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Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

If you’ve ever tried to work with rough or uneven lumber, you already know why a woodworking planer can feel like a game-changer. A woodworking planer helps beginners turn imperfect boards into smooth, consistent material that’s much easier to build with. Whether you’re making your first cutting board or planning a full furniture project, understanding how this tool works will save you time, frustration, and wasted wood.

A planer doesn’t just make boards look nicer. It helps your joinery fit better, reduces sanding, and lets you use affordable rough lumber instead of expensive pre-milled boards. With the right planer, beginners can get cleaner results and take on more ambitious projects without needing a full professional setup.

In this guide, we’ll break down how a woodworking planer works, what features matter, and which beginner-friendly models deliver the best value so you can choose confidently and get great results from your very first pass.

Table of Contents

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

Chapter 1: What a Woodworking Planer Actually Does

If you’ve ever bought a stack of lumber for a project and discovered every board was a little different in thickness, cupped, or rougher than expected, a woodworking planer instantly becomes the tool you wish you had sooner. New woodworkers often assume a planer is only for seasoned pros, but in reality it’s one of the most helpful tools for beginners who want clean, accurate DIY results without spending a fortune on premium lumber. A planer takes inconsistent, rough, or reclaimed boards and turns them into smooth, predictable material ready for woodworking.

Why a Woodworking Planer Matters for Beginners

A woodworking planer smooths and levels boards by shaving off thin layers of wood until the entire face becomes consistent. This matters because it improves almost every stage of a build:

  • Better joinery fit
    When your boards have consistent thickness, joints fit tighter and cleaner. Learn more about joinery here:
    10 Must-Know Wood Joinery Techniques

  • Cleaner glue-ups
    Tabletops, cutting boards, and benches all look more polished when each board sits at the same height.

  • Money savings
    You can buy inexpensive rough lumber and clean it up yourself instead of paying extra for S4S boards.

  • Better finishing results
    Flat, smooth surfaces accept stain or polyurethane more evenly. Explore finishing methods in this guide:
    Top Wood Finishing Techniques

A woodworking planer also helps you save money long-term because you can reclaim old boards instead of buying new ones.

If you want affordable ideas for starter projects that benefit from a planer, check out these simple builds:
Beginner Woodworking Projects

Planer vs Jointer: Understanding the Difference

A jointer and a planer often get confused, but they solve different problems.

A jointer:

  • Flattens one face

  • Straightens one edge

  • Corrects twists and warping

A planer:

  • Makes the opposite face parallel

  • Sets the final thickness

  • Smooths the entire board

A simple rule to remember:
The jointer gives you one flat side. The planer gives you a second flat side that’s parallel.

For most beginners, a planer delivers more immediate benefits because it improves thickness consistency across all boards, which boosts the accuracy of every project.

Real-World Examples of What a Planer Fixes

A woodworking planer helps solve several common frustrations:

1. Uneven tabletop boards

Planing ensures every board has the same thickness, making glue-ups easier.

2. Rough or inconsistent surfaces

A planer removes mill marks, dents, and surface defects quickly.

3. Reclaimed lumber cleanup

Planers remove dirt, oxidation, and uneven spots, making old wood look fresh.

4. Outdoor builds and sheds

A planer improves alignment and strength by creating consistently sized boards.
See how you can build your own shed with this step-by-step guide →
My Shed Plans

Pros and Cons of Using a Planer

Pros

  • Saves money on rough lumber

  • Creates consistent thickness

  • Improves joinery quality

  • Helps reclaim old wood

  • Beginner-friendly with modern benchtop models

Cons

  • Doesn’t fix twist without a jointer

  • Produces a lot of shavings

  • Blades need replacement

  • Noise levels can be high

If you want help setting up a small workshop with the right tools, check out this beginner-friendly system:
Ultimate Small Shop Guide

Safety Basics Every Beginner Should Know

A few essential safety practices:

  • Wear hearing and eye protection

  • Stand slightly off to the side of the board path

  • Never reach inside while plugged in

  • Use push blocks for shorter boards

  • Keep dust collection hooked up

According to Woodworkers Guild of America and Fine Woodworking, proper stance, blade sharpness, and dust extraction play a major role in consistent, safe results.

Planer vs Pre-Milled Wood: Which Is Better?

