8 Best Electric Hand Planers of 2023 Reviewed | Buyer’s Guide
Did you know hand planers, like most other woodworking tools, date back thousands of years in history? We aren’t kidding. It’s known for a fact that wooden planers were found in early Roman excavations. It is also believed that ancient Egyptians may have used a certain form of hand planing tool in their times. While […]
Did you know hand planers, like most other woodworking tools, date back thousands of years in history?
We aren’t kidding. It’s known for a fact that wooden planers were found in early Roman excavations. It is also believed that ancient Egyptians may have used a certain form of hand planing tool in their times.
While the basic design of planers has changed very little since the Roman times, today with the inclusion of cutting-edge features, the accuracy of this power tool has improved significantly.
From shaving off unwanted protrusions to trimming edges, wood planers are extremely useful tools, and a must to create a comprehensive, personalized workspace.
However, finding a good hand planner is quite a task. There’s a vast sea of options available on the internet, and you want to make sure you get your money’s worth. But how do you come across an ideal one? We’re glad you asked!
We have prepared this extensive review to shed some light on the best planners available. At the end of this list, you will also find a Buyer’s guide that will definitely solve all the questions you have in your mind right now.
So, let’s begin, shall we?
Best Electric Hand Planers
Whether you’re a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, you’re sure to find a hand planer on this list that will meet your needs. So, without further ado, here’s the list of the 8 best electric hand planers.
1. DEWALT(DW680K) Hand Planer – Best for Comfort & Versatility
Dewalt Tools Co. is a brand globally renowned for manufacturing innovative power tools. And the DW680K carries the legacy forward with its versatile features. With this planer in your workbench, you can bet to get clean, smooth, and undamaged surfaces when you sharpen your boards.
- Heavy-duty 7.0 amp motor of the electric hand planner...
- 3/32-inch (2.5mm) maximum cut in one pass reduces the amount...
Why Did We Like It?
Despite minor faults, we have no problem saying, among all the electric hand planes we tested, Dewalt was one of the most comfortable ones we came across. The model has been specially engineered with a heavy-duty 7.0 amp motor that is capable of tackling both soft and hardwood finishes.
Coming to its core features, its unique brushless motor provides 32000 cuts per minute, allowing you to achieve a smooth surface within just a few minutes. Also, we were happy to see that the tool is equipped with twin-blade drums and reversible carbide blades that are ideal for working on frames with straight edges.
DeWalt comes adorned with an ergonomically designed handle for greater comfort and minimal operational fatigue. The molded grip of the handle fits securely in hand most of the time and stays put, and that seemingly small touch goes a long way in terms of increasing safety.
What Could’ve Been Better?
What made us really upset with this model is the fact it doesn’t come with a dust extractor, which means it can create quite a mess. We would recommend you buy one separately if you don’t want to spend hours cleaning the workplace after each woodworking session.
- Comes with resharpenable high-speed blades
- Features calibrated Depth Adjustment Knob
- Come with reversible carbide blades
- Has a 7.0 Amp motor
- Does not include a dust extractor
2. WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer – Best for Budget-Friendly Option & Efficiency
WEN is one of those top-class reliable brands which manufacture affordable products that deliver great value for money. So, it’s safe to say; for professionals in search of precision blades, the 6530 electric hand planer can be a go-to tool. It’s pocket-friendly, has garnered great consumer reviews, runs quite smoothly, and comes equipped with all the essential features for fluid maneuverability.
- 6 Amp motor provides up to 34,000 cuts per minute
- 16 positive stops adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0...
Why Did We Like It?
To begin with, the WEN hand Planer comes with everything you need to smoothen out the irregularities from the surface of your boards and make them perfectly aligned.
It sports a decent 6-AMP motor that can plane away rough edges quickly and efficiently. Also, this product comes with a promise of delivering more than 34,000 cuts to your workpiece, making it ideal for fixing stubborn joints of wooden doors.
