Are you looking for the best thickness planer on the market? You’re at the right place!
In this blog, we present a comprehensive review of the top thickness planers from 2023. Here, you’ll find information to aid you in making an informed decision when it comes to investing in a quality thickness planer.
Best Thickness planer 2023
- DEWALT Thickness Planer(Editor’s Pick)
- WEN PL Thickness Planer(Best Overall)
- SUPRAONE Thickness planer(Budget Friendly)
- Delta Power Thickness Planer
- Shop Fox Cutterhead thickness planer
- WEN PL1303 Thickness Planer
- VEVOR Thickness Planer
1) DEWALT Thickness Planer
The DEWALT Thickness Planer is made of durable plastic and has an aluminium base. Its multi-color finish adds beauty and shows its precise design. This planer is tiny (1 x 1 x 1 inch) and easy to store. At 92 pounds, it’s stable and easy to move in your workshop.
Reliable Corded Power
The corded DEWALT Thickness Planer provides reliable power for longer use. Its 2-speed setting allows precise planing on softwood and hardwood. Feed tables and extra blades make the planer more versatile and user-friendly.
Improved Efficiency with Advanced Features
Woodworking requires precision. Advanced features enhance woodworking with the DEWALT Thickness Planer. A closer look:
Two-Speed Precision: This planer’s 2-speed setting lets you choose the best speed for the wood. You can always get exact results with softwood or hardwood.
Strong Construction: This planer is built to withstand woodworking with sturdy plastic and an aluminium base. Long-term investment that won’t disappoint.
Compact Design: Even in a small workshop, the planer is easy to store. The design is practical.
This planer weighs 92 pounds, making it stable and easy to manoeuvre around your workspace. Knowing your tool is secure lets you work confidently.
Power: Corded electricity ensures uninterrupted use, making it a trustworthy woodworking tool.
Feed tables and extra blades make the DEWALT Thickness Planer more versatile. You can easily complete several woodworking jobs.
In conclusion, woodworkers need the DEWALT Thickness Planer. Its precision, durability, and advanced functionality make it an essential workshop tool. This DEWALT planer eliminates uneven boards and creates faultless craftsmanship.
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Pros:
- The 2-speed feature allows for greater control and precision when working on different types of wood.
- The additional feed tables and extra blades provided make it easy to use and maintain.
- The sturdy plastic and aluminum construction ensures durability and longevity.
- The compact design makes it easy to store, saving on workshop space.
- Its multi-color finish adds a touch of style to the workshop.
CORE FEATURES
| Brand | DEWALT |
| Material | Plastic |
| Color | Multi |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
2) Wen Pl Thickness Planer
The 26 x 21.5 x 16-inch WEN Pl Thickness Planer weighs 80.8 pounds and is built to last. The spiral cutterhead and 13-inch spiral blade pattern ensure precision and consistency, resulting in smooth boards every time. A cast iron base adds stability for safe operation.
Performance meets versatility
The WEN Pl Thickness Planer’s versatility with softwood and hardwood is notable. It easily handles various woods because to its powerful motor and spiral blade shape. This planer’s user-friendly design makes blade changes and adjustments simple, making maintenance simpler. The spiral cutterhead’s lower noise and vibration levels improve worker comfort.
Woodworking Potential Maximisation
In conclusion, woodworking hobbyists and experts need the WEN Pl Thickness Planer. It sets the standard for woodworking equipment with its powerful engine, precision spiral blade pattern, and user-friendly design. This planer produces smooth results with softwood or hardwood. Plus, its noise-reduction technology shows the manufacturer’s concern for user comfort.
Woodworkers need precision and reliability, and the WEN Pl Thickness Planer delivers. Don’t miss this chance to improve your woodworking projects with a high-quality tool.
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Pros:
- The spiral cutterhead produces less noise and vibrations, providing a comfortable working experience.
