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10 Best Planers

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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#1

Winner

DEWALT DW7
23% OFF
Available on
£557.14
23% off
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DEWALT DW733-GB Portable Thicknesser Planer, 230V 1800W,

10.0  score

23% OFF
Available on
£557.14
23% off
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,122
Cutting Depth
Motor Power
Dust Collection
Cutting Depth
Precision in depth control is impressive, thanks to the stability of the 4-pole setup, making it easy to achieve the desired thickness.
Motor Power
The powerful motor ensures an excellent finish on both softwoods and hardwoods, including reclaimed materials.
Dust Collection
Dust extraction works well with the right setup, but managing air volume and suction is crucial to prevent blockages.

The DEWALT DW733-GB Portable Thicknesser Planer is a solid choice for those needing a reliable tool for woodworking, particularly in professional trades or small workshops. The standout feature of this planer is its powerful 1800W motor, which makes it capable of handling large surface planing tasks with ease. This power, combined with a cutterhead speed that efficiently processes materials, ensures a smooth and consistent finish. The planer is designed for portability, a significant advantage if you need to move between job sites. It can be easily fitted to a workbench, enhancing stability and precision during operation.

With large infeed and outfeed tables, this planer provides substantial material support when working with large pieces, improving the surface finish. The integration with DEWALT accessories, like the flush cutting blade, adds versatility to your woodworking tasks.

The planer is a valuable tool if portability and power are your priorities, but it could benefit from additional features like dust collection and detailed specifications on its cutting capabilities.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,122
Cutting Depth
Motor Power
Dust Collection
Cutting Depth
Precision in depth control is impressive, thanks to the stability of the 4-pole setup, making it easy to achieve the desired thickness.
Motor Power
The powerful motor ensures an excellent finish on both softwoods and hardwoods, including reclaimed materials.
Dust Collection
Dust extraction works well with the right setup, but managing air volume and suction is crucial to prevent blockages.
#2

LUMBER JACK 330mm Bench Top Thicknesser Portable Woodworking Machine with Folding Tables, Easy Blade Height Adjustment and Multi Size Dust Port

7.9  score

Available on
£389.99
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Rating
7.9
Dust Collection
Dust Collection
The dust extraction unit's quick switchability from left to right is a practical feature, adding to its overall functionality.

The LUMBER JACK 330mm Bench Top Thicknesser is a compact and portable woodworking machine designed for efficient timber processing. Its cutting width of 330mm and cutting depth capability up to 152mm make it suitable for a variety of woodworking tasks. Powered by a robust 1500W motor, it offers sufficient power to handle most projects, complemented by a feed rate of 7.5m/min which ensures smooth operation.

The 4-post build with 2 blades facilitates a smooth planing action, although some users might prefer a machine with more blades for finer finishes. The large polished table aids in consistent timber feed and the easy blade height adjustment feature allows for precise control over cutting depth using a depth scale indicator, enhancing user convenience. The multi-size dust port is a practical inclusion for maintaining a cleaner workspace, though the effectiveness of dust collection might vary based on setup.

Despite its relatively heavy weight of 35 kilograms, its folding tables enhance portability and storage convenience. While receiving positive customer reviews, its ranking in DIY & Tools suggests it is well-regarded but not top-tier in its category. This thicknesser is particularly well-suited for hobbyists and small workshops looking for a versatile, portable solution for their woodworking needs.

Rating
7.9
Dust Collection
Dust Collection
The dust extraction unit's quick switchability from left to right is a practical feature, adding to its overall functionality.
#3

Scheppach PLM1800 Thickness Planer | 1500W | 330mm Width | 152mm Height | Auto Feed | Crank Adjustment

The Scheppach PLM1800 is a compact, corded electric thickness planer designed for smaller woodworking projects. It offers a cutting width of 152 mm and a cutting length of 330 mm, which suits hobbyists or DIYers working on medium-sized pieces of wood. Its 1500W motor is fairly powerful for this class, enabling smooth and efficient planing through various wood types. The metal build suggests durability and quality construction.

Weighing just 1 kg and featuring a modern style, the planer is lightweight and easy to handle, though this lightness might lead to less stability during heavy-duty use. The product has received positive user ratings, with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars, indicating reliable performance for its price point.

This planer is well suited for beginners or casual woodworkers looking for a straightforward, affordable tool for occasional use rather than for intensive, high-volume planing tasks. Professionals who need precise control over speed or advanced dust management features might find it less suitable.

Buying Guide for the Best Planers

When it comes to choosing a planer, it's important to understand the key specifications that will impact its performance and suitability for your needs. A planer is a woodworking tool used to create flat surfaces and uniform thickness on pieces of wood. The right planer can make your woodworking projects easier and more precise. Here are the key specifications to consider and how to choose the best one for you.
Cutting WidthCutting width refers to the maximum width of wood that the planer can handle in a single pass. This is important because it determines the size of the wood pieces you can work with. Planers typically come in widths ranging from 12 inches to 20 inches or more. If you work with larger pieces of wood, you'll need a planer with a wider cutting width. For smaller projects or hobbyist use, a narrower cutting width may be sufficient.
Cutting DepthCutting depth is the maximum amount of wood that the planer can remove in a single pass. This is crucial for efficiency and achieving the desired thickness quickly. Planers usually offer cutting depths from 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch. If you need to remove a lot of material quickly, a deeper cutting depth is beneficial. However, for finer, more precise work, a shallower cutting depth may be preferable.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in amps or horsepower, determines how powerful the planer is. More powerful motors can handle tougher, harder woods and larger pieces without bogging down. Planers typically range from 10 to 15 amps or 1 to 3 horsepower. If you work with dense hardwoods or large volumes of wood, a more powerful motor is necessary. For lighter, occasional use, a less powerful motor may be adequate.
Cutterhead SpeedCutterhead speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), affects the smoothness of the finish. Higher speeds generally result in a smoother finish because the blades make more cuts per inch. Planers can have speeds ranging from 8,000 to 20,000 RPM. If you need a very smooth finish, look for a planer with a higher cutterhead speed. For general use, a moderate speed may be sufficient.
Number of BladesThe number of blades on the cutterhead impacts the quality of the cut and the smoothness of the finish. Planers typically have two to four blades. More blades mean more cuts per inch, resulting in a smoother finish. If you need a high-quality finish, choose a planer with more blades. For rougher work or initial thicknessing, fewer blades may be adequate.
Dust CollectionDust collection is a feature that helps manage the wood shavings and dust produced during planing. Effective dust collection keeps your workspace cleaner and reduces the risk of inhaling harmful particles. Look for planers with built-in dust ports that can be connected to a shop vac or dust collection system. If you work in a small or enclosed space, good dust collection is especially important.
Feed RateFeed rate, measured in feet per minute (FPM), is the speed at which the wood is fed through the planer. This affects both the quality of the finish and the efficiency of the planing process. Planers typically offer feed rates from 10 to 30 FPM. A slower feed rate can produce a smoother finish, while a faster feed rate can increase productivity. Choose a feed rate that matches your need for quality versus speed.