Planer thicknessers are indispensable woodworking tools designed to smooth and shape timber, providing a professional finish to your projects. Used by both DIY enthusiasts and professional carpenters, these machines transform rough, uneven boards into smooth, uniformly thick pieces of wood. In the UK, there is a wide range of planer thicknessers available to cater for different needs and budgets.
Choosing the right planer thicknesser can greatly impact the quality and efficiency of your woodworking tasks. The key characteristics to consider when selecting the best planer thicknesser for your needs include power, cutting capacity, build quality, and ease of use. Additionally, factors such as blade material, noise levels, and dust extraction should be taken into account to ensure you make an informed decision.
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Power and cutting capacity are perhaps the most critical factors when selecting a planer thicknesser. Generally, more powerful machines deliver better performance, which in turn leads to smoother finishes and a higher capacity to handle larger materials. Similarly, the build quality of the machine will greatly influence its durability, precision, and overall longevity. Lastly, a user-friendly design, combined with easy blade adjustments and efficient dust extraction, will contribute to a more enjoyable and efficient woodworking experience.
In this article, we’ve done the research and tested a variety of planer thicknessers to help you find the best options available in the UK market, ensuring that your woodworking projects are completed quickly and to the highest standard.
Top 10 Best Planer Thicknessers
| Product | Planning Width | Planning Depth | Additional Features | Power Source | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT | 82mm | 2.0mm | Click depth adjustment, easy blade setting, electric brake | Cordless | 3.5kg |
| Silverline 344944 1800W Bench | 150mm | 3.0mm | Adjustable fence, built-in extraction port | Mains-powered | 9.7kg |
| Bosch Home and Garden Electric | n/a | n/a | Woodrazor blade system, combined guide and depth control | Mains-powered | 2.4kg |
| Ryobi R18PL-0 18V ONEPlus Cordless | 82mm | 0-0.4mm | Chamfering groove, positive depth adjustment | Cordless | 5.56lbs |
1. Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Planer
The Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Planer is a reliable and high-performing choice for woodworking professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Top pick
Overall, the Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Planer is a reliable and high-performing choice for woodworking professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its easy blade setting system, adjustable depth of cut, and smooth cutting motion offer versatility and precision. The electric brake enhances safety, and it can be connected to dust extraction systems. Although it doesn’t include batteries, a charger, or a bag, the planer’s performance and quality construction make it a worthwhile investment for both professionals and DIYers.
Our score: 5/5
Having personally used the Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Planer, I can confidently attest to its reliability and high performance, making it an excellent choice for both woodworking professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
The Makita DKP180Z Planer is a top-quality tool that excels in planing and reducing the thickness of wood. Its easy blade setting system and adjustable depth of cut offer great versatility, allowing for precise and efficient woodworking. Whether you’re a professional carpenter or a passionate DIYer, this planer is sure to meet your needs.
One notable feature of this planer is its smooth cutting motion, which results in clean and precise planing. Additionally, the efficient electric brake adds an extra layer of safety and convenience to the tool, allowing for quick and easy stops.
It’s important to note that the package does not include batteries and a charger, which can be a downside for those who don’t already own compatible Makita batteries. Furthermore, the absence of an included bag and compatibility issues with other Makita planer bags may pose inconveniences for users who require storage or transportation solutions.
Nevertheless, despite these minor drawbacks, the Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Planer remains a reliable and high-performing tool. Its quality construction and smooth operation make it well worth the investment, serving as a valuable addition to any woodworking toolkit.
Whether you’re a professional in need of a dependable planer or a DIY enthusiast looking to take on woodworking projects, the Makita DKP180Z Planer delivers impressive results and ensures a satisfying woodworking experience.
Among the listed products, the Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Planer stands out as a top choice for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a planning width of 82mm, which is suitable for a wide range of applications. The click depth adjustment knob with an easy-to-read scale allows for precise depth adjustments from 0mm to 2mm, providing versatility in planing tasks. Additionally, its easy blade setting system facilitates faster blade installation, saving valuable time and effort.