- Its powerful motor can handle even the toughest of materials, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
- The cast iron base provides stability during operation, ensuring safety.
- The planer’s design allows for easy blade changes and adjustments, making maintenance a breeze.
- The 13-inch spiral blade pattern provides precision and accuracy, producing smooth, uniform boards every time.
CORE FEATURES
| Item Weight | 80.8 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 26 x 21.5 x 16 inches |
| Style | Spiral Cutterhead |
| Pattern | 13-Inch Spiral Blade Planer |
3) Supraone Thickness Planer
The Supraone Thickness Planer is made of durable metal. The tool is a long-term investment for your workshop. It can survive woodworking due to its alloy steel foundation. Its bright orange colour makes it a striking item in your desk.
Made by SUPRAONE
This amazing planer is from SUPRAONE, a company known for innovation and efficiency. The Supraone Thickness Planer embodies the brand’s commitment to quality.
Accurate Planning
The Supraone Thickness Planer is known for its precision in every pass. With 2.99 millimetres of cutting depth, you can get the right thickness for your woodworking project. This planer can handle modest or large DIY projects.
Large Cutting Width
The 13-inch squared cutting width of the Supraone Thickness Planer allows for various wood sizes and forms. It’s adaptable enough for your woodworking needs, letting you handle different jobs easily.
Powerful Show
With its 15-amp motor, the Supraone Thickness Planer works hard. This strong engine makes planning easy and productive. Smooth, precise results are guaranteed with a maximum spinning speed of 8600 RPM.
User-friendly design
The Supraone Thickness Planer prioritises usability. The kit includes a blade, so you can start right away. Easy changes on the planer let you adjust thickness to suit your project.
Dependable Power
The planer uses corded electric power for constant and reliable power. Stop woodworking interruptions. The Supraone Thickness Planer won’t fail you down when you need it most, so work with confidence.
Finally, the Supraone Thickness Planer transforms woodworking for beginners and pros. It stands out with its durable construction, precise planning, powerful performance, and user-friendly design. Style and substance merge with the Supraone Thickness Planer to elevate your woodworking projects. Build your woodworking career with the Supraone Thickness Planer.
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Pros:
- The Supraone Thickness Planer has a powerful 15-amp motor that ensures efficient and productive planning.
- Its maximum rotational speed of 8600 RPM ensures smooth and precise planning.
- The planer’s design allows for easy adjustments, making it easy to achieve the desired thickness for any project.
- Its alloy steel base provides stability during operation, ensuring safety.
- The Supraone Thickness Planer is easy to use and comes with a blade included in the package, providing convenience and value for money.
CORE FEATURES
| Brand | SUPRAONE |
| Material | Metal |
| Color | Orange |
| Style | Woodworking,Flatten Wood |
4) Delta Power Thickness Planer
Small and lightweight, the Delta Power Thickness Planer stands out. This planer, at 25 x 17 x 21 inches and 58 pounds, is ideal for all-sized workshops. This instrument fits in a modest home workshop or a medium-sized professional workspace. Its small size frees up space for inventiveness.
Best portability
The Delta Power Thickness Planer is portable, which is notable. This planer’s two handles make it easy to manoeuvre around your workspace. Stop struggling with bulky machinery. The Delta Power Thickness Planer is easy to transport. Wrestling with heavy gear is over.
Reliable AC Power
AC power ensures the planer’s reliability. This ensures consistent performance across projects. Stop struggling with interruptions and inconsistent outcomes. The Delta Power Thickness Planer gives you the power and reliability you need to finish the job.
Maximise Woodworking Potential Safe and Stable
The Delta Power Thickness Planer’s four columns provide stability. Woodworking safety is vital, and this planer provides. Knowing it will stay put while you work reduces the danger of accidents.
Easily Handle Hard Projects
With its 15A motor, the Delta Power Thickness Planer can handle the toughest woodworking projects. Whatever the challenge, this planner can handle it. This tool performs well on hardwoods, softwoods, and other materials.