Impressively, the 16 positive stops increment of the machine helps it deliver a cutting width of 3-¼ inches and a cutting depth of ⅛ inch. This makes the 6530 a perfect tool for squaring out pieces of wood.
Adding to your convenience, the product also features a multi-directional dust chute. You can attach it on any one side of the device as per your preference, and it will pick up all the loose wood chips and sawdust, keeping your workspace clean.
What Could’ve Been Better?
While the 16-stop knob is quite a handy feature, it has one problematic aspect. The knob cannot be locked in a specific setting, and you will need to be extremely careful about not twisting it while you work. That would automatically change the depth settings, and you will end up with an uneven surface.
- Features a 6-amp motor
- Provides 34,000 cuts per minute
- Features 16 positive stops
- Includes rabbeting guide, kickstand, and parallel fence bracket
- The knob settings tend to shift if you are not careful
3. Makita KP0800K Electric Hand Pruner – Best for Precision & Smooth Performance
Speaking of best-value recommendations, Makita makes an ideal tool for professionals on the lookout for dependable and versatile electric planers. It is one of the most reliable brands you can trust when it comes to polishing and smoothing accuracy. This compact planer is also affordable and has everything in store to deliver an impressive polish.
- 6.5 AMP motor delivers more output power for increased stock...
- Planes up to 3-1/4" wide and 3/32" deep in a single pass
Why Did We Like It?
Makita is apt for professional construction framing, window installations, and delicate woodworking tasks that demand precise cutting actions.
Coming to its core features, the manufacturers have designed the tool with a powerful 6.5 Amp motor that delivers 17,000 RPM output for increased stock removal. Additionally, the device is equipped with double-edge carbide blades that can plane up to 3/32 inches deep and 3-1/4 inches wide boards, in each pass.
Speaking of user-friendly construction, the tool weighs only 5.7 lbs and comes with ergonomically-centered front and rear handles for comfortable operation. Also, it features a machine-balanced planer drum, engineered for reducing vibration during work, which adds to the product’s durability.
Promoting ease of use, the product has also been engineered with a conveniently designed on/off lock button that can be operated from both sides of the planer.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Though Makita delivers everything it promises, we were disappointed to see that it doesn’t function well when used in full power. When operated at the maximum potential, the raging planer tends to vibrate and shift from the place, damaging the wood in the process.
- Coomes with a 7.5 amp powerful motor
- Cuts up to 3.96 mm deep in one swing
- Comes with a durable aluminum case
- Includes ball bearing for longevity
- Full power might damage the softwood
4. Porter-Cable PC60THP Hand Planer
Ideal for DIYs and contractors alike, the Porter-Cable Electric hand planer is another cost-effective and versatile option to look out for. Though it isn’t a superbly advanced tool for professionals, it offers some pretty decent features as compared to standard hand planers.
- Heavy-duty 6 amp motor of the electric hand planner provides...
- The hand planer has 16,500 rpm for smooth material removal
Why Did We Like It?
Honestly speaking, the PC60THP might seem to be a bit of a disappointment at first glance. It does not come with the wide array of cutting-edge features that most professionals expect from their electric planers. However, it can be an ideal assistant for first-timers/ DIY-ers seeking great control and accuracy over their shaping and cutting projects.
The first thing that caught our attention was its enormous 6 Amp motor. It is capable of generating 165000 RPM and gives an accurate depth of cut of 5/64 inches so that you can slide effortlessly across softwood. However, we would advise against pushing its limits with hardwood as that might damage its blades and decrease its productivity in the long run.
The model also features 3 chamfering grooves, allowing you to try out a hand in edging as well. Moreover, you get 10 positive depth stops, for versatile cutting and increased planer control.
What Could’ve Been Better?
As per the concerns raised by some of the buyers, the small size of the dust bag hampers the workflow as it needs to be emptied frequently. This is the only aspect that makes it inconvenient for professional projects. Other than that, the tool offers superb value for money.
