10Best.Guide

Jet Planer

Top Picks

Last Updated: November, 2023
Pros
  • Outstanding performance
  • Solid construction
  • Accurate and easy to set up
  • Heavy-duty cast iron base
  • Quick work on wood
Cons
  • Motor burned up from normal use
  • Limited warranty
Bottom Line
The Dewalt DW735X Thickness Planer offers outstanding performance and solid construction. It is accurate, easy to set up, and has good dust collection functions. However, there are some issues with the motor, warranty, noise, and blade quality. It may not be suitable for all types of wood.
Pros
  • Accurate and easy to use
  • Competitive price
  • Produces excellent surface finish
  • Reliable and dependable
  • Infeed rollers prevent feeding problems
Cons
  • Knives get nicked easily
  • Requires frequent cleaning of rollers
Bottom Line
The DeWalt DW734 planer is a reliable and affordable option for woodworking enthusiasts. It delivers accurate results with a smooth surface finish, although the knives may require frequent replacement. Users should be prepared for regular cleaning and may need to address minor issues with the infeed table. Overall, it offers good value for the price.
Pros
  • Fantastic performance and works extremely well.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Unbelievably low noise level.
  • Perfect accuracy.
  • Phenomenal cutting power.
Cons
  • Poor workmanship and lack of support from the company.
  • Motor failure issues.
Bottom Line
This planer offers fantastic performance, easy assembly, low noise level, perfect accuracy, and phenomenal cutting power. However, there have been some issues with poor workmanship, motor failure, dull blades, difficulty in planing hard wood, and a subpar finish. Overall, it is a highly recommended planer for its performance and value for money.
Pros
  • Solid build quality.
  • Minimal snipe.
  • Powerful performance.
  • Good price point.
  • Quiet operation.
Cons
  • Dust collection could be better.
  • Some leakage from faying surfaces.
Bottom Line
This planer offers solid build quality, minimal snipe, and powerful performance at a good price point. It may have some issues with dust collection and leakage, but overall it is a reliable option with good customer support.
Pros
  • Sturdy and stable when mounted with tools
  • Easy to assemble
  • Well-engineered and good quality
  • Saves time and cost compared to DIY alternatives
  • Adjustable height during assembly
Cons
  • Tedious and annoying assembly process
  • Expensive compared to DIY alternatives
Bottom Line
This product is a good option for those looking for a convenient and stable solution to mount their tools. It may be a bit pricey, but it saves time and effort compared to building a DIY alternative. However, the assembly process can be tedious and the table may not support heavy tools. Consider purchasing separate caster wheels instead of the wheel base provided.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Jet Planers

Overview

If you're in the market for a jet planer, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. From understanding the different types of jet planers to considering key factors and exploring various features, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!

Types

1. Benchtop Planers: Compact and portable, these planers are ideal for small workshops or DIY enthusiasts. They offer decent planing capacity and are easy to store.

2. Stationary Planers: Designed for professional woodworkers and larger projects, stationary planers provide greater planing capacity and power. They are more durable and offer enhanced precision.

Key Considerations

1. Planing Capacity: Consider the maximum width and depth of the planer to ensure it meets your project requirements.

2. Planing Speed: Look for a planer with variable speed settings to tackle different types of wood effectively.

3. Planing Accuracy: Check for features like adjustable tables and depth stops to ensure precise and consistent planing.

4. Planer Blades: Consider the number of blades and their quality, as well as the ease of blade replacement.

Features

1. Cutterhead: Look for a planer with a helical cutterhead for smoother finishes and reduced noise.

2. Dust Collection: Opt for a planer with efficient dust collection capabilities to maintain a clean and safe working environment.

3. Motor Power: Consider the horsepower of the planer's motor to ensure it can handle your workload.

4. Safety Features: Look for features like automatic shut-off and anti-kickback mechanisms for enhanced safety.

Prices

Jet planers can range in price from $500 for a basic benchtop model to over $2,000 for a high-end stationary planer. Consider your budget and project requirements when making a purchasing decision.

Tips

1. Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as goggles and ear protection, when operating a planer.

2. Take the time to properly set up and adjust the planer before use to ensure optimal performance.

3. Regularly maintain and sharpen the planer blades for consistent and efficient planing.

4. Read product reviews and seek recommendations from experienced woodworkers to make an informed decision.

FAQs

Q: How do I choose the right planer for my needs?

Q: Can a benchtop planer handle larger projects?

Q: How often should I replace the planer blades?

Q: What is the difference between a helical cutterhead and straight blades?

A: Conclusion:

With this comprehensive buying guide, you now have all the information you need to choose the perfect jet planer for your woodworking projects. Consider the types, key considerations, features, prices, and expert tips to make an informed decision. Happy planing!

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Good for small projects
  • Easy to use
  • Performs well for leveling and smoothing
  • Gets the job done effectively
Cons
  • Difficult for left-handed users
  • No place to put the other hand while using
Bottom Line
This planer is a budget-friendly option that is easy to use and performs well for small projects. However, it may not be suitable for left-handed users and has some issues with blade alignment and sniping. Overall, it offers good value for the price.
Pros
  • Produces smooth wood finish
  • Long track record and positive reviews
  • Flawless performance and durability
  • Provides a mirror finish with minimal sanding
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • Short electric cord
  • Difficulty in collecting shavings
Bottom Line
The Makita 2012NB planer is a reliable and high-performing tool that delivers smooth wood finishes with minimal sanding. It has a long track record of durability and positive reviews. However, it has some design flaws such as a short electric cord and difficulties in collecting shavings. Additionally, it is considered overpriced for the features it offers.
Pros
  • Powerful enough to remove up to 3/32" in one pass in hardwood.
  • Wide width allows for planing wide boards.
  • Good value for the price.
  • Sturdy and heavy, providing stability during use.
  • Leaves a smooth finish on boards.
Cons
  • Plastic housing can break easily.
  • Cord can get in the way and be cut accidentally.
Bottom Line
The WEN Hand Planer is a powerful and wide planer that provides good value for the price. It is sturdy and leaves a smooth finish on boards. However, the plastic housing can be fragile and the cord can be a hindrance. Additionally, the blades may be difficult to adjust and additional blades need to be purchased separately. Overall, it is a reliable option for DIY household jobs and planing wide boards.
Pros
  • Easy assembly with helpful picture instructions
  • Good value for the price
  • Smooth and precise jointing results
  • Solid build quality
  • Flat tables out of the box
Cons
  • Unclear instructions for setting up infeed and outfeed tables
  • Lack of support from tech support
Bottom Line
This jointer offers good value for the price with easy assembly, solid build quality, and smooth jointing results. However, the instructions and support could be improved, and there are some issues with snipe and the cutter material.
Pros
  • Quiet operation
  • Efficient and smooth planing
  • Easy to use and adjust
  • Durable construction
  • Effective dust collection
Cons
  • Inconsistent blade quality
  • Issues with shipping and customer service
Bottom Line
The Jet 13" planer offers quiet and efficient planing, with durable construction and effective dust collection. However, some users have experienced issues with blade quality and customer service. It may not be suitable for larger wood pieces and the height adjustment may be counterintuitive for some users. Overall, it provides good value for the price.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}