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Whether you’re a carpenter or woodworker, you probably have used a hand plane before in your workshop. You can use them to shave off the thickness from a stubborn door that doesn’t close properly. However, hand planes are also useful for making rabbets and chamfering corners.
An electric hand planer lets you level, plane, and smooth the surface of your wood or the rough lumber when it’s too big to fit in your standard thickness planing machine.
In a sense, electric hand planers work just like traditional hand planes, but they’re more advanced models. With a power tool, you use electric energy to spin the cutter head. The blades are attached to a flat base, so when you pass it through the surface of your rough lumber, it removes it and levels it to be smooth and flat.
While early hand planers were made using wood and featured iron cutting blades powered by elbow grease, power planers feature electric motors that use electricity from any power outlet.
Here today, you can learn about the best electric hand planers from brands like Makita, Dewalt, and Bosch to figure out which one is suitable for you.
Makita KP0810 Electric Hand Planer
If you want an electric hand planer, you should definitely look at the Makita KP0810. It features a 7.5-amp motor to deliver a 16000 RPM (as a no-load speed) for better stock removal.
You get carbide blades with this electric planer, so they stay sharp for longer periods while you work with the hand planer.
With that, this electric planer from Makita has the capacity to plane 3 1/4-inches in width with a 5/32-inch depth. On top of that, it only takes a single pass with this electric planer to get the job done.
The planer only weighs 7.3 pounds, so it’s not too heavy or light. Therefore, it gives you the power to get through all of your woodworking projects.
Ease of use and ergonomics are crucial for hand planers like this. Therefore, the Makita brand is fitted with back and front rubberized handles to make it easy to hold. With that, it’s well-balanced in the center.
Overall, this planer features a lock-on button, which lets you continuously work without holding the button down the entire time. You’re sure to appreciate the spring-loaded stand with the planer. This elevates its base from the workpiece so that the blades aren’t damaged if it comes in contact with the boards.
Adjusting the depth with this planer is very easy because it has an easy-to-read depth adjustment gauge. The clicks stop at 0.1 increments. With that, the front base of the Makita offers chamfering grooves at different spacings.
You’re sure to appreciate the chip ejection system of this power hand planer. Just flip it to what side you need based on where the dust should go.
Overall, planers like this are excellent. For example, the two-blade cutter head delivers a smoother finish. With that, it is ergonomic, powerful, and features great performance in the workshop!
Bosch PL1632 Electric Hand Planer
The Bosch brand is one of the best power-tool companies out there. In fact, it put a lot of effort into making its Bosch PL1632 electric hand planer.
You’re sure to appreciate the 6.5-amp motor, which spins your cutter head at 16500 RPM. This is plenty to cut through any wood type effectively.
On top of it, this power hand planer features a dual-mounted fence and protective shield. You can plane door edges much more easily without fear of getting hurt. However, you should still follow proper safety tips when using electric hand planers.
The fence part that contacts the wood face features a planer shoe made of plastic. This protects your board from getting marred.
It’s easy to set the depth adjustment on the Bosch PL1632, as well. The planer has a depth-adjustment knob with the metric scale on it. You’re sure to find that it’s easy to adjust and read.
Every machine requires a proper handle. That’s why this planer features a hand grip that’s optimally angled. You can ease the forward motion of your tool to reduce hand fatigue while using it.
Plus, the soft rubber grip ensures that it is comfortable to hold for long periods.
As is common for most electric hand planers, this one offers a spring-loaded stand. You can use this option to elevate your tool whenever you set it down. That way, you don’t damage the material or blades.
With that, it’s easy to set up this tool. For added safety, this planer features a lock-off button so that you don’t accidentally start it. However, the lock-on option is also great when you need to use it for prolonged periods.
You also get a dust collection bag that works efficiently. Just be aware that it fills up fast. Still, you can collect the shavings and dust you produce while you work.
One nice feature with the Bosch brand is that the cord swivels so that you can position your power cord in the right way to prevent damage.
Dewalt DW680K
The Dewalt DW680K features a 7-amp motor, which is powerful enough to spin the cutter head at 15000 RPM. You get enough power to plane hard lumber easily and produce consistent and smooth results each time.
You’re sure to appreciate the cutting width of a wide 3 1/4 inches, and there’s a cutting depth of 3/32 inches, so you can remove more material with one pass.
One thing you might use electric hand planers for is to make rabbet joints and rabbets. That’s why this power hand planer features a precision-machined shoe that was specially fitted. You can use it to make perfectly squared rabbets at all times.