Conclusion
For woodworkers, the Delta Power Thickness Planer is revolutionary. It stands out with its compact appearance, user-friendly features, and powerful performance. This planer should be your first choice for improving your woodworking skills. Buy the Delta Power Thickness Planer today to see the difference. Upgrade your woodworking skills with this tool.
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Pros:
- The Delta Power Thickness Planer’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to move around the workshop.
- The planer’s four-column design ensures stability during operation, providing safety and efficiency.
- The planer’s powerful 15A motor makes it capable of handling even the toughest of woodworking projects.
- The Delta Power Thickness Planer is easy to use and maintain thanks to its disposable design.
- Its AC power source ensures consistent and reliable operation.
CORE FEATURES
| Brand | Delta |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 25 x 17 x 21 inches |
| Item Weight | 58 Pounds |
| Style | Disposable |
5) Shop Fox Cutterhead Thickness Planer
The Shop Fox Cutterhead Thickness Planer doesn’t just work—it changes the game. Its spiral-style cutterhead makes precise cuts every time. This planer is your ticket to woodworking success, regardless of your skill level.
Compact & Handy
Size and weight matter, especially when moving. The Shop Fox Cutterhead Thickness Planer is portable at 88 pounds and 24 x 21 x 16 inches. It’s your go-to for on-site projects, providing the right equipment for any job.
Dependable Power
The adapter powers this planer. Dependable and consistent, it keeps woodworking projects going. Avoid power outages and enjoy reliable operation.
Fundamental Precision
The spiral cutterhead of the Shop Fox Cutterhead Thickness Planer is its most notable feature. This engineering marvel lets you get the exact thickness you need for tasks. Soft or hardwood, it handles them all gracefully. This adaptability lets you tackle any woodworking project.
Multipurpose Woodworking Tool
Finally, the Shop Fox Cutterhead Thickness Planer provides a path to woodworking precision and perfection. Its revolutionary features, portability, and reliable performance make it essential for professionals and hobbyists. The Shop Fox Cutterhead Thickness Planer unlocks your woodworking potential without sacrificing quality.
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Pros:
- The Shop Fox Cutterhead Thickness Planer’s spiral-style cutterhead provides smooth and precise cuts every time.
- Its portable design makes it easy to transport to on-site projects.
- The planer’s adapter power source provides reliable and consistent operation.
- This planer is capable of handling a variety of materials, from softwoods to hardwoods.
- The Shop Fox Cutterhead Thickness Planer’s innovative design ensures that it can handle even the toughest of woodworking projects.
CORE FEATURES
| Item Weight | 88 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 24 x 21 x 16 inches |
| Style | Portable Planer |
| Power Source | Adapter |
6) Wen Pl1303 Thickness Planer
The WEN Pl1303 thickness planer is compact and space-efficient. It fits in even the tiniest workshops due to its tiny footprint. Despite its small size, this planer can handle demanding woodworking projects.
Outstanding Precision
WEN Pl1303 thickness planer precision is unparalleled. Professional and amateur woodworkers hate uneven surfaces and imprecise cuts. This gadget alleviates such concerns. This planer’s powerful motor and high-quality blades flatten and smooth every wood piece.
Great Investment
WEN Pl1303 thickness planers are inexpensive and good. This instrument is affordably priced. It has high-end planer features at an affordable price. It’s cheap and durable. This thickness planer is durable.
Conclusion
For woodworkers, the WEN Pl1303 thickness planer is innovative. Woodworkers wishing to improve need it for its small size, precision, and affordability. Purchase the WEN Pl1303 thickness planer today to improve your woodworking. Avoid uneven surfaces for precise craftsmanship.
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Pros:
- Compact design, making it easy to store and use in small workshops.
- Highly precise, ensuring that every piece of wood that is run through it comes out perfectly flat and smooth.