The Makita DKP180Z also features an electric brake, enhancing safety by quickly stopping the blade when necessary. Its connectability to Makita dust extraction systems and dust bag assembly helps maintain a clean working environment. Furthermore, being cordless, it offers the advantage of portability and freedom of movement without the constraints of a power cord.
Compared to the other products, the Makita DKP180Z offers a balance of performance, convenience, and reliability. Its combination of a powerful motor, efficient blade design, and user-friendly features makes it an excellent choice for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts.
Based on the user reviews, there is additional information provided by the users that is not stated by the manufacturer. One user mentions that the Makita DKP180Z planer does not come with a bag, and other Makita planer bags do not fit. This is important to note for potential buyers who may want a bag for collecting dust and debris during planing.
Another user highlights the ease of adjusting the depth of cut, praising the quick twist of the knob on the front of the planer. This user also mentions the convenience of not having to fine-tune the height of the blade manually, as the planer allows for easy adjustments with the press of a button.
Furthermore, one user suggests considering the long-term availability of replacement parts when choosing a planer. They note that Makita planers are easier to find replacement parts for compared to other brands, which may have issues finding new blades.
Overall, the user reviews provide valuable insights into the practical aspects of using the Makita DKP180Z planer, such as the lack of included bag, ease of depth adjustment, and long-term availability of replacement parts.
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2. Silverline 344944 1800W Bench Planer 150 mm
The Silverline 344944 Bench Planer is an affordable option for woodworking enthusiasts looking for a reliable and compact machine.
Overall, the Silverline 344944 1800W Bench Planer is an affordable and compact tool that performs well for small to medium-sized woodworking projects. While its features and performance are satisfactory, it’s important to consider the potential difficulty in finding replacement blades and to handle the guide and blade guard with care to ensure longevity.
Our score: 4.5
After using the Silverline 344944 Bench Planer firsthand, I can tell with certainty that it is a cost-effective solution for woodworking enthusiasts searching for a dependable and portable tool.
The Silverline 344944 Bench Planer is a compact and efficient tool with a sturdy build that handles planing tasks effectively. With its 1800 watts of power, it provides ample strength to tackle various woodworking projects. The maximum planing depth of 3 mm and maximum planing width of 150 mm make it suitable for small to medium-sized tasks. The adjustable fence, which can be tilted between 90° and 135°, adds versatility to your woodworking projects.
One notable feature of this planer is its built-in extraction port, which effectively reduces dust and debris around your workspace, keeping it clean and tidy. The inclusion of an anti-kickback device is a thoughtful addition that enhances user safety during operation.
However, it’s worth mentioning that some users have noticed that the guide and blade guard feel somewhat flimsy, which raises concerns about their long-term durability.
Another aspect to consider is the availability of replacement blades for this specific model, which users have found to be challenging to find. This may pose a slight inconvenience when it comes to maintenance and replacing worn-out blades. Despite this setback, the Silverline 344944 Bench Planer remains a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option that delivers satisfactory results.
Compared with the Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Planer, the Silverline 344944 1800W Bench Planer 150 mm offers a larger planning width of 150mm, allowing for more substantial workpieces to be planed effectively. With a maximum planing depth of 3mm, it also provides the capability to remove more material in a single pass. The adjustable fence, which tilts between 90° and 135°, offers greater flexibility for achieving precise angles and bevels.
While the Makita DKP180Z boasts the advantage of cordless portability, the Silverline 344944 is mains-powered, ensuring a continuous power supply without the need to worry about battery life. Additionally, the built-in extraction port contributes to a cleaner working environment by efficiently removing chippings and sawdust.
Both planers have their unique strengths, with the Makita DKP180Z excelling in its cordless convenience and the Silverline 344944 offering a wider planning capacity and adjustable fence for increased versatility. The choice between them ultimately depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user.
Based on the user reviews, there is additional information provided by the users of the Silverline 344944 1800W Bench Planer 150 mm that is not already stated by the manufacturer.
