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Best Electric Hand Planers In 2021

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This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Published February 23, 2019
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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If you’re serious about your woodwork, then an electric hand planer will most likely be the next power tool you’re looking to invest in ahead of the DIY season! Whether you have some shelves that need to be built and assembled or are about to start on an antique furniture restoration project, there are plenty of uses and applications for an electric hand planer, even if you’re not a professional tradesman. A power planer is one of those innovative and useful tools that all bona fide DIY enthusiasts should own as part of their comprehensive arsenal of tools! Knowing which one to invest in though is the tricky part and in short, that will be a function primarily of the kind of jobs you envisage undertaking as well as your budget. So let’s delve in today and take a look at our top list of recommended wood planers that will shave both time and effort off those carpentry jobs you’ve promised you’ll complete this year.

The Best Electric Hand Planer

1
Dewalt DCP580B 20V Max Brushless Electric Hand Planer

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We’re taking a look at a portable power planer next from Dewalt, and it’s their  3 1/4-inch Brushless Max DCP580B to get the review treatment. This 20V high-performance planer from the Dewalt family has the users best interests at heart with an ergonomic handle designed to minimize operator fatigue. The molded grip fits comfortably and securely in hand to provide power and reliability even in the toughest of working environments.

The DCP580B features twin blade drums with reversible carbide blades with a smooth, adjustable knob which makes a reassuring audible clicking sound whenever those settings are increased or decreased. Besides the power planer itself, this device also features other handy on-board tools including a tort key and Torx wrench storage plus a convenient kickstand which protects the planer when it’s resting and not being used. If you are looking for are portable yet powerful planer then this is a smart investment, capable of providing 32,000 cuts per minute for fast and smooth results. A ploy V drive further provides belt durability and enhances the overall reliability of this portable Dewalt planer. Unfortunately, no dust extraction is supplied with this particular unit although one can be purchased separately. Love tools? Check out our review of the best bench grinders for our top picks.

Key Features:

Powerful brushless motor delivers 32,000 cuts per minute

Calibrated depth adjustment knob to 5/64”

Precision machined front and back aluminum shoes

Increased belt durability thanks to inclusion of Poly-V drive belt

Specification:
  • BrandDEWALT
  • ModelDCP580B
  • Weight6.8 pounds
Pros

Cordless Portable Design

Powerful Brushless Motor

Durable Belt

Versatile Operation

Twin reversible carbide blades

Cons

No dust extraction supplied

Battery and charger sold separately

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2
Makita 1912B 7.5-Amp Planer

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Makita is known for their industrial quality power tools and their leading cutting edge technology and innovation so it should come as little surprise that they feature on our best electric hand planers list and are today’s Premium Choice recommendation. This power tool, just like most of the professional devices they manufacture is precise and accurate, powerful and reliable too. Although this is, of course, an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts, it is also highly recommended for use by professional trades including construction framing, window, and door installation companies as well as fine woodworking professions.

The Makita 1912B may well have a compact design, but it’s certainly not short on cutting capacity and overall power. With an all bearing construction, they pretty much guarantee this beast for life. It’s easy to control and well balanced to operate with front and rear grips positioned for better operator control, and with a precision machined aluminum base, it delivers accurate planning results every time.  While it might not include a dust bag, it does come with a host of other useful accessories including a sharpening holder, blade gauge, wrench, guide rule as well as a blade set. Better still, the 2-blade cutter head can make an incredible 32,000 cuts per minute which certainly impressed us. For more great tools like this check out our guide to the best screw guns.

Key Features:

Powerful 7.5-amp motor delivers exceptional performance

Professional style quality with consistent results

2-blade cutter head provides 32,000 cuts per minute

Convenient lock-on button function when in the continuous operation mode

Specification:
  • BrandMakita
  • Model1912B
  • Weight9.3 pounds
Pros

High quality and durable construction

Well renowned brand

Smooth and powerful to use

2 blade cutter head

Lots of safety features

Cons

No dust collection facility

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

3
VonHaus Electric Wood Hand Planer Kit

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The VonHaus 7.5 Amp Electric Wood Hand Planer Kit is one of the cheapest electric planers on the market. If you’re a professional carpenter, you should steer clear of this tool – it doesn’t have the power or versatility you’ll need for professional applications. However, if you’re just experimenting with carpentry or reclaiming old wood at home, this should have everything you need. 

