If you’re just starting out in woodworking, a hand planer is an essential tool to have in your arsenal. It’s perfect for smoothing out rough edges, trimming down boards, and creating precise angles. However, with so many options out there, it can be challenging to know which one to choose.
When it comes to beginner hand planers, there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase. First, you’ll want to think about the size and weight of the planer. A lightweight and compact planer is ideal for beginners, as it will be easier to handle and maneuver. Additionally, you’ll want to think about the blade type and adjustability. A beginner-friendly hand planer should have a sharp blade and easy-to-use adjustment knobs.
After researching and testing various hand planers, we’ve identified the best beginner hand planer on the market. Our top pick offers excellent performance and ease of use, making it the perfect choice for those just starting out in woodworking. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this hand planer stand out from the rest.
Best Beginner Hand Planers
If you’re just starting out with woodworking, a hand planer can be an essential tool for smoothing and shaping wood. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best beginner hand planers available on Amazon. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or a more advanced model, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks.
STANLEY Hand Planer
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable hand planer, the STANLEY Hand Planer is a great option for beginners.
Pros
- The cutter is fully adjustable for depth of cut and alignment.
- The finger-rest at the front of the plane adds comfort and control.
- The durable epoxy coating provides long-lasting protection.
Cons
- The blade may need sharpening before use.
- The small size may cause hand fatigue after prolonged use.
- The mouth is fixed and does not adjust.
This hand planer is a great tool for smoothing and shaping wood. The cutter is easy to adjust, allowing you to achieve the desired depth of cut and alignment. The finger-rest at the front of the plane adds comfort and control, making it easier to use for extended periods of time. The durable epoxy coating provides long-lasting protection, ensuring that the hand planer will last for years to come.
One potential downside is that the blade may need sharpening before use. Additionally, the small size of the plane may cause hand fatigue after prolonged use. Finally, the mouth is fixed and does not adjust, which may limit its versatility.
In summary, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable hand planer, the STANLEY Hand Planer is a great option for beginners.
HOZOE Chamfer Plane for Wood
If you’re a beginner woodworker looking for a reliable hand planer, the HOZOE Chamfer Plane for Wood is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The HOZOE Chamfer Plane for Wood is made of high-quality metal and ABS materials, making it sturdy and long-lasting.
- This hand planer comes with four types of cutter heads, making it versatile and suitable for various woodworking projects.
- The double-sided horizontal bubble makes it easy to observe the adjustable level, ensuring precision and accuracy in your work.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the radius sizes are not as advertised and do not match the product description.
- The blade may go dull after a few uses, requiring frequent sharpening and maintenance.
- The cuts may not be as clean as desired, and the tool may tend to tear the wood instead of cutting it smoothly.
Overall, the HOZOE Chamfer Plane for Wood is a decent hand planer that can be used by both beginners and professionals. Its sturdy construction, versatile cutter heads, and adjustable level make it a reliable tool for various woodworking projects. However, the radius sizes may not be accurate, and the blade may require frequent sharpening. If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile hand planer, the HOZOE Chamfer Plane for Wood is worth considering.
WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable hand planer, the WEN 6530 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 6-Amp motor provides up to 34,000 cuts per minute, making it quick and efficient.
- With 16 positive stops, you can adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/8 inches, allowing for precision and accuracy.
- The package includes a dust bag, a rabbeting guide, a kickstand, and a parallel fence bracket, making it a great value for the price.
Cons
- At 6 pounds, it’s not the lightest hand planer on the market, which can make it tiring to use for extended periods of time.
- The maximum cutting depth of 1/8 inch may not be sufficient for some projects.
- Some users have reported issues with the blade becoming dull after a short period of use.
Overall, the WEN 6530 is a solid choice for a beginner hand planer. It’s easy to use, versatile, and comes with a range of useful accessories. While it may not be the most powerful or lightweight option out there, it’s a great value for the price and should be more than sufficient for most DIY projects.
Ryobi HPL52K 6 Amp 16,500 RPM 3 1/4″ Corded Hand Planer w/ Kickstand and Dual Dust Ports
If you’re looking for a beginner hand planer, you should definitely consider the Ryobi HPL52K. It’s a powerful tool that can shave down wood quickly and efficiently, and it’s packed with features that make it easy to use.
Pros
- The adjustable depth lets you tackle a variety of woodworking projects with maximum precision.
- The rubber overmold on the grip allows precise handling, even in slippery conditions.
- The lock-off button prevents accidental activation, which saves you from ruining your work causing damage to equipment or yourself.
Cons
- The dust bag could be a bit bigger.
