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    • Home / Benchtop Planers / Page 1 of 1

    Benchtop Planers

    Welcome to the world of precision woodworking with our exceptional range of benchtop planers, where compact design meets powerful performance. A bench top planer is an essential tool for woodworkers who value space efficiency without compromising on quality. Perfect for small workshops, hobbyists, or as a complementary tool for larger shops, these planers offer the reliability and precision needed to turn rough lumber into beautifully smooth, uniformly thick pieces.

    Imagine the convenience and versatility of having a high-quality planer that fits right on your workbench. These benchtop models are engineered to provide the same level of precision as their larger counterparts but in a more compact, easily manageable size. They are ideal for smoothing and sizing smaller boards, ensuring each piece you work on fits perfectly into your project. The ability to quickly adjust settings allows for seamless transitions between different types of wood and thicknesses, making your work process smoother and more efficient.

    Owning a benchtop planer means enhancing the quality of your woodworking projects. Whether you're crafting custom furniture, detailed cabinetry, or unique DIY projects, the smooth finish and consistent thickness achieved with these planers will be evident in your work. Additionally, the user-friendly design and easy maintenance make these planers a joy to use, even for those just beginning their woodworking journey.


    The Oliver 12.5" Planer with BYRD Cutterhead 2HP 15A 1Ph
    Sold out
    Oliver 12.5" Planer with BYRD Cutterhead 2HP 15A 1Ph
    Sold Out

    Benchtop Planers FAQs

    Benchtop planers are absolutely worth it for both hobbyists and professional woodworkers. They provide an efficient and precise way to achieve uniform thickness across wood boards. Especially valuable for smaller workshops or those with limited space, benchtop planers offer the essential capabilities of larger planers without occupying too much room. They are ideal for regular woodworking projects, enhancing the quality and consistency of your work.

    An alternative to a benchtop planer is a hand planer or a thickness sander. Hand planers, both manual and electric, can be used for achieving a smooth, flat surface on wood. However, they require more skill and effort compared to benchtop planers. Thickness sanders, on the other hand, can also create uniform thickness and are particularly useful for very fine finishing work, but they are slower and less effective at removing larger amounts of material.

    The primary difference between a benchtop planer and a jointer lies in their specific functions. A benchtop planer is used to create a consistent thickness across the length of a board and smooth the surfaces. A jointer, conversely, is used to flatten one face of a board and square up its edges. Essentially, a jointer is for ensuring flatness and squareness, while a planer is for achieving uniform thickness.

    Planing and sanding serve different purposes in woodworking and are both important. Planing is better for quickly achieving a uniform thickness and flat surface on rough lumber. It’s efficient for removing larger amounts of material. Sanding, however, is better for finishing work. It smooths out the surface, removes minor imperfections, and prepares wood for painting or staining. Ideally, both planing and sanding are used in sequence for the best results in a woodworking project.

    The Best Benchtop Planers for Woodworking: How to Choose Yours

    An Oliver Machinery 12.5" benchtop planer

    The benchtop planer is an invaluable tool in the world of woodworking, a must-have for professionals and hobbyists alike who seek precision and efficiency in their work. When selecting the ideal benchtop planer, there are several key attributes to consider, each playing a crucial role in how your planer performs and impacts the quality of your projects.

    Key Attributes of a Benchtop Planer

    Cutterhead

    The heart of any planer, the cutterhead, determines the smoothness and quality of the plane. Look for a cutterhead with multiple knives or, better yet, a helical design, which offers finer, smoother cuts with reduced snipe.

    Thickness Capacity

    A vital aspect of a benchtop planer is its thickness capacity. Most benchtop thickness planers can comfortably handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide, catering to a broad range of woodworking projects.

    Motor Power and RPM

    The motor's power, typically measured in amps, with many models featuring a robust 15 amp motor, directly impacts the planer's efficiency. Higher RPMs mean more cuts per inch, which translates to smoother finishes.

    Snipe Reduction

    Snipe, the slight indentation at the beginning or end of a plane, is a common concern. Quality benchtop planers feature mechanisms like adjustable infeed and outfeed tables to minimize snipe.

    Dust Collection

    Efficient dust collection systems are essential to keep your workspace clean and the machine running smoothly.

    Why a Benchtop Planer Is Essential

    A benchtop planer is an indispensable tool for any woodworking enthusiast or professional. It allows you to plane boards to consistent thickness, crucial for uniformity in projects. Whether you're engaged in home improvement or intricate woodworking, the ability to adjust the thickness of your lumber with precision is invaluable.

    Choosing the Best Benchtop Planer

    When browsing through our collection of benchtop planers, you'll encounter renowned brands like DeWalt and WEN, each offering unique advantages. A DeWalt planer, known for its durability and high performance, often includes features like a three-knife cutter head and powerful 15 amp motor, ensuring efficient and smooth plane boards. WEN planers, on the other hand, are celebrated for their affordability and reliability, making them a great option for budget-conscious woodworkers.

    Regardless of the brand, a good benchtop planer should offer a high feed rate and the ability to make quick, easy adjustments to cut depth. The presence of an outfeed table also adds to the convenience, ensuring a smoother finish as the wood exits the planer.

    Advantages Over Jointers

    While jointers are great for creating flat surfaces, benchtop planers excel in ensuring uniform thickness across your lumber. This makes planers particularly advantageous when working on projects that require precision and symmetry.

    Conclusion

    In summary, a benchtop planer is a cornerstone in any woodworking workshop. With features like a powerful amp motor, helical cutterhead, and mechanisms to reduce snipe, a benchtop planer transforms rough lumber into smooth, uniformly thick boards ready for your projects. Our collection, featuring brands like DeWalt and WEN, offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or just starting, investing in a high-quality benchtop planer from our collection is a step towards achieving woodworking excellence. Explore our range and find the perfect benchtop planer that aligns with your woodworking aspirations and project requirements.

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