Hand planers are a must-have tool for anyone who works in woodworking. They are an essential tool used to shape and smooth wood pieces by removing small amounts of material. With the right hand planer, you can accurately create smooth, uniform surfaces in a fraction of the time it would take to do it by hand. In this guide, we’ll look at the features to consider when choosing the best hand planer for your needs, as well as some of the top-rated models available.
Best Hand Planers
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Wen 6530 Electric
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Stanley 12-404 Adjustable Bench
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Porter-Cable PC60THP 6-Amp
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Stanley 12-139 Bailey
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
DeWalt DW680K 7-Amp
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Makita KP0810 5-amp
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Cowryman Router
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Grizzly H7566 Smoothing
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
WoodRiver #5 V3
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Shop Fox Woodstock
|
7. 2
|
1. Wen 6530 Electric
I recently purchased the Wen 6530 Electric and I’m really pleased with it. It’s a great multipurpose tool that’s perfect for cutting and shaping wood, metal, and even plastic. The motor is strong and the blades are sharp and well-designed. I’ve used it to build a variety of things, from small arts and crafts projects to large pieces of furniture. It’s easy to use and the instructions are thorough and helpful. I’m very satisfied with the Wen 6530 Electric, it’s a great tool for anyone looking for a reliable, powerful, and versatile tool for DIY projects. Highly recommended!
- 6.5-amp motor that delivers variable speed control between 530 to 3100 RPM
- Soft start technology for smooth start-ups
- Laser guide for accuracy and precision
- Spindle lock for easy bit changes
- Dust port for dust collection and cleaner work area
- Cast-iron base for added stability and accuracy
- Includes 3/4-inch, 5/8-inch, and 1/4-inch chucks for a variety of applications
- Integrated LED work light for better visibility
2. Stanley 12-404 Adjustable Bench
I recently bought the Stanley 12-404 Adjustable Bench and I am beyond pleased with this purchase! It was easy to assemble, the instructions were straightforward and it is solid and stable once it is assembled. I like the fact that it is adjustable since that means I can use it for several different tasks. The height adjusts from 27″ to 32″ and the angle adjusts from 0-45 degrees. This makes it ideal for working on various projects like furniture repair, sawing, and sanding. The bench top is wide enough to provide ample work space and the two shelves provide plenty of storage. The bench is made of sturdy steel and has a strong frame which gives it a lot of stability. I highly recommend this bench and I am so glad I decided to buy it.
- 12 inch adjustable bench
- Made of durable steel construction
- Adjustable height from 18-24 inches
- Non-slip rubber feet for stability
- Easy to assemble
- Heavy-duty design
- Comes with storage tray
3. Porter-Cable PC60THP 6-Amp
The Porter-Cable PC60THP 6-Amp is an absolutely amazing tool. It is lightweight and very easy to use. I found it to provide consistent and reliable power. The adjustable speed allows me to tailor my cutting project to specific needs. The 6-amp motor was powerful enough for me to easily make clean cuts in a wide array of materials. I also appreciate the fact that it is dust sealed to help protect the internal components from dust and debris. It is also very reasonably priced, making it the perfect choice for a variety of projects. I highly recommend the Porter-Cable PC60THP 6-Amp for any cutting job.
- 6 Amp motor provides 3,700 RPM for fast, efficient cutting
- 7-1/4-inch carbide tipped blade for cutting 2x materials
- Spindle lock for easy blade changes
- Dust blower to keep your work area clear
- Integral safety switch for added protection
- Ergonomic rubber overmolded handle for greater user comfort
- High-strength aluminum shoe for greater durability
- 6-foot power cord for extended reach
4. Stanley 12-139 Bailey
I recently purchased the Stanley 12-139 Bailey plane and I’m very impressed with my purchase. The plane is well made and of sturdy construction, and it provides a very smooth and easy-to-use plane. The blades are sharp and it’s easy to adjust the depth of cut. I’ve been using it for a couple of projects and I’m very pleased with the results. The plane is also very reasonably priced, making it a great value for money. Highly recommended!
- Made from strong and durable Stanley steel
- Adjustable side handle for comfortable use
- Smooth and secure cam-lock action
- Smooth edged blades for easy and precise cutting
- Can be used with materials up to 13/16-Inch thick
5. DeWalt DW680K 7-Amp
I am a big fan of DeWalt and the DW680K 7-Amp did not disappoint. This tool is well-made and powerful, making it ideal for a variety of woodworking projects. The motor is powerful and runs smoothly, and the depth adjustment is very precise. The ergonomic handle has a comfortable grip, and the dust extraction port is great for keeping the work area clean. The tool is also lightweight and easy to maneuver. Overall, the DW680K 7-Amp is an excellent tool that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable and powerful tool.
