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Carpenter at Work

Planers and Jointers

Here you'll find basic definitions of each kind of planer and jointer, pulled from an online source, as well as some companies that make them that are worth checking out. Companies are not listed in any particular order and are not the only options out there. We always encourage you to do your research, but this may give you a place to start. For questions about which one is right for you, or other questions you may have, head over to our Facebook Group and ask away!

Electric Handheld Planer

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An electric hand planer consists of a rotating set of blades positioned between two base plates. The plate behind the rotating blades is non-adjustable, providing a stable surface for the tool to rest as it passes over the face of the lumber. Its front plate is adjustable, allowing you to move it to set the depth of cut. Using an electric hand planer is reasonably simple, as this power tool does not require many adjustments. Many electric planer designs use just a power switch and a depth adjustment knob. A lock control prevents unwanted shifts in blade height. Manufacturers will include a dust exhaust port for debris clearing, as well as ergonomic handle designs that provide comfort along with control. With this minimalistic power tool design, you can learn how to use an electric hand planer quickly.

(source)

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Electric Handheld Planer companies worth checking out:

  • Wen

  • Bosch

  • Makita

  • Vevor

  • Ryobi

  • Dewalt

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Stationary Planer

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A stationary planer, or a fixed planer, is the largest type of electric planer. It’s the tool most often used for cutting large pieces of raw lumber to the appropriate size. These planers offer more horsepower than other types, which means they work more quickly and accurately, especially for high-volume applications. Stationary planers are very similar to benchtop planers in how they work but stationary planers allow much larger (width and thickness) to be passed through them. (source)

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Stationary Planer companies worth checking out:

  • Powermatic

  • Stiles Machinery

  • Laguna

  • Jet

  • Grizzly

Benchtop Jointer

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A benchtop jointer is compact and designed to sit on a workbench, making it ideal for smaller workshops or hobbyists. While smaller in size, these jointers are still powerful enough for most home woodworking projects. They’re affordable, easy to move, and perfect for flattening smaller boards. (source)

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Benchtop Jointer companies worth checking out:

  • Porter Cable

  • Bauer

  • Rikon

  • Wahuda

  • Craftsman

  • Grizzly

  • Jet

  • Cutech

Benchtop Planer

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The bench planer, also known as benchtop or table planer, essentially has the same function as a manual or electric hand planer, but just on a much larger scale. These are planers that are quite large and yes, they must be securely mounted to a table or workbench that can handle their weight. These are designed to quickly and efficiently trim down and even out large quantities of wood stock, as well as larger pieces of wood. A bench planer features a table or base (usually equipped with motorized rollers that pull the wood into the machine), with a set of high-speed rotating blades mounted in the top. As the rollers on the bottom pull the wood in, the blades on the top trim the wood down as it passes through. Bench planers can be easily adjusted for depth or thickness to achieve precise results in a short period of time. (source)

 

Benchtop Planer companies worth checking out:

  • Dewalt

  • Grizzly

  • Kobalt

  • Wen

  • Jet

  • Vevor

Closed Stand Jointer

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This is the most popular jointer and can be found in the market in four different sizes of 6, 8, 12, and 16 inches. A closed jointer is equipped with an enclosed base, mainly made of cast iron, that offers stability and also protection to the engine, your hands. Though the enclosure does add more weight to the jointer it also reduces noise/vibration when cutting wood and prevents dust, dirt and debris from getting inside. This jointer typically has an adjustable infeed and its outfeed tables let you set the height to your requirements offering extra comfort while working with it. (source)

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Closed Stand Jointer companies worth checking out:

  • Jet

  • Powermatic

  • Grizzly

  • Hammer

  • Laguna

  • Rikon

  • Oliver Machinery

Molding Planer

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A planer molder is a woodworking tool that is motorized and used for cutting boards to specific thicknesses. The board is fed through one side of the machine and guided by guide wheels through the machine as it passes under a cutting cylinder. The cylinder will ensure the face of the board is even and flat along its length and across its face. The molder feature of the planer molder allows the user to create cuts along the edge of the board. This is done by changing out the bits or knives used to do the cutting. Most models of the planer molder tend to be quite heavy and large. This machine will very often be quite difficult to move around a shop, so many feature casters or wheels to make movement easier. The machine must be locked in place prior to use, however, for safety and accuracy of the cuts. The table on which the board will rest when being fed through the planer molder will be adjustable to allow the user to adjust the overall thickness of the planed board. The table is often adjusted using a lever or adjustment wheel. (source)

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Molding Planer companies worth checking out:

  • Grizzly

  • Shop Fox

  • Woodmaster Tools

  • Wood-Mizer

  • Jet

Open Stand Jointer

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This type of jointer has an open stand, with the motor exposed. It is often less expensive of a jointer model available in the market and while it doesn’t offer much protection and is louder too; it is actually significantly easier to move and store. The open stand jointer is the perfect choice for home workshops and woodworking projects that don’t require industrial usage. (source)

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Open Stand Jointer companies worth checking out:

  • Jet

  • Ridgid

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