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to woodworkers of all skill levels and budgets.
- Durable and built to last, ensuring that you get many years of use out of it.
- High-quality blades and a powerful motor ensure that it can handle even the toughest of woodworking jobs.
CORE FEATURES
| Item Weight | 78.8 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 26 x 21 x 16 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Style | Benchtop |
| Pattern | Planer |
7) Vevor Thickness Planer
The Vevor Thickness Planer is made by VEVOR, a trusted woodworking brand. Its modest size (22.8 x 18.3 x 14.6 inches) and weight of 67 pounds make it a useful and portable workplace addition. Its corded electric power ensures reliable performance for all your woodworking needs.
Convenient Foldable Workbench
Its folding workstation makes the Vevor Thickness Planer stand out. The ingenious design feature serves two purposes. The machine may be easily stored while not in use. This is a game-changer in small workshops because it frees up space for other duties.
An Easy Woodworking Experience
The Vevor Thickness Planer is user-friendly from setup to use. No more spending hours on difficult assembly instructions or painstaking modifications. We built this planer for efficiency and usability.
Unlocking accuracy and precision
Precision and accuracy are crucial in woodworking, which the Vevor Thickness Planer delivers. Its innovative features and fine craftsmanship assure precise project execution. This planer produces smooth, accurate results on fine details and bigger surfaces.
Why Use Vevor Thickness Planer?
VEVOR is trusted in the woodworking sector. Their tools are durable and effective due to their long history of quality.
Portability: The Vevor Thickness Planer fits well into any workspace due to its small size and light weight.
Spend less time setting up. Instead of using machines, this planer lets you focus on woodworking.
The foldable workbench makes this planer stand out by giving a clutter-free workspace and easy storage.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert carpenter, the Vevor Thickness Planer ensures precise results that improve your job.
Conclusion
Woodworking jobs can be greatly affected by tool selection. The Vevor Thickness Planer’s portability, precision, and ease of use make it an essential tool for woodworkers. Enjoy the simplicity, efficiency, and quality of this planer and watch your woodworking projects improve. Improve your woodworking skills with the Vevor Thickness Planer and reach your potential.
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Pros:
- The Vevor Thickness Planer is lightweight and easy to move around, making it ideal for small workshops or mobile woodworking.
- The foldable workbench allows you to save valuable workspace when not in use, making it a convenient option for small spaces.
- With a corded electric power source, the Vevor Thickness Planer is reliable and powerful, allowing you to complete all your woodworking projects with ease.
- The machine is designed to be hassle-free, so you can spend more time working on your projects and less time setting up and making adjustments.
- Manufactured by VEVOR, a trusted brand in the woodworking industry, you can be confident that the Vevor Thickness Planer is a high-quality investment that will last for years.
CORE FEATURES
| Brand | VEVOR |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 22.8 x 18.3 x 14.6 inches |
| Item Weight | 67 Pounds |
| Style | Woodworking |
Best Thickness planer 2023 – Complete Buying Guide
Thickness planers are some of the most useful power tools for woodworking and carpentry. But, with so many different thickness planers out on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
That’s why we created this complete buying guide – to provide you with all of the information you need in order to make an informed purchase. We’ve included a review of the top five best thickness planers on the market right now, as well as a list of important features and considerations that should be taken into account when buying a thickness planer.
We also discuss price ranges and other purchasing tips that should help simplify your shopping experience. So before you buy, make sure to read through this complete buying guide – it could save you time and money in the long run!
Photo Source : popularmechanics.com
Explanation of what a thickness planer is
A thickness planer, also known as a thicknesser or planer/thicknesser, is an essential tool used to even out lumber by removing small amounts of wood from a specific side. It is used when planing boards that have been milled to a particular size and shape but still have inconsistencies in thickness and surface finish. The goal of the thickness planer is to create uniform lumber that has consistent dimensions and smooth surfaces.