There are three precision-machined guides in front of the planer. They are quite handy for making beveled channels and chamfering edges.
With that, this planer features reversible carbide blades. You can sharpen them effortlessly when they get dull or reverse the blades to use the other sharp edge.
It’s quite easy to make depth adjustments with this planer. It features an easy-to-use and innovative depth adjustment knob that’s calibrated for you.
Another great feature for this electric planer is it doesn’t use a regular V-belt. Instead, it comes with a poly-V drive belt, so it’s more durable than other styles. With that, you get a carrying case to transport and store your tool!
Makita 1806B 6 3/4-inch Planer
Do you have timber stocks that you can’t straighten with jointers because of their size? If so, there’s one tool that can help you take care of the job effortlessly. The Makita 1806B features a 10.9-amp motor and is a great electric planer to have in your arsenal.
In terms of capacity and size, few hand planers can be compared with this option. Overall, you require more passes to plane large and rough lumber if you choose other electric hand planers.
With the Makita power tool, however, you don’t have to use as many passes because of its width, depth capacity, and size.
Most hand planers you see when searching for electric planers have 6.5 amps or 7.5 amps for the motors. However, the Makita brand has 10.9 amps to produce 15000 RPMs.
That’s enough to get through anything placed in its path!
In one pass, it can get through 6 3/4 inches in width and has a cutting depth of 1/16 inches. With that, this power hand planer features a large sole plate to give it more stability. That way, it’s easy to glide through the boards you’re planing!
With that, the blades are high-speed steel, so it complements the motor to ensure that it gets through the items you want. You can also adjust the cutting depth of this planer easily because it has a depth adjustment dial with settings that are easy to read and clear.
It’s crucial to have a good handle for power tools like this, and the Makita brand didn’t disappoint. Its hand planer has an ergonomic handle that’s comfortable to hold and use for long periods.
Another great feature to note is the lock-on button. Press it to keep your planer running as long as you need it. Overall, this is ideal for those who handle construction framing, window/door installation, and fine woodworking.
Above all, what matters in planers of any kind is how polished and smooth the work is after using the tool. This version performs well! You always get a smooth finish.
One thing to note here is that the 1806B is quite heavy.
Ryobi HPL52K Electric Hand Planer
The electric hand planer from Ryobi is ergonomically designed to help you tackle difficult projects comfortably. Overall, the Ryobi HPL52K offers a Gripzone rubber over-mold. That way, you can hold the planer in very slippery conditions.
Overall, this electric hand planer features a 6-amp motor that produces 16500 RPM. This allows you to handle various woodworking projects.
With that, it’s easy to make depth adjustments with this electric planer from 1/96-inch and increments up to 1/8-inch.
For your ease of use and convenience, the planer offers a 6-foot cord. You can easily find a place to plug it in and use it, regardless of where you’re located. Plus, there’s no need for an extension cord with this tool!
You’re sure to appreciate the dual dust ports on both sides of your planer. That lets you choose which side to blow out dust, so you can stand wherever is most comfortable for you.
Safety is crucial, and the Ryobi planer has a lock-off button to prevent you from accidentally activating the machine. That way, you don’t damage your workpiece, yourself, or the machine!
All in all, this planer has every feature you might ever require to handle various planing projects. With that, it offers great results each time you use it!
Skil PL201201 Electric Hand Planer
Skil PL201201 Electric Hand Planer
When you purchase the Skil PL201201, you get an electric hand planer machine, rebate fence, parallel guide, spanner, dust bag, and adapter. Therefore, you’ve got everything necessary to handle any flattening or wood planing project in the workshop!
This planer features a 6.5-amp motor at 16000 RPM (as a no-load speed). That means it produces enough power to get through hard construction lumber and anything else.
You’re sure to appreciate the planing width of 3 1/4 inches, and there’s a max cutting depth of 5/64 inches, so you can get more done with one pass!
With this electric hand planer, you get a smooth kickstand to help you rest the hand planer on your workpiece without scratching it. If you’re working with a finished wood surface, this is crucial!
Plus, the electric planer also features a lock-off switch. You don’t have to worry that the tool accidentally starts when you might not want it to be on. Ultimately, you don’t ruin the surface or hurt yourself.
There is also a dual exhaust port so that you can collect chips and dust from either side of the planer. Overall, it’s quite easy to operate and has everything you need to handle various projects.
Triton TPL180 Triple-blade 7-inch Electric Hand Planer
Triton TPL180 Triple-blade 7-inch Electric Hand Planer
Everyone likes the Triton hand planer because it has an ultra-wide cutting width (7 inches) and a cutting depth capacity of up to 3/32 inches. You can easily tackle demanding jobs with the hardest wood possible.
