How to choose the right type of electric planer and maintain it correctly. Which electric planer to choose How to choose an electric planer

Like a conventional hand planer, power tools have two handles - front and back. In addition, there is a handle for adjusting the cutter. In addition, electric planers are equipped with a protection system. Under the system is an additional button, without pressing which it is impossible to turn on the tool.

The cutting part itself is a cylinder that works thanks to a gearbox and an engine. If in a conventional planer the main work is done by a simple pointed plate, but in electric models a special drum is responsible for this function - it is also called a knife shaft. The drum provides space for installing knives, which are responsible for planing. Most often, two knives are installed, but there are models with one or three knives.

The fundamental difference between electric planers and conventional planers is the ejection of chips. If in a conventional tool the chips come out through the slot, then a special nozzle is provided for these purposes, to which you can connect a garbage bag or even a vacuum cleaner. As a rule, chip ejection is provided on the right side, but there are models in which the side can be selected by the user.

The sole of the electric planers is made of aluminum and is divided into two parts by a knife drum. The back is stationary. If the planer has a planing height adjustment function, this means that the height of the front of the sole can be adjusted.

Another difference between conventional and electric tools is how the planing depth adjuster works. For electric planers, the front handle is responsible for this possibility, while for conventional manual models, a separate lamb is provided for this. We will discuss this adjustment in more detail below. Electric planers also allow you to adjust the planing width. For this purpose, a side stop is provided in the kit.

According to the type of power supply, two types of electric planers are available for sale - mains-powered and battery models. The principle of operation of the tools is quite simple. When the device is turned on, the rotor comes into action - the forces from its rotation are transmitted by means of a belt to the knife shaft.

2. Pros and cons of electric planers

Flaws

To process corners or ends, you still have to use a false-gebel or an additional planer

High chance of injury due to careless work

Surface scraping is difficult

Advantages

Saving. Treated boards cost almost twice as much as untreated boards. The planer will pay off in a few cubes.

Significant performance

Possibility of sampling a quarter

Virtually no effort required

If desired, the planer can be used as a jointer, planer or planer

3. Main characteristics of electric planers

Planer power is a parameter that characterizes energy consumption. The list of works that the electric planer will be able to handle also depends on the power. Accordingly, the greater the density of the processed material, the greater the power required. It also depends on the planing width.

The ideal option would be to buy a really powerful electric planer. During work, it will only be loaded by half, which will have a beneficial effect on the service life. But, as a rule, if the tool is used only occasionally, you can buy an inexpensive electric planer. On average, for the cheapest models, this figure is 400W, while for the most expensive it can reach up to 2000W or more.

Speed ​​(rpm)- the most important characteristic when choosing an electric planer. The greater the number of revolutions, the more even and high-quality processing will be performed. The speed of inexpensive electric planers is in the range of 11-13 thousand rpm - this value is enough for rough processing. To get the smoothest possible surface, it is better to buy a tool with 15-18 thousand rpm - this will be enough for finishing.

In most inexpensive models, as the load increases, the number of revolutions also decreases, which can adversely affect the quality of material processing. Some models of planers (Makita KP 0810 C) are able to plan equally with both low and high loads. These instruments have an electronic rotation control system. The system helps not only to increase productivity, but also protects the engine from overheating.

Planing width (processing)- the maximum width that the planer can handle in one pass. The width is selected depending on the shape of the workpiece. This parameter can be from 60 to 300 mm. The most common models with a planing width of 82 or 110 mm, the former being cheaper. Planes with a smaller width are in little demand, and those with a larger width are only suitable for professional use. When choosing between two sizes, it is better to buy an electric planer with a larger planing width. So, if necessary, process a 10-centimeter board, a knife 110 mm wide can handle it faster and with high quality. 82mm will have to make several passes, which will negatively affect the final result.

For long-term work, you should pay attention to the heating of the tool. Inexpensive electric planers require a break about every half hour. If this rule is not observed, there is a risk of damage to the instrument.

The sole of the electric planers is smooth, but you can feel small grooves to the touch. The grooves are necessary to prevent the formation of an air cushion - this is the only way to achieve a cut with the same thickness of material removal. In addition, V-shaped grooves are specially created on the sole for chamfering.

The delivery set directly depends on the cost of the planer and its brand. Often, the kit includes an additional set of knives, guides for parallels and for sampling fours, a side limiter, an adapter for a vacuum cleaner and a case.

- After buying a planer, you should not immediately let it work. Turn it on at idle: this is how you check the smooth start-up, vibrations, and determine some more working moments. - If you need to work with rough and uneven material, feel free to set the cutting depth to the maximum value. In the second approach, significantly reduce the depth. For the third and subsequent approaches, set the values ​​as low as possible. The greater the depth of planing, the slower it is to move the tool over the surface. Most manufacturers note an average speed of 3 meters per minute. - It is necessary to plan in the direction of the fibers - planing "against the grain" is wrong. If the workpiece is glued, you need to work at an angle. - The sharp edges of the boards may lose their “trademark” appearance and split over time. Therefore, if the workpiece does not require sharp edges, it is better to make a chamfer. V-shaped grooves on the sole of the tool help in its creation. - If during operation the planer begins to "slip", get stuck or the chips are not the same as usual - this is a sign of the need to replace (or sharpen) the knife. For sharpening, it is better to use a grinder with an adjustable angle of inclination of the part. As a rule, the front side of the knife is sharpened at an angle of 25 degrees, and the cutting one - at 45. But there are models in which the front surface is not sharpened in principle. The most important point in sharpening is its uniformity. Any bulges or indentations will negatively affect the results of the work. - Do not put excessive pressure on the electric planer during operation. You may inadvertently change the planing depth.