Thickness planers are typically composed of three main components: the bed, the cutterhead, and the outfeed table. The bed is typically made of steel or cast iron and has two columns that support the infeed table. The cutterhead contains multiple blades arranged in a helical configuration. These blades are made from high-speed steel or carbide and can be adjusted at different cutting depth increments ranging from 0-3 inches on some models. The outfeed table supports the material as it exits the machine and also serves as a guide for boards to keep them aligned during cutting.
The types of common blades used in manual hand-planers are single sided, double sided, reversible and indexable blades—each with its own advantages for certain materials such as hardwoods, softwoods and plywood panels. Additionally, different blade angles may be required for each type of material being worked with which will vary depending on grain direction of the material being cut and desired finish quality of surface produced on finished pieces.
Importance of having a good quality thickness planer
Having a good quality thickness planer can be invaluable when it comes to making perfect cuts. A thickness planer is used to cut thick woods into thin ones, leveling the surface and giving you perfect pieces of lumber. This can be achieved in a fraction of the time when compared to using traditional hand tools.
The importance of a good quality planer comes down to how it will help reduce manual labor as well as ensuring you get accurate, high-quality results every time. With a high-quality model, users will have the ability to make precise cuts that are smooth and free from irregularities that could otherwise cause issues in the end product. In addition, having advanced cutting controls allows for more accuracy and flexibility based on the material being cut through.
Owning an advanced model with an excellent motor also provides added torque enabling it to power through heavy duty jobs while not compromising on precision or accuracy. Furthermore, robust construction ensures stability during operation and smooth movement when adjusting cutting depth. This makes sure that any job done is professional grade and up to industry standards with even cuts each time resulting in uniform surfaces.
Overall, having a reliable thickness planer can save time, effort and money while providing better results than alternative tools or even manual labor ever could – making it an extremely important tool for many professionals or avid woodworkers alike who need accurate cuts every time they work on their projects.
Purpose of the guide
This guide has been written to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the different types of thickness planers available on the market, and their various features in 2023. The aim is to help you make an informed decision when selecting a thickness planer that will meet your needs.
The guide starts by exploring what a thickness planer actually is and its general purpose, before looking at the different types of these power tools and their respective characteristics. Thereafter we will focus on things like motor power, capacity and cutting accuracy to help you understand which features match best with your requirements. Lastly, we’ll provide some practical advice on maintaining your newly purchased thicknes planer.
Through examining all these elements, this guide seeks to provide readers with an overall understanding of thickness planning that can confidently inform their purchasing decision in 2023.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Thickness Planer
Choosing the right thickness planer for your needs can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider that will impact the effectiveness of the tool, such as the motor, bed size, and dust collection capabilities. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a thickness planer:
- Motor: The motor on your thickness planer should be powerful enough to handle any job you throw at it. The majority of woodworking tools come with either a universal or AC hydraulic motor. Be sure to pay attention to torque ratings and amperage draw as well as blade speed (most models offer 5,000 rpm or more).
- Bed Size: Bed size is an important factor when choosing a thickness planer because it directly impacts how thick the wood you can plane is and how large of a piece you can plane in one session. Look for models that have at least 12” x 15” beds if you want to be able to take on larger pieces or bigger jobs.
- Power Overload Protection: This feature adds an extra level of safety for thicker projects, protecting both your machine and yourself from possible injury in case of motor overload or blade jams. It’s an excellent addition if you’re performing complex projects or high-volume work that requires thick motor power and torque but also have limited experience operating machinery of this type.
- Dust Collection Capabilities: This is mostly a preference based on whether or not you would like dust collection capabilities with your measurement tool which reduces cleanup time after using it significantly. Some models feature built-in onboard dust collection bags as well as offboard dust collectors like shop vacuums so you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing interior parts due to wear from dust particles drifting around while in use.
Power
When purchasing a thickness planer, it is important to understand the amount of power needed to effectively use the tools for your specific needs. The available power sources for planers are electric and propane.