It also features a 1500-watt motor and goes up to 15000 RPM with no load. Therefore, it can produce 45,000 cuts per minute.
Unlike the other hand planers out there, the drum of this planer features three blades. That means it offers a superior cutting action on any wood you choose to plane with it.
With that, you can reduce and increase the cutting depth at 0.25-inch increments with the 10-position control dial. That means you can remove just how much material you need.
Both handles of this planer use non-slip rubber over-molds. This increases comfort and reduces friction, so it’s easy to control and hold the planer safely when working with it.
Plus, you may adjust the secondary handle to have more support and control over the tool.
Overall, the Triton TPL180 features a guide fence, dust collector, wrench to change/adjust blades, and three 7-inch carbide blades.
Porter-Cable PC60THP
When you use the Porter Cable PC60THP, it’s easy to smooth and shave off rough lumber. It’s ideal for material removal because it has a 6-amp motor with a no-load speed of about 16500 RPM.
You’re sure to find that adjustments and depth control are easy with this Porter-Cable power tool because it offers a 10-position rubber over-mold knob. Overall, you get better control of the hand planer because of the depth settings.
Plus, the Porter-Cable brand features three chamfering grooves, which are quite handy when chamfering edges, such as on a door. Overall, electric hand planers like this collect the dust and chips from operation with a dual dust extraction port. You can work on either side of your planer with no issues.
Dewalt DCP580B 20V Max Brushless Planer
When you want a cordless electric hand planer, you must consider the Dewalt DCP580B 20V Max Brushless Planer. It has a brushless motor for more power efficiency and runtime. With that, it has a no-load speed of about 15000 RPM, so the planer produces 32,000 cuts per minute. You always get the smoothest finish on your material.
With that, the Dewalt DCP580B features a precision-finished back and front aluminum shoe for parallel and uniform cuts. You also get a kickstand with this hand planer to rest the tool on your material without ruining it.
There is also a V-groove, which is machined to the front shoe. That way, you can handle edge chamfering with ease.
You don’t have to hand plane the wood anymore when you use power planers like the Dewalt DCP580B. It features a poly-V belt, so you can use it for long periods without having issues.
With that, there’s a planing width of 3 1/4 inches with a max cutting depth of 5/64 inches. You’re sure to appreciate the calibrated adjustment knob that goes in 1/256 inches or 0.01mm increments on the Dewalt. That way, you can easily make precise and quick depth adjustments!
Overall, this machine has every feature you might need for reclaiming and planing wood in the workshop or at a job site.
Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Planer
The Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Planer stands apart from other models because it’s cordless. Makita includes this tool-only planer with an 18-volt design. That’s plenty of power to cut through the project’s surface.
With that, this power planer uses a configuration to cut 3.25 inches across. However, the depth of cut reaches just 5/64 inches deep. That’s fine for your smooth wood, but it might not work when planing rough surfaces.
You’re sure to appreciate the motor of this electric hand planer. It gives you 18 volts of power for the cutter head when it is fully charged. Overall, that generates about 14000 RPMs.
Plus, the Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Planer has a two-blade design that offers 28000 CPM without a load. You should get that with a fresh battery, but it does go down when the pack discharges on the hand planer.
On top of that, this hand planer has a depth adjustment knob that clicks into place when you alter the placement of the shoe. This is crucial since the product offers a limited cut depth.
The manufacturer of this hand planer engineered it for balance. You should notice that with the battery hooked up. Ergonomic, cushioned handles offer a comfortable grip that feels natural when addressing the wood.
Plus, this hand planer includes an electric brake. This stops the blades when you stop depressing the power switch. Overall, that leads to a faster workflow.
Conclusion
Power tools make it much easier for woodworkers to take care of projects in the shop. Though you can hand plane and feel the wood, most people prefer electric planers.
When you’re shopping for the best electric hand planer, there are various tools out there. It’s crucial to find the right one for the job, and the Makita KP0810 is likely the right option.
This hand planer has everything you could want when you shop for planers. It’s a best-seller, though the Dewalt brand is a close second.
However, many people enjoy how easy it is to change the depth setting on the tool. Furniture makers like that they can handle all of their projects with ease.
This powerful planer uses carbide blades and features an ergonomic design. That reduces hand pressure and gives you the woodworking results you want. Though it doesn’t come with a brushless motor like the Dewalt, it does have something durable and strong. Overall, this tool has everything you need!
