Geralda Beebe

Written by Geralda Beebe

Published: 10 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

10-best-electric-hand-planers
Source: Youtube.com

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient tool for smoothing and shaping wood, an electric hand planer is a great option. These powerful tools can save you time and effort compared to using a manual hand planer. In this article, we will explore the 10 best electric hand planers on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your woodworking projects. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, having the right electric hand planer can make a big difference in the quality of your work.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 8/10

The WEN 6534 Electric Hand Planer is a powerful and efficient tool designed for woodworking. With a spacious cutting capacity, adjustable depth, and a two-way dust port, this planer provides great value for its price. Perfect for planing 2x4s and 4x4s, it offers a smooth finish and precise cuts. The 8-amp motor ensures up to 32,000 cuts per minute, making it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional woodworkers.

Key Features

  • Powerful Motor: 8-amp motor provides up to 32,000 cuts per minute
  • Spacious Capacity: 4-3/8-Inch cutting capacity for planing 2x4s and 4x4s
  • Adjustable Stops: 16 positive stops adjust cutting depth from 0 to 1/8 inches
  • Two-Way Dust Port: Loose shavings can be directed to the left or right
  • Accessories Included: Comes with reversible blades, chamfer grooves, and more

Specifications

  • Dimension: 12.00Lx9.75Wx8.25H
  • Size: 4-3/8"

Pros

  • Powerful motor
  • Spacious cutting capacity
  • Adjustable stops for precision
  • Versatile two-way dust port
  • Comes with various useful accessories

Cons

  • Material quality lower than name brands
  • Width limits planing flush to vertical faces
  • Quality control may be inconsistent

The WEN 6534 Electric Hand Planer is a budget-friendly option that delivers exceptional performance. While it may have some limitations compared to premium brands, its powerful motor and adjustable features make it a valuable addition to any woodworking arsenal. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, this planer offers great value, making it a wise investment for all woodworking needs.

Overall Score: 8/10

The WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a lightweight, compact, and powerful tool that allows for easy planing of wood surfaces. With a 3.8-amp motor, 9 positive stops for cutting depth adjustment, and an onboard storage slot for the blade adjustment wrench, this planer is designed for convenience and ease of use. However, it does not come with a dust collection bag, so it can create quite a mess during use. Despite this, it has received rave reviews from users who praise its value and effectiveness, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Key Features

  • 3.8-amp motor provides up to 32,000 cuts per minute
  • 9 positive stops adjust the cutting depth from 0 to 1/16 inches
  • Lightweight design weighs 4.3 pounds
  • Includes onboard storage slot and kickstand
  • Backed by a two-year warranty

Specifications

  • Dimension: 9.00Lx6.25Wx6.50H

Pros

  • Powerful motor for efficient planing
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Convenient onboard storage slot
  • Two-year warranty for peace of mind

Cons

  • No dust collection bag included
  • May create a mess during use

The WEN 6528 Electric Hand Planer offers great value and performance for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Despite the lack of a dust collection bag, its powerful motor, adjustable cutting depth, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for woodworking projects.

Overall Score: 8/10

The WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a lightweight and powerful tool designed for accuracy and ease of use. With a 6 Amp motor and 34,000 cuts per minute, it can handle a wide range of planing tasks. It features 16 positive stops for cutting depth adjustment, a 5/16 inch rabbeting guide, and a compact design weighing in at just 6 pounds. The package includes a dust bag, kickstand, parallel fence bracket, and a 2-year warranty. Users have found it to be a great value for the price, although some have noted the need for initial setup and adjustments. Overall, it's a versatile and reliable tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Key Features

  • 6 Amp motor with 34,000 cuts per minute
  • 16 positive stops for cutting depth adjustment
  • 5/16 inch rabbeting guide
  • Lightweight design at 6 pounds
  • Includes dust bag, kickstand, fence bracket, 2-year warranty

Specifications

  • Dimension: 12.00Lx7.00Wx7.00H
  • Size: 3-1/4 Inch

Pros

  • Powerful and accurate performance
  • Great value for the price
  • Versatile for various planing tasks

Cons

  • Requires initial setup and adjustments
  • Some durability concerns with certain parts

The WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer offers impressive performance and versatility at a reasonable price. While it may require some initial setup and adjustments, its powerful motor and precision cutting make it a valuable tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. With a lightweight design and included accessories, it’s a reliable option for a wide range of planing tasks.