Buying S4S lumber is convenient, but often 30–50 percent more expensive. With a planer, you gain:

  • Full control over thickness

  • Smoother surfaces than many lumberyards offer

  • Access to cheaper hardwood species

If you prefer ready-to-build project instructions, here’s a curated set of budget-friendly ideas:
Check out these affordable woodworking plans →
DIY Wood Haven Plans

And if you want to choose the best wood for your next project, this internal guide helps:
Types of Wood: Complete Guide

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

Chapter 2: How a Woodworking Planer Works (Beginner-Friendly Breakdown)

Understanding how a woodworking planer works helps you get better results, avoid common mistakes, and choose the right model for your workshop. Many beginners use a planer without really knowing what happens inside the machine, which often leads to snipe, tear-out, or uneven cuts. Once you understand the mechanics, everything becomes smoother, safer, and a lot more predictable.

Whether you’re building furniture, small décor pieces, or a full outdoor project, the planer’s internal system plays a huge role in surface quality. Let’s walk through the process in simple, practical terms.

The Core Components Inside a Woodworking Planer

Every woodworking planer uses a few essential parts working together:

1. Cutter Head (The Heart of the Machine)

The cutter head spins at high speed and holds the blades or knives that shave off material. Modern benchtop planers often use two- or three-knife systems, while premium models use helical (spiral) cutter heads that reduce tear-out and noise.

Why it matters:
A sharper and more efficient cutter head means smoother boards, fewer burn marks, and better finishing results. If you plan to work with hardwoods like oak or maple, a high-quality cutter head is worth the investment.

To learn more about wood types and how they affect planing quality, explore:
Complete Guide: Types of Wood

2. Feed Rollers (What Pulls the Board Through)

Planers use infeed and outfeed rollers to grab the board and feed it consistently across the cutter head. Beginners often feel the board “jerk” or “jump” when it first enters the planer—that’s normal. The rollers are designed to maintain pressure and keep the cut even.

Pro tip:
If the board stalls or hesitates, check for dust buildup on the rollers or adjust the depth of cut.

3. Depth Adjustment System

This controls how much wood gets removed during each pass. Most woodworking planers remove between 1/32 and 1/16 inch per pass.

Beginners often ask:
“How much should I remove at once?”
Answer: As little as possible. Lighter passes produce smoother results and reduce blade wear.

4. Table or Bed Surface

This supports your board as it moves through. A clean, waxed table prevents drag marks and reduces snipe at the beginning and end of the cut.

How a Planer Creates Uniform Thickness (Step by Step)

Let’s break the process down into a simple flow:

Step 1: The infeed roller grabs the board

It applies downward pressure, flattening the board slightly before it meets the cutter head.

Step 2: The cutter head trims the surface

As the board passes under the spinning knives, the planer removes a controlled amount of material.

Step 3: The outfeed roller holds the board flat

This ensures the board exits smoothly and helps prevent snipe.

Step 4: You repeat passes until the board reaches your desired thickness

This is where a woodworking planer shines—precision, consistency, and efficiency.

If you want ideas for projects that benefit from thickness control, you’ll enjoy these:
10 Easy Woodworking Projects for Beginners

Why This Matters for Real DIY Projects

Planers aren’t just about getting a board smooth—they’re about ensuring all your material matches. A difference as small as 1/32 inch can make a drawer stick, a tabletop feel uneven, or cabinet doors misalign.

Some examples where accurate thickness matters:

  • Cutting boards that need flush glue-ups

  • Tabletops using 5+ boards

  • Shaker-style cabinet doors

  • Outdoor benches and chairs

  • DIY shelving

  • Wooden décor pieces that require symmetry

When your boards match, your projects fit together with far less sanding or adjusting.

If you enjoy detailed plans with accurate cuts, check out:
Check out these affordable woodworking plans →
DIY Wood Haven Plans

Common Issues a Planer Solves

1. Uneven thickness

Planers create perfect parallel faces, making boards easier to join together.

2. Rough lumber

Instead of buying expensive S4S boards, you can clean up rough-sawn stock and save money.

3. Reclaiming old wood

Old boards covered in paint, grime, or wear can be renewed with a few passes through the planer.

4. Consistency for mass projects

If you’re building multiple shelves, slats, or table components, a planer ensures everything matches.

For reclaimed wood enthusiasts, a planer is often the best solution to get usable boards from old furniture or pallets.

Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Taking off too much material at once

This strains the motor and causes tear-out.
Solution: Keep passes light.

Mistake 2: Planing dirty boards

Dirt or metal ruins blades instantly.
Solution: Clean boards and check for nails or staples.

Mistake 3: Ignoring grain direction

Cutting against the grain causes chipping.
Solution: Look for the grain slope and feed in the correct direction.

Mistake 4: Not accounting for snipe

Snipe is the dip at the start or end of a board.
Solution: Support long boards or add sacrificial boards on each end.

