Remember how you always used wooden hand planes in your workbench? You employed them to remove some thickness from stubbornly closing doors, chamfer edges, and even make rabbets. Here, the best electric hand planer can make your task much easier.
The area of timber or rough wood is often too big to fit into the conventional thickness planers machinery. But, it may be planned, leveled, and smoothed using the electric hand planer. Electric hand planers are more like upgraded versions or replicas of those manual planes.
They utilize electricity to rotate a cutter head with teeth connected to a flat base that eliminates the hard texture and smooths it out until it’s entirely flat and smooth when driven through the front of any rough lumber.
However, with so many different choices in the market today, it can be a little challenging to choose a hand planer that fits your needs. But don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of the industry’s top 10 electric hand planers. I’ve even mentioned the power, size, blade style, accessories, and a lot more. So let’s get started!
10 Best Electric Hand Planer
- Best Handling: WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer
“Three Chamfering Grooves, kickstand Protection, Lightweight Design” - Best Dust Removal: PORTER-CABLE PC60THP Hand Planer
“5” Aluminum Shoe, Dual-Dust Extraction, Rabbet Edge, and Guide” - Best Usage: Makita XPK01Z Cordless Planer
“Precision Cutting Blades, Ergonomically Centered, Comfortable Grip” - Best Affordable: WEN 6534 Electric Hand Planer
“Very Economical, Lightweight, 16 Stops in the Adjustment knob” - Best Durable: DEWALT DCP580B Brushless Planer
“Long-Lasting Battery, Brushless Motor, Sturdy and Durable” - Best Safety: AOBEN Electric Hand Planer
“Strong 7 amp Motor, Well-Designed Aluminum Base” - Best For Saving Time: BOSCH PL2632K Hand Planer
“Saves time during setup, includes a dustbag, no door damage” - Best For Woodshop: CRAFTSMAN CMEW300 Hand Planer
“Three Chamfering Grooves, Dual-Chip Exhaust, Easy to Use” - Best Precision: DEWALT D26676 Hand Planer
“High-Speed Blades, Powerful Motor, Very Durable, Precision Cutting” - Best Wireless: Makita XPK02Z Cordless Planer
“Three Distinct Chamfer Grooves, Wireless Tool Connection, Motor Without Brushes”
1) WEN 6530
WEN 6530
This WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer features a 6-amp generator with a cut width of 3 1/4 inches, two 3/8-inches, or four 3/8-inch sizes.
Although the WEN is a good choice, keep in mind that it is not simple to adjust. To correctly regulate your depth, you’ll need to go back to zero. Furthermore, it does not work as well on the hardwood. Aside from that, this item is the greatest electrically powered planer for the price.
Features and Benefits
With 34,000 cuts per minute and 17,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) at a light 6 pounds, you’ll have an excellent weight-to-power ratio. When operating the WEN 6530 planer for a long time, there is also a simple trigger for reduced hand fatigue.
A kickstand, a parallel gate, and a base sheet shoe with a V-shaped groove come with the planer to prevent accidental markings.
Pros
- Rabbet guide
- Three chamfering grooves
- Kickstand protection
- Lightweight design
- 34000 cuts in a minute
Cons
- Not hardwood efficient
2) PORTER-CABLE PC60THP
PORTER-CABLE PC60THP
The Porter-Cable PC60THP makes sanding and smoothing tough timber a breeze with a 6 amp motor and 16,500 rpm.
PORTER-CABLE-PC60THP has a 6 amp motor with a no-load operation of 16,500 rpm, making it excellent for clean material clearance.
This planer has a ten-setting latex overmold depth knob for creating depth settings and improved control of the planer, making depth management and modifications a delight. It has three chamfering grooves useful for trimming edges like door margins.
Features and Benefits
This planer has a 10 setting latex overmold depth knob for creating depth settings and improved control of the planer, making depth management and modifications a delight. It has three chamfering grooves useful for trimming edges like door margins.
Dust and chips created during operation are easily collected thanks to the PORTER-CABLE PC60THP’s double or dual dust removal port, which enables you to remove dust from either surface of the blade.
Pros
- Bluetooth option
- 5″ aluminum shoe
- Dual dust extraction
- Rabbet edge and guide
Cons
- Lacks a kickstand
3) Makita XPK01Z
Makita XPK01Z
The twin blades on this Makita XPK01Z Cordless 3-1/4 inch Planer increase the overall smoothness and polish of the finished cut.
It also has an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for on-the-go slicing or as a toolbox addition. The depth modification knob includes a corresponding scale showing the current settings, ranging from 0 to 5/64 inches wide.
