The Best Electric Hand Planers for 2021
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Electric Hand Planer
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best electric hand planers currently available.
UPDATED: July 29, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the DEWALT DCP580B because it features a lightweight, cordless design powered by the 20V MAX system that makes 30,000 cuts per minute (15,000 RPM).
Whether you are a serious woodworker or just a casual DIY’er, a planer is a necessary addition to your shop.
Here are some features to look out for when selecting a model:
Corded vs. Cordless
Planers were typically only powered by 120V motors, however thanks to the advancement of battery technology 20V systems now provide the power while offering the flexibility of a cordless design.
Depending on your needs you may favor one power method over another. For example, if you are typically working too far from an available outlet or are bothered by the cord being in the way cordless is the way to go. On the other hand, you may not want to deal with recharging batteries and prefer uninterrupted plug-in power. I have included selections of both cordless and corded tools below.
Cuts Per Minute
The cuts per minute are exactly what it sounds like, the number of times the blade takes a cut of the wood. This translates to exactly half for the revolutions per minute (RPM) because there are two blades mounted at 180 degrees from each other on the shaft. For example, a tool with 30,000 cuts per minute means that it is spinning at 15,000 RPM.
Trigger Lock
The trigger lock is a feature that keeps the planer on without having to continuously squeeze the trigger.
This is helpful when working for long periods of time to relieve the hand strain that comes with constantly holding the trigger in the on position.
Depth of Cut
The depth of cut is the maximum amount of material that can be taken off in one pass of the planer. This is typically moved in increments with a depth adjustment knob.
Width
The width value that is provided by a manufacturer is the width of the cutting surface. This is the maximum width of material that can be taken off in one pass. Obviously, the wider the cut dimension, the faster a large surface can be planed. However, a narrow width can be advantageous for getting in and around tight spots on smaller projects.
Fence
Similar to how a table saw fence works, some models come with a fence (or sold separately) to help guide the planer evenly along the edge of the work surface.
Kickstand
Most planers come with some kind of kickstand which is used to keep the exposed blades from touching the ground or tabletop. This prevents the sharp edges from becoming chipped or dulled.
Weight
The tool weights can vary widely depending on the method of construction, materials, size, and power. Depending on the type of work you will be using the planer for, this is something to consider. For example, if you are always transporting it and/or working in awkward positions, a lightweight cordless model may be the answer.
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If you are just getting started, check out this short video that provides some helpful tips:
So here is my list of The Best Electric Hand Planers for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: DEWALT DCP580B 3-1/4” 20V MAX Brushless Planer
The DEWALT DCP580B features a 20V cordless design with a 3-1/4 in. width capacity and depth adjustments at 1/256 in.
Provides up to 30,000 cuts per minute.
Features a 5/64 in. (2 mm) maximum depth of cut.
Equipped with front and back aluminum shoes ensure cut accuracy.
Uses a Poly-V drive belt for durability.
Features an ergonomically designed handle for comfort.
Includes a kickstand that allows it to sit on a work surface without gouging.
Powered by the DEWALT 20V MAX battery system.
Note: Battery and charger sold separately.
Runner-up: Bosch PL1632 6.5 Amp 3-1/4" Electric Hand Planer
The Bosch PL1632 is powered by a 6.5 Amp motor with 16,500 RPM.
Includes a lock-off/lock-on button to reduce the risk of an accidental start-up.
Equipped with a dual-mount fence for stability while planing.
Includes a ball-joint cord swivel to help keep it clear of the work area.
Features a spring-loaded stand to protect the planes when it is set down.
Best Premium Option: Makita KP0810 7.5 Amp 3-1/4" Electric Hand Planer
The Makita KP0810 is powered by a 7.5 AMP motor and includes a two-blade cutter head that rotates at 16,000 RPM.
Offers the ability to plane up to 3-1/4 inches wide and 5/32-inch deep with the double edge carbide blades.
Equipped with a die-cast aluminum housing for long-lasting durability.
Includes rubber front and rear handles for both control and comfort.