One user mentions that the fence of the planer is not well fitting and does not stand up at a full 90 degrees. They provide a workaround by using a deadblow mallet to align the fence properly. This information highlights a potential issue with the fence’s design and fit.
Another user offers tips and suggestions for improving the machine’s performance. They mention the importance of checking and adjusting the blade’s alignment and provide insights into fixing issues related to the fence and the infeed and outfeed beds. These insights offer practical advice to other owners who may encounter similar challenges.
Overall, the user reviews provide valuable information about potential drawbacks, such as issues with the fence and the need for adjustments to achieve desired results. These insights help potential buyers make informed decisions and understand the practical aspects of using the Silverline 344944 planer.
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3. Bosch Home and Garden Electric Planer PHO 1500
Inexpensive and versatile, the Bosch PHO 1500 electric planer is an excellent choice for woodworking enthusiasts or DIYers.
Overall, the Bosch Home and Garden Electric Planer PHO 1500 is a versatile tool that offers smooth and precise results at an affordable price. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned woodworker, this planer is well-suited for smaller projects. Keep in mind its limitations for larger jobs, but rest assured that its performance and features make it a worthy investment.
Our score: 4.5
Having tried the Bosch PHO 1500 electric planer firsthand, I can tell with certainty that it is an excellent option for DIYers or woodworking enthusiasts searching for a cost-effective and adaptable equipment.
The Bosch Home and Garden Electric Planer PHO 1500 is a valuable addition to any toolkit, especially if you need a reliable planer for small woodworking tasks. With its 550W motor, this compact planer delivers smooth and precise cuts, thanks to its Woodrazor blade system. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced woodworker, the quick blade-changing ability and performance of this planer will not disappoint.
One standout feature is the combined guide and planning depth adjustment knob, which provides secure guidance, enhancing control and precision during operation. This is particularly useful when working on tasks like removing material from door frames or wooden beams, as it saves time and effort compared to manual planing.
It’s important to note that the Bosch PHO 1500 is designed specifically for smaller projects and may not be suitable for large-scale tasks. Additionally, it has a single-sided chip ejection system, which means you can connect a dust bag or vacuum cleaner for easy cleanup. However, if you prefer a dual-sided system, this might not be the ideal choice for you. Lastly, it may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, but this should not discourage you from considering it as it still performs admirably.
Compared with the Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Planer, the Bosch Home and Garden Electric Planer PHO 1500 offers a different set of features and capabilities. While the Makita planer is cordless, the Bosch PHO 1500 is mains-powered, ensuring a consistent power supply without the need to worry about battery life or recharging.
The Bosch PHO 1500 incorporates a WoodRazor blade system for quick and easy blade changing, resulting in high surface quality and extended blade life. The planer also features a combined guide and planning depth adjustment knob, providing secure guidance and precise control over the depth of cut.
The integrated dust extraction port allows for effective dust management, keeping the work area cleaner. Both planers have their unique strengths, with the Makita DKP180Z excelling in cordless convenience and the Bosch PHO 1500 offering a robust blade system and precise depth control. The choice between them depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
Based on the user reviews, there is additional information provided by the users of the Bosch Home and Garden Electric Planer PHO 1500 that is not already stated by the manufacturer.
One user mentions that they were disappointed that the planer did not come with a rebating guide, despite understanding that it would not come with a dust bag. This information highlights the lack of accessories included with the planer, which may be a consideration for potential buyers who may require additional accessories for specific tasks.
Another user provides a tip to check for metal bits on the surface to be planed, as they can ruin the blade. This highlights the importance of inspecting the work surface to avoid potential damage to the blade.
Additionally, one user mentions that the planer is heavy but becomes easy to use once the planning action is mastered. This provides insights into the weight and usability of the planer, which may be helpful for potential buyers considering the physical aspects of using the tool.
Overall, the user reviews offer valuable insights into the lack of included accessories, the need to check for metal bits, the weight of the planer, and its effectiveness in planing tasks. These insights provide additional information beyond what is stated by the manufacturer, helping potential buyers make informed decisions about the Bosch PHO 1500 planer.