Overall Score: 7/10

The VEVOR Electric Hand Planer offers a high-power motor for effortless planing, efficiency & precision cutting, dual dust extraction, smooth planing, and portability. Its aluminum baseplate and V-shaped guide groove ensure a smoother planing process without getting stuck. Equipped with extra blades and a dustproof storage bag/case, it provides convenience and versatility for woodworking and DIY projects.

Key Features

  • High-Power Motor For Effortless Planing
  • Efficiency & Precision Cutting
  • Dual Dust Extraction
  • Smooth Planing
  • Portable And Easy

Specifications

  • Dimension: 13.00Lx6.70Wx6.70H

Pros

  • High-power motor for smooth and even planks
  • Efficiency & precise cutting
  • Dual dust extraction for clean workspace
  • Smooth planing with V-shaped guide groove
  • Portable and easy with extra blades and storage bag/case

Cons

  • Some users experienced motor burnout
  • Dust collection can be better

The VEVOR Electric Hand Planer offers efficient and precise cutting, making woodworking and DIY projects easier. Despite some reported issues with motor burnout and dust collection, its high-power motor and smooth planing capabilities make it a reliable tool for carpentry and woodwork.

Overall Score: 7/10

The JELLAS 7.5-Amp 16500 Rpm Power Hand Planer is a high-efficiency electric planer with a powerful motor and dual-dust out system. It features a reversible dust chute, auxiliary push handle, all-mirror-grade aluminum bottom, and blade protector for safety. The planer is suitable for both occasional and professional use, although some users have reported issues with blade durability and occasional clogging of the vacuum attachment bag. Overall, it provides great value for the price and is praised for its performance in wood-working projects.

Key Features

  • High Power & High Efficiency
  • Reversible Dust Chute
  • Auxiliary Push Handle
  • All-Mirror-grade Aluminum Bottom & Three V-grooves
  • Blade Protector

Specifications

  • Color: Grey
  • Dimension: 12.99Lx7.68Wx6.89H

Pros

  • High efficiency in wood-working projects
  • Reversible dust chute for convenience
  • Great value for the price

Cons

  • Blades may not be very durable
  • Occasional clogging of vacuum attachment bag

The JELLAS Electric Planer offers impressive power and features for its price. While there are some reported issues with blade durability and clogging, it remains a valuable tool for wood-working projects and provides great efficiency. It’s a budget-friendly option for both occasional and professional use.

Overall Score: 7/10

Experience the power of precision with the 6.6-amp electric planer designed for woodworking. It offers unparalleled speed, efficiency, and reliability. Crafted with sturdiness and precision, this planer delivers professional-grade results with effortless gliding over workpieces. Ideal for both beginners and experts, it brings craftsmanship to new heights.

Key Features

  • Craftsmanship in Your Hands
  • Ignite Your Creativity
  • Solid and Reliable
  • Precision Perfection
  • Effortless Gliding

Specifications

  • Color: Electric Planer Cleaner Cordless Electric Hand Planer Power Planer for Woodworking Planers

Pros

  • Powerful 6.6-amp motor
  • Sturdy and reliable construction
  • Precision cutting for professional results
  • Easy to use for both beginners and experts

Cons

  • May leave streaks and uneven surfaces
  • Lack of detailed operation manual

The DNTI 6.6amp Corded Electric Handheld Planer offers impressive power and precision for woodworking projects. While it may have some minor issues, its reliability and ease of use make it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.

Overall Score: 7/10

The POWERTEC HP1005 Portable Corded Hand Planer features an 8 amp motor, delivers up to 32,000 cuts per minute, and includes a dust extraction attachment, rabbet planer guide, and parallel fence bracket. It has a smooth, portable and lightweight design with an ergonomic grip, and a double-sided dust extraction port. The adjustable depth knob has 16 positive stop settings.