The planer has a 7.5-amp motor that delivers 33,000 cuts per minute, has a cutting width of 3.25”, and has a depth adjustment dial for different finishes. It also comes with two replacement blades, a kickstand, and a dust extraction bag that can be fitted on either side of the tool. In short, it ticks all of the boxes for DIY use but it’s not going to last a lifetime and you can’t be super accurate with it. 

Key Features:

7.5-amp motor 

33,000 cuts per minute 

Cutting width – 3.25”

Adjustable base plate 

Depth adjustment dial 

Two replacement blades

Specification:
  • BrandVonHaus
  • Weight9.85 pounds
Pros

Very affordable 

Comes with everything you need 

Perfect for DIY 

Pretty powerful

Cons

Not that durable 

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

4
Porter-Cable PC60THPK 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer

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Another highly affordable and powerful option up next from Porter Cable, their PC60THPK offers excellent value for money and overall functionality. Besides the hand planer itself which is certainly robust and sturdy looking, you also receive  2 carbide curing blades along with a wrench, edge guide, a dust bag and a kit bag to keep your planer safe when not in use. The depth of those cuts can be controlled by 10 positive stops which are positioned every 1/16-inch plus there are also three chamfering grooves and accurate control thanks to that 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe. The 6-amp motor slivers 16,500 RMP of power which make it more than adequate for tackling a range of jobs from planing wood planks, to chamfering and profiling edges, as well as tackling doors and joists.

There’s also dual dust extraction on either side of the planer which helps to keep your workplace tidy and clean as you plane away. Porter Cable offers a generous 3 years manufactures warranty with your purchase which should provide you with good peace of mind, and the device comes with a long 6-foot cable so there should be plenty of flexibility to work on projects both indoors and outside too. Our handy guide to the best angle grinders features more great products like this.

Key Features:

6-amp motor delivers 16,500 RPM motor for smooth operation

10 positive stops positioned every 1/16-inch

Dual-sided dust extraction

Includes hand planer, carbide cutting blades, HSS cutting blades, wrench, dust bag, and kit box

Specification:
  • BrandPORTER-CABLE
  • ModelPC60THPK
  • Weight13.15 pounds
Pros

Budget-friendly

Easy to use and smooth to operate

Decent quality

Great for home DIY’er

Dual dust extraction lever

Cons

Soft not hard carry case

Dust bag fills up quickly

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

5
Bosch 3 1/4-inch PL26363K Electric Hand Planer

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It would be hard to imagine drafting any kind of power tools recommended list without something from Bosch featuring in the top ten, so it should come as no surprise that we’re reviewing one of their hand planer’s today.  The Bosch PL2622K conveniently comes with its own carry case and while not the most budget friendly on our review, still represents a reasonable price point given its functionality. Included with your purchase besides the hand planer are 2 wood razor mini micro grain blades, one dual-mount guide fence, a shavings collection bag, that carrying case we already mentioned along with a straight no-mar plastic overshoe.

The planer provides excellent power and performance and is also relatively lightweight to deliver a good amount of flexibility too. It’s apparently the first ever power tool to feature ambidextrous lol-off release and besides that function, also has further protection features including a spin loaded stand to elevate the device, protecting the blade when not in use. That powerful 6.5-amp motor provides 16,5000 rotations per minute which means smooth and consistent results and with both front and rear aluminum shoes and a dual-mount fence guide, you get good precision too. It’s a quality product, from a well-respected brand and receives excellent reviews and feedback from consumers. It’s durable, reliable and performs well. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best rolling tool boxes.