Reducing Snipe: Practical Tips

  • Lift the board slightly on entry and exit

  • Keep outfeed support level

  • Use a longer table extension

  • Feed boards back-to-back

According to recommendations from Fine Woodworking and Popular Woodworking Magazine, adjusting table height and using support stands dramatically reduces snipe for hobby-level planers.

When to Upgrade Your Planer

You may outgrow an entry-level planer if:

  • You’re working on wide tabletops

  • You’re processing large amounts of hardwood

  • You want a quieter helical cutter head

  • You need consistent results for furniture commissions

If your workshop is small, here’s a compact setup solution worth exploring:
Click here to explore this recommended DIY solution →
Ultimate Small Shop Guide

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

Chapter 3: Types of Woodworking Planers (Choosing the Right One for Your Workshop)

Understanding the different types of woodworking planer models helps you pick the tool that matches your skill level, project size, and workspace. While all planers share the same core purpose—thicknessing and smoothing boards—their performance, portability, and price vary widely. Choosing the right type can save you time, money, and frustration on future builds.

Below is a breakdown of the main planer types, how they work, and which beginners should consider first.

Benchtop Woodworking Planers (Best for Beginners)

Benchtop planers are the most popular option for DIYers and hobbyists. They sit on a workbench, offer solid power, and deliver clean results without requiring a huge shop or industrial budget.

Why beginners love benchtop planers:

  • Affordable compared to floor-standing models

  • Compact and portable

  • Great for furniture and décor projects

  • Easy to set up and maintain

  • Works well with 6 to 13-inch board widths

A good benchtop woodworking planer gives you smooth, consistent thickness for tabletops, cutting boards, shelves, and almost any home project. If you’re just getting started, this is usually the best solution.

If you want to plan simple furniture builds that pair perfectly with benchtop planers, try these easy projects:
Beginner Woodworking Projects

Thickness Planers (Heavy-Duty, High Capacity)

Thickness planers are larger, more powerful versions designed for wide boards, hardwood slabs, and high-volume work. While they operate just like benchtop machines, they offer deeper cuts, longer lifespan, and better control.

Who should consider a thickness planer?

  • Woodworkers building large tables or workbenches

  • DIYers who buy rough hardwood in bulk

  • Anyone producing furniture for clients

  • Makers who need consistent, professional-grade surfacing

Because they’re heavier and often require dedicated floor space, thickness planers work best in medium to large workshops.

If you’re setting up or upgrading your workspace, this guide helps maximize small shop efficiency:
Click here to explore this recommended DIY solution →
Ultimate Small Shop Guide

Handheld Electric Planers (Portable and Budget-Friendly)

A handheld electric planer is a compact, affordable option ideal for quick jobs and finishing touches. While it won’t replace a full-size woodworking planer, it’s great for:

Common handheld planer uses:

  • Trimming doors and edges

  • Smoothing small boards

  • Chamfering corners

  • Removing minor high spots

  • On-site adjustments and repairs

Handheld planers are perfect for beginners who are short on space or want a versatile tool for both DIY and home improvement tasks.

Which Woodworking Planer Should Beginners Buy?

When choosing your first woodworking planer, consider these factors:

1. Project Type

  • Building furniture? Choose a benchtop planer.

  • Making small crafts or décor? A handheld planer may be enough.

  • Working with hardwood slabs? Consider a larger thickness planer.

2. Workshop Size

  • Small garage or apartment workshop → benchtop

  • Medium shop with rolling carts → benchtop or compact thickness planer

  • Dedicated woodshop → full-size thickness planer

3. Budget

Benchtop planers offer the best balance of power and price, making them the recommended tool for most hobbyists.

If you’re looking for project ideas that pair well with any planer type, explore this affordable DIY collection:
Check out these affordable woodworking plans →
DIY Wood Haven Plans

Pros and Cons of Each Woodworking Planer Type

Benchtop Planers

Pros:

  • Best beginner performance

  • Good value for money

  • Portable and easy to store

  • Works with most common board sizes

Cons:

  • Limited to around 13 inches in width

  • Can be loud and produce heavy snipe without proper support

Thickness Planers

Pros:

  • Handles wide boards and hardwoods

  • Durable, long-lasting motors

  • Professional-grade surface quality

Cons:

  • Expensive

  • Requires floor space and dust extraction

  • Not ideal for casual hobbyists

Handheld Planers

Pros:

  • Lightweight and budget-friendly

  • Great for trimming and small jobs

  • Works for on-site repairs

Cons:

  • Not suitable for full-board thicknessing

  • Requires experience for accurate results

Expert Advice from Woodworking Communities

According to discussions in r/woodworking, WoodNet, and articles from Popular Woodworking Magazine, most beginners regret buying a handheld planer first because it can’t replace the accuracy of a benchtop model. Experts consistently recommend:

  • Start with a high-quality benchtop planer

  • Add a handheld planer later for trim work

  • Upgrade to a thickness planer only when your project scope grows

This progression saves money and prevents wasted upgrades.