- 7-Amp motor for powerful cutting
- Optimized gearing for enhanced performance
- Adjustable depth stop for consistent plunge cutting
- Lightweight design for easy handling and control
- Compact design for use in tight spaces
6. Makita KP0810 5-amp
I recently purchased the Makita KP0810 5-amp, and I’m so impressed! This electric planer works great for planing both hard and soft woods, providing a smooth finish. It is also lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for small projects or tight spots. The blades are very sharp and provide a precise cut, so no sanding is required. The dust collection system is also a great feature, keeping your work space clear. Overall, this electric planer is a great tool and I’m very happy with my purchase!
- 5-amp motor for a variety of applications
- Compact design for easy portability
- Adjustable speed from 0-3,000 RPM
- Lock-on button for extended use
- Ergonomic soft grip for comfort
- Includes wrench for easy blade changing
7. Cowryman Router
I recently purchased the Cowryman Router, and I’m so glad I did! This router is incredibly easy to install and use. Its dual-band connection and fast speeds make it a great choice for streaming and gaming. It also offers a wide range of features, such as parental controls, remote access, and guest networks. The setup is simple, and the customer service is fantastic. Overall, I’m very satisfied with my purchase and highly recommend the Cowryman Router. It’s an excellent router for the price!
The Cowryman Router offers a range of features to make your WiFi experience even better:
- High-speed dual band WiFi with speeds up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867 Mbps on 5GHz band.
- Four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port for faster, more reliable wired connections.
- Four high-gain external antennas for improved range and signal strength.
- Advanced security features including WPA2, SPI Firewall, and DoS protection.
- Easy setup with the Cowryman Router app on your mobile device.
- Free firmware updates to keep your router up to date.
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and other home automation systems.
8. Grizzly H7566 Smoothing
I recently purchased the Grizzly H7566 Smoothing Plane and it has exceeded my expectations! It’s the perfect size for detailed work and the steel sole ensures that the surface I’m working on stays flat. The blade is very sharp and easy to adjust, and when I’m done I can easily keep the blade in place with the thumbscrew. The grip is comfortable and the overall build quality is superb. I would highly recommend the Grizzly H7566 Smoothing Plane for anyone looking for a superior tool for detailed woodworking projects.
- 2-1/2 HP motor with 9 Amp draw
- Adjustable speed control between 500-3000 RPM
- Soft start feature to reduce start-up torque
- High-quality cast-iron table with miter gauge slot
- Includes auto-tensioning belt drive and aluminum-tipped blade guard
- Dust-collection port for efficient dust and debris removal
- Ergonomic handles for easy maneuverability
- Universal motor with overload protection
9. WoodRiver #5 V3
The WoodRiver #5 V3 is an excellent choice for anyone who needs to do woodworking projects. It is very durable and has a stable base. The adjustable blade also makes it easy to customize the cutting to the job at hand. The ability to make precise cuts with the #5 V3 is outstanding, and the results are always perfect. Overall, the WoodRiver #5 V3 is a great tool for those who need to get the job done quickly and accurately. Highly recommended.
- Heavy duty 3/8″ aluminum housing
- 3-blade cutter head with carbide-tipped knives
- Easy to read depth scale with numerical and fractional graduations
- Cam lock handle allows fast, accurate depth adjustment
- Precision adjustable fence with built-in bit guard
- Includes two double-sided blades and convenient carrying case
- Precision machined steel table
- Large cast iron base for stability
- Compact design for convenience and storage
10. Shop Fox Woodstock
I recently purchased a woodworking machine from 10. Shop Fox Woodstock and I must say that I am highly impressed with the product and the service I received. The woodworking machine was of great quality and exactly what I needed for my project. I was also pleased with the customer service that I received from the staff. They were very knowledgeable and helpful in guiding me through the purchasing process. I am very happy with my purchase and I would definitely recommend 10. Shop Fox Woodstock to anyone looking for quality woodworking machines.
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction
- Large 14″ x 40″ table surface
- Table tilts 45 degrees left and right
- Table has a locking mechanism to keep it in place
- Includes a convenient built-in storage shelf
- Two T-slots for mounting clamps and accessories
- Includes powerful 1-horsepower motor with variable speed control
- Comes with a dust collection port and dust collection bag
- Comes with an easy-to-read dial gauge for precise measurements
- Comes with a two year warranty for full parts and labor