Features a spring-loaded stand to prevent blade damage when not in use.
Includes a chip ejection system that can send debris to either side.
Weighs 7.3 pounds.
Easy to Use: DEWALT D26677K 3-1/4" Electric Hand Planer
The DEWALT D26677K is powered by a 5.5 Amp motor that provides up to 34,000 cuts per minute.
Features a depth adjustment knob that can be calibrated to 1/16-inch.
Equipped with machined front and back aluminum shoes.
Features a machined groove in front shoe for edge chamfering.
Includes reversible carbide blades.
Comes with a kickstand to prevent damage to the work when setting the tool down.
Includes a dust adaptor that works with DEWALT shop vacs.
Best Value: PORTER-CABLE PC60THP 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
The PORTER-CABLE PC60THP is powered by a 6 amp motor with a max no-load speed of 16,500 RPM.
Features a control knob that provides 10 positive steps.
Includes three chamfering grooves.
Equipped with a cast aluminum shoe.
Features a 5/64" depth of cut.
Offers a 0.47" max rabbit depth.
Features dust extraction selection that sends debris to either side.
Best Budget Option: WEN 6530 6-Amp 3-1/4" Electric Hand Planer
The WEN 6530 is powered by a 6-Amp motor the provides over 34,000 cuts per minute.
Features a cutting width of 3-1/4 inches and a maximum cutting depth of 1/8 inch.
Equipped with a parallel fence to help provides straight cuts.
Features 16 positive stops that increase in increments of 1/128 inch from 0” up to 1/8”.
Includes a v-shaped groove in the base plate.
Comes with a dust bag to control debris.
Features a kickstand to prevent blade damage when not in use.
Includes a rabbeting guide.
Best Lightweight Cordless: Bosch GHO12V-08N 12V Max Electric Hand Planer
The Bosch GHO12V-08N 12V Max Planer features a cordless planer design with up to 14,500 RPM.
Offers a compact, lightweight design at just 3.3 pounds (not including battery).
Features a 2.2-inch planing width.
Provides a single-pass planing depth of up to 0.08 inches.
Includes a lock button to help prevent accidentally turning it on.
Equipped with reversible micrograin carbide blades.
Includes a spring-loaded stand to prevent blade damage when setting it down.
Features an option debris ejection system to use either the left or right side.
Includes a machined groove for chamfering.
Best Lightweight Corded: Makita KP0800K 3-1/4" Electric Hand Planer
The Makita KP0800K is powered by a 6.5 AMP motor with a two-blade cutter head that spins up to 17,000 RPM.
Offers the ability to plane up to 3-1/4 inch wide and 3/32 inch deep.
Equipped with a machined aluminum base.
Includes double edge carbide blades.
Features a blade setting system for quick blade changes.
Features a lightweight design at only 5.7 lbs.
Best for DIY: Ryobi HPL52K 3-1/4" Electric Hand Planer
The Ryobi HPL52K electric hand planer features two reversible double-edged blades and provides up to a 1/8 in. depth of cut.
Powered by a 6 Amp motor with a no-load speed of up to 16,500 RPM.
Features a maximum planing width of 3-1/4 in.
Equipped with adjustment from 1/96 in. to 1/8 in. depth of cut in 1/96 in. increments.
Comes with a button that locks the trigger in the off position for safety.
Features an integrated chamfering groove in the front shoe.
Includes a kickstand that helps to prevent blade damage when setting the tool down.
Includes a dust bag and the ability to direct debris from either the left or right side.
Best for Professionals: Makita 1806B 10.9 Amp 6-3/4" Electric Hand Planer
The Makita 1806B features a 10.9 AMP motor with a two-blade cutter head.
Features up to 15,000 RPM.
Offers the ability to plane up to 6-3/4 inches wide and 1/16-inch deep in a single pass.
Equipped with a machined aluminum base.
Features a handle designed for comfort while operating and easy depth settings.
Includes front and back grips to maintain stability while working.
Features a lock-on button for continuous operation.
I hope this list of the best electric hand planers was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