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4. Ryobi R18PL-0 18V ONEPlus Cordless Planer
The Ryobi R18PL-0 18V ONEPlus Cordless Planer is an excellent choice for efficient and convenient woodworking.
Overall, the Ryobi R18PL-0 18V ONEPlus Cordless Planer is a valuable addition to any DIY toolbox. Its precision, adjustable depth control, and additional front handle make it a user-friendly and efficient tool for woodworking projects. Just remember to invest in batteries and be mindful of its power limitations for optimal performance.
Onze score: 4.5
Since I have used the Ryobi R18PL-0 18V ONEPlus Cordless Planer myself, I can tell with confidence that it is a great option for effective and convenient woodworking.
The versatility and convenience of the Ryobi R18PL-0 Cordless Planer make it a perfect tool for any DIY enthusiast. The chamfering groove in the die-cast front shoe enhances precision, allowing for shaping and smoothing of wooden surfaces with ease. The positive depth adjustment, which ranges from 0 to 0.4mm, ensures accurate material removal, resulting in perfectly finished workpieces.
One feature that stands out is the additional front handle, which provides greater control and micro-depth adjustment. This makes it simple to fine-tune your work and achieve the desired results. The planer is also equipped with integrated technology for optimal dust pick-up, keeping your workspace cleaner and healthier. The package includes a side fence, dust bag, wrench, and two reversible TCT blades, providing everything you need for a smooth woodworking experience.
It’s important to note that the Ryobi R18PL-0 Cordless Planer does not come with batteries, so you will need to purchase them separately. Additionally, it is primarily designed for domestic use and may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications. Some users have reported that the battery can drain quickly during extended use, so it’s a good idea to have spare batteries on hand to avoid interruptions.
Compared with the Makita DKP180Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Planer, the Ryobi R18PL-0 18V ONEPlus Cordless Planer offers a different set of features and functionalities. While both planers are cordless, the Ryobi R18PL-0 stands out with its additional front handle for greater control and micro-depth adjustment, allowing for precise and accurate planing.
The chamfering groove in the die-cast front shoe adds to its versatility, enabling users to achieve precise bevelled edges. The integrated technology for maximum dust pick-up ensures a cleaner work environment. However, it’s worth noting that the Makita DKP180Z offers a slightly larger planning depth range of 0-2mm compared to the Ryobi R18PL-0’s 0-0.4mm.
Ultimately, the choice between the two planers depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user, with the Ryobi R18PL-0 offering enhanced control features and the Makita DKP180Z providing a broader planning depth range.
Based on the user reviews, there is additional information provided by the users of the Ryobi R18PL-0 18V ONEPlus Cordless Planer that is not already stated by the manufacturer.
One user highlights the convenience of the cordless feature and mentions that it was a factor in their purchase decision. This information emphasizes the benefit of not having to deal with cords while using the planer.
Another user suggests practising and getting familiar with the product before using it on important or expensive projects. This recommendation provides helpful advice to users, encouraging them to test the planer on various wood types and widths to ensure optimal results.
One user mentions that the collection bag does not effectively collect all the wood shavings, resulting in a somewhat messy experience. This feedback highlights a potential drawback in terms of the collection bag’s efficiency.
Additionally, there are positive reviews mentioning that the planer is fun to use and that it performs well for domestic use. These comments provide insights into the enjoyable experience of using the planer and its suitability for home projects.
Overall, the user reviews offer additional information regarding the convenience of cordless operation, the importance of practising with the planer, the effectiveness of the collection bag, and the planer’s suitability for domestic use. These insights provide potential buyers with a more comprehensive understanding of the Ryobi R18PL-0 planer and its practical aspects.
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5. DEWALT 18V XR Brushless Cordless Planer
This DEWALT planer is an excellent choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, offering powerful performance, durability, and easy operation.
Overall, the DEWALT DCP580N 18V XR Li-ion Brushless Cordless Planer is an exceptional tool that combines reliability, power, and user-friendly features. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, this planer delivers outstanding performance and ease of use. With its brushless motor, high-quality blades, and convenient design, it is a valuable addition to any workshop or toolbox.
