Do you yearn to spend time relaxing after a job well done? While there are numerous tools that help craftsmen, handymen and DIYers complete their tasks effectively; nothing compares to a good hand planer. Yes, you read it right. Whether you choose to stick to the old-fashioned ones or the electric ones, know that finding a good model can be quite challenging. Even though there’s absolutely no scarcity of models and brands to choose from, the best hand planers are hard to find without adequate guidance. Hence, through this article, you will find details about each of the stated products in terms of weight, power, and much more.
5 Best Hand Planers
1. DEWALT DW680K Hand Planer
ASIN: B00005NMRI
This DEWALT hand planer is easy to use, durable, and also cordless. While it does an excellent job at giving you a smooth finish, it doesn’t come with a dust bag. However, if we must solely focus on its depth, then it’s safe to say that it tremendously reduces your work time by cutting down on the number of passes you should make, thanks to the 15,000 rotations per minute. Since it’s suited for detailed work, you may want to learn more about its reversible carbide blades. Furthermore, due to its precision-machined shoe, you can almost always expect even results. With an amazing weight-to-power ratio, this one has rightfully earned the first spot on this list.
2. Milwaukee M18 Hand Planer
ASIN: B017Y7RWIO
If you’re someone who uses this tool on a regular basis and needs something durable, don’t forget to check this Milwaukee hand planer out. Not only is it suitable for softwood but also hardwood, making the task of stock removal a lot more convenient. Furthermore, if you’re looking to reduce your working hours, then get your hands on this one without blinking twice because it will allow you to remove 5/64-inch with every pass. What’s more? Well, it has a 14,000 rpm, 18-volt motor that utilizes five amps, and to make your experience even smoother, there’s the option of using the spring-loaded kickstand. Again, as with everything else, this model inevitably carries its own cons. The biggest one has to be the price factor, which makes it quite a challenge to list it as the first best choice. Nonetheless, the pros easily outweigh the cons.
3. Makita KP0800K Electric Hand Planer
ASIN: B0033WSK5O
Choosing the best hand planers has a lot to do with the power to weight ratio, which is why this one does a decent job standing at 5 pounds. Furthermore, it’s corded and has 120-volt, 6.5-amp power. This Makita electric hand planer has a 3/32-inch cut depth and 3 1/2 –inch cut width, making it one of the top contenders in the market. However, it’s critical to note that the depth knob does tend to be tricky since it can slip out of place, which is why attention and caution are always recommended. On a more positive note, though, this hand planer can easily be used with rear and front rubber handles. If this isn’t it, it also comes with a hard case to allow you to tackle matters of storage and traveling better. Again, the downside is that it doesn’t come with a rabbet capacity and a dust bag, but the rest of the features, along with reduced vibration, make it worthy of consideration.
4. Ryobi HPL52K Corded Hand Planer
ASIN: B00PP4W9YQ
BUY ON AMAZON
This model is comparatively heavier at around 8 pounds, and it may also cause greater vibration. At the same time, its durability is worthy of consideration, running on 120 volts and 16,500 rpm, but it can also undergo further improvement. The best feature of this Ryobi hand planer is that it has a kickstand to lower the possibility of creating mistakes or marks in your wood. Additionally, the dual dust ports can be a blessing in disguise since they’re small and can cause the chips to get stuck, making you stop mid-work. On a positive note, there’s a lock-off button to ensure your safety at all times. All in all, be wary of the fact that it isn’t an ideal choice for professional use.
5. SKIL PL2012-00 Corded Planer
ASIN: B086ZDQGXM
Last but not least, the SKIL planer, as the name suggests, is a corded unit that comes with a 16,000 rpm and 6.5-amp motor. While it does seem like a powerful unit, it often overheats. Weighing only 7 pounds, this model has a cut width of 3 1/4 inches. Loaded with features like a lock-off switch, dual-chip exhaust, and wrench storage for changing blades, this planer is undeniably one of the best hand planers in the market right now. However, on the downside, the type of blade it uses isn’t conveniently found everywhere. Furthermore, there have also been instances of the tool not being precise or level. While you can do better than this one, it won’t hurt to weigh the pros and cons based on your preferences and see what you deem fit.
Our Final Thoughts
All in all, it’s important to acknowledge that not every hand planer is made equal. They all can end up having different adjustment increments, cut depths, chamfering groves, and blades. Hence, if you’re an amateur who needs a planer occasionally, then you may want to weigh your options carefully since most products on the list are suited for professionals undertaking serious tasks. Furthermore, always make it a point to consider the safety features beforehand as they’re an integral part of the tool, especially if you must consider it one of the best hand planers. In the end, make sure to refer to this guide and read up from additional sources before making a leap.
IMAGE CREDITS
Image by Mike Kenneally on Unsplash.