- The planer is a bit heavy, which can make it tiring to use for extended periods.
- It’s a corded tool, so you’ll need to be near an outlet to use it.
The Ryobi HPL52K is a solid choice for anyone who needs a hand planer for their woodworking projects. The adjustable depth is a great feature that lets you tackle a variety of different projects with precision, and the rubber overmold on the grip makes it easy to handle even in slippery conditions. The lock-off button is also a nice safety feature that prevents accidental activation.
One downside to the Ryobi HPL52K is that the dust bag could be a bit bigger. If you’re working on a large project, you may need to empty it frequently. Another downside is that the planer is a bit heavy, which can make it tiring to use for extended periods. Finally, it’s a corded tool, so you’ll need to be near an outlet to use it.
Overall, the Ryobi HPL52K is a great beginner hand planer that’s packed with features that make it easy to use. If you’re in the market for a hand planer, this one is definitely worth considering.
WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer
If you are a beginner looking for an affordable and lightweight hand planer, the WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer might be the right tool for you.
Pros
- The 3.8-amp motor provides up to 32,000 cuts per minute, making it easy to handle even the toughest wood surfaces.
- The 9 positive stops allow you to adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/16 inches, providing you with more control over the planing process.
- The lightweight design weighs only 4.3 pounds, which makes it easy to use for extended periods without getting tired.
Cons
- The planer does not come with a dust collection bag, which can make a huge mess during use.
- The blades might break easily if you are not careful with the tool.
- The planer might not be suitable for professional use, as it is not as durable as some of the more expensive models on the market.
Overall, the WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a great tool for beginners who are looking for an affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-use hand planer. It might not be the best option for professionals or for those who need a lot of power and durability, but for occasional use, it is a solid choice. If you are on a budget and looking for a reliable hand planer, the WEN 6528 might be the right tool for you.
YOGEON Hand Planer
If you’re looking for a hand planer to help you perfect the shape and dimensions of wood or to give it a final finish, the YOGEON Hand Planer is a great option. Here are some pros and cons to consider before making your purchase:
Pros
- The compact size fits anywhere without taking up the entire surface, making it easy to store when not in use.
- The handle with a contoured design fits comfortably in the hand, making this planer easy to hold and control.
- The blade is made of high-quality steel, sharper and more durable, allowing for greater accuracy and confidence.
Cons
- The foot of the chipper rested on its pointy ends, making it difficult to use and in need of improvement.
- The finish could be improved for better initial fit and finish.
- The dowel is missing from some products.
Overall, the YOGEON Hand Planer is a great option for woodworkers of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. It’s perfect for cutting, polishing, and deburring woodworking surfaces. With its compact size and comfortable handle grip, it’s a great tool for tackling a range of professional and DIY wood projects.
EXXO No. 4 Jack Bench Hand Plane
If you are looking for an affordable, easy-to-use hand planer for your woodworking projects, the EXXO No. 4 Jack Bench Hand Plane is a great option. It is a professional-grade tool that is perfect for flattening and reducing rough wood thickness.
Pros
- The EXXO No. 4 Jack Bench Hand Plane is made with high-quality, durable materials for long-lasting use.
- It is easy to adjust and quick to set up, making it a convenient tool to work with.
- The bench plane is a widely used wood planer that is suitable for many crafting and woodworking projects.
Cons
- The blade may require sharpening before use.
- The product does not come with a manual.
- The rear handle may rock slightly if backward force is applied.
This classic wood planer is suitable for use as a thickness planer or wood reducer for shaping, planing, joining, carving, building, machining, and making while changing planes as required. It is a great addition to commonly used woodworking tools and accessories and is good for sanding, polishing, and grinding rough surfaces.
The EXXO No. 4 Jack Bench Hand Plane is a useful appliance that can be used on hard and softwood, including maple, oak, plywood, cedar, boards, and more. It features an adjustable edge, which allows users to cut at a wide depth, and an adjustable throat plate, making it great for different types of wood.
In conclusion, if you are a beginner or a pro carpenter looking for an affordable and easy-to-use wood planer, the EXXO No. 4 Jack Bench Hand Plane is a great choice. It is a professional-grade tool that is perfect for flattening and reducing rough wood thickness.
YOGEON Mini Wood Planer
If you’re a beginner looking for a small hand planer to tackle small woodworking projects, the YOGEON Mini Wood Planer is a great option.
Pros
- The contoured design of the handle provides a comfortable grip, making it easy to control.
- The precision ground cutter allows for cutting with greater accuracy and confidence.
- The miniature size makes it perfect for trimming and adjusting miters, joinery, and fitting doors and drawers.