Watch the level of the back and front soles - the smoother it is, the better the cut will be. It is also important to keep an eye on the length of the protruding blades (if you have a model with 2 or 3) blades. If, for example, one knife protrudes 0.5 mm more than the second, then the second one will no longer plan - it will only scratch slightly on the surface.

On the processing line, the knives should go first, not the sole. That is, if the part is small, it is worth focusing on the knife shaft.

If you use the side fence, make sure that the edge of the workpiece along which the fence moves is even. Otherwise, the quality of the groove or quarter may suffer.

To keep the planing depth as uniform as possible, at the beginning of the section, you should press harder on the front, while at the end - on the back.

When working with long boards, it is advisable to move along with the planer, and not try to process as much as possible with outstretched arms. This eliminates the appearance of "steps" on the surface.

Thus, despite the seeming simplicity, working with a planer requires certain skills and knowledge. On the other hand, there is no equivalent replacement for electric planers - therefore, if you do not want to overpay for already processed boards, the best way out is to buy an electric planer

An electric planer is a universal tool for processing wood of different species. Such equipment is needed not only in production, but also in the country. The rating includes the best electric planers according to customer reviews and price-quality ratio.

At the same time, the selection contains models of different layouts and all price categories - from the cheapest household to expensive professional tools. The right choice of a good electric planer for home or professional work involves choosing the best technical equipment and a comfortable, ergonomic design.

Bort BFB 710N

Today, it is really difficult to find a good model of an electric planer in the redistribution of 3000 rubles, but Bort solved this problem “perfectly well”. This is a cheap planer for home use or work in a summer cottage. The tool is well arranged, the removal of chips in different directions is well developed - this is a great advantage against the background of analogues, it will be easy and convenient to work with such a device. The start key is very long and is located in the place of the grip, in the process of planing you do not have to "attach" to the tool. The design itself is familiar, with its modest weight of 2.9 kg, a small unit is quite productive for a tool from the “hobby” category: the depth of cut of the material is up to 2 mm, the groove depth is 7 mm, there is a groove for chamfering. The power of the electric motor is quite acceptable, household - 650 W, the blades rotate at a speed of 16500 rpm - this is a good indicator that allows this device to become the best of the inexpensive planers in the review, capable of processing material cleanly and efficiently.

Advantages:

• user-friendly design
• productive
• affordable price
• optimal weight
• great functionality for the price

Flaws:

• an economical manufacturer does not always include spare brushes in the kit
• pretty mediocre build

Hitachi P20SF

When carpentry work is of a regular nature or private construction is planned, a handy and durable carpentry planer, such as the P20SF from the Hitachi brand, is needed. The quality of the Japanese brand products is widely known in the narrow circles of builders and craftsmen: good assembly, high quality materials and the entire internal mechanism, professional-class ergonomics. Ease of use when processing wood is provided not only by high-quality plastic and rubber pads, but also by the layout itself - the front handle is combined with a planing depth regulator, with a knife width of 82 mm, the unit is quite compact and light (weight together with a wire 2.5 kg). Experienced users may be confused by a not very large power reserve - only 620 W, but in comparison with household models of a similar class, a professional tool is more productive and designed for a longer period of continuous operation. At the same time, the device will not exert an excessive load on the network, which will be significant when working in the country or in the garage.

Advantages:

• high working resource
• single cut depth up to 2.6 mm
• very compact dimensions and low weight
• good construction
• smooth and precise adjustment of the cutting depth
• high quality materials and components

Flaws:

• somewhat overpriced

ZUBR ZR-1300-110

In terms of its technical equipment, the ZUBR ZR-1300-110 electric planer will give odds to many foreign-made models. This inexpensive, but powerful enough unit (1.3 kW) is equipped with a solid platform and thoughtful ergonomics. Planing width to match the high power - 110 mm, which clearly indicates high productivity. In one “run”, an electric planer removes a layer of wood up to 3.5 mm, a quarter sample from 0 - 15 mm. There are three V-shaped recesses on the platform for chamfering. Chips are discharged in both directions, but if necessary, an industrial vacuum cleaner can be connected to the planer. In general, this is a good electric planer for a home workshop or small production. The device is more than worthy to take its place in the ranking, because the combination of rich technical equipment, good quality and reasonable price is a rarity.

Advantages:

• fine adjustment of the planing depth
• there is a soft start
• high power rating
• chip ejection control
• equipped with stand for fixed installation

Flaws:

• knives dull quickly
• not the best build quality
• not fully developed chip removal (misses a lot)

Interskol R-82/650

The best of the inexpensive planers in the review, despite the domestic use, the tool is equipped with a cast aluminum platform with three chamfering grooves. In addition, the manufacturer installed an electric motor of medium power (650 W) and standard 82 mm knives in the unit. The technical equipment is “sharpened” for amateurs: an acceptable wood cut width (2 mm), a quarter sample, a weight of 3.5 kg. The electric planer is designed for infrequent work, suitable for giving or a personal plot.