Key Features:

6.5-amp motor delivers 16,500 RPM motor for smooth operation and clean finish

Ambidextrous lock-off release button

Spring-loaded protection stand

Versatile two blade system with dual-mount fence guide

Specification:
  • BrandBosch
  • ModelPL2632K
  • Weight14.53 pounds
Pros

High quality and durable construction

Well renowned brand

Smooth and powerful to use

Dual dust ports

Lots of safety features

Cons

Some concerns depth knob doesn’t firmly click into place

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

6
Triton TPL180 7-inch Triple Blade Planer

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If professional quality power is the name of the game, then this Triton TPL180 triple blade planer has it in spades! It’s perfect for even the most heavy duty of planning duties, and cuts from all hardwood surfaces like a hot knife through butter! That’s because it’s made constricted from magnesium to give it superior strength and durability and is fitted with a hard working and powerful 1500 W motor and a 3-blade drum that can cut up to 45,000 times per minute. With that power, also comes plenty of precision with a 10-position depth control dial alongside an adjustable bail handle for ergonomic support and comfort.

This Triton TPL180 also comes with a guide fence, dust extraction port and includes a wrench as well as featuring an ultra-wide 7-inch planing surface to get those big jobs done in record time. From a safety perspective, Triton has included a power-on neon light indicator plus there’s a safety lock which has to be actively depressed to activate the trigger. For professional woodworkers and enthusiastic amateurs DIY’ers alike, if you can stretch the budget, then this Triton is a reliable and robust choice. If you love DIY projects, check out our guide to the best digital calipers.

Key Features:

Powerful 1500w motor suitable for heavy duty planing

Wide 7-inch planing surface for rapid removal

Revolutionary pattered 3-blade drum design

10-position depth control dial or precision and accuracy

Specification:
  • BrandTriton
  • ModelTPL180
  • Weight22.6 pounds
Pros

Powerful and patented design

Superior cutting action

Adjustable and easy to control

Non-slip grip

Precise results

Cons

Dust extraction unit must be bought separately

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

7
Tacklife 7.5-Amp Electric Hand Planer

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There’s plenty to love about this Tacklife electric hand planer, not least that incredible price. The manufacturer is all about developing well made, useful and portable professional-style products for the modern DIY enthusiast so if that’s got your name written all over it, then read on! This is a 3 1/4-inch hand planer that packs 900 watts of power and comes with a reliable and robust 7.5-amp high-quality copper motor. It can deliver up to an impressive 32,000 cuts per minute providing smooth and efficient, consistent cuts and thickness.

When it comes to safety features, this Tacklife electric hand planer is fitted with a double controlling switch which helps to minimize unwanted accidents caused by operated carelessness. There’s also an ergonomic, soft grip handle which helps to reduce user fatigue over long periods of work plus an extra long 3-meter power cord that delivers plenty of flexibility for moving around your work area both indoors and out. Various accessories and features are included with your purchase including a chamfer groove, parallel fence bracket, convenient dust collection bag as well as a hex key and open wrench. You really do get a lot of value for your money and don’t forget that it also comes with 12 positive stop incremental increases so that you can adjust the depth from 0 all the way up to 3mm according to the application. If you need new tools, check out our guide to the best stud finders.

Key Features:

Base plate comes with a simple chamfer groove

Parallel Fence bracket adds precision and consistent cutting

Flat aluminum bottom plate is anti-rust and anti-corrosion treated

Features adjustable cutting depth ruler

Specification:
  • BrandTACKLIFE
  • ModelRES002
  • Weight7.76 pounds
Pros

Affordable option

Comfortable grip

Varied accessories induced

High-quality copper motor

Durable and long lasting

Cons

Dust bags fills up quickly

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

8
Ryobi HPL52K 6-Amp Corded Hand Planer

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Compact, powerful, and instantly recognizable as a Ryobi power tool thanks to that bright lime finish, our final product selection in this best electric hand planers review is reserved for their HPL52K, a reversible double-edged blade device with a 6-amp motor. Included with your purchase you also receive a blade wrench, rabbet edge guide plus dust bag as well as a tool bag. It runs at up to 16,500 RPM with a maximum cutting width of 3 1/4-inch and a rabbet depth of 1/2-inch. The unit features dual exhaust ports on either side of the planer so that you can blow chips out from whichever side is most convenient depending upon your workspace. When your Ryobi hand planer is not in use, it can be rested on the rear-mounted kickstand which prevents it from scuffing and damaging any of your work surfaces.

A handy safety lock button prevents this corded hand planer from accidentally being activated and with adjustable depth options from 1/8-inch to 1/96-inch increments, it certainly delivers plenty of versatility. Also worth a mention is the rubber oversold which limits friction between your hand and the tool itself, ensuring comfortable and smooth operation. You may also like our guide to the best crowbars so check it out.