Key Features

  • 8 amp 4-3/8 in. Corded Hand Planer
  • Dust Extraction Attachment, Rabbet Planer Guide
  • Superior planer action with up to 32,000 cuts per minute
  • Ergonomic grip for easy handling
  • Double-sided dust extraction port

Specifications

  • Dimension: 14.50Lx8.00Wx8.00H
  • Size: 8"

Pros

  • Powerful 8 amp motor
  • Portable and lightweight design
  • Double-sided dust extraction port

Cons

  • No replacement blades available
  • Some users received used planers

The POWERTEC HP1005 Hand Planer is a powerful tool with a smooth and lightweight design, making it suitable for woodworking projects. However, the unavailability of replacement blades and occasional reports of receiving used items are drawbacks to consider.

Overall Score: 7/10

Looking for a reliable and efficient hand planer for your woodworking projects? The CRAFTSMAN Wood Planer delivers smooth cuts with a 6 Amp motor and 16,500 RPM, giving you fast material removal. Designed for added control and better quality finish, this planer is equipped with an 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe and overmolded depth knob with 10 positive steps. The dual side dust extraction ensures a cleaner workspace. Despite some drawbacks, it is overall a good planer for small workshops and nonprofessional work. Just be prepared for the loud noise and excessive dust and shavings.

Key Features

  • SMOOTH CUTS: Heavy duty 6 Amp motor
  • Fast material removal: 16,500 Rpm
  • ADDED CONTROL: 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe
  • CLEANER WORKSPACE: Dual side dust extraction
  • BETTER CONTROL: Overmolded depth knob

Specifications

  • Dimension: 14.36Lx7.09Wx7.71H

Pros

  • Smooth cutting
  • Fast material removal
  • Added control for quality finish
  • Dual side dust extraction for cleaner workspace
  • Overmolded depth knob with 10 positive steps for better control

Cons

  • Depth adjustment issues
  • Loud noise and excessive dust
  • Quality control concerns

The CRAFTSMAN Wood Planer is a powerful and efficient tool, suitable for small workshops and nonprofessional work. Despite some drawbacks such as depth adjustment issues and quality control concerns, it delivers smooth cuts and fast material removal. Just be mindful of the noise and dust, and consider using a vacuum and wearing a mask/respirator when working with this planer.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Ryobi HPL52K Corded Hand Planer offers fine adjustment of blades and smooth finishes. It can handle a variety of woodworking projects with maximum precision, thanks to its adjustable depth feature. The rubber grip molding allows for precise handling, even in slippery conditions. The lock-off button prevents accidental activation for safety. Dual exhaust ports and a rear-mounted kickstand add to the convenience. However, the planer feels cheap and the dust bag and case may arrive damaged. Overall, for its price, this tool offers good value, smooth surface finishes, and is easy to use.

Key Features

  • Adjustable depth from 0-1/8" in 1/96” increments
  • Rubber grip molding for precise handling
  • Lock-off button for safety
  • Dual exhaust ports for convenience
  • Rear-mounted kickstand to prevent surface damage

Specifications

  • Dimension: 17.00Lx7.88Wx13.25H
  • Size: 3-1/4"

Pros

  • Fine adjustment of blades for precision
  • Leaves smooth finishes
  • Offers good value for the price
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Dust bag and case may arrive damaged
  • Feels cheap

The Ryobi HPL52K Corded Hand Planer may feel cheap, but for the price, it offers good value and delivers smooth surface finishes. It’s easy to use and provides fine adjustment of blades for precision. However, potential issues with the dust bag and case arriving damaged should be considered when making a purchase decision.

Overall Score: 9/10

The SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric 3-1/4 Inch Corded Planer – PL201201 is a powerful and easy-to-use planer that is perfect for a variety of woodworking projects. Designed with a corded tool for long run time and maximum power, it is ideal for shaping wood, leveling saw fences, and more. With a multi-color finish and compact dimensions, this planer is both practical and versatile. Customers have praised its great power, ease of use, and affordable price, making it a must-have tool for any woodworking enthusiast. It delivers great performance for the money and is perfect for a range of DIY projects and professional woodworking tasks. The easy depth adjustment knob and lightweight design make this planer a valuable addition to any workshop.