Advantages:

• good technical data
• chip removal direction adjustment
• high precision settings
• good equipment

Flaws:

• no overload protection
• no soft start

AEG PL 750

Leading manufacturers of professional-grade equipment delight with such high-quality household items. According to customer reviews, the electric planer is suitable for occasional use in the garden or for small jobs in the garage. The key feature of the unit is a rather low noise during operation, and this is at 750 W of power and 17,000 drum revolutions. An electric planer with a good speed of rotation of the knives removes up to 2 mm of material from one pass, a quarter cut up to 12 mm is provided, one chamfering groove and an adjustable removal of planing products. Full-fledged technical equipment is well complemented by excellent build quality and thoughtful ergonomics.

Advantages:

• good power reserve
• Convenient cutting depth adjustment
• wide handle
• well thought-out chip removal
• excellent ergonomics

Flaws:

• the manufacturer strongly recommends using only with a vacuum cleaner
• a small sample of a quarter

Makita KP0810

Powerful, efficient electric planer from Makita is perfect for building your own house from a log house, and all thanks to an unsurpassed tandem of performance and workmanship. As it should be done by professional equipment, the parameters of this popular model largely exceed the “household” ones: the power of the electric motor is 850 W, the cutting depth of the quarter is up to 25 mm, the thickness of the cut of the processed wood is up to 4 mm. The light and compact electric planer is equipped with a pair of standard 82 mm wide blades, and the manufacturer has also implemented a well-thought-out dust removal system, which increases the overall tool life.

Advantages:

• good combination of power and compactness
• high performance
• ergonomic design - long-term operation does not tire the hands
• setting accuracy
• long power cord
• blade and build quality

Flaws:

• with such power, the electric planer lacks a soft start

Dewalt DW 680

Lightweight and very easy to use planer will cope with wood of any species, both soft and hard. In one operation, the unit removes a layer of material up to 2.5 mm, sampling a quarter - up to 12 mm. The tool is well balanced and easy to operate - this is perhaps one of the few models with easy blade replacement. The cooling system is well thought out and designed, thanks to which the electric planer is sufficiently resistant to overheating and is able to work without interruption longer than its competitors. The front handle combines the depth adjustment. The accuracy of the work is ensured by a very flexible setting in increments of 0.1 mm. The electric planer is reliable in operation, suitable for country work, processing wood of various species, for flooring or making wooden furniture.

Advantages:

• hardy tool tolerates light overloads
• good specifications
• easy blade change
• easy handling and the ability to work with one hand
• precise depth settings

Flaws:

• the nozzle for shavings is periodically clogged
• not supplied with a bag for collecting chips

Bosch GHO 15-82

The best professional planer from the popular manufacturer Bosch has been in the TOP of the best for several years. This tool is from the blue series of the brand, which indicates reliability and increased endurance. What is remarkable about the Bosch electric planer: parts are assembled with high quality, the design has been verified and tested over the years, a good working life of all the main components. An electric planer is good for many types of work: processing boards, wooden furniture elements or its production. A large number of drum revolutions (16000 rpm) will ensure a quality result - cleanliness and smoothness without chips or defects on the surface. Depth of processing is regulated by the forward handle, sampling of a quarter is provided. If you are looking for a reliable, professional electric planer worth up to 8,000 rubles, this is your choice.

Advantages:

• affordable price for a professional grade tool
• it is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner
• quarter sampling up to 9 mm
• almost 4 m power cable
• three recesses for high-quality chamfering
• light weight - 2.5 kg

Flaws:

• small maximum cutting depth of wood

Bosch GHO 40-82 C Professional

One of the best electric planers in terms of value for money, this powerful, overload-resistant tool will get the job done even in harsh industrial conditions. The fundamental difference from cheaper professional-class models is the maintenance of power when working under load, which saves the resource of the entire tool. The maximum thickness of the cut of the processed material is 4 mm, the combined front handle provides precise and precise adjustment. The manufacturer equipped the unit with a patented, easily removable Woodrazor Bosch knife with an increased working resource. It is noteworthy that only one knife is used here, which eliminates the need for its adjustment, a spare blade is stored with a key in a special recess on the body.

Advantages:

• one of the fastest blade change systems available
• quarter cut up to 25 mm
• maintaining power under load
• double-sided chip removal, connection to an industrial vacuum cleaner
• 3 V-shaped grooves for chamfering
• aluminum bearing housings
• flawless assembly

Flaws:

• no soft start system
• low drum speed

Makita KP312S

The most powerful electric planer in the ranking closes our review, the device has a somewhat unusual design and is intended for professional carpentry workshops. The unit is equipped with a 2.2 kW motor and a wide blade of 312 mm, which indicates ultra-high performance. For the safety of the operator, the starting current is limited, and the convenient and easy blade change is also noteworthy. The planing depth range is adjustable from 1.5 to 3.5 mm. Considering all the technical data, the optimal area for using an electric planer is the processing of a surface with a large area, for example, a parquet floor. Thanks to high ergonomics and good balance, working with a tool weighing 19 kg is comfortable and very convenient. The depth control is accurate, but simple and does not require complex manipulations. According to user reviews, the tool is impeccable in every way, whether it is performance or workmanship.

Advantages:

• very productive
• overload resistant
• lies comfortably in the hand
• robust body and reliable mechanism

Flaws:

• big weight
• high price

Conclusion

This review of the best models of electric planers demonstrates the advantages and does not hide the shortcomings of the tool, identified by experienced owners. Our rating will help you decide which electric planer to buy for your home or summer cottage, and which one for industrial use. Household loads, as a rule, imply occasional use, any planer with a power of up to 600 W or a little higher is suitable for this purpose. Professional woodworking will require a productive model, with more power and endurance. The trademark is no less important - only the leaders of their industry, presented in the rating, will provide you with an established network of service centers for their products.