Features and Benefits
The Makita XPK01Z hand planer comfortably cuts through most wood kinds with its 15,000 RPM divided between both blades. Furthermore, it has an electric brake system and is powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery rather than a cable, making it considerably simpler to transport in bigger workplaces.
This planer aids with rapid and precise planning on all kinds of wood, and it can be picked up and carried about for various jobs without the need for a cable.
Pros
- Great power-to-weight ratio
- Precision cutting blades
- Ergonomically centered
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Less RPM
- High price
4) WEN 6534
WEN 6534
Woodworkers and professionals seeking a low-cost powerhouse for their workshop or job site may consider the WEN 6534 electric hand planer.
An 8-amp electric motor powers this gadget. This gives you more power than most planers on the market for hobbyists. You may choose which side the debris extracts from using a changeable dust chute. It should assist keep the dirtbag or pipe attachment out of your way while you’re working.
Features and Benefits
The four 3/8-inch cutting capacities on this WEN 6534 Electric Hand Planer will appeal to you. This lets you tackle a large amount of framing timber or thinner boards in a single pass while requiring fewer passes on larger pieces of wood. An 8.0 amp electric motor rotates the cutter head.
It has a slicing speed of up to 32,000 cuts per minute, allowing easy removal of most wood products. The depth control knob has 16 positive stops and moves in 1/128-inch increments. With this knob, you may shave finely with the deepest point of 1/8-inch every pass.
Pros
- Very economical
- Lightweight
- 32000 RPM motor
- 16 stops in the adjustment knob
Cons
- Minimum ergonomic design
5) DEWALT DCP580B
DEWALT DCP580B
If you're looking for a cordless electric hand planer, the Dewalt DCP580B is one of the better options.
The planer from Dewalt comes equipped with a brushless motor for optimal power efficiency and runtime. The planer generates up to 32,000 CPM at a no-load pace of 15,000 rpm, guaranteeing the most likable quality on the product you’re working on.
Features and Benefits
It has precisely polished front and rear aluminum shoes for consistent and parallel cuts, as well as a spring-loaded kickstand so you may rest the tool on the material you’re planning without damaging it. The front shoe is machined with a resharpenable edge to allow edge trimming with the device easier.
With a Poly-V drive belt, you may expect to operate with the tool for an extended period before experiencing any belt issues. Overall, the Dewalt DCP580B has all of the features you’ll need for planning and recovering wood in the workshop or on the job.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- 15000 RPM suitable for a significant woodwork
- It uses a brushless motor
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- No dustbag included
6) AOBEN Electric Hand Planer
AOBEN Electric Hand Planer
With a 7-amp solid motor, 3-1/4 inch smoothing width, and maximum 5/64 inch changeable cutting depth, AOBEN 7-Amp Electric Hand Planer is an ideal electric planer.
The well-crafted aluminium base, trimming grooves, and supplementary push handles that come with the AOBEN Electric Planer makes it a compact yet efficient planer. It can provide desired effects in various sizes and angles, all with a smooth texture.
Features and Benefits
The AOBEN Electric Planer can make up to 18,000 cuts per minute, meeting all of your wood planning requirements. The machine is light and small, making it simple to use. You may connect a vacuum cleaner and a dust bag to the side dust outlet.
The kickstand raises the base of the knife, preventing it from damaging the wood slab. The lock-on button ensures continued operation while preventing unintentional beginnings.
Pros
- Strong 7 amp motor
- Well-designed aluminum base
- Simple to use
- Precise & Smooth Finish
Cons
- Kickstand creates some problems
7) BOSCH PL2632K
BOSCH PL2632K
This product by BOSCH will appeal to DIYers and woodworkers who want more functions on an electric hand planer.
Bosch PL2632K hand planer uses a somewhat bigger 6.5 amp electric motor. You won’t notice the increased capacity above six amps, but it enhances performance and keeps speeds stable throughout the cut. The cutter head rotates at 16,500 RPM, and Bosch built this planer to work with both carbide and metal blades for a range of cuts.
Features and Benefits
On this model, Bosch utilizes a 6.5 amp electric motor. Although the power isn’t much higher than 6.0 amps, it will deliver a more steady output under load. It is barely 6.3 pounds in weight. That makes it light, mainly because the maker did not choose more lightweight materials or a thinner casing to reduce the total weight.
A guide fence installed on either side of the hand tool is supplied. This may save you time during setup since you won’t have to reposition and re-secure your component if you change the fence location. Most home woodshops do not need a sturdy traveling case. It will, however, see plenty of action on the field.
