For most people, power tools are the fastest and easiest way to deal with any construction or repair project. What if you need something quieter? What if you need something quieter? Or maybe you just need to trim that final quarter inch from your workpiece using a hand plane. Well, in that case, you need a hand planer.
Regardless of if youre into refinishing antique furniture or making small wooden toys for your children, this versatile tool helps you shave off imperfections and scratches in just a few passes, allowing you to create intricate designs with precision.
There are so many handplaners on the marketplace, so how can you choose which one is right for you? To help you out, weve reviewed the top of the line hand planers of 2022. There’s a handplaner for everyone, no matter if you’re just starting out or looking to expand your toolbox.
Finding Your Next Hand Planer: A Buyers Guide
While hand planers make the most exciting and precise changes to your workpiece, finding the right product can be intimidating. This comprehensive buying guide will help you select the right hand plane for you.
What Are The Different Types Of Hand Planers
Bench planers
Bench planers are commonly used on the workbench and feature a two-handed design with a front knob to control the shaving depth with both hands. The shaving blade in these versions is installed at a 45-degree angle and the bevel points downward, allowing you to efficiently remove imperfections from the workpiece.
Bench planers can be adjusted in depth and come with a chip-deflector to help keep your workshop clean. Bench planers come in more than 20 styles to carry out different types of tasks.
Block planers
Block planers are a great alternative to traditional woodworking tools. You can use this tool with one hand to plane small stock, square up, plane a line and erase mill marks. Block planers have a blade that is at an angle of 20 degrees and a bevel that points upward, unlike bench planers.
Joinery planners
A joinery planer is required to create grooves and cut pieces for fine woodworking. You can use this tool to create uniform grooves, cuts and notches on the edges of workpieces. There are many joinery planers that can be used to cut notches and grooves in a variety of depths and widths along the sides or against the wood grain.
Molding planers
Molding planers are used to create different contours and shapes in wood trims. For years, molding planers have been creating ornate moldings which date back to early European cathedrals as well as different decorative interiors. To create custom trims, you may need several molding planes. To give your piece a more elegant look, you can use a larger-sized curved plane to create a contour that runs along the length of the workpiece. A smaller-sized planer can be used to cut round beads and notches.
Metal Or Wooden Hand Planer: Which Is Better?
Metal planers
Metal planers are a bit heavier than wooden ones, but you can use the extra weight to your advantage because you dont need to push these tools hard to shave off the workpiece. Metal planers are easier to adjust the blade depth with. They can be made from powder-coated metals and have wooden or metal handles for increased durability.
Wooden planers
For planing workpieces that need to be stacked, wooden planers are easier and lighter than metal planers. Metal planers can cause hand fatigue. If youre into traditional woodworking, you will love the smooth feel of a wooden planer. Although adjusting the depth of the blade can be time-consuming and difficult because you will need to use a mallet for this purpose, it is well worth the effort for artisans who don’t have a woodplaner in their woodworking toolkit.
What Is The Finest Hand Planer In 2022?
The WEN Hand Planer features a rabbeting guide that helps keep your work on track while cutting at angles, and the parallel fence bracket allows you to adjust the depth of cut manually as needed. Whats more, it has a chamfer groove so you can easily create an indentation for decorative effects.
With a 6 amp motor, this planer provides plenty of power to make 34,000 cuts in one minute, while 16 positive stops allow you to set different depths of cuts quickly and easily. The best part is that this planer has a dust bag that can be reversible to collect dust and debris. This will keep your workstation clean. With high precision, a durable build, and an affordable price tag, this hand planer has earned the top spot on our list.
Pros
- Features a kickstand for maximum safety
- A parallel fence bracket offers straight cuts
- Ergonomic handle for enhanced comfort
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty projects
This handplaner from PORTER-CABLE will be a great tool for your next project. The 6 amp motor is powerful and can cut through any type of wood or metal. It runs at 16.500 revolutions per hour (RPM). The overmold depth knob has 10 positive steps and can be adjusted to your desired depth.
The hand planer has three chamfering grooves to help you guide your tool and give it a cleaner look. The 28 cm-long cast aluminum shoe gives you stability when working on different surfaces. Additionally, the 0.076 inch cutting depth allows you to get into tight spaces without compromising quality or power.
Pros
- For cleaning surfaces, dual side dust extractor
- The powerful motor offers precise results
- A durable aluminum shoe offers superior control
Cons
- It might be challenging to adjust the blade
The BOSCH Hand Planer is a heavy-duty tool that can handle everything from rough lumber to finished surfaces. Powered by a 6.5 amp motor, it runs at a 16,500 RPM speed so you get your work done in record time. The spring-loaded stand allows you to position the tool at any angle possible on your job site.
It also has a dual-mount guide fence with a protective shield so you can secure your wood in place for precise cuts. Your work area will be protected from cuts and scratches with the no-mar plastic cover. The best part is that the tool comes with a shaving bag so that you don’t have to clean up after yourself.
Pros
- Inch and metric depth scale
- Impressive, high-quality motor
- Angled handle for maximum comfort
Cons
- Might be a little bulky
The blade of the steel alloy blade can also be used to cut through metal and wood. This ensures that you always have the perfect edge. You can adjust the speed of your blade with ease thanks to the adjustable gear.
Pros
- Durable, rust-resistant blade
- For enhanced grip, use an impact-resistant handle
- Adjustable gear offers maximum control
Cons
- Doesnt come with a replacement blade
The Jellas Hand Planer is capable of cutting 33,000 cuts per hour. It has a pure copper motor that runs at 7.5 amps and two carbide blades that can go as deep as 0.12 inches into wood, metal, or plastic. The tool has an aluminum all-mirror-grade bottom that keeps it balanced. Three chamfer grooves help smoothen the surface and prevent any material from being wasted.
Unlike other hand planers on the market, this one features auxiliary push handles that allow you to work with precision while minimizing hand fatigue. The blade protector has a built in kickstand that protects the blade and ensures stability. This option also comes with a dust chute that can be reversibly removed so you can easily collect sawdust.
Pros
- Double-edged blade to ensure maximum precision
- Amazing cutting efficiency
- Safety blade protector included
Cons
- The blade may have alignment issues
People Also Asked Questions
Q: How do I sharpen my hand plane’s blade?
A: To sharpen the blade, you need to hold the sharpening stone or iron steady at an angle of 25 to 30 degrees while maintaining downward pressure on the bevel. You will start by sharpening the blade on a medium-grit stone. Next, you can use a finer-grit sander to finish the job. You should stroke the blade in a circular motion until you see a burr on it and then clean it to get a cutting-sharp edge.
Q: Im buying a hand planer for the first time, which one should I get?
A: If youre a beginner, you should purchase a low-angle block planer, which will help you refine imperfections.
Q: Can I use a hand plane to plane painted wood?
A: You can plank painted wood, but your blade may duller faster.
