“Heft or Power?”
This is a commonly asked question by consumers when buying a Planer. That’s because people immediately assume that this is an either-or scenario, even if there are variants perfectly capable of offering both qualities. One such example is the portable planer – an ergonomic power tool with sufficient cutting strength too.
Portable planers are designed specifically for consumers constantly on the go. This includes professional carpenters, contractors, and craftsmen that frequently travel from one jobsite to another. Repair specialists are another of its primary target audience. These tools aren’t usually built with a particular specialization, but to be jacks-of-all-trade, making them an ideal principal tool to target.
In this article, we’ll be enumerating the best options currently on the market. If you’re thinking of buying one soon, then you’ve come to the right place. Join us as we take a stroll down the wonderful world of portable planers.
Portable Planer Comparison Table
Portable Planers | Features | Editor's Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. POWERTEC PL1251 Portable Benchtop Thickness Planer | - A powerful 15-AMP motor can cut through boards as thick as 6-inches with no problems - Weighs only 63-lbs, which is relatively compact and easy to transport | 4.0/5.0 | |
2. Delta Power Tools 22-555 Portable Thickness Planer | - Constructed with larger infeed and outfeed tables to better support longer workpieces - Comes with a limited 5-year warranty, one of the longest in its category | 4.3/5.0 | |
3. WEN 6552T Benchtop Corded Thickness Planer
| - Produces 25,000-cuts-per-minute at a 26-feet-per-minute rate for faster material removal - Its three-blade design improves precision, while guaranteeing a smooth finish always | 5.0/5.0 | |
4. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer | - The quietest unit on the market; produces only 83-dB of noise when being used - Built using a 4-post design and diagonal cross beams to maintain stability while working | 4.0/5.0 | |
5. Bosch PL2632K Woodworking Hand Planer with Carrying Case | - Fitted with a 6.5-AMP motor and 16,500-RPM of speed for speedy material removal - A spring-loaded stand keeps the machine from suddenly falling off and ruining your progress | 4.5/5.0 | |
6. Makita KP0800K Planer Kit | - Double-edged carbide blades are ideal for creating even textures at an efficient speed - Capable of creating insertions as deep as 3/32-inch; perfect for professional applications | 4.1/5.0 | |
7. WEN 6534 Electric Hand Planer | - An 8-AMP motor delivers 32,000-cuts-per-minute of power despite only weighing 10-lbs; superb strength-to-size ratio - Very compactly designed for easy mobilization; fits in most tools boxes or carrying cases | 4.9/5.0 | |
8. Ryobi HPL52K Corded Hand Planer with Kickstand | - At just 3.25-lbs, it weighs the least among portable planers in this category - Comes with 12 pre-installed depth settings so you can customize it for every task | 4.0/5.0 | |
9. TACKLIFE RES002 Electric Hand Planer | - Rubberized handles help alleviate pressure, allowing you to work longer with less breaks in between - The power cord is made so that it reaches a maximum length of 10-feet; offers greater motion while working | 4.8/5.0 | |
10. Makita KP0810 3.25-Inch Planer | - The ball-bearing construction helps eliminate shaking so you can concentrate better - Two dust ports expel dirt on either side, helping to abolish the bag as a distraction | 4.3/5.0 |
Portable Planer Reviews
1. POWERTEC PL1251 Portable Benchtop Thickness Planer
The POWERTEC PL1251 is what we would consider a hybrid model that combines the best features of two kinds of planers. For instance, it is relatively compact at just 63-lbs, yet comes with a heavy-duty base that widely limits vibrations. Users won’t have to worry about excessive shaking, even when ripping workpieces as wide as 12.5-inches.
Another unique thing about the POWERTEC PL1251 Portable Benchtop Thickness Planer is that it’s ideal for repurposing old and otherwise dilapidated wood. Its 15-AMP motor pairs well with a stainless steel cutterhead to produce cleanly accurate incisions at a speed of 9,400-RPM. Even thick boards with a maximum 6-inch thickness are no match for this tool’s cutting ability.Users working with a tighter-than-usual budget should be very pleased with the amount of value received at such an affordable price. And even though the 1-year limited warranty included leaves a lot to be desired, the POWERTEC PL1251 Portable Benchtop Thickness Planer remains one of the most sought after tools today.
Pros
Cons
2. Delta Power Tools 22-555 Portable Thickness Planer
Have you ever experienced needing to force a piece of plywood through your planer, only to realize that its sizes aren’t even at all? Well, the Delta Power Tools 22-555’s larger – and adjustable – infeed and outfeed table eliminates this problem totally, while providing better support for longer workpieces. This setup also allows it to slide across naturally with minimal resistance.
Not only that, but the Delta Power Tools 22-555 Portable Thickness Planer is fashioned with reversible dust port too. So when the dual-edge knives rip through wood and make a mess, you’ll be able to collect the residue from either side of the instrument. This means less time is needed to clean up, give you more time to rest after a hard day’s work.
User convenience is really at the top of this portable planer’s priority list. Every aspect beginning from the price, blade replacement, and construction are all designed to provide you with the most hassle-free work conditions possible. And even if the Delta Power Tools 22-555 comes with a few, this is certainly a strong selling point to at least sample its capabilities.