Electric planers have replaced hand tools today. Thanks to this, you can not only increase the speed of work, but also its quality.

Find out all the details of how to choose an electric planer and which one is better to buy for home or professional use.

Distinctive features of electric planers

The main purpose of the electric planer is to give the wooden surface a smooth and finished look. It is used to eliminate roughness and all kinds of irregularities on the surface of wood. As a result of planing, the surface acquires a pronounced wood structure.

If we compare this power tool with a manual counterpart, then the electric one additionally has useful functions for:

• sampling quarters;
• chamfering;
• grooving and so on.

Plus, the device is used as a jointer. The unit is mounted on the working surface, additionally equipped with a square and a ruler. Due to this, the workpiece receives the correct geometric shape.

Let's highlight the positive and negative sides of the electric planer.

Minuses	pros
Cannot be used for floor scraping.	High level of performance.
The high speed of the knife drum can cause injury.	When working, you do not need to put a lot of effort, as is the case with a hand tool.
Cannot be used on edges and corners. You will have to use manual counterparts.	Possibility to use as planer and planer installation.
	Qualitative sampling of the quarter was noted.
	High-quality processing of wooden products.

Varieties and popular models

Electric planes are amateur and professional. Household models are equipped with a stamped sole.
Professional shoes are equipped with a molded sole, which increases their service life and allows you to cope with additional loads.

Among professional it is better to choose the following models:

1. Metabo.
2. DeWalt.
3. Makita.
4. hitachi.
5. Sturm.
6. Bosch.

Popular among amateurs are:

1. Knight.
2. Proton.
3. Interskol.
4. Blaukraft.
5. Black&Decker.
6. Caliber.

Electric planes are found stationary and manual. Many modern models have an additional feature that allows you to mount the electric planer in a stationary state.

Basic equipment of an electric planer

Upon purchase, most models of this power tool have the following equipment:

• pen. Well, if there are two handles in front / behind. One unit pushes forward, and the second helps guide the tool;
• spiral blade;
• ruler;
• side limiter;
• outsole with V-groove;
• replaceable drums and fasteners;
• bell for the exit of chips;
• chip collection bag;
• electronic sensors;
• protective cover;
• blocker from accidental activation.

Pay attention to technical specifications

To determine which electric planer is better, it is worth highlighting the important technical characteristics of this device.

In general, before choosing an electric planer for your home, you need to study the following characteristics:

1. Power.
2. Drum speed.
3. Depth/width of planing.
4. Sole.
5. Blades.
6. Chip receiver.

An electric planer is an indispensable tool for construction work involving the use of non-planed boards. On the one hand, such boards are much cheaper, and on the other hand, they require additional processing. And it is an electric planer that will cope with such a task both quickly and efficiently. For carpentry, it is indispensable. To choose the best electric planer, you need to know its principle of operation and technical characteristics:

Many electric planers can be used both as a hand tool and, if fixed, in the form of a carpentry machine. In this position, he can:

• plan boards;
• adjust them to size
• bevel the edge on them;
• choose a groove (quarter).

If you also use additional nozzles, a cutting tool, then the functions of an ordinary electric planer will pleasantly surprise their owners! If you know the technical characteristics and capabilities of the tool, then you will make the right choice of an electric planer.

How does an electric planer work?

The basis of an electric planer is a drum that rotates thanks to a powerful motor at a speed of 10,000 rpm. Power at the same time on different tools can range from 600 to 1000 watts. Knives are fixed on the drum. The drum is driven by a motor and a drive belt. This belt is located under the side cover, which allows it to be removed and changed. Another casing is located above the motor. Thanks to the design of the electric planer, the speed increases gradually when turned on, and then it is maintained thanks to the electronics. All this serves to prevent overvoltage of the motor.

In front and behind the drum are knives for an electric planer - the so-called sole. It consists of two parts, the first of which is adjustable and processes the wood, and the second remains motionless and passes over the previously processed wood, smoothing its surface.

The speed of carpentry work depends on their quality and ability to remain sharp for a long time. Therefore, when choosing an electric planer, pay attention to the metal that makes up the sole. It is carbide and tungsten, hard hardened steel.

The thickness of the chips and the depth of cut of the board is adjusted using a handle or, in some cases, a button with divisions. The thicker the chips being removed, the slower the planer will move. The side limiter allows you to choose a quarter of the required thickness when processing the board. In this case, a folding casing is attached above the drum: it is located on the side if the planer is operating in normal mode, and rises up if you need to select a quarter. For this, the sample depth control is used.

Specifications

Electric planers are different by power. On average, these are parameters such as 450-600 W for amateur models and 850-1100 W for professional tools. The higher the power of the tool, the more effectively it will cope with hardwood.

Drum rotation speed(milling cutters) also differs: for individual devices (Black & Decker) it is from 10,000 revolutions, for such as the makita and Interskol electric planer, the speed reaches 16,000 revolutions per minute, for Bosh tools - 19,000. Planers are divided into sprinters according to speed (they plan more quickly and superficial) and stayers (slower and deeper).

When choosing an electric planer, they also pay attention to such a parameter as the maximum possible layer, which is removed at a time. This cutting depth. The higher this parameter, the faster the tool will work and you will achieve the required board thickness. For professional tools, this value is an order of magnitude higher - it reaches 3-4 mm. For amateur electric planers, this value ranges from 0.6 to 2.5 mm.

For most instruments planing width- 80-100 mm. But individual light tools can have a planing width that is not at all large - 50 mm.