Which Woodworking Planer Type Saves the Most Money Long-Term?

If your goal is to save money by buying rough lumber or reclaiming old boards, a benchtop woodworking planer delivers the highest return on investment. You’ll spend far less on materials and get smoother, more predictable results.

For reclaiming wood, thickness control is essential. To protect your boards and learn refinishing techniques, see:
Top Wood Finishing Techniques

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

Chapter 4: Woodworking Planer Features That Actually Matter

Choosing the right woodworking planer becomes much easier when you understand which features genuinely affect performance. Beginners are often overwhelmed by specs like “CPI,” “FPM,” or “helical head,” but the truth is that only a handful of features make a big difference in real woodworking. By focusing on the essentials, you’ll get cleaner boards, smoother finishes, and fewer headaches in your workshop.

Below are the key planer features that matter most, explained in practical, beginner-friendly terms.

Cutting Width and Depth (How Much Your Planer Can Handle)

The cutting width determines how wide a board you can run through your planer. Most benchtop models support widths between 12.5 and 13 inches, which is more than enough for most DIY furniture and home projects.

Why cutting width matters:

  • Larger boards (for tables or benches) fit more easily

  • Fewer passes when flattening glued panels

  • More flexibility when buying lumber

The cutting depth (how much wood the planer removes per pass) is also important. While beginners sometimes want to take deep cuts for speed, lighter passes produce much smoother results.

Beginner tip:
Aim for 1/32 inch per pass for a clean finish and quieter operation.

If you need ideas for projects that benefit from consistent board width, explore:
Beginner Woodworking Projects

Feed Rate (How Fast the Board Travels Through the Planer)

Feed rate measures how quickly the rollers pull the board through the planer. A fast feed rate lets you process more lumber, but speed is not always better for beginners.

Faster feed rates help when:

  • You’re thicknessing many boards

  • You’re processing softwoods

  • You want quick stock removal

Slower feed rates help when:

  • You want a smoother surface

  • You’re working with hardwood

  • Tear-out is a concern

Higher-end planers sometimes offer dual feed speeds. Beginners can benefit from the “slow” setting because it delivers a cleaner finish with fewer sanding steps.

Blade Quality and Replaceability (Your Most Important Consumable)

The cutter head knives dictate how smooth your lumber comes out. New woodworking planer owners often underestimate the importance of sharp blades.

Planer blades come in three types:

1. Standard Steel Knives

  • Most affordable

  • Easy to replace

  • Good for softwoods

  • Dull faster on hardwoods

2. High-Speed Steel (HSS) Knives

  • Hold an edge longer

  • Better for frequent use

  • Cleaner finish

3. Helical or Spiral Cutter Heads

  • Premium option

  • Dozens of small carbide inserts

  • Reduced tear-out

  • Much quieter

  • Significantly smoother cuts

If you regularly work with hardwoods or reclaimed lumber, upgrading to a helical head can dramatically improve your results.

To get better finishing results after planing, this guide is helpful:
Top Wood Finishing Techniques

Dust Collection (A Must-Have, Not an Optional Feature)

Planers produce enormous amounts of chips and shavings. Even a single pass can generate a pile of debris. Without dust collection, chips recirculate inside the machine and may leave burn marks or clog the rollers.

Why dust collection matters:

  • Keeps the cutting area clean

  • Reduces snipe and tear-out

  • Improves blade life

  • Keeps your shop safe and breathable

Look for planers with a built-in dust port that connects to a shop vac or dust collector.

If you’re building a compact shop and need a structured setup plan, here’s a great guide:
Click here to explore this recommended DIY solution →
Ultimate Small Shop Guide

Noise Levels (Something Many Beginners Overlook)

A woodworking planer is one of the loudest tools in the shop. Benchtop planers can reach 95–105 dB, roughly equivalent to a lawn mower or chainsaw. Helical heads reduce noise significantly, sometimes by 20–30 percent.

Ways to manage planer noise:

  • Wear quality hearing protection

  • Keep blades sharp

  • Use slower feed rates when possible

  • Add rubber pads under the planer to reduce vibration

  • Plane during reasonable hours if you have neighbors

Noise may seem minor until you run 20 boards through the planer. Once you experience it firsthand, you’ll understand why many woodworkers invest in quieter cutter heads.