Pros
- Ambidextrous lock-off button
- Saves time during setup
- Includes a dustbag
- The use of a plastic overshoe protects the door from damage
Cons
- No carrying case for traveling needs
8) CRAFTSMAN CMEW300
CRAFTSMAN CMEW300
You'll like this tool for being a budget-friendly hand planer. Most purchasers of various levels of expertise can afford this economic instrument.
This tool has a maximum cut depth of 5/64-inch and a 6-amp cut width of 3 1/4-inch. Although there are ten positive stops, precise work is more difficult due to the absence of depth increments. Furthermore, I would not suggest this tool for finishing work or jobs involving hardwood.
Features and Benefits
This CRAFTSMAN CMEW300 cordless planer has 16,500 rpm. You have three trimming grooves and an 11.5-inch cast metal shoe to work with. A double-sided chip vent is also included for smooth cuts. However, this wrist buzzer is not long-lasting. There is no kickstand, and the edge assist is off-kilter.
Furthermore, although simple to replace, the carbide blades are not reversible. They don’t survive very long, however. Parts for the CRAFTSMAN planer tend to go missing. In addition, there is no parallel gate bracket.
I would not advocate utilizing this tool for anything more than essential, uncomplicated home repairs. The vibration is intense, and it misses many of the vital features required for even moderate-level planning work.
Pros
- There are three chamfering grooves.
- Dual chip exhaust.
Cons
- Not long-lasting.
- Missing parts.
9) DEWALT D26676
DEWALT D26676
With this DEWALT Hand Planer (D26676), you can slice 34,000 cuts per minute. This is an attack that no wood, soft or sturdy, can endure.
The DEWALT D26676 is no different from this brand’s reputation for high-powered tools. With a depth of 3/33 inches, the number of passes required is reduced. The depth adjustment knob has a preset so that it may be calibrated and fixed in place for repeated usage.
Features and Benefits
Any craftsman may substitute sizable high-speed steel blades for the standard blades. These blades are ideal for precision-machine cuts, both of which may transform your work into something spectacular. Of course, since they are all complex procedures, you should first get acquainted with them.
The only severe criticism for this machine is the blade alignment method, which is unusual. Once you’ve become accustomed to it, you’ll find that this method of placing is pretty efficient, but it takes some time to get entirely comfortable with it.
Pros
- High-speed blades
- 32000 RPM powerful motor
- Very durable
- Precision cutting
Cons
- Unusual blade alignment
10) Makita XPK02Z
Makita XPK02Z
The Makita XPK02Z Lithium-Ion Cordless Planer is widely regarded as the best electric hand planer for woodworking. It's the first electric hand planer for consumers of battery-powered equipment.
An 18-volt battery pack powers this machine. As you work, this will ensure a constant output. It will produce 12,000 RPM for faster stock removal, which will allow it to handle light to medium workloads without stuttering. A maximum cut depth of 1/8-inch is possible, and three cutting grooves provide a range of choices for rounding the edges of your timber.
An over-molded handle gives one of the most comfortable grips on this hand planer. You’ll also notice a reduction in vibration transmission from the tool to your hands. Some people may find it simpler to utilize a less bulky design. It is also compact, making it easier to store.
Features and Benefits
Makita XPK02Z Cordless Planer’s primary battery design is the 18-volt LXT battery platform, and it delivers a steady output that rapidly charges and maintains for the duration of the discharge cycle. Under no-load circumstances, it has a rotational speed of 12,000 RPM, which may be less than specific projects need without causing damage to the workpiece.
The pricing of this cordless hand planer is more than the price of other electric hand planers we’ve looked at. This may be a problem, particularly as this “tool alone” model necessitates the purchase of a separate battery/charger for first-time Makita consumers.
Pros
- Three distinct chamfer grooves
- Wireless tool connection to your vac is possible thanks to AWS
- Motor without brushes
- Auto-start wireless system
Cons
- There’s a significant price difference between this and the corded version
- The discharge valve is in danger of becoming misplaced
- There is no chip bag supplied
If you would like to get reviews of other power tools, kindly visit our Guide page.
Buying Guide for Electric Hand Planer
Whether you’re working on a modest domestic Craft project or a full-scale house makeover, you need the best electric hand planer to shape hardwood surfaces and items. They’ve grown quite popular for various cutting and shaping tasks.