Electric powered thickness planers provide you with a more energy efficient, convenient and low cost option. Generally, electric planers are stationary and require the use of an outlet to get power. Electric powered models are typically much quieter than gas-powered models and they do not require fossil fuels like propane or diesel.
Propane-fueled thickness planers provide you with more power and flexibility since they are typically portable, meaning you can take them wherever you need them. Gas powered plans typically have more horsepower than electric models enabling them to operate in extreme conditions like remote worksites or areas with no access to electricity. Propane-fueled thickness planers come in various sizes ranging from small handheld tools up to commercial grade large machines designed for professional workshops and commercial job sites.
Size
When selecting a thickness planer, size is an important consideration. Larger thickness planers tend to handle larger material, but can be awkward and heavy, making them difficult to transport or store. Generally, a large chunk of wood can be machined without dividing it in many operations – and a large capacity model should provide this feature.
Smaller models are suitable for small projects and hobbies like model building or some repairs around the house for light use. Thin cutting capacity usually ranges from 8″ – 20″ wide, with larger materials usually requiring several passes through the machine. The height adjustment dial will also limit your cutting depths on smaller machines, so consider this when looking for the right thickness planer for your needs.
Types of Thickness Planers
There are three different types of thickness planers available on the market, each with their own distinct advantages and drawbacks. They are classified based on the size of their tables or cutting surfaces, and can range from small benchtop models up to large industrial behemoths. Read on for a comprehensive overview:
Benchtop Planers: Small in size, these thickness planers are lighter and more mobile than larger models. Their blades are typically made from carbide steel and have less power than other planer types. They are perfect for small jobs around the shop or for those who don’t have much space to work with.
Professional-Grade Planers: Available in both stationary and portable versions, professional-grade thickness planers come equipped with powerful motor sizes that can produce impressive force while cutting through hard materials like stainless steel. These machines offer more features than entry level units, such as adjustable table height settings, dust collection systems, and longer feed tables.
Industrial Planers: The heaviest duty type of thickness planer comes in only stationary form and is designed to handle massive workloads in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants where affordability is not a priority. With several horsepower motors providing relentless strength coupled with extra large feed tables capable of handling the toughest materials – these industrial beasts will require significant space and come with much higher price tags compared to other types of planers.
Benchtop Planers
Benchtop Planers are portable machines that move stock past one or more cutting blades to create a uniform thickness. They offer the perfect solution for small shop owners, who are looking for an economical alternative to buy a planer. Benchtop planers save space, money, and time when used to dimension lumber and other materials quickly and accurately.
When shopping for benchtop planers there are often several models to choose from, which can make it difficult to identify particular features or qualities. Before buying a benchtop planer, it’s important to consider the size and weight of the machine, how deep it can cut, how fast it can run, if the wood must be fed across by hand or if an automatic feeder is included, what types of blades are available, safety features such as an emergency stop feature, ease of use factors such as pushbutton depth adjustments or motor speed control dials. Once you have considered all these factors you can narrow down your selection to the model that best fits your needs.
Features of benchtop planers include adjustable depth stops that allow precise thickness setting; spiral head knives provide smooth surfaces; roller outfeed tables add support; workpiece guides ensure uniform cuts; dust collection systems keep sawdust from clogging up workspaces; dual speed motors give more control over material size reduction; durable construction means long-term performance; robust motors have power for precise stock removal over time. Many benchtop planers also come with carbide-tipped blades that provide clean cuts with minimal tearout along edges and ends of boards being worked on. Finding the perfect thickness planer for your workspace requires careful comparison and planning; however, once purchased these machines bring years of durability and accuracy benefits.
Portable Planers
Portable planers are designed to be lightweight and offer more portability and flexibility than their benchtop counterparts. As their name implies, they are used for taking with you on the move or when working at jobsites away from your workshop. They range in size from small 2-inch models that can be handheld, to larger 13-inch models that require table mounting or wheeled base installation for maximum stability.
