Having a best electric hand planers by your side is essential for any woodworking project, whether you’re refining the edges of a door or smoothing a bookshelf. These tools can be used to smooth out small flaws, get rid of rough spots, and even change the height or width of a piece of woodwork by removing thin layers of wood to reveal a smooth surface underneath.
Even though both planing and sanding leave a smooth finish, they are not the same thing. Sanding makes a smooth surface with small grains, while planing makes sharp edges and a smooth, slippery surface. Using a hand planer in your projects can make your work easier and faster, making the finished product look more professional. But keep in mind that you may still need to sand those planed edges by hand to get a perfect result.
There are different sizes of hand planers, and many of them can be used on tables or as stationary tools in workshops. Hand planers are especially popular because they are easy to move and can do a lot of different jobs. They can be adjusted precisely with just one hand, which makes them perfect for fine work. Still, electric planers are very good at removing wood along long stretches without much trouble. Below we have mentioned the best Electric Hand Planers.
Best Electric Hand Planers comparison table
| Planer Model | Brand | Power Source | Blade Size | Power Rating | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dewalt Hand Planer | Dewalt | Corded | 3-1/4″ | N/A | N/A |
| Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless | Makita | Cordless (Battery-powered) | 3-1/4″ | 18V | N/A |
| DeWalt D26677K 3-1/4″ | Dewalt | Corded | 3-1/4″ | N/A | N/A |
| WEN 6534 8-Amp, 4-3/8-Inch | WEN | Corded | 4-3/8″ | 8 Amps | N/A |
| Makita XPK02Z 18V LXT Cordless 3-1/4″ | Makita | Cordless (Battery-powered) | 3-1/4″ | 18V | N/A |
Dewalt Hand Planer
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dewalt |
| Model | Hand Planer |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Planing Width | Variable up to 3-1/4 inches |
| Depth of Cut | Adjustable up to 1/16 inch increments |
| Motor Power | 10 Amps |
| Blade Type | Reversible carbide blades |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs |
This hand planer from Dewalt is great for semi-regular use by amateur woodworkers or people who do DIY projects on the weekends. The planer has blades that can be used in either direction and can be sharpened. It is also made of strong materials so that it will last longer and need fewer replacement parts. For speed and efficiency, the electric planer can also make up to 34,000 cuts per minute at a depth of 1.5 mm. On top of that, the device is easier to use because it is light and doesn’t put as much strain on your wrists and arms. Overall, it is one of the best electric hand planers that you can buy.
Pros
- Powerful 10 Amp motor for efficient planing
- Variable planing width allows versatility in applications
- Reversible carbide blades for extended blade life
Cons
- Requires a power source, limiting portability
- May produce loud noise during operation
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Makita |
| Model | 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless |
| Power Source | Battery-powered |
| Planing Width | 3-1/4 inches |
| Depth of Cut | Adjustable up to 1/16 inch increments |
| Motor Power | Brushless motor |
| Battery Voltage | 18V |
| Battery Capacity | Varies based on battery option |
| Weight | Varies based on battery and accessories included |
At its most basic, the Makita 18V LXT cordless planer is a very high-quality option. With a two-blade cutter head and double-edged carbide blades, the planer is made for high performance while still being smooth to hold and use. Also, it has some technological features that other planers don’t have, like an automatic speed changer that makes changes as you work and a Bluetooth feature that connects the shop-vac-like dust collector to the planer so that the collector is always on when the planer is in use. Thus, it is one of the best electric hand planers that you can buy.
Pros
- Adjustable depth of cut for precise material removal
- Compatible with Makita’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery system
- Ergonomic and comfortable grip for extended use
Cons
- Battery and charger may need to be purchased separately
- Runtime dependent on battery capacity and usage
DeWalt D26677K 3-1/4″
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | DeWalt |
| Model | D26677K 3-1/4″ |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Planing Width | 3-1/4 inches |
| Depth of Cut | Adjustable up to 1/16 inch increments |
| Motor Power | 5.5 Amps |
| Blade Type | Reversible carbide blades |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs |
The DeWalt Hand Planer Kit might be a good choice for DIYers and professionals who want speed, quality, and the ability to make changes. This planer has an electric motor with a cord that is 5.5 amps and can make up to 35,000 cuts per minute at 17,000 rpm. It also has two blades that can be turned around to make them last longer. Overall, it is one of the best electric hand planers that you can buy.