By weight it has been noticed that the planes of foreign manufacturers are lighter than those made in the Baltic countries and the former CIS. If the former have an average weight of about 2.6 kg, then tools such as Fiolent and Baikal can weigh 2.9 and 3.7 kg, respectively, the Interskol electric planer - an average of 4.8, and Rebir, SUIT or MPZ - about 6 -7 kg. At the same time, the weight of the Makita electric planer may vary depending on the model: the Makita N1923B has a weight of 2.9 kg, the Makita 1806B has 8.8, and the stationary Makita 2012NB has all 27 kg.

Types and brands of electric planers

More powerful electric planers and with a large depth of maximum cut are classified as professional. For domestic purposes, with infrequent use, electric planers will also do just fine amateur. Household and professional electric planers also differ in that the former have a stamped sole, while the latter have a cast one, which makes it more durable. Professional planers include Metabo, DeWalt, Bosch, Sturm, Hitachi, Makita, amateur ones - Black & Decker, Blaukraft, Caliber, Interskol, Enkor, Energomash, Bison, Vityaz, Proton and others.

Also distinguish electric planers manual and stationary. The latest manual electric planers can be fixed and used as stationary.

Complete set of electric planers

In addition to technical characteristics, when choosing an electric planer, it is important to take into account ergonomics, ease of use, and a complete set of tools with all kinds of devices. At the same time, the sole should be smooth; how stable the planer will be in the process of work depends on its size.

For ease of use, it is advisable to choose an electric planer equipped with two handles: the tool is directed at the front, and pushed at the back. Using the front knob, adjust the depth of chip removal, setting the desired step. This is the so-called depth gauge. It is desirable that one step is equal to 0.1 mm and the scale does not start from zero. It is known from practice that even in this position, the planer removes thin chips. Therefore, it is better to choose a planer, the scale of which starts below zero.

Planers equipped with a spiral blade plan wood more efficiently and smoothly.

For folding, planers are equipped with a side limiter and a ruler. In the presence of an angular stop, it becomes possible to plan the surface at an angle of 45 degrees. The sole of the planers is equipped with a V-shaped groove or even three in order to chamfer.

The set of many tools includes interchangeable drums and mounts in order to use an electric planer as a planer and a machine tool, a knife sharpener.

To ensure that the chips do not scatter in all directions, the planers are equipped with a socket for chips. A vacuum cleaner can be connected to some models for this purpose. Some models are equipped with a system for double-sided ejection of chip waste.

Thanks to electronic sensors, it is possible to maintain stable operation of the tool - a constant number of revolutions in the process of working with the material, their regulation at idle and soft start. For safety, it is important to have both a lock from accidentally turning on the tool, and a protective cover that protects the hand from contact with sharp knives. There are covers that rise automatically as soon as the planer touches the tree, using the side lever or while pressing the front handle. In models Bosch, Black & Decker, Metabo, a special stop leg is automatically ejected, which raises the sole at the back.

When choosing an electric planer, consider all the parameters, hold it in your hands, take an interest in the principle of operation, safety measures during operation and the warranty period. The video below will tell you in detail how to choose an electric planer.

The planer has been used in the processing of wood since ancient times, but it became widespread in Europe in the 15th-16th centuries. The planer was a wooden block, inside of which a metal blade was attached with a wedge. Then, instead of the deck, they began to use a metal frame. With the advent of electricity and the creation of an electric motor, hand planes faded into the background, and electric planes appeared in their place. In industry, stationary thicknessing and planing machines are used. For domestic and construction needs, mobile electric planers with different power and depth of wood processing have been developed. Choosing the right device is a whole science.

The main features of the tool and its purpose

An electric planer is used to level the plane of a wooden surface and eliminate irregularities and roughness. This is achieved by planing - removing thin chips from the outside. At the same time, the surface becomes smooth, “without a hitch”. A well-planed board becomes glossy, takes on a polished appearance. The natural texture of wood is visible on the surface. Unlike sanding wood, in which only the top layer (up to 1 mm) is processed, when planing, a layer of up to 4 mm is removed. and more. Most accurately, such processing can be called "scrape".

Board processing on an industrial thicknesser

Unlike a manual planer, an electric planer combines several basic functions - chamfering, quarter sampling, rabbeting, and others. In addition, with the appropriate equipment, the tool is used as a jointer - a stationary planer, fixed on the desktop. An additional ruler and square allows you to align the workpiece and give it a rectangular shape.

Leveling the board on the planer

Pros and cons of electric planers

We note the main advantages of this type of equipment and disadvantages.

Flaws:

• Planers are not applicable for leveling floors (scrapers);
• Carelessness can lead to injury - the drum with knives rotates at a very high speed;
• It does not replace hand tools for processing corners and ends;

Advantages:

• High performance;
• Does not require the application of physical effort;
• Possibility of use in the form of planer or planer equipment;
• Qualitative sampling of the quarter;
• Financial savings - planed lumber is almost twice as expensive as raw lumber.

The device of the electric planer and the principle of its operation

The power unit of the device is an electric motor connected to a rotating shaft by a belt drive. The asynchronous type motor operates on a mains voltage of 220 V and 6 A. Power can vary from 500 watts. up to 2000 W. The number of revolutions - from 10 to 18 thousand / min. The rotation speed depends on the gear ratio of the teeth in the gearbox.

The main functional units of the electric planer

Governing bodies

Almost every electric planer is equipped with two buttons - one button for turning on the engine and the second - a protective button against unintentional start-up. On the case there are two handles for convenient control of the movement of the device on the treated surface.