- Comes with a large 6 Amp motor
- Allows dual-side dust extraction
- Features 3 chamfering grooves
- Has an 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe
- The dust bag is a bit small in size
5. Bosch PL2632K Electric Hand Planer
Our next recommendation comes from one of the world’s leading manufacturers of woodworking appliances, Bosch. Accuracy of cutting is everything when it comes to smoothing and finishing work in carpentry, and Bosch excels in manufacturing power tools that deliver precise cuts every time.
- Power: the Bosch PL2632K Jointer Planer features a 6. 5 amp...
- Convenient: our electric Planer is the first-ever power tool...
Why Did We Like It?
Chief among its core features is the ambidextrous lock-off release button that prevents the planer from getting started accidentally. Also, we would like to mention it is the first power tool in the market that was introduced with this useful feature.
As we all know, even the most efficient and experienced woodworkers get fatigued from prolonged shaping sessions with standard hand planers. But the 6.5 Amp motor of Bosch PL2632K cuts at a speed of 165000 RPM, ensuring fast removal, thereby letting you work for hours to come without straining your hands.
Adding to your convenience, the product also boasts of featuring a spring-loaded stand that keeps the tool elevated and protects the blades from damage.
What Could’ve Been Better?
While the product sets the bar higher for user convenience in most of its aspects, we were really disappointed to notice it does not include the most essential one; the dust bag. Also, the depth knob doesn’t click into place, increasing the chances of getting changed to a different mode while in use.
- Comes with a ball-joint cord swivel
- Features 6.5 Amp motor
- Comes with an ejection control system
- Separate inch and metric depth
- Comes with machined grooved
- Does not include a dust bag
- Depth knob doesn’t click into place
6. DeWalt D26676 Portable Hand Planer
DeWalt returns to our list with another fantastic unit, designed especially for the ones looking for a mid-range durable product. After testing this unit personally, we were very impressed to see it comes with efficient reversible carbide blades that are not only durable but also user-friendly and convenient.
Here’s a quick glimpse of what more this tool has to offer.
- Powerful 5.5 amp motor of the electric hand planner provides...
- The hand planer featuring 34,000 cuts per minute achieves a...
Why Did We Like It?
To begin with, the goodwill of DeWalt itself speaks for the durability and convenience of this tool. Coming to the nitty-gritty, the resharpenable high-speed steel blades of this model sets the bar higher for even the premium counterparts. And, thanks to the 5.5 Amp motor, the large high-speed steel blades get the optimum power needed for providing a smooth and even finish in the hardest of woods.
The D26676 is a compact and lightweight model, but it will be a great mistake to underestimate its efficiency only by judging its size. Despite the compact construction, the ergonomic tool is capable of delivering 34,000 cuts per minute. It also comes with a depth-adjusting knob that can be calibrated to 1/16 inch approximately, allowing faster and more efficient removal.
Moreover, the tool is also adorned with a kickstand that allows you to rest the device on the top of your work surface without worrying about gouging the material in the process.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Well, we were disappointed to see the tool does not feature a collecting bag and leaves piles of mess on the work floor. Moreover, some of the users also complained that the adjustment knob is a bit flimsy and can be a bit difficult to operate.
- Delivers 34, 000 cuts per minute
- Includes large resharpenable steel blades
- Accepts reversible carbide blades
- Comes with a kickstand
- Has ergonomic handles
- Do not include dust collecting bag
- Adjustment knob doesn’t work properly
7. Makita KP0810 3- ¼ inch Hand Planer
If you don’t mind spending some extra bucks on getting yourself an innovative and high-end hand planer, Makita KP0810 can be your way to go. As we have already seen with the KP0800K, the company excels in the arena of manufacturing efficient and durable planers that comes equipped with top-notch technologies.
- Planes up to 3-1/4" Wide and 5/32" Deep in a single pass
- Two-blade cutter head with 16, 000 RPM delivers smooth...