Key Features:

6 amp motor with speed of 16,500 RPM

Rubber molded grip for precise and comfortable handling

Anti-scuff rear mounted kickstand

Lock off button safety features prevents accidental activation

Specification:
  • BrandRyobi
  • ModelHPL52K
  • Weight3.25 pounds
Pros

Budget-friendly

Versatile and easy to operate

Safety features

Dual exhaust ports

Rear mounted kickstand

Cons

Dust bag quickly fills up

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

9
WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer

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WEN makes some of our favorite power tools. If you’re looking for powerful, reliable, and affordable tools, their product line is always a good place to start. That’s why, when we were researching the best electric hand planers, we knew where to look. The WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer is one of the most powerful options on this list. The 3.8-amp motor provides up to 32,000 cuts per minute (530 cuts per second), removing any irregularities in the surface, making your boards perfectly smooth. 

It has nine positive stops in increments of 1/128 of an inch, allowing you to gradually work the surface. Plus, it has a cutting width of 2-3/8” and a maximum cutting depth of 1/16”, giving you enough versatility of fitting and squaring boards. Other features include a side-mounted dust chute for clean working and an automatic kickstand to protect your blades and workpiece. 

Key Features:

3.8-amp motor 

32,000 cuts per minute 

Nine positive stops 

Cutting width – 2-⅜”

Maximum cutting depth – 1/16”

Side-mounted dust chute 

Automatic kickstand 

Two-year warranty 

Specification:
  • BrandWEN
  • Model6528
  • Weight4.3 pounds
Pros

Easy to be accurate 

Keeps work surface clean 

Kickstand protects work surface and blades 

Powerful motor

Cons

Difficult to find blades 

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

10
SKIL PL201201 Electric Corded Planer

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The electric hand planers on this list vary in price from around $50 to $200 and more. The SKIL PL201201 Electric Hand Planer is towards the cheaper end of this scale, which makes it perfect for DIY enthusiasts. If you’re not planing every day, you don’t need anything more than this machine. It has a 3.5-amp motor allowing it to move at 16,000 RPM, which is enough for squaring boards, flattening pieces of wood, and reclaiming old wood. 

One of the main reasons we like the SKIL PL201201 Electric Hand Planer is that it’s super easy to use. It has an ergonomic handle and is designed with clean sight lines, so you can easily see what you’re doing. It also has a dual-chip exhaust that removes debris as you’re planing, so your work surface isn’t messy. On top of that, it has a lock-off switch to prevent unintended startups and a 1.8m cord for maneuverability.

Key Features:

6.5-amp motor 

16,000 RPM 

Number of blades – 2 

Cutting width – 3.25”

Dual-chip exhaust 

Lock-off switch 

1.8m cord 

Specification:
  • BrandSKIL
  • ModelPL201201
  • Weight6 pounds
Pros

Competitively priced 

Easy to handle 

Perfect for DIY uses 

Keeps workspace clean 

Cons

Not the most versatile 

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Electric Hand Planer Buying Guide & FAQ

Features To Look For In Electric Hand Planers

The first thing you really need to ask yourself isn’t as such what features you need your electric hand planer to have but rather what jobs you are going to be performing with it. If you’re just building some shelves and repairing some frames, you can go for something more lightweight and portable whereas if you’re about to start an antique furniture restoration job, then you’d be wiser investing in something more powerful and robust. Below are some of the additional key features we recommend you consider once you get straight on your requirements.

best electric hand planer

Speed and Power - We’ve lumped both of these features together as it makes sense, the higher the cutting speed, the more power you’ll require and the smoother overall your end results will be. Speed, power, and durability are really the essential features you need to be looking for in a hand planer. Think about the types of wood you’re going to be working with and go for the best planer you can afford within your own budget. It’s one tool that’s subject to plenty of wear and tear so our recommendation is that you don’t under-invest and you go for something that can deliver maximum cuts per minute.