This planer can cut up to 314 inches wide and 1/16 inch deep. It also has an ergonomic handle that keeps the user’s wrist in a neutral position and a knob on the front for adjusting the depth and controlling the tool as a whole. The kit includes two extra blades, a fence, and a port for collecting dust. The kit doesn’t come with a dust collection bag, which is a shame.
Pros
- Reversible carbide blades for extended blade life
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable operation
- Dust bag included for efficient dust collection
Cons
- Corded design limits portability
- Limited planing width for larger projects
WEN 6534 8-Amp, 4-3/8-Inch
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | WEN |
| Model | 6534 |
| Amperage | 8 Amp |
| Blade Diameter | 4-3/8-Inch |
It can be hard to find a tool with both heavy-duty features and a low price, but this one from WEN might be a good choice for those who want both. The electric hand planer has an 8-amp motor that is plugged in and can make up to 32,000 cuts per minute. The motor has a speed of 16,000 rpm, which is high for a planer at this price point because it has two blades. Thus, it is one of the best electric hand planers that you can buy.
This electric hand planer has a cutting width of 4 3/8 inches and a cutting depth of up to 1/8 of an inch. Even though this hand planer is heavy (it weighs almost 10 pounds), the heavy-duty motor and large capacity make up for the weight. This kit comes with a dust adapter (but not a bag for collecting dust), a fence, a sliding fence, and a kickstand that stands up on its own.
Pros
- Powerful 8 Amp motor for efficient cutting
- Compact and lightweight design for easy maneuverability
- Versatile blade diameter of 4-3/8 inches
- Suitable for a wide range of cutting applications
Cons
- Limited blade diameter compared to larger saws
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty or industrial use
Makita XPK02Z 18V LXT Cordless 3-1/4″
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Makita |
| Model | XPK02Z |
| Power Source | Cordless |
| Voltage | 18V LXT |
| Planing Width | 3-1/4 inches |
Take a look at Makita’s XPK02Z 18V LXT cordless planer to see how electric hand planers have changed over time. This model has all the usual features, like a brushless motor that spins at 12,000 rpm, a cutting capacity of 314 inches, and a cutting depth of up to 1/8 inch. The two blades are smooth, and the handle is made to fit your hand. But this upgrade pick also has some features that make it worth thinking about.
This model comes with Makita’s Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS), which is Bluetooth-ready and lets users pair this tool with a dust collection system so that it turns on automatically when the trigger is pulled. The result is that dust is collected right away without the need for extra wires and switches. This can make hand-planing a lot more fun. Still, it is one of the best electric hand planers that you can buy.
Pros
- Cordless design for enhanced portability and convenience
- High-quality construction from a trusted brand
Cons
- Limited planing width compared to larger planers
- Not suitable for heavy-duty or large-scale planing tasks
FAQs
Electric hand planers are power tools that are used to smooth and shape the surface of wood. It usually has a motorized cutterhead that spins at high speeds to remove material from the workpiece as the tool is moved across the surface.
Electric hand planers can be used by beginners, but to use them well, you need to learn how to use them and practice. It’s important to know how the tool works, what safety precautions to take, and the right way to use it to get the results you want. Beginners can gain confidence and improve their woodworking skills by starting with simple projects and moving on to more difficult ones over time.
Yes, electric hand planers can be used on softwoods like pine as well as hardwoods like oak and maple. But different types of wood have different densities and patterns of grain, which can change how planing is done. To get the best results, it’s important to change the planer’s cutting depth and feed rate.