Why Did We Like It?
We enjoyed the comfortable vibration-dampening grip of the product, which helps you tackle the planer in slippery conditions. Furthermore, it also comes with the provision of adjusting the cutting depths of the passes with simply a quick twist of the control knob.
What we really appreciate about the adjusting knob is that it click stops in every 0.1 mm increments and comes with an easy-to-read scale for delivering perfectly measured cuts.
Also, we were pleasantly surprised to find the tool comes equipped with double-edge carbide blades for efficient performance. Thanks to these super-fine blades, the device can deliver up to 3- ¼ inch wide and 5/32 inch deep cuts in a single pass.
Plus, keeping in mind the longevity factor, the blade drums of the tool come covered with robust die-cast aluminum housing that adds to its overall durability.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The only flipside of the tool is that it does not come with a case or storage bag, which is simply unacceptable.
- 3- ¼ inch wide and 5/32 inch deep planting
- Comes with a two-blade cutter head
- Interchangeable chip ejection
- Features depth adjusting knob
- Conveniently located on-off button
- Does not come with any storage bag
8. Ryobi Corded Hand Planer
Well, those looking for an affordable and handy planer that also delivers quality results, will be delighted with this compact tool from Ryobi. Weighing only 3 lbs, it’s the lightest hand planer we have reviewed in our list of recommendations and is ideal for jobs that do not demand extreme precision.
- ADJUSTABLE: Adjust your depth from 0-1/8" in 1/96”...
- GRIPZONE OVERMOLD: A rubber molding over the grip allows...
Why did we like it?
Although it operates a bit slower than the other budget options we have reviewed until now, the 6 Amp motor is pretty reliable and tackles most of the jobs smoothly. The device is also quite convenient to operate as the rubber over mold increases friction and reduces the chances of slips, giving it an edge over its competitors.
Coming to the nitty-gritty of the model, we must mention the advanced lock system makes this an extremely safe tool to work with. Also, it features an adjustable depth knob that allows you to adjust the depth from a range of 0-1/8″ in 1/96″ for maximum accuracy.
Furthermore, the tool also comes with dual exhaust ports and a rear-mounted kickstand as an added convenience.
All in all, we can say Ryobi is a well-rounded package for any newbie woodworker or DIYer who needs just the bare minimum to get the job done.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Before signing up for this model, keep in mind that the cord is only six feet long, and you will require an extension cord for most of the jobs. And, that’s the only real drawback here.
- Depth adjustable knobs
- Grip zone over mold for precise handling
- Dual exhaust ports
- Rear-mounted kickstand
- Cord length not satisfactory
- DeWalt is the cheapest and the lightest
Best Electric Hand Planer Comparison Table
| Product | Weight (lbs) | Power Source | Maximum Cutting Depth (inches) | No. of Blades | Dust Collection System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT(DW680K) Hand Planer | 6.2 | Corded | 3/32 | 3 | Yes |
| WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer | 6 | Corded | 1/8 | 2 | Yes |
| Makita KP0800K Electric Hand Pruner | 5.7 | Corded | 3/32 | 2 | Yes |
| Porter-Cable PC60THP Hand Planer | 8 | Corded | 5/64 | 2 | Yes |
| Bosch PL2632K Electric Hand Planer | 6.3 | Corded | 3/32 | 2 | Yes |
| DeWalt D26676 Portable Hand Planer | 5.5 | Corded | 1/16 | 2 | Yes |
| Makita KP0810 3- ¼ inch Hand Planer | 7.3 | Corded | 3/32 | 2 | Yes |
| Ryobi Corded Hand Planer | 6.7 | Corded | 1/16 | 2 | Yes |
Buying Guide For The Best Electric Hand Planer
Undoubtedly, a wood planer is the ideal handy tool you must include in your workbench for resurfacing and straightening wood stocks quickly and efficiently.
But the market is full of confusing options, and more often than not, we fall for the fancy gimmicks and end up with inferior quality products.