Corded and Cordless options - Cordless tools are very much the fashion these days as they provide the ultimate versatility and maneuverability to work on different projects in varied locations. That said, cordless can have the disadvantage of delivering less power and juice overall, and you may end up having to recharge the battery pack before you’ve completed the job in hand which unfortunately may lead to inconsistent results. Consider your requirements carefully in this respect. Do you want something that’s more agile and flexible or are power and consistency your key considerations Also, think about the power cable itself and how likely that is to cause an obstruction in a busy working environment. Cables and plugged in devices can cause trip hazards so if you are going for a corded wood planer, make sure that the power cord is sufficiently long enough to be practical and safe.

Precision features - When you’re planing wood, the watchword is consistency so that you achieve even and professional looking quality results. To do that you require precision tools. That includes things like ensuring that your fencing stays in place and also purchasing a wood planer that has a high-quality depth gauge.

Durability - Electric hand planers take quite a battering and are a rough and tumble type of tool, constantly in contact with the working surface. That very fact means they generate plenty of heat and wear and tear so buying quality and dependable power planer will overall be a wise decision, even if you do have to pay a little bit more upfront. Ideally, look for a model with sturdy cast iron plates as these will hold and retain their shape better over time.

Comfort - By nature of the size, shape, and usage of a planer, it’s going to be in the user's hand for quite some time so comfort and ergonomics are more important than you might at first have realized. Planers can be bulky and heavy beasts to operate which over time will cause fatigue. The more powerful your planer is, likely the heavier it will also be and the more challenging to manage. Also, consider the waste management system that your electric hand planer has. They create a fair bit of waste, and you don’t want to be spending extra time and effort continually cleaning up after yourself either.

best electric hand planer

Cutting width - Most of the planers featured in our review come with a standardly sized blade width of 3 1/4-inches which is the perfect size for most DIY as well as professional applications including planing door panels, window frames and furniture for example. If you go for a larger sized cutting width, you will be able to more easily tackle larger items of furniture, panels, and struts but on the flip side, these devices will be heavier and more uncomfortable and cumbersome to operate physically.

Blade types - The blade is a vital component part of an electric hand planer, and there are two main types that you will find fitted in the most popular brands and makes of planers. Those are either high-speed steel or HSS and carbide blades. HSS blades are better suited to softer woods and are an economical choice which can be easily re-sharpened. Carbide blades are stronger and more robust and are reversible, so when one side is worn out, the blade can be turned over and used the opposite way to deliver fresh cutting power. Overall carbide blades are more durable than HSS ones, but they don’t provide the same degree of precision and accuracy.

Types Of Planers

You have three main commercial options when it comes to buying a planer, and the one you ultimately go for will depend upon the type of work you intend performing, the space you have available in your workshop as well as the all-important question of budget too.

Manual Hand Planer - Best suited to smaller jobs and by far the cheapest option they come in a variety of sizes and styles and give you control in your hand. They’re portable, easy to use and great for detailed projects.

Electric Hand Planer - A better option if you need something with more power that will enable you to get the job done quickly and more efficiently. They’re noisier and more difficult to control and of course more expensive than manual planers. You can go for either corded or cordless versions and will require a battery and charger if you go for the latter.

Benchtop Planer - Also known as a stationary planer is the largest the lot and requires a solid surface such as a table or bench in a workshop on which to sit. They can be cumbersome and expensive and will require more regular cleaning and maintenance.

best electric hand planer

Electric Hand Planer FAQ

Q: What is an electric planer used for?

A: An electric planer, much like a handheld planer can shave a shape as well as acting as a belt sander, and a jointer all rolled into the one powerful handheld device. You can use your electric planer for a variety of wood-based jobs from leveling joists to shaving down door bottoms so that they’ll close more easily to shaping garden decking and making your own shelving. The principal function of an electric planer is to smooth and prepare wood, adjusting the depth gauge so that you can create consistent thicknesses of wood for use in building projects.

Q: Is a jointer the same as a planer?

A: For the uninitiated when it comes to basic woodworking, jointers and planers are not the same things. Each machine has its own specific mode of surfacing operation. A jointer is primarily used to flatten and straighten wood or to straighten and square off edges. A planer, on the other hand, is used on boards that have already been prepared and jointed to make them of equal thickness from end to end for a consistent and smooth, uniform finish. In an ideal world if you really are a woodworking enthusiast, then you’d probably want to own both a Jointer and a Planer!

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