Tools & Home Improvement

The Best Power Planers

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

A power planer can dramatically improve the finish of your woodworking projects, allowing for precise material removal and surface smoothing. Selecting the right model ensures efficiency and accuracy, preventing frustration and delivering professional results. Investing in a quality tool will make a significant difference in your craftsmanship.

SaleNo. 1
WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch
  • 6 Amp motor provides up to 34,000 cuts per minute
  • 16 positive stops adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/8 inches
  • Make rabbets up to 1 inch in size with the 5/16 inch rabbeting guide
  • Lightweight design weighs in at a mere 6 pounds
  • Includes power planer, dust bag, a kickstand, a parallel fence bracket and a 2-year warranty
SaleNo. 2
DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth, Brushless Motor, Bare Tool Only (DCP580B)
  • Brushless Motor provides power and runtime
  • 30,000 cuts per minute achieve a fast removal rate
  • 5/64 in. (2 mm.) maximum depth of cut
  • Calibrated depth adjustment knob to 1/256 in. (0.01 mm. approximately)
  • Precision-machined front and back aluminum shoes ensure parallelism of cut
  • Kickstand allows user to rest the planer on work surface without gouging the material
  • Precision machined groove in front shoe allows for edge chamfering
  • Poly-V drive belt provides increased belt durability
  • Ergonomically designed handle provides greater comfort and less user fatigue
  • Replacement blades DW6654 Part Number: N447366
No. 3
WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 2-3/8-Inch
  • 3.8-amp motor provides up to 32,000 cuts per minute
  • 9 positive stops adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/16 inches
  • Lightweight design weighs in at a mere 4.3 pounds
  • Includes an onboard storage slot for the blade adjustment wrench and a kickstand to prevent damage to your workpiece
  • Backed by a two-year warranty
SaleNo. 4
Bosch PL1632 3-1/4 In. Planer
  • DURABLE 6.5 AMP MOTOR PRODUCING 16,500 RPM: For fast stock removal and smooth finish
  • DUAL-MOUNT GUIDE FENCE: Mounts to either side for consistent planing; includes protective shield and no-mar plastic overshoe
  • AMBIDEXTROUS LOCK-OFF RELEASE BUTTON: Helps prevent accidental starts; includes a lock-on button for extended operation
  • ALUMINUM FRONT AND REAR SHOES: Precision-Machined together after assembly to ensure accuracy
  • RATCHETING DEPTH KNOB: For foolproof depth-increment setting from 0 to 1/16 in. within one revolution, eliminating the need to re-zero the depth
  • ELECTRONICALLY COUNTERBALANCED SINGLE-BLADE DESIGN SYSTEM: Automatically positions blade at ideal cutting angle; reduces drag, enabling faster operation and smooth cutting
  • REVERSIBLE BOSCH WOODRAZOR MICROGRAIN CARBIDE BLADE: Lasts up to 30% longer than standard carbide blades
  • BALL-JOINT CORD SWIVEL: For enhanced ease of positioning the tool and cord
  • SPRING-LOADED STAND ELEVATES TOOL: Protects blade and tool resting spot
  • SEPARATE INCH AND METRIC DEPTH SCALES: Provides easy setting of planing depth
SaleNo. 5
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
  • Electric planer for wood has powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor (10,000 rpm cutterhead speed) handles larger cuts in wider materials with ease
  • Three knife cutter head delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier, ideal for power benchtop planers
  • Two-speed gear box allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
  • Fan-assisted chip ejection vacuums chip off of the cutter head and exhausts them out of the machine
  • 19-3/4 in. cast aluminum base is 2 times more rigid than a standard 10 in. base and folding tables
  • Automatic carriage on this power planer lock reduces the movement that causes snipe without the need for manual engagement by the user
  • Material removal gauge and extra large thickness scale deliver accurate cuts with every pass
  • Extra large turret depth-stop allows users to return to most frequently used thicknesses with ease
  • Includes infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of knives
  • 3 Year Limited Warranty
No. 6
WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 4-3/8-Inch
  • Powerful 8-amp motor provides up to 32,000 cuts per minute
  • Spacious 4-3/8-Inch cutting capacity perfect for planing 2x4s and 4x4s
  • 16 positive stops adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/8 inches
  • Two-way dust port shoots loose shavings to either the left or right depending on user preference.Rabetting:1/3 inch
  • Includes a dust adapter, two fully reversible HSS planer blades, two V-shaped chamfer grooves, a parallel fence bracket, a rabbeting guide, an automatic kickstand, and a two-year warranty
No. 7
MtiolHig 30000 CPM Cordless Handheld Planer Compatible with DeWalt 20V Battery (Tool Only) 3-1/4 Inch Electric...
  • 【Brushless Efficiency】——Our brushless wood planer provides powerful performance with a no-load speed of 15,000 RPM and a 3-1/4-inch (82mm) planing width. Adjust the planing depth up to 0.08 inches (2mm) for precise material removal, making your...
  • 【Cordless Electric Hand Planer】——The MtiolHig power handheld planer is compatible with De-walt 20V Battery (battery not included). We prioritize delivering reliable and high-performance tools to meet your woodworking needs.
  • 【Precision Depth Adjustment】——Effortlessly set the cutting depth of this electric hand planer from 0 to 2mm, with a precise accuracy of 0.01mm. The 3.25-inch (82mm) planing width ensures you get perfect results every time, providing controlled and...
  • 【Safety Switch】——This electric power planer comes with a dual-switch safety feature, ensuring it only operates when you press both the on/off switch and the safety switch simultaneously. This smart design helps prevent accidental starts, keeping...
  • 【User-Friendly Design】——Lightweight and ergonomically designed, this planer offers comfort during extended use. Quick blade changes and intuitive controls make it easy to operate, whether you’re a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast...
No. 8
WOODERS 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer, 15A Wood Planer with 4 HSS Blades, 2000W All Copper Motor, Overload...
  • 15-AMP 2000W ALL-COPPER MOTOR FOR RAW POWER: Engineered for serious woodworking, this 13-inch thickness planer features a 2000W all-copper motor delivering a massive 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed. It easily slices through dense hardwoods (like oak or...
  • ANTI-SNIPE DUAL-BLADE SYSTEM & 13" CAPACITY: Handle wide boards and thick timbers in a single pass with a 13" (330mm) max width and 1/4 to 6.3 inches (6-160mm) height range. The high-speed dual-edge cutterhead is paired with an optimized...
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN & EASY TO USE FOR SENIOR CRAFTSMEN: We know shop time takes a toll on the body. This planer is equipped with an oversized, smooth-turning depth adjustment crank and a high-visibility height indicator (0 to 1/8 inch). This ergonomic...
  • HEAVY-DUTY INDUSTRIAL GRADE DURABILITY: Built to outlast your toughest projects. Constructed with a heavy-duty iron blade shaft and a rugged frame, this wood planer machine offers industrial-grade stability. It stays firmly planted on your workbench to...
  • COMPLETE WORKSHOP PACKAGE WITH DUST CONTROL: Start working immediately. The package includes 2 extra replacement planer blades securely packed in a storage box for quick swaps. Keep your workspace clean and breathable by connecting your vacuum system...
No. 10
Makita KP0800K 3-1/4" Planer, with Tool Case , Blue
  • 6.5 AMP motor delivers more output power for increased stock removal and superior finishes
  • Planes up to 3-1/4" wide and 3/32" deep in a single pass
  • Two-blade cutter head with 17,000 RPM delivers smooth finish and fast stock removal
  • Spring-loaded stand elevates the base to protect the blades and workpiece
  • Easy blade setting system for fast blade installation

