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What are hand held electric planers?
Hand held electric planers are power tools used for smoothing and leveling wood surfaces. They are compact, lightweight tools designed to be operated with one hand. Electric planers utilize a motor-driven cutting blade to shave off thin layers of material as they are moved across the workpiece. This allows the user to quickly remove rough areas or flatten warped boards.
Hand held planers are available in both corded and cordless battery-powered models. Corded versions provide unlimited runtime but require an electrical outlet nearby. Cordless models offer greater portability and the freedom to work anywhere, but require periodic battery charging. Most handheld planers include adjustable depth settings to control the amount of material removed in each pass.
Advantages of hand held electric planers
Handheld electric planers offer several benefits over manual hand planes:
- Faster material removal – Electric planers remove wood much more quickly than can be achieved with manual tools.
- Consistency – The powered cutting blades provide a consistent, flat surface with each pass.
- Variable depth adjustments – Cutting depth can be easily adjusted to take off thin or thick shavings as desired.
- Compact size – Handheld planers are smaller and more maneuverable than larger benchtop thickness planers.
- Portability – Cordless models allow planing at any location without a power source.
- Smoothing and finishing – Electric planers excel at quickly smoothing rough sawn lumber.
- Chamfering – The blade can be positioned at an angle to create chamfered edges.
Their small size and ease of use makes hand held planers ideal for projects like:
- Smoothing tabletops, shelves or furniture parts
- Beveling board edges
- Leveling uneven flooring
- Fitting doors and trim
- Deburring holes or cutouts
- Planing thin stock
Disadvantages of hand held planers
While electric hand planers have many uses, they do have some limitations:
- Not for jointing – They lack the width to flatten a warped board over its entire surface.
- Difficult on wide surfaces – Keeping a handheld planer level on wide boards is challenging.
- Snipe – Blades sometimes dig in at the start or end of a cut, leaving dips called snipe.
- Tear out – Knots and irregular grain can splinter easily with the fast cutting blades.
- Power source – Corded models require a nearby electrical outlet.
- Dust creation – Electric planing creates a lot of wood chips and dust.
- Noisy – The motors generate high decibel levels requiring ear protection.
- Safety risks – Rotating blades pose risks of cuts and kickback if not handled properly.
Hand planers are best suited for smaller smoothing and chamfering tasks rather than precision flattening of wide surfaces. For best results, move the tool slowly and carefully, taking light passes.
Types of hand held electric planers
There are a few basic types of handheld electric planers:
Corded planers
- Unlimited runtime from wall power
- Restricted by location of electrical outlets
- Typically less expensive than cordless
- Range from 5-10 amps
Cordless planers
- Portable operation anywhere
- Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- Limited runtime per charge
- Higher initial cost than corded
- 10-20 volt models common
Benchtop planers
- Stationary planers for shops
- Wider planing width up to 12″
- Heavy cast iron construction
- Higher cost but better precision
Benchtop thickness planers are better suited for flattening and smoothing wide boards if that capability is needed.
Key features to consider
When choosing an electric hand planer, here are some of the most important features to consider:
- Cutting width – Typically 3-1/4 to 6-1/2 inches. The wider the better for smoothing wider surfaces.
- Cutting depth – 1/8 inch is common – make sure it includes adjustable depth stops.
- Power source – Corded or cordless based on your needs.
- Handle design – Should be comfortable and allow good grip and control.
- Base plate – Look for a smooth flat base to ride evenly over the workpiece.
- Dust extraction – Planers with dust chutes or ports help control chips.
- Weight – Lighter is better for ease of use but can affect smoothness.
- Noise level – Check decibel ratings – lower is better.
- Brand reputation – Stick with brands known for quality and performance.
Paying a little more for a model with sturdy construction, smooth operation and solid performance will lead to better results and longer tool life.
Recommendations
Based on popular options with high ratings and reviews, here are some of the best hand held electric planers to consider in corded and cordless categories:
Corded planers
| Brand & Model | Power | Cut Width | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW680K | 6.5 Amps | 3-1/4″ | 7.7 lbs |
| Makita 1912B | 8.5 Amps | 3-3/8″ | 7.3 lbs |
| PORTER-CABLE PC60THP | 6.5 Amps | 3-1/4″ | 6.5 lbs |
Cordless planers
| Brand & Model | Voltage | Cut Width | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XPK01Z | 18V | 3-1/8″ | 7.3 lbs |
| DEWALT DCP580B | 20V Max | 3-1/4″ | 5.7 lbs |
| Ryobi P601 | 18V | 3-1/4″ | 5.3 lbs |
Using a hand held electric planer
Here are some tips for getting the best performance from a handheld electric planer:
- Read the instruction manual thoroughly for proper operation and safety.
- Adjust the depth setting for very light passes, no more than 1/32″ deep.
- Hold the tool firmly with two hands for control.
- Move the planer slowly and steadily over the workpiece.
- Make smooth, continuous passes with the grain direction.
- Avoid applying too much downward pressure.
- Keep the base plate flush to the workpiece to avoid gouging.
- Plane warped boards starting on cupped side first.
- Use a hand plane or sandpaper to smooth any snipe marks.
- Wear ear and eye protection when operating.
- Use a dust collection bag or vacuum to control chips.
Taking light cuts and moving slowly while planing produces the best results. Never force the tool – let the motor and blade do the work.
Safety tips
Electric planers can be dangerous if used improperly. Follow these precautions:
- Read and follow all safety warnings in the owner’s manual.
- Always wear eye protection – chips can fly into eyes.
- Wear hearing protection – planers generate high noise levels.
- Keep hands away from the blade opening.
- Avoid awkward hand positions where a slip could cause blade contact.
- Make sure board edges are free of defects like knots or nails.
- Be aware of risks of kickback when planing.
- Unplug the tool before inspecting jams or changing blades.
- Support workpiece properly to prevent movement while planning.
- Keep work area clean to avoid slips or falls.
- Never carry a planer by the cord or yank cord to disconnect from outlet.
Always focus your full attention on the tool while operating and maintain proper control. Never plan with one hand while holding the workpiece with the other.
Maintenance
To keep a handheld planer performing well:
- Regularly check that blade is sharp, replacing when worn or damaged.
- Clean dust and chips from blade openings and guides.
- Check base plate for smoothness and nicks that could affect operation.
- Lubricate guide rails with paste wax or silicone spray.
- Inspect power cord and extension cords for any damage.
- For cordless models, follow battery and charger care guidelines.
- Store planer in a dry location when not in use.
- Refer to owner’s manual for further maintenance steps.
Proper care will keep an electric planer running smoothly for many years. Always unplug tool and allow blade to stop before any maintenance or adjustments.
Conclusion
Hand held electric planers provide a fast, effective way to smooth and flatten wood by quickly removing thin shavings. They excel at moderate planing tasks on smaller workpieces. Key advantages over manual hand planes include easier material removal, thickness adjustability and the ability to chamfer edges.
Look for a model with sufficient power, cutting width and sturdy but balanced design. Paying more for a planer from a leading brand typically means better performance and reliability. Be aware of the limitations of handheld planers for flattening wide boards.
For best results follow recommended operating procedures, working across the grain in smooth passes without excessive pressure. Maintaining sharp blades and proper machine lubrication helps maximize the planing effectiveness. Always follow essential safety practices as these powerful tools can be hazardous if used carelessly.
Overall, handheld electric planers are versatile, easy to control tools that allow efficient wood smoothing operations with less effort than manual alternatives. Selecting a high quality planer suited to your needs can be a valuable addition to any woodworking toolkit.