Hundreds of designs, styles, and models are available, each tailored to a particular function or kind of woodworking task. Even if you’re only a hobbyist, a good wood planer may improve the efficiency of the project and offer up new possibilities for creating distinctive patterns or repairing flaws with mismatched wooden constructions.
Choosing the best electric hand planer for your requirements might be challenging, mainly when so many products are on sale, each professing to be the finest. Therefore, this buyer’s guide will walk you through the most critical aspects to consider before purchasing the best electric hand planer. Moreover, you’ll make an informed decision on which model would best fulfill your planning requirements.
How To Choose The Best Electric Hand Planer For Woodworking?
Here are the eight most essential things you must consider while buying the best electric hand planer:
Power
Power indicates how competent your planer is. Unlike other tools, people usually determine electric planer’s amps rather than watts. As a result, the electric hand planer requires at least five amps of electricity; the more influential the rotor, the better. That’s why phrases like “strong 7.5 amp planer” are so common.
Capacity And Dust Collector
Many electric hand planers have a cutting width capability of 3 inches. Since the top power hand planers can quickly exceed it, this number has become the gold standard. Planing generates a large amount of dust and scrapings.
After all, you’re essentially shredding the workpiece at a breakneck pace. A dust catcher is a must-have if you don’t want the space to become a colossal mess. The machine may suck all the expelled shavings and chips into a decent suction bag, which will do the task. All you need to do here now is attach it to the planer using the connection points.
Grip Handle
Most people neglect this function, yet it has a significant impact on the ultimate integrity of your work. If you utilize a stiff and firm grip, your hand will undoubtedly experience discomfort over some time. This discomfort will undoubtedly cause you to lose concentration, resulting in blunders and destroying your work in progress.
Depth Scale
There’s no denying how vital a decent depth scale is for managing the finish precision of your workpiece. Deeper settings will remove more material, whilst shallower passes would only release a little. Inch and metric scales are available on all-electric hand planers.
Always double-check that the setting you’re using is correct. The difference between one inch and one centimeter is relatively significant. You could inadvertently damage your work.
Carbide Or HSS Blades
Certain softwoods, like pine, maybe cut using HSS (High-Speed Steel) blades. They deteriorate their sharpness soon as well, but you may avoid this by investing in a refining jig. These blades are relatively easy to get a replacement for.
On the other hand, Carbide cutters can cut through any wood, even synthetics. Their edges may survive far longer than HSS blades, but resharpening them requires specialized gear. Most of the time, getting new cutters to replace dulled ones is a better option. Because most planers utilize a double-blade design, the blades’ life is substantially prolonged.
Stationary Support
Although electric hand planers are lightweight and straightforward to use, there are instances when one must stabilize them. Then you’ll discover that making this motion without sufficient stationary support is difficult. Because stability is always maintained and required, the ideal approach is to purchase a planer with a bench converter.
Chip Direction
The chip’s orientation determines where the shards and flakes will be discharged. You won’t put your face there realizing this. You may even choose versions with chip chutes that are angled away from your face.
Corded/Cordless
Planers used to be driven solely by 120V motors, but owing to advancements in battery technology, 20V systems now deliver the same power as 120V systems while also providing the convenience of a wireless design. You may choose one power technique over another based on your requirements.
For instance, if you often work too far away from an accessible outlet or the wire getting in the way irritates you, going wireless is suitable. However, you may choose not to bother with battery recharging and would rather have continuous plug-in power.
Final Thoughts
A hand planer can be a handy tool if you work with wood regularly. Even if you’re simply a home improvement fanatic, a hand planer may help you finish a lot of woodwork that would usually take many hours and a lot of effort.
You may have discovered the best electric hand planer for you after reading through our list of the top hand planers on the market. I’ve also included a purchasing guide to assist you in clearing up any remaining questions regarding the products!
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Are Electric Hand Planers Worth It?
Yes, electric hand planers save a lot of time and effort.
2) Can You Use A Hand Planer For Wide Boards?
A power hand planer can handle any size board, making it ideal for wide boards.
3) Can I Use Any Electric Hand Planer As A Jointer?
If you don’t have a jointer in your workspace or your timber part is too big to fit through, you may compress both pieces of wood using your planer.
4) What Size Hand Planer Do I Need?
A number 4 or 4-12 is my personal preference for an electric hand plane since it has a smaller sole and can easily absorb shavings practically anywhere on a deck. If you’re going to connect a lengthy surface, start by placing a sharp blade on the board’s surface.
5) Are Hand Planers Any Good?
The greatest electric hand planer can help you save time and effort while producing high-quality results. Therefore, a hand planer is a must for your workspace.
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