Planers

Find the Best Planer for Your Workshop: A Practical Guide to Buying Planers in the US

Introduction: Why a planer might be your workshop's next MVP

If you've ever tried to flatten a warped board with sandpaper and elbow grease, you know the feeling of pounding your head against a wall—woodworking can be humbling. A planer is one of those tools that turns chores into simple steps: it removes thin layers of wood quickly and consistently, giving you a flat, smooth surface in minutes. Whether you're a weekend DIYer trimming door jambs or a pro building furniture, a planer pays dividends in time saved and results that look professional.

What is a planer and how does it differ from other tools?

Think of a planer as a controlled slicer for wood. Unlike a jointer, which flattens one face of a board at a time, or a sander that abrades away material, a planer reduces thickness and leaves a uniform surface across the entire board. Benchtop and portable planers attack thickness and smoothness, while handheld electric planers are great for trimming edges, rabbets, and fine adjustments. The end goal is the same: straight, even boards that fit together like puzzle pieces.

Types of planers you’ll encounter

Handheld electric planers

Handheld planers are like pocket knives for boards: nimble and easy to use. They usually come with a cutter head that shaves a fraction of an inch per pass and are perfect for edge work, trimming doors, or chamfering. Brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Ryobi dominate this space, and you’ll also find budget-friendly models at mass retailers.

Benchtop (thickness) planers

Benchtop planers, sometimes called thickness planers, are designed to run a board under a rotating cutter head to remove thickness evenly. They commonly accept boards 6 inches, 12 inches, or wider, and are the go-to for turning rough lumber into consistent lumber stock. Look for models with solid infeed/outfeed tables and powerful motors measured in horsepower.

Stationary jointer-planer combos

For serious hobbyists or small shops, combo machines pair the flattening power of a jointer with the thicknessing capacity of a planer. They save floor space and streamline the workflow, but they also take up more room and often cost more upfront. If you plan to mill rough boards regularly, they can be a smart investment.

Where to buy planers in the US: top retailers to consider

When it’s time to buy, you have choices. Each retailer brings its own strengths—wide selections, competitive pricing, or specialty knowledge. Below are prominent places where US buyers commonly shop for planers, including stores mentioned in product listings.

Walmart

Walmart is a convenient first stop for homeowners looking for affordable handheld and benchtop planers. You’ll find mainstream brands as well as lesser-known imports. For example, certain 6-inch handheld electric planers show up in Walmart’s product lineup—sometimes listed with specifications like model sizes you’d expect from European markets. Always double-check electrical compatibility and specs if a product lists a voltage different from standard US 120V systems.

Home Depot

Home Depot carries a broad range of planers that cater to homeowners and tradespeople. You can find trusted brands such as DeWalt, Makita, and Porter-Cable in both physical stores and online. Home Depot is a good place to compare specifications side-by-side and take advantage of seasonal sales or in-store pickup.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s offers a similar selection to Home Depot and often runs bundled offers or rebates on power-tool combos. It’s a reliable place to test build quality in person and get a feel for tool ergonomics. Their staff can usually point you toward the right tool for common tasks like door trimming or planing hardwoods to a consistent thickness.

Harbor Freight

If you’re watching the budget, Harbor Freight often carries low-cost benchtop and handheld planers under their in-house brands. The build quality can vary, but for occasional use or light remodeling projects they can be a solid value. Expect to do a bit more setup and maybe tweak a few parts to get optimal performance.

Specialty woodworking retailers (Rockler, Woodcraft)

For dedicated woodworkers, specialty retailers are gold. Rockler and Woodcraft stock higher-end planers, spare parts, and cutting knives, and their staff are usually woodworkers themselves. You’ll pay more, but you also get expertise, quality accessories, and sometimes extended warranties or service options.

Online marketplaces (Amazon and others)

Amazon and similar marketplaces are convenient for browsing a huge selection and reading user reviews. You’ll find everything from budget handhelds to professional stationary planers. The trick is to filter by reputable sellers and watch out for listings that show international specs—again, double-check voltage and included accessories.

Popular planer brands and models to consider

There’s a wide range of brands to choose from depending on your needs and budget. DeWalt and Makita are often recommended for their blend of durability and performance. Bosch and Festool run toward premium markets, focusing on dust collection and precision. For budget or occasional users, Ryobi, Porter-Cable, and some Harbor Freight models offer acceptable performance for the price.

DeWalt and Makita

DeWalt and Makita build rugged handheld planers with powerful motors and good ergonomics. They’re reliable for frequent use and tend to have excellent replacement-part ecosystems. If you value durability and resale value, these brands are safe bets.

Bosch and Festool

Bosch and Festool aim at the precision market. Festool, in particular, is known for dust control and precision-feeding accessories—attributes that matter if you’re milling furniture-grade pieces. They’re pricier, but many buyers consider them worth it for the long haul.

Budget-friendly options

Brands like Ryobi, Porter-Cable, and Harbor Freight’s house brands offer good entry-level options. They’re great for one-off projects or hobbyists building small batches of items. Just expect to pay more attention to setup, blade sharpening, and maintenance.