Key Features

  • Package Dimensions: 34.9 H x 17.5 L x 20.9 W (centimeters)
  • Package Weight: 3.483 kilograms
  • Country of Origin: China

Specifications

  • Color: Multi
  • Dimension: 13.50Lx6.61Wx8.27H

Pros

  • High power and easy to use
  • Ideal for a variety of woodworking projects
  • Affordable price for the performance
  • Great for DIY and professional tasks
  • Easy depth adjustment knob and lightweight design

Cons

  • Plastic depth adjustment knob felt cheap
  • Wood chip bag fills up quickly

The SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric Corded Planer stands out as a top choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional woodworkers. With its powerful performance, ease of use, and affordable price, it offers exceptional value for a variety of woodworking projects. Whether you’re shaping wood, leveling saw fences, or tackling other woodworking tasks, this planer delivers excellent results. While it may have some minor drawbacks, its overall performance and versatility make it a must-have tool for any workshop.

Buyer's Guide: Best Electric Hand Planer

What to Consider When Buying an Electric Hand Planer

Power Source

  • Corded or Cordless: Decide if a corded or cordless hand planer would be more convenient for your needs. Corded planers provide continuous power, while cordless ones offer portability but may have limited battery life.

Motor Power

  • Amp Rating: Look for a hand planer with a higher amp rating for more powerful performance. A higher amp rating will enable the planer to handle tougher materials and ensure smoother cuts.

Cutting Width

  • Adjustable Width: Consider the cutting width of the planer and whether it is adjustable to accommodate different project requirements. A wider cutting width allows for faster material removal.

Cutting Depth

  • Depth Adjustment: Check if the planer allows for easy and precise adjustment of the cutting depth. This feature is essential for achieving the desired thickness of the materials being planed.

Accuracy and Precision

  • Fence and Guide System: Look for a planer with a reliable fence and guide system to ensure accurate and precise cuts. A stable and adjustable fence helps maintain consistent cutting angles.

Dust Collection

  • Integrated Dust Collection System: Consider a planer with an integrated dust collection system to keep your workspace clean and minimize airborne wood particles. Look for compatibility with shop vacuums for efficient dust removal.

Ergonomics and Comfort

  • Handle Design: Choose a hand planer with an ergonomic handle design for comfortable and fatigue-free operation, especially for extended use.

Durability and Build Quality

  • Construction Materials: Consider the build quality and materials used in the construction of the hand planer. Look for durable components and robust construction that can withstand heavy-duty use.

Additional Features

  • Blade Type and Replacement: Check if the planer uses standard or proprietary blades, and consider the ease of blade replacement. Some planers may offer self-indexing or reversible blades for convenience.

Price and Value

  • Budget Considerations: Determine your budget for the hand planer and compare features and performance to ensure you are getting the best value for your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best Electric Hand Planers

What kind of projects can I use an electric hand planer for?

An electric hand planer can be used for a variety of projects including smoothing, shaping, and leveling wood surfaces for woodworking projects such as tables, chairs, and cabinets.

Is an electric hand planer safe to use?

When used properly and with the proper safety precautions, an electric hand planer can be safe to use. It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions and wear the appropriate safety equipment such as goggles and gloves.

Can I use an electric hand planer on other materials besides wood?

While electric hand planers are primarily designed for use on wood, there are certain models that can also be used on other materials such as plastic or metal. It is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications before attempting to use an electric hand planer on non-wood materials.

How do I maintain and care for my electric hand planer?

To maintain and care for your electric hand planer, it is important to regularly clean and lubricate the blade and moving parts. It is also important to store the planer in a dry and safe place when not in use, and to periodically check for any loose or damaged parts.

Can I use an electric hand planer if I am a beginner at woodworking?

While it is possible for beginners to use an electric hand planer, it is important to start with small and simple projects to gain experience and confidence. It is also helpful to seek guidance from more experienced woodworkers or take a woodworking class to learn proper techniques.

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