When working with lumber and studs, an electric planer is an indispensable tool. It ensures consistent thickness throughout the entire length of the wood, saving you from laborious manual sanding. This guide will help you choose the perfect electric planer for your woodworking projects by considering factors like power, cutting depth, and blade type.
What Is A Electric Planer?
Electric planers are essential tools for leveling wooden surfaces, efficiently removing redundant layers or smoothing rough planks. Similar to traditional non-electric planers, these tools consist of a blade, handle, and front and back shoes. The significant difference is that electric planers have a rotating blade, powered by electricity, that quickly cuts through wood.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying an Electric Planer
1. Cordless or Corded: Choose between cordless models, which offer portability, and corded models, which typically provide more power. For corded options, consider a long cable to avoid the need for an extension cord.
2. Power: Evaluate the motor’s power (measured in amperage or voltage) and RPM (rotations per minute) to determine the tool’s efficiency and suitability for hardwoods or softer woods.
3. Maximum Cutting Depth & Width: Assess the planer’s maximum cutting depth to ensure it can remove the desired amount of material per pass. Wider planing widths allow for faster work but may have shallower maximum cutting depths.
4. Blade Type: Choose between high-speed steel blades (suitable for softer woods) and tungsten carbide blades (ideal for hardwoods or synthetic woods).
Small Tips When Using The Electric Planer
● First and foremost, remember that planers are quite versatile, incredibly portable handheld versions. They can save you considerable time on a woodworking project. If you need to trim some wood, a handheld electric planer is one of the best ways. Once you grow comfortable using the planer, consider using it for various projects.
● Another thing to remember is that you should always change the blades on your planer regularly. When buying an electric planer, ensure that your model allows you to do so. The blades on an electric planer can dull or nick easily, which could end up ruining your wood.
● If you find pushing your planer challenging or notice smoke during the planning process, you’ll want to check the blades on your device. The same applies if you start seeing nicks and other blemishes in the wood.
● Another thing to consider when buying an electric planer is the type of plates and shoes the equipment has. It will help if you are looking for equipment with metal plates instead of plastic or stamped ones. Metal plates won’t warp as much, making the product more durable.
● Also, consider things like chip deflectors and dust bags. These features will prevent you from cutting yourself with wood shavings. They’ll also prevent you from inhaling sawdust. And you’ll find that these features make clean-up a breeze after working.
● Lastly, you’ll want to consider how portable the model is. Some handheld planers operate on incredibly convenient batteries. Most models, however, rely on power cords. Try to look for a power cord that is at least six feet long to provide you with some flexibility during the process.
Planing wood is a crucial aspect of woodworking, ensuring precise dimensions and smooth surfaces for your projects. This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights to help you choose the best electric planer to meet your needs, making your woodworking endeavors more efficient and enjoyable.