How to choose the right planer for your projects

Choosing a planer is less about brand and more about matching the tool to the task. Ask yourself what you’ll plane most often, how large the boards will be, and whether you need portability. Here are practical criteria to guide your decision.

Size and capacity

Planers are sized by the maximum width they can handle. A 6-inch portable planer is fine for trim work and small pieces, while a 12-inch benchtop planer handles wider boards. If you plan to work on cabinet doors or tabletops, look for at least a 12-inch capacity. For larger stock, consider 15-inch or 20-inch machines or a jointer-planer combo.

Power and motor type

Motor power is typically expressed in amps for handheld units and horsepower for benchtop machines. More powerful motors handle hardwoods and larger cutting depths without bogging down. If you’ll plane hardwoods like oak regularly, opt for a stronger motor—even if it adds some weight.

Cutter head and blades

The cutter head determines finish quality. Two- and three-knife cutter heads are common, but helical cutter heads with carbide inserts deliver smoother cuts and easier maintenance. Carbide lasts longer and can be rotated or replaced by individual inserts, which is handy in a busy shop.

Portability and weight

Handheld planers are light—often under 10 pounds—and designed for on-the-spot adjustments. Benchtop planers can weigh anywhere from 45 to over 100 pounds; stationary combos can be several hundred pounds. If your workshop is a corner of the garage, factor in how you’ll move and store the machine. Lighter doesn’t always mean worse; sometimes a 45-pound benchtop model is the best compromise.

Dust collection and noise

Planers eject chips and fine dust. Good dust-collection ports (usually 1-1/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch hose sizes) make cleanup easier and improve air quality. Noise levels vary—planers are loud—so hearing protection is a must. If dust control matters, invest in models with large ports and consider a dedicated dust extractor.

Practical tips for using and maintaining your planer

Keeping a planer in top shape is mostly about routine: sharp blades, clean feed tables, and correct alignment. Here are actionable tips that make a big difference.

Initial setup and test pass

Always read the manual before first use. Make a shallow test pass on scrap wood to check for snipe, feed issues, or uneven cuts. Adjust infeed and outfeed tables and check the cutter head depth in small increments—1/64 to 1/16 inch per pass is a safe range to start.

Blade care and replacement

Dull blades tear rather than slice, which ruins the finish. For straight-knife cutter heads, keep multiple sets of blades on hand. For helical heads, inspect and rotate or replace inserts as needed. Carbide inserts last longer but are more expensive up front.

Reducing snipe and chatter

Snipe—the deeper cut at board ends—happens when the board isn’t supported evenly. Use infeed/outfeed supports or sacrificial runway boards to reduce snipe on long workpieces. Consistent feed speed and clean, flat tables reduce chatter and yield smoother surfaces.

Regular cleaning and lubrication

Planer tables and feed rollers collect resin and pitch. Clean them regularly with solvent and a non-abrasive cloth; lightly oil moving parts where the manual recommends it. Empty out the chip tray and check the dust-collection port for clogs after each use.

Price ranges and getting the best deal

Planer prices vary widely. Handheld planers can start under $70 for basic models and go up to $300 or more for pro-grade tools. Benchtop planers typically range from $200 to $1,500 depending on capacity and features. Stationary jointer-planer combos can exceed $2,000. For best value, match features to your needs, watch for seasonal sales, and compare warranties. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and specialty stores often run promotions around holidays or tool events.

Buying checklist: what to confirm before checkout

Before you hit buy, verify these essentials: the maximum board width, motor power, voltage compatibility (US standard 120V for most household circuits), warranty terms, available replacement blades, and whether a dust-collection adapter is included. Also check if the model requires any special accessories for safety or performance, such as outfeed tables or support stands.

Wrapping up: pick the planer that matches your workflow

Choosing a planer isn’t just about the price tag—it’s about matching the machine to the projects you love. For small repairs and trim, a handheld 6-inch electric planer is a nimble and affordable tool. If you plan to mill lumber regularly, invest in a benchtop 12-inch or larger thickness planer, or consider a combo machine for maximum capability. Shop around at retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Harbor Freight, and specialty woodworking stores to compare features and take advantage of sales. And remember: the right planer, used well and maintained, will transform rough stock into beautiful, usable boards—like turning rough stone into a polished countertop.

Now that you know the essentials, what will your next project be? A perfectly fitting door, a clean tabletop, or a set of custom cabinets? Your planer is the tool that makes that finish possible.

Happy planing—and don’t forget ear and eye protection when you fire up the motor.

Conclusion

Selecting the right planer in the US means balancing capacity, power, portability, and price. From handheld 6-inch models that tackle quick trims to benchtop and combo machines that transform rough lumber into finished panels, there’s a planer for every workshop. Shop smart by comparing options at major retailers and specialty stores, pay attention to cutter-head design and dust collection, and maintain blades for the smoothest results. With the right tool and a little practice, achieving professional-quality surfaces becomes not just possible, but repeatable.