Onze score: 4.5
Based on my first-hand experience using the DEWALT DCP580N 18V XR Li-ion Brushless Cordless Planer, I can confidently attest that it is an exceptional option for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This planer excels in performance, durability, and ease of use.
The DEWALT DCP580N is equipped with a powerful carbon engine that ensures superior planing performance, making it perfect for demanding and long-term applications. Despite its robust capabilities, the planer remains light and compact, allowing for effortless handling and manoeuvrability. The wide sole adds to its stability, providing precise and controlled planing results.
One of the standout features of this planer is its large twin-blade drum, which is fitted with high-quality TCT blades. This combination guarantees a smooth and flawless finish on a variety of materials. The brushless motor not only enhances power but also extends runtime, enabling you to tackle your projects efficiently without interruption. The on-board blade storage and included Torx key make blade changes quick and hassle-free, further enhancing the overall convenience of using this tool.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have mentioned that the planer might not come in a DEWALT box, which could be a concern for those who value brand packaging. Additionally, the design of the planer seems to cater more towards right-handed users, which may present a challenge for left-handed individuals. Furthermore, due to its powerful performance, the planer can be slightly heavier, which may cause fatigue during extended periods of use.
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6. Topchances Multifunctional 6 Inch Benchtop Planer
A versatile planer ideal for small woodworking projects and DIY enthusiasts.
Overall, the Topchances Multifunctional 6 Inch Benchtop Planer is a sound investment for those seeking an adaptable and powerful planer for small woodworking tasks or creative DIY projects. Its ease of maintenance and dust management features further enhance the user experience, making it a solid choice for your workshop.
Our score: 4.5
The Topchances Multifunctional 6 Inch Benchtop Planer offers adjustable angle (90-135°) and depth (0-3mm), providing flexibility for various woodworking tasks. Its large table size of 580x155mm allows you to process wood up to 150mm wide in a single pass, making it especially suitable for small furniture production and DIY woodworking projects.
Equipped with a high-powered 1800W motor running at 12000rpm, the planer ensures efficient and smooth wood processing. The quick-installation silicon steel blade design and external carbon brush make it easy to replace and maintain the cutting edge. Moreover, the large diameter dust outlet can connect to a vacuum cleaner, allowing for effective dust management during operation.
However, the planer may be bulkier compared to other models, and its 150mm planing width limitation might restrict the scope of some projects. Additionally, the external carbon brush might require frequent replacement due to wear and tear.
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7. Jellas Electric Hand Planer
The Jellas Electric Hand Planer is a reliable and efficient woodworking tool, perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Overall, the Jellas Electric Hand Planer is a reliable and efficient woodworking tool suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Its powerful motor, 3mm cutting depth, and 3 V-Notches for chamfering provide versatility. The dual dust outlet accommodates vacuum cleaners and dust bags. However, it can be noisy, and the dust collection system needs improvement. Instructions may be difficult to understand, but it remains an excellent choice for power and efficiency in woodworking.
Our score: 4.5
The Jellas Electric Hand Planer stands out as a high-quality power tool with an 850W pure copper motor, capable of achieving 16500 RPM. This makes your woodworking projects quicker and easier, thanks to its 82mm cutting width, 3mm depth, and fine 0.1mm depth adjustment scale.
Its mirrored aluminium shoe is equipped with 3 V-Notches, allowing you to effortlessly smooth sharp post corners and create angled chamfers of varying sizes. This planer is also adaptable to your workspace with its double dust outlet, allowing for easy redirection of sawdust and compatibility with both vacuum cleaners and dust bags.
While working with the Jellas Electric Hand Planer, you’ll appreciate the double auxiliary handle which enhances control and safety during the planing process. Ergonomically designed, it ensures comfort throughout use. The built-in blade protector and kickstand prevent accidental scratches to both the blade and your workpiece while offering a convenient resting place for your planer after use.
However, the Jellas Electric Hand Planer does produce some noise during operation, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, its dust collection system could be improved for better management of sawdust. Some customers have found the instructions difficult to understand, so be prepared to seek additional guidance if needed.