Last update on 2026-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Power Planers

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Power Planer

When selecting a power planer, consider these crucial elements to ensure it meets your project needs:
  • Motor Power and Speed: Higher wattage motors generally offer more power for tougher jobs and faster material removal. Look for planers with speeds that can handle both rough stock removal and fine finishing. Consider the amperage for corded models and voltage for cordless ones.
  • Cutting Width and Depth: The cutting width determines the maximum surface area you can plane in a single pass. Common widths range from 3 to 6 inches. The depth of cut setting dictates how much material can be removed per pass, essential for flattening warped lumber or dimensioning boards.
  • Ergonomics and Weight: For handheld planers, a comfortable grip and balanced design are vital for extended use and control. Lighter models are easier to maneuver, especially overhead or on long boards, while heavier units may offer more stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a hand planer and a power planer?
A hand planer is a manual tool that requires physical force to shave wood. A power planer uses an electric motor to spin blades at high speed, making the process much faster and requiring less physical effort.
What are the common types of power planers?
The most common types are handheld planers, ideal for smaller jobs and on-site adjustments, and stationary planers (benchtop or floor models), suited for larger workshops and dimensioning lumber.
How do I maintain a power planer?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning dust and debris from the tool, especially around the motor and vents. Keep the blades sharp and clean; dull blades reduce performance and can damage wood. Inspect the power cord for damage if applicable.
Can a power planer be used for chamfering edges?
Yes, many handheld power planers can be used to create beveled edges or chamfers. Some models have adjustable fences or guides that help maintain a consistent angle for precise chamfering.