Anti-trigger button

Unlike a manual planer, in which chips are removed through a slot in the block, an electric tool is equipped with a convenient system for removing wood dust and sawdust. It is located, as a rule, on the casing to the right in the direction of travel and is a plastic pipe that is combined with a hose of a vacuum cleaner or a dust bag.

The dust outlet is located on the planer body

The sole is the metal platform of the planer that slides over the workpiece. It is a flat and smooth plate, consisting of two parts. The rear part (in the direction of travel) is fixed to the tool body. The front part is fixed with a planing depth adjuster. Thanks to this device, the user can set the thickness of the removed layer of wood. For chamfering, triangular grooves are provided on the front.

Forefoot adjusts cutting depth

The sole is made of aluminum alloy and can be cast or stamped. Cast iron is more accurate in size and strength. The level of lifting or lowering the sole is controlled by a special mechanism. Most often it is combined with the front handle, the rotation of which regulates the position of the platform.

Knives and knife drum

The working part of the electric planer, which directly processes the wood blank, is called the knife drum. It consists of a metal cylinder with two or three grooves for attaching detachable knives. Most often, 2 knives are used in tools, but there are models with one or three knives (for example, the SPARKY P382 planer).

Mounting knives in the knife drum

Knives are fastened with screw clamps. They are unilateral or bilateral. Single-sided knives can be sharpened independently. The sizes of knives are divided into 5 types and are selected to the planer, depending on the size of the knife shaft. Standard knife sizes: 50, 75, 82, 100 and 110 mm. Replacement knives are sold in tool stores in sets of 2 pcs.

Set of replaceable knives for MAKITA electric planer

As for the material from which the knives are made, two main groups can be distinguished:

• hard-alloy knives;
• high speed steel blades.

Carbide is designed for long service life, and, as the name implies, are made from high-strength high-carbon alloys. The main disadvantage of such knives is the high price.

High speed steel is less hard, but its big plus is the possibility of sharpening. For the most part, craftsmen who regularly use an electric planer tend to use this type of knife. In addition, the cost of such knives is low. And if there is no way to sharpen them, they just buy new ones.

Carbide steel blades for electric planer

To complete the picture, it remains to add that instead of knives, curly cutters can be inserted into the drum, with the help of which various shapes are given to the wooden surface - wavy, serrated, etc. To work with cutters, certain skills are needed; the movement of the planer must occur strictly in one line. It is not easy to find such cutters in free sale - most often they are made to order from tool-turners. It is quite problematic to sharpen a curly cutter at home on your own.

Specifications: how to choose the right electric planer

The choice of tool is carried out depending on the purpose. If it is planned to operate an electric planer on a household scale, from time to time, it makes no sense to purchase "heavy artillery" - professional tools that have high power and, accordingly, a considerable cost. Such equipment is designed for daily use with maximum loads and, in this regard, has a large mass and high power consumption. It makes no sense to use it to process a 3 cm thick plank. It's like driving a battle tank to the bakery located around the corner for bread. When buying, you need to realistically evaluate the scale of work that will be assigned to the tool.

When choosing an electric planer, you need to consider the amount of work

It is best to navigate by the technical characteristics that are given in the product passport.

Documentation is included with the tool, and it is best if it is in Russian. Among other things, this is evidence that the supplier company is not a one-day business, but operates on the Russian market in the long term.

So, let's move on to an overview of the main parameters.

Appearance is not the main selection parameter

By appearance, you can determine the degree of "professionalism" of the instrument. Many companies paint the case plastic in a certain color, emphasizing that it belongs to a certain category. For example, all tools of the German company Bosch are divided into green and blue. Green correspond to the level "for home use", blue - "for professional use". Some unscrupulous manufacturers (mainly of Asian origin) abuse this gradation and intentionally paint their products blue, trying to mimic a quality instrument.

Bosch professional electric planer

The Makita tool is traditionally blue. Hilti - red, Dewalt - yellow, etc. Knowing the colors, you can immediately distinguish a low-quality fake from the original.

Electroplaner Dewalt

The next hallmark of a good tool is ergonomics or usability. This is not only an elegant design, but also ease of use, compactness, and the absence of sharp corners. Large manufacturers all over the world pay great attention to this, small imitating firms produce a motley product that does not differ in convenience and quality.

Electroplaner Makita

The body bears all the load during operation. The logical consequence of this should be the use of quality plastic for its manufacture. In construction conditions, any tool sometimes falls on a concrete floor, is operated in dusty conditions. A characteristic visual sign of high-quality plastic is gloss and the absence of thin, fragile parts. If the tool is sold in a case, this is a good sign, it is even better if spare parts (replaceable knives, drills, graphite brushes, etc.) are attached to it, as well as an instruction manual in Russian.

Some online stores sell tools without technical documentation, referring to the fact that they have the data on their website. From the point of view of the user, such a statement of the question is not justified. A computer is not always at hand to clarify a particular issue on the use of an electrical appliance.

Motor power

An important indicator of the “ability” of an electric planer, of course, is the engine power. The higher the power value, the greater the performance of the tool. Engines with a power consumption of 1.5–2.3 kW are installed on professional planers with a blade width of 100 mm or more. For the household level, power from 500 to 1000 watts is quite acceptable. When choosing a tool, one should take into account not only the amount of power, but also other parameters. For example, the predominance of softwoods for processing suggests one power, hardwoods (oak, hornbeam, maple) - a completely different one. In construction, soft wood species (pine, spruce) predominate. In the furniture industry, materials from “heavy” wood species are more often used, which have high strength and decorative value.