The main features of portable planers are their adjustable boards, dust collection systems, reversible blades and speed settings. The adjustable board allows you to change the distance between cutters so that you can achieve different thicknesses of wood with each pass through the machine. Dust collection systems keep wood chips away from your work area and some models also include reversible blades which can more efficiently cut through wood using both edges of the planer head. Speed settings allow you to match the cutting speed of the machine to the type of wood being worked on for best results.
Stationary Planers
Stationary planers, also known as surface planers and benchtop planers, are some of the most common types of thickness planers on the market. They are designed to sit on a flat surface with two sides facing up, allowing you to work material onto the blades while keeping safe. Stationary planers typically come equipped with multiple blades in order to give a finer finish. These machines take some time to set up and use effectively due to their larger size, but they can provide excellent results depending on the type of job you are tackling.
The versatility of stationary planner blades is what makes them so unique. There are options for blades that can be used for different projects including joinery, dovetailing, rabbeting, molding and modern semicircular joinery styles; making these an excellent choice for experienced woodworkers looking for precision results from their projects. Stationary planner blades often have metal guards that can be adjusted according to the type of material being worked with; these metal guards help protect users from flying debris and dust during use.
While stationary planers can be quite expensive due to their size and power requirements, they’re worth it if you’re willing to spend the money upfront in order to get high-quality results consistently over long periods of time.
Jointer-Planer Combo
Jointer-Planer combos are multi-functional woodworking machines that combine the functions of a jointer and a planer into one machine. With both features in one piece of machinery, these tools are great for professional or hobby woodworkers looking for maximum efficiency and versatility.
A typical jointer-planer combo consists of two spindles – the lower spindle is a planer board with 4 or 6 knives, while the upper is a jointers fence with several cutting settings allowing you to cut either straight or angled edges. Depending on your needs, you can select different models to accommodate varying lengths and widths of boards. Some models feature an additional tabletop that adjusts in height to accommodate variations in thickness when planing; this additional tabletop can also be used as an auxiliary table for cutting joints.
Even though jointer-planers are considered versatile tools, they do take up more space than regular jointers or planers due to their combined features. Working with thicker pieces might be challenging because most models typically max out at about 20” or shorter in length due to space constraints. That said, the tables on some models offer expandable tables so this limitation can be overcome without having to invest in larger machines that require more space. Additionally, some jointer-planners come with helical cutters rather than straight blades which provide smoother cuts resulting in less sanding time after planing boards with knots and other challenging features.
Top 5 Best Thickness Planers for 2023
When you’re shopping for a thickness planer, there are a few factors to consider. First, an ideal thickness planer should be able to quickly and effectively plane boards of different thicknesses. Additionally, the most reliable models should feature a wide range of power settings and quality materials. Finally, pay attention to features such as dust collection and noise levels to ensure that your workspace remains tidy while still providing exceptional results. To help you find the best thickness planers for the year 2023, we’ve compiled a list of our top five picks!
- DEWALT DW735X – Our top pick for 2023 is the DEWALT DW735X due to its powerful 20-amp motor and three foil feed rate options of 96 or 179 CPI (Cuts Per Inch). A high speed steel two-sided star cutter head with four-column axial pressure design delivers superior surface finishes in fewer passes. Plus, its single blade offers improved blade life and surfacing consistency while reducing up-front costs.
- Makita 2012NB – The Makita 2012NB features a 15-amp motor that gives you consistent power while its extra long double edge hardened reversible blades provide improved shelf life and ultra flat outputs with less rework needed afterwards. Additionally, this planer uses standard 2-inch blades which can easily be replaced if needed or when they become duller with time. It also has precision depth adjustments for smooth operations every time and comes with an attached dust bag for easy cleanup after every work session!