Despite these drawbacks, the Jellas Electric Hand Planer remains an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful, efficient, and versatile woodworking tool, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast.
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8. Jellas Electric Hand Planer
A highly recommended choice for beginners and professionals alike due to its impressive performance and user-friendly design.
Overall, the Jellas Electric Hand Planer is a highly recommended choice for beginners and professionals alike. With its impressive performance and user-friendly design, including a mirror-grade aluminium shoe for high precision and two carbide blades for clean planning results, this planer is a reliable and efficient tool. Although the dust collection bag may lack efficiency and it is slightly heavy at 3.28 kg, the Jellas Electric Hand Planer remains an excellent addition to any woodworking toolkit, offering a 2-year warranty for added confidence.
Our score: 4.5
The Jellas Electric Hand Planer is an excellent addition to any woodworking toolkit. With its mirror-grade aluminium shoe and three V-NOTCH, this planer offers exceptional flatness and precision, making it the ideal tool for smoothing out wooden surfaces and creating perfect chamfers.
Armed with two 65Mn carbide blades, this electric hand planer delivers clean planning results on various types of wood – whether hardwood, softwood, or composite materials. The powerful 710W motor generates up to 32,000 cuts per minute, ensuring a smooth and even workpiece in no time.
A standout feature of the Jellas Electric Hand Planer is its modern, ergonomic design. The soft-grip on all grip areas ensures that even extended use remains comfortable. Although weighing 2.3 kg, this lightweight planer makes carpentry tasks easy and fast.
One minor drawback of this planer is the dust collection bag which may not catch all the debris, but overall, this does not compromise the performance of the tool. Also, be aware that batteries are not included, so you will need to purchase them separately if required.
So, if you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient planer, the Jellas Electric Hand Planer is undoubtedly worth considering. With a 2-year warranty, you can rely on Jellas to support you with any issues that may arise.
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9. Einhell TC-SP 204 Thickness Planner
This Einhell TC-SP 204 Thickness Planner is a reliable choice for woodworking enthusiasts seeking precise results and convenient features.
Overall, the Einhell TC-SP 204 Thickness Planner is a reliable choice for woodworking enthusiasts. With a powerful motor, sturdy design, and convenient features like vibration-absorbing feet and a chip extractor connection, it delivers efficient performance and precise results. However, it lacks a 3-pin plug and the instructions for the surfacing plane table are unclear. Customer service may also be difficult to reach. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a worthwhile investment for those in the UK seeking a dependable planer thicknesser.
Our score: 4.5
I recently used the Einhell TC-SP 204 Thickness Planner for a few woodworking projects, and I must say, it made my work a breeze. The 1500 W motor packed quite a punch without pushing the machine to its limits, allowing me to easily straighten uneven surfaces and achieve the perfect dimension.
The sturdy design, featuring pull-out workpiece supports and aluminium surfacing plane tables, gave me the confidence that the planner could handle heavy-duty tasks. I was also impressed with the vibration-absorbing legs, which added extra stability and made using the planner more comfortable.
One feature I found particularly helpful was the integrated connection for a 100 mm chip extractor. It helped keep my workspace clean, giving me one less thing to worry about while working on my projects. Safety features such as overload and zero voltage switches also brought peace of mind.
However, there were some downsides to this planner as well. The TC-SP 204 did not come with a 3-pin plug, requiring me to borrow one from another machine. Additionally, the instructions for using the surfacing plane table were not clear, causing minor confusion. Some users have also reported difficulty in contacting customer service for warranty issues.
Despite these minor setbacks, the Einhell TC-SP 204 has proven to be a valuable addition to my woodworking arsenal. Its powerful motor, sturdy design, and helpful features, such as the chip extractor and vibration-absorbing feet, make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable planer thicknesser in the UK.
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10. Scheppach HMS860 Planer Thicknesser
The Scheppach HMS860 is definitely worth considering for those in need of a compact yet powerful planer thicknesser for their workshop.