Planers with one knife compare favorably in terms of energy savings. The lightweight design of the knife shaft allows the use of electric motors of less power without compromising the performance of the tool.

Video: planer from a conventional electric planer

Blade shaft rotation speed

The specificity of the electric planer is that the higher the speed of rotation of the knives, the smoother and better the surface of the wooden workpiece is processed. Therefore, it is difficult to overestimate this indicator. The minimum acceptable speed is 10,000 rpm. Rough processing involves from 12 to 13 thousand rpm. Ideally smooth surface is achieved at 15-18 thousand rpm. You should pay attention to the fact that in some devices, with an increase in load, the shaft speed decreases - this will certainly affect the quality of processing. Therefore, some models are equipped with a speed maintenance system (for example, Makita KP 0810 C) - they plane at the same speed with large and small loads. Among other things, such a system protects the electric motor from overheating.

Depth of planing is the maximum thickness of the chips that the planer can remove in one pass. The higher this indicator, the faster and better the wood processing takes place. The depth of planing is adjusted by moving the front (moving) part of the platform in relation to the rear (fixed). The standard offset range is 0 to 4 mm.

Planing depth regulator on the body of the electric planer

It is carried out by rotating the front handle around its axis. On the body there is a graduated scale, according to which the required depth of immersion of the knives into the material is adjusted. Adjustment step from 0.1 mm. up to 0.5 mm. In practice, many planers even in the zero position start planing. This must be taken into account during operation and a correction should be made if the depth must be accurately maintained.

Planing width

The cutting speed depends on the width of the knife. A board with a width of 10 cm can be leveled in one pass, provided that the cutting edge size is 100 or 110 mm. If it is less, for example 75 or 82 mm., It will have to be passed at least twice. And the quality will noticeably suffer. Therefore, when choosing from two tools with different planing widths, preference is usually given to the one with wider knives.

The planing width depends on the size of the knives and the knife drum

The size of knives for professional planes can reach up to 350 mm. Such devices are used only in production conditions. In the household, electric planers with blade sizes from 82 to 110 mm are most common.

Tool weight

Equally important during operation is the weight of the electric planer. On the one hand, a heavy tool contributes to minimal physical exertion on the part of a person. Under its own weight, the plane of the sole is pressed against the details, inertia dampens small vibrations and vibrations. The user only needs to direct the tool in the right direction, he does the rest himself. But if the mass of the planer is too large, it can become a burdensome factor during operation. For household tools, a weight of 3–4.5 kg is considered optimal. Professional models weigh many times more, but this is compensated by their higher resolution.

Additional structural elements

Which electric planer is better to choose for home and garden

There is no doubt that the choice of tool is determined by the volume and intensity of the proposed work, the technical parameters of a particular model. However, a purchase can become a "pig in a poke" acquisition if some general selection rules are not followed.

1. You can fully trust only well-known and respected manufacturers. It is best to buy equipment in company stores, from official representatives of the manufacturer. The warranty for such products must be at least 2 years.
2. At the time of purchase, check the functionality of the tool. There are cases of factory marriage and configuration. All problems associated with this disappear if discovered at the time of purchase.

For home use, there are many models of the corresponding class. Among foreign manufacturers, such well-known brands as Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Status can be noted. Domestic manufacturers are also reaching world quality standards. Interskol, Energomash, Stavr and others are gaining more and more fans not only among amateurs, but also among professionals. Moreover, the price of "our" planes is often an order of magnitude lower.

Video: comparison of electric planers Interskol and Devalt

Device Reviews

"Interskol" attracted me with its ease of operation, and a fairly low price. I got it about 5 years ago when I was building my house. This electric planer is suitable for anyone who has a country house. It cuts very well, even on wet wood. He has good turnovers. With proper use, this power tool will last for a very long time. During my use, I only changed knives, and a few times the belt. Although I use it almost every day in my work. This planer has a very well thought out nozzle for removing chips, it practically does not clog, it clogs only if the wood is wet. So if someone is thinking about repairs in the house, this planer will be an indispensable assistant.

vikto1987

http://otzovik.com/review_303925.html

Planer STURM! R-1067. Small and light, weighing only 2.5 kg. Weak, power only 670 watts. but it doesn't require much. Quite a successful copy of the Makitov planer. Made in China but well made. Despite the fact that the tool is cheap and unpretentious, the evenness of the platforms is present. From the store I had unexposed knives - I had to tinker, I note the inconvenient adjustment system.

Kuzmich999

http://otzovik.com/review_3202992.html

I bought this electric planer a long time ago. I still use it and am very happy with my purchase. The Japanese know how to do good things. Lightweight, reliable, neat. It is very convenient in work. There is nothing superfluous, everything is to the point and to the point. Knives are easy to remove and sharpen. You can, if necessary, easily change to new ones. Cuts well and smoothly.

http://otzovik.com/reviews/elektrorubanki_hitachi_p20sb/

Advice for beginners. If it is necessary to cut hardwood with a rough and uneven surface, the planing depth can be safely set to the maximum possible. After the first pass, the depth is reduced by 70–75% and a second pass is made. This sequence allows you to process any workpiece with high quality.