- Porter Cable PC305TP – The Porter Cable PC305TP has an impressive 11 Amp motor that provides plenty of power even at smaller depths which makes it perfect for people who need to do more specialized cutting projects on softer woods like pine or hardwoods like mahogany alike! It also has a four column carriage lock function that securely holds the wood in place during cutting, additional depth control gauge dials and all metal drive train components on the inside which makes this one of our strongest picks in terms of overall performance! Finally it includes heavy duty carrying case which helps protect your investment when storing or moving around between job sites frequently!
- Bosch PL2632K – The Bosch PL2632K offers amazing value because it comes loaded with features at an affordable price point including two double sided blades (sold separately), easy blade adjustmentsand two speed gear options that let you control how quickly or slowly material is removed from stock depending on what kind you’re working with! Also included is a jackscrew adjustment system so users can fine tune bit depths accurately each time they run the machine without needing too much know how from experience making this one great option definitely worth considering if looking into adding additional tools around workshops but not entirely ready yet financially speaking .
Photo Source : woodsmithspirit.com
Conclusion
Thickness planers offer great convenience for woodworkers and come in various shapes and sizes. Every type of planer offers a unique feature that makes it stand out from the other. Before selecting a thickness planer, consider what type of project you’re undertaking and whether a benchtop or stationary device best suits you.
It is important to read customer reviews to understand what type of quality the product may provide. Research the product’s features and weight capacity, as well as warranty information, so that you can make an informed decision about which is the best choice for you.
With proper research, experience and knowledge of woodworking, you will be able to find the right thickness planer that best fits your needs and budget.
FAQs
Which thickness planer is best?
There are many excellent thickness planers on the market, so the “best” one will depend on your specific needs and budget. Some popular and highly-rated options include the DeWalt DW735X, the Makita 2012NB, and the Jet JWP-15HH.
Is a thickness planer worth it?
If you frequently work with rough lumber and need to mill it down to a specific thickness, a thickness planer can be an extremely valuable tool. It can save you time and effort compared to using hand tools, and can help ensure consistent thickness throughout your project.
Which is the best planer woodworking?
As with thickness planers, the “best” planer for woodworking will depend on your needs and budget. Some highly-regarded options include the DeWalt DW734 and DW735X, the Makita 2012NB, and the Jet JWP-15HH.
What is the largest thickness planer?
The largest thickness planers are typically industrial-grade machines designed for professional use. Some of the largest models available include the Powermatic 1792800B, which has a 20-inch width capacity, and the Grizzly G0454Z, which can handle boards up to 24 inches wide.
Is 20 planer worth it?
If you work with larger pieces of lumber, a 20-inch planer can be a worthwhile investment. It can handle wider boards than smaller models, and can help ensure even thickness throughout your project.
Are helical planers better?
Helical planers typically produce a smoother finish than straight-knife planers, and can often operate more quietly as well. They also tend to require less maintenance than straight-knife planers, as the individual cutterheads can be replaced as needed rather than requiring sharpening.
What is the fastest planer?
The speed of a planer will depend on the specific model and its motor, but some planers are designed for faster operation than others. The DeWalt DW735X, for example, has a two-speed gearbox that can run at up to 96 cuts per inch, while the Jet JWP-208-1 runs at up to 20,000 RPM.
Which is better spiral or helical cutterhead?
Spiral and helical cutterheads are actually two terms for the same type of cutterhead. They are generally considered superior to straight-knife cutterheads, as they produce less tearout and operate more quietly.
What is the best smoothing plane?
The best smoothing plane will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include the Lie-Nielsen No. 4, the Veritas Custom Bench Plane, and the WoodRiver No. 4-1/2.
Which plane to buy first?
If you are just starting out in woodworking and want to buy a plane, a good choice for a first plane is typically a bench plane, such as a No. 4 or No. 5. These are versatile planes that can be used for a variety of tasks, from smoothing to jointing.