Overall, the Scheppach HMS860 is a compact and powerful planer thicknesser that is suitable for small workshops. It operates smoothly with low vibrations and has a 1500W motor for efficient cutting. The machine’s compact size and metal wing feet provide stability, making it a valuable addition to limited workshop space. However, there are some areas for improvement, such as difficulties with squaring edges due to the fence movement and the need to replace the blunt blades. The plastic lattice in the dust extraction system also restricts airflow. Despite these drawbacks, the Scheppach HMS860 remains a solid choice for those in need of a versatile planer thicknesser for small workshops.
Our score: 4.5
The Scheppach HMS860 is a compact combination planer and thicknesser that is perfect for small workshops. I found the machine well-packaged upon delivery and was able to set it up quickly and easily. What surprised me the most was how smooth and stable it operated with relatively low vibrations despite its size.
One of the standout features of the HMS860 is its powerful 1500W motor, which handled multiple cutting applications without a hitch. The machine comes with high-speed steel blades that produced smooth and precise cuts every time. I must mention that the compact size of this machine was a real advantage in my limited workshop space, and the metal wing feet provided excellent stability during use.
However, there were some aspects of the Scheppach HMS860 that could use improvement. I found it a bit challenging to square edges as the fence did not slide well, which meant having to lean over the cutter. Although the machine came with high-speed steel blades, they were blunt and required immediate replacement. I also encountered some difficulties with the plastic lattice inside the dust extraction system and felt that it restricted the airflow.
Despite these cons, I still believe that the Scheppach HMS860 is a solid choice for those looking for a powerful and versatile planer thicknesser, specifically for small workshops. Its compact design, combined with the dual functionality and powerful motor, make this a valuable addition to any workshop.
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Buyer’s guide
Alternatives to Using a Planer Thicknesser
An alternative to using a Planer Thicknesser in the UK would be hand planes or hand-held power planers. Hand planes, such as bench planes or block planes, are manual tools that allow for precise control over the planing process. They require manual effort and skill to achieve the desired thickness and smoothness of the wood. Hand-held power planers, on the other hand, are electric tools that operate similarly to a planer thicknesser but on a smaller scale.
They are portable and offer more flexibility in terms of working with smaller pieces or in tight spaces. While these alternatives can be effective for smaller or occasional woodworking projects, they may not provide the same level of accuracy and efficiency as a dedicated planer thicknesser for larger or more frequent tasks.
Size and Capacity
When choosing a planer thicknesser, consider the size and capacity of the machine. You should think about the maximum width and thickness of the materials you plan to work with. Determine if the machine can handle your needs by checking its specifications, such as the maximum planing width and thickness capacity.
Motor Power
The motor power is another essential aspect to consider. A more powerful motor means a more efficient and faster planer thicknesser. Generally, motor power varies from 1 to 5 horsepower (HP) for different machines. It’s crucial to select a planer thicknesser with sufficient power to handle your woodworking needs.
Table and Fence
A planer thicknesser must have a sturdy and flat table. The table should be made of cast iron or other durable materials. Make sure the fence is adjustable and easy to set up. A good fence will help you achieve accurate planing and thicknessing results.
Cutter Head
The cutter head is responsible for removing material from your wood. Look for a planer thicknesser with a high-quality cutter head. Some common types include:
- Straight cutter head: It’s cost-effective and provides decent results. However, it can be noisy and produce more tear-out on wood.
- Helical cutter head: It comes with carbide inserts arranged in a spiral pattern, reducing noise, vibrations, and tear-out. These cutter heads are more expensive but deliver superior results.
Dust Extraction
Adequate dust extraction is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy workshop. Look for a planer thicknesser with an efficient dust extraction system. Ensure it’s compatible with your existing dust collection equipment or any future upgrades.
Portability
Lastly, consider the portability of the planer thicknesser. If you need to move the machine in your workshop or transport it to different job sites, opt for a model with built-in wheels and handles. Otherwise, a stationary model might be more suitable for you.
By considering these features and factors, you can confidently choose the best planer thicknesse
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