Cordless Electric Planers

Cordless analogues of all types of tools are increasingly gaining the sympathy of consumers. This fate did not escape the electric planer. The obvious advantage of such equipment is autonomy, they can be used outside the power grid (albeit for a limited time). Modern technologies have practically leveled the difference in the power of cordless and corded tools. If earlier such models were considered insufficiently powerful, today many models are not inferior to wired instruments in anything. Most planes are powered by lithium batteries with a voltage of 18 V. There are also 14.5 volt devices. Low voltage and direct current makes the tool safe for humans in terms of electric shock.

The battery allows you to work away from power supply networks

The only downside is the high price.

Non-standard types of electric planers

In addition to standard planer models, leading companies produce specific tools that meet special requirements.

Not infrequently, mechanical devices are added to the set of standard equipment, with the help of which you can significantly expand the capabilities of the tool. For example, the well-known company STATUS completes almost all planers with additional fittings for stationary installation of the tool. They can be used not only in manual mode, but also as a planer. To do this, you need to firmly fix the planer with the sole up, and feed the wooden blank with your hands. When processing small-sized workpieces, this is much more convenient.

Stationary placement of an electric planer

Video: do-it-yourself planer from an ordinary planer

Another know-how is related to folding boards. Many (almost all) planers have a groove in the form of a rectangular recess on the front platform. Such a device allows you to process the ends of the boards, but within certain limits. If you need to chamfer with a depth of more than 10 mm. they become powerless. Therefore, a special planer is produced, which has the shape of a sole, which allows you to remove the corner layer up to 25–30 mm.

Seam model of an electric planer

Such a tool can be used both in normal mode and, if necessary, in a special one.

To increase the level of wood processing, models with spiral-shaped knives are produced. Another option is two (or one) knives, but located not perpendicular to the axis of the drum, but at an angle. This gives good results and is used mainly in furniture production.

Spiral and oblique blades improve the quality of woodworking
The non-standard shape of the sole allows you to process curved surfaces

Safety rules for working with an electric planer

1. Before starting work, you need to make sure that the planer is in good condition. Damage to the power cord or cracks in the case are a good reason for repair, not work.
2. The workpiece to be processed must be carefully checked for the absence of nails, screws and other metal objects.
3. Reliable fixation of the part is not an idle recommendation, but a vital necessity. In case of insufficient fastening, injuries and wounds cannot be avoided.
4. During operation, the operator must be in a stable and comfortable position. Nothing should distract him from work.
5. You can only use regular knives that fit the planer in size. Increased vibration during operation is evidence of an imbalance in the knives that need to be replaced.
6. Work clothes and footwear should be comfortable and close fitting to the body. Hanging sleeves and too loose mittens are not allowed.
7. The use of safety goggles is essential for safe work.

Malfunctions and repair of electric planers

Problems are inherent in any technology. And despite the fact that an electric planer is a relatively simple device, it should be repaired by a person who is well versed not only in mechanics, but also in electrical engineering. In addition, repairs require tools, sometimes non-standard. Many manufacturers insure their products against unauthorized entry using special slots on threaded fasteners and other little "tricks". Therefore, if the tool is under warranty, the best solution is to contact the service center. They will also help in post-warranty service.

Here we confine ourselves to the simplest and most necessary recommendations.

How to change knives

As a rule, there are no big problems with this operation. If the operation of the planer took place without gross violations, the replacement of knives is a matter of 5 minutes. For this you need:

• disconnect the tool from the network;
• rotate the knife shaft to a position where the knife bolts are accessible;
• loosen the bolts until the jaws of the clamps freely “release” the blade;
• carefully remove the used knife, avoiding contact of the sharp edge with the skin of the hand;
• insert a new knife in its place and clamp it with the locking mechanism, tightening the bolts with a little effort.

Video: replacing knives in an electric plane

Knife setting

If old knives are changed to new ones, no adjustment is required. It’s just that the new blades should plunge evenly into the mounting groove, resting their lower end against the bottom of the groove.

Blade fastening screws are located on the blade drum

If there is a replacement of knives that have been sharpened, the position of the blade must be additionally checked. The fact is that during sharpening, a change in geometric shape that is not visible to the eye can occur. This can affect the balance of the shaft as a whole (vibration) and affect the quality of processing. To avoid such troubles, it is necessary to align both parts of the sole in the same plane and, using a metal ruler, set the edge of the blade strictly according to the shape of the platform. After that, it remains only to fix the knife in this position.

How to set them up: video

Replacing the transmission belt

The operation is standard and it is best to refer the reader to the instruction manual - there it is described in detail, taking into account the design features of each model.

Video: how to install a new belt on an electric planer

In general, the procedure for replacing the belt looks like this:

1. Disconnect the instrument from the network.
2. Remove part of the protective cover located above the belt.
3. Loosen the belt tension with a special screw.
4. Replace and assemble tool in reverse order.

Advice for beginners. If the knives are dull in the planer, this will immediately affect the shape of the chips - it becomes “torn” and crumbles. You can sharpen the knife on a sharpening machine equipped with an angle adjustment of the part. When sharpening a knife, the main thing is to maintain uniformity. The cutting edge angle is recommended to be maintained at 45 o.

The knife locking mechanism will allow you to properly maintain the sharpening angle

An electric planer is a high-speed tool equipped with sharp metal blades. When working with him, you should carefully consider the observance of safety precautions and personal safety measures. It is unacceptable to operate a tool that is obviously faulty, especially if there are signs of mechanical damage to the protective cover or knife attachment. Careless attitude leads to accidents or injuries during work. Before using the device, it is recommended to read the instruction manual for the device, as well as its technical characteristics.