So, in case you don’t know what really makes a hand planner good or bad, the following guide is going to be a blessing for you.
The blades
The planer’s blades are fundamental to its output quality. For precision woodworking, it will be best to opt for one with an adjustable cutting depth. Premium planers also come with a lock button that holds the blade in place for a consistent planting depth.
Power
If you are going to use the tool frequently on hardwoods, it will be essential to buy one that delivers sufficient motor power and consistent cuts. Generally, craftsmen prefer planers with at least 5-6 amp motor power or above as they deliver a smoother output without straining the tool.
Ergonomic handles
Needless to say, working with hand planers is a tiresome task, so you may consider buying one with comfortable rubber grips and built-in guide fences. The fences help you to glide through the wooden boards with uniform cuts even when the hand becomes fatigued after several passes.
Accessories
You must check whether the kit comes with the necessary accessories like multiple angled guides, cutter heads, jointing adapters, dust control accessories, and rabbeting.
Lightweight
Another aspect that provides immense control and accuracy is the weight of a planner. And this holds true, especially if you are going to use the device frequently for prolonged hours of work. The lighter the device is, the better.
Chip direction
Generally, planers spit out the wood dust and debris in a dedicated dust bag that remains attached to one side of the tool. If you change sides often while working, It will be a good idea to pick a planer that allows you to interchange the dust outlet direction.
Build Construction
Your planner will go through a lot of wear and tear. Therefore, it’s advisable to buy one that features a good build quality and durable blades. Also, you must check whether its base is constructed of non-resistant smooth materials for comfortable maneuverability.
Electric hand planers can be dangerous if not used properly, as the blades are extremely sharp and can cause serious injury. It’s important to follow all safety instructions when using an electric hand planer, such as wearing eye protection and keeping your hands clear of the blade.
Yes, electric hand planers can be used on a variety of different types of wood, including hardwoods, softwoods, and even composite materials. However, you may need to adjust the depth of the blade or the speed of the tool depending on the type of wood you’re working with.
To keep your electric hand planer in good working condition, be sure to clean it regularly and oil the blade as needed. You should also store it in a dry, cool place to prevent rust and other damage.
Yes, electric hand planers can be used to remove paint or other finishes from wood, but you’ll need to be careful not to damage the underlying wood surface. You may also want to use a paint stripper or other chemical remover in combination with the electric hand planer to make the job easier.
Electric hand planers can be used by beginners, but it’s important to read the instructions carefully and start with smaller, simpler projects until you’re comfortable with the tool. You may also want to take a woodworking class or watch online tutorials to learn more about using an electric hand planer safely and effectively.
Electric Hand Planers FAQ's
Conclusion
We hope this extensive guide helps you to find your desired electric hand planer. Although it might seem to be a difficult choice at first, let’s assure you, there is a model out there for every need and every budget.
So, in case you’re a DIYer looking for the first budget model or a professional craftsman in search of a dependable tool- you’ll find it here!
For those seeking comfort and versatility, the DEWALT DW680K Hand Planer is an ideal option. With its powerful 7.0 amp motor, twin-blade drums, and ergonomically designed handle, it provides smooth results and optimal control. However, keep in mind that you might need to purchase a dust extractor separately to ensure a clean workspace.
If you’re on a budget but still require efficiency, the WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer is a good option. This affordable choice delivers 34,000 cuts per minute with a 6-amp motor and features 16 positive stops, providing precise cuts and adjustments. Just be cautious with the depth knob, as it can shift if not carefully handled.
For those prioritizing precision and smooth performance, the Makita KP0800K Electric Hand Planer is the right choice. Its 6.5 Amp motor offers 17,000 RPM output, and its double-edge carbide blades provide flawless results. With its lightweight and user-friendly design, this planer is an excellent tool for a variety of woodworking tasks.
Feel free to contact us or drop in a comment below if you have any queries and we will get in touch right away.
Good luck!
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