer review section, some planers are safer than others because they come with features like safety locks.
If you’re a first-time buyer then you should ask the salesperson about all the measures that you should take to operate the planer safely.
For example, you should ensure that the cutter reaches maximum speed before you start cutting.
Secondly, you should use both your hands smoothly for operating the planer.
Lastly, I highly recommend that you should wear protective gear such as eyeglasses and also try to wear protective clothing to mitigate the probability of unfavorable incidence.
Chip Direction
A proper selection of chip direction would help you in enhancing both flexibility as well as efficiency.
In fact, you should always look for a portable planer that offers an option for the left or right chip direction.
It will help you in determining the dust bag as well as the location of the dust collector depending on the job.
Chord Length
Well, if your preference is a corded planer over the cordless counterpart then definitely look for a planer that comes with a longer cord length.
A longer cord would give you better access anywhere on your woodworking site.
At the same time, a corded planer could become a point of concern if you’ve to move it from one Jobsite to another every other day as you’ll have to coil the planer every time.
Horse Power And Revolution Per Minute
I highly recommend you should buy a portable planer that comes with a good HP and high RPM so that you can expedite even complex woodworking projects without wasting any time.
You shouldn’t compromise on HP and RPM even though you’ve to spend some extra bucks.
Definitely, in the long run, HP and RPM would pay for every extra penny spent on the planner to get these parameters.
Price
Trust me, the costliest product isn’t always the best one.
Do you really need a high-end planner?
Or, an affordable planner would do the trick for you.
In fact, you need to ask such questions to yourself to come up with a conclusion.
I highly recommend going for an affordable model until and unless your woodworking project has an idiosyncratic superlative requirement.
However, buying a budget portable planer doesn’t mean that you should compromise on essential parameters.
Warranty
Warranty is yet another important parameter that you should consider when it comes to buying a portable planer.
Look for the model and the brand that comes with a good year of warranty.
Secondly, read the warranty documents thoroughly, and in the case of doubts clear them with your seller before buying the planer.
Cutting Depth, Blades, and Accessories
Well, the cutting depth can be defined as the amount of wood that your planer would cut in one run so it is very important for you to understand the requirement of your woodworking projects.
Depending upon your requirement, you need to select the cutting depth for your planer.
When it comes to blades, I highly recommend carbide blades over their HSS counterparts because the former is more robust and durable.
Furthermore, look for the brands and models that come with necessary accessories so that the planner can suffice the needs of your projects.
Lastly, it is highly recommended that you do research on some other parameters such as cutter head, dust control function, adapter, etc.
FAQs
As promised to my clientele and readers of this blog, I would be responding to the queries related to the best portable planer in this section.
In case, you also have questions related to portable then feel free to mail us your questions.
Someone from our team would definitely respond with possible solutions.
Should I buy a planer or a jointer?
Well, the best answer would be to buy both for the best results from your woodworking projects.
Nonetheless, if you’re on a shoestring budget and can buy only one of the two at one time then definitely buy a planer first.
By buying a planner would help you to accomplish more on your own as compared to a Jointer.
Needless to say, the task of thickness is the main thing that a planner is good at doing.
To be honest, you can use a planer as long as your rough boards are fairly straight.
In fact, you can directly send your rough boards through the planer by taking alternating light passes on each side.
After cleaning both faces, you’ll mostly find that they are flat and parallel.
So, always opt for a planer over a joiner if you’ve limited funds and can buy only one out of the two.
What can I use instead of a planner?
Well, if you don’t have a planer handy and your woodworking project demands to plane the wood then definitely you can try the below 6 ideas.
- Try a table saw
- Don’t hesitate from using a router
- Even a jackplane would do the trick for you
- Well, trying a wide belt or drum sander isn’t a bad idea at all
- Use sandpaper
- If the above ideas don’t work for you then take it to a cabinet maker
How to use a planner?
Well, check out the self-explanatory video for using a planner as a pro.
It’s A Wrap
First of all, I would like to thank you on behalf of me and my team for staying with us till the end.
To be honest, I along with my team have tried to the best of our capabilities to make the best portable planer buying guide comprehensive as well as newbie-friendly.
In case, you still have any doubts or queries related to the best portable planer, you can reach out to us through email.
Cutting a long story short, which is your favorite portable planer?
What is the budget that you’re willing to spend on a portable planner?
Lastly, share this portable planer buying guide with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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