Cons
- The depth of the blade can be difficult to set due to its construction.
- The plane itself doesn’t seem to work too well and gets caught, making the wood rough.
- The blade needs to be honed before use.
The YOGEON Mini Wood Planer is a small, lightweight tool that is perfect for woodworking enthusiasts of all skill levels. The handle is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, making it easy to hold and control. The precision ground cutter allows for cutting with greater accuracy and confidence, making it ideal for flattening, squaring, and initial smoothing.
One downside of this hand planer is that the depth of the blade can be difficult to set due to its construction. Additionally, the blade needs to be honed before use. However, the miniature size of the plane makes it perfect for trimming and adjusting miters, joinery, and fitting doors and drawers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a small hand planer to tackle small woodworking projects, the YOGEON Mini Wood Planer is a great option. It’s lightweight, easy to control, and perfect for beginners.
Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane
If you’re looking for a beginner hand planer, the Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The cast iron body provides stability and strength, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The impact-resistant plastic handle with contoured grip offers excellent control and comfort while using the tool.
- The durable steel alloy blade makes quality cuts and is adjustable, allowing you to achieve precise results.
Cons
- The factory setting needs to be adjusted before using the tool directly, which can be confusing for beginners.
- The sole of the plane may not be flat, which can cause issues when trying to make precise cuts.
- Some users have reported that the blade can become dull quickly and may need to be sharpened frequently.
Overall, the Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane is a great tool for beginners who are looking to get into woodworking. While there are some minor drawbacks to the tool, such as the need to adjust the factory setting and the potential for a non-flat sole, the pros outweigh the cons. The cast iron body and contoured grip handle offer stability and control while using the tool, and the durable steel alloy blade allows for precise cuts. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable beginner hand planer, the Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
If you are a beginner looking to purchase a hand planer, there are a few key features to keep in mind to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Blade Width
The blade width is an important consideration as it will determine the size of the material you can work with. A wider blade will allow you to cover more surface area, but it may also be more difficult to control. A narrower blade, on the other hand, may be easier to handle but will require more passes to cover the same area.
Blade Adjustment
The ability to adjust the blade depth is crucial for achieving the desired level of precision. Some hand planers come with a lever or knob that allows you to adjust the blade while others require a wrench or screwdriver. Look for a model that offers easy and precise adjustment.
Ergonomics
Since hand planers require a fair amount of physical effort, it’s important to choose a model that feels comfortable in your hand. Look for a planer with a comfortable grip and a weight that feels balanced. Some models also come with features such as a dust collection port or a chip ejection system to make the job easier.
Durability
Choose a hand planer that is made from high-quality materials and built to last. Look for models with a sturdy base, a strong blade, and a durable body. A hand planer with a good warranty can also give you peace of mind and protect your investment.
Price
Hand planers can range in price from less than $20 to several hundred dollars. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when making your selection. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best hand planer for your needs and achieve professional-quality results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a hand planer as a beginner?
When selecting a hand planer as a beginner, it’s important to consider the size and weight of the tool, as well as the blade’s sharpness and adjustability. Look for a hand planer with a comfortable grip and a blade that can be easily adjusted for depth and angle. A hand planer with a wider blade can also be helpful for beginners as it can cover more surface area.
How does a low angle jack plane differ from a low angle block plane?
A low angle jack plane is larger and has a longer sole, making it more suitable for flattening and smoothing large surfaces. A low angle block plane, on the other hand, is smaller and more maneuverable, making it ideal for planing end grain and smaller surfaces.
What is the most cost-effective hand planer for newcomers to woodworking?
The most cost-effective hand planer for newcomers to woodworking is typically a block plane. These planes are smaller and less expensive than other types of hand planes, making them a great option for beginners.
Which type of hand plane is recommended for a first-time purchase?
For a first-time purchase, a block plane or a smoothing plane is a good option. These types of planes are versatile and can handle a variety of tasks, making them a great choice for beginners.
What are the essential factors to consider when selecting a hand planer for a novice woodworker?
When selecting a hand planer for a novice woodworker, it’s important to consider the size and weight of the tool, as well as the blade’s sharpness and adjustability. Look for a hand planer with a comfortable grip and a blade that can be easily adjusted for depth and angle. It’s also important to consider the type of woodworking projects you’ll be working on and select a plane that is suitable for those tasks.
How do I maintain a hand planer to ensure its longevity and effectiveness?
To maintain a hand planer, it’s important to keep the blade sharp and clean. After each use, wipe down the blade and oil it to prevent rusting. You should also periodically check the blade’s alignment and adjust it as needed. Finally, store the hand planer in a dry place to prevent rusting and damage.