Why Cheap Planers Struggle With Hardwoods

Many budget planers work fine on pine or cedar but struggle with dense woods like walnut, maple, or oak. Common issues include:

  • Burn marks

  • Tear-out

  • Motor strain

  • Roller hesitation

  • Increased snipe

This happens because cheaper planers typically use lighter motors, thinner blades, and less rigid beds.

If your projects involve hardwood furniture, upgrading your planer—or choosing a model recommended for hardwoods—is worth the investment.

If you want to build hardwood furniture with ease, here are useful plans:
Check out these affordable woodworking plans →
DIY Wood Haven Plans

Beginner-Friendly Planer Buying Tips

Before making your final decision, consider these practical guidelines:

  • Choose 12.5–13 inch width for maximum versatility

  • Pick a planer with easy blade changes

  • Look for models with integrated dust collection

  • Avoid deep cuts to extend blade life

  • Support long boards to reduce snipe

If you’re not sure which planer fits your workshop size, lumber type, or budget, the next chapter will help with model-by-model recommendations.

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

Chapter 5: Best Woodworking Planer Models for Beginners (Top Picks + Honest Advice)

Finding the right woodworking planer can feel overwhelming when every model claims to be powerful, portable, and beginner-friendly. In reality, only a handful of planers consistently deliver smooth surfaces, reliable thicknessing, and long-term durability. Below is a curated, experience-backed list of the best beginner planers available today, along with realistic pros, cons, and use cases so you can pick the tool that truly fits your workshop and skill level.

These recommendations are based on community reviews from r/woodworking, testing notes from Popular Woodworking Magazine, and real-world feedback from hobbyists who’ve used these machines for years.

DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer (Most Beginner-Friendly Choice)

The DEWALT DW734 is easily the most recommended starter planer on woodworking forums. It offers excellent cut quality for the price and is ideal for first-time users who want predictable, consistent results.

Why beginners love it

  • Three-knife cutter head = smooth finish

  • Long infeed/outfeed tables reduce snipe

  • Strong 15-amp motor handles hardwood

  • Easy blade changes

Where it shines

Perfect for cutting boards, benches, small furniture, and DIY home projects.

Potential drawbacks

  • Loud (like most benchtop planers)

  • Standard blades dull faster on dense hardwoods

If you plan to start building more complex woodworking projects, you’ll find plenty of ideas here:
Beginner Woodworking Projects

DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer (Best Premium Upgrade)

If you want a woodworking planer that delivers professional results without buying a full shop machine, the DW735X is the go-to option.

Top advantages

  • Two feed speeds: faster thicknessing or smoother finish

  • Superior anti-snipe design

  • Optional helical head upgrade available

  • Very accurate thickness control

Best for

  • Hardwood furniture builders

  • DIYers ready to step up in quality

  • Anyone who hates sanding

Downsides

  • Heavier than the DW734

  • More expensive

  • Can require a rolling stand for easy storage

If you plan to expand your workshop as your skills grow, consider this organizational guide:
Click here to explore this recommended DIY solution →
Ultimate Small Shop Guide

Craftsman CMEW320 Planer (Best Budget-Friendly Starter)

If you’re on a tight budget but still want a reliable woodworking planer, the Craftsman CMEW320 is the most cost-effective option that still produces solid results.

Strengths

  • Very affordable

  • Lightweight and easy to store

  • Suitable for softwoods and occasional hardwood use

Weaknesses

  • More snipe than DEWALT models

  • Blades need frequent sharpening

  • Not ideal for wide boards or heavy hardwood

This planer is perfect for small décor projects, craft builds, and hobby-level furniture.

WEN 6552T Benchtop Planer (Best Value for Money)

WEN tools have become extremely popular for beginners thanks to their “feature-to-price” ratio.

What makes the 6552T a strong choice

  • Triple-blade cutter head

  • Solid surface quality

  • Surprisingly quiet compared to others in the same price tier

  • Works well with both softwood and moderate hardwood projects

Where it performs best

  • Cabinet parts

  • Shelving

  • DIY home projects

  • Small tables and benches

If you need affordable project plans to pair with your new planer, try this resource:
Check out these affordable woodworking plans →
DIY Wood Haven Plans

WEN 6530 Handheld Electric Planer (Best Budget Handheld Option)

While a handheld planer won’t replace a full benchtop woodworking planer, it’s perfect for DIYers in apartments, small workshops, or those who need a tool for trimming and shaping.

What it does well

  • Quick edge flattening

  • Door trimming

  • Spot-leveling boards

  • Lightweight and easy to control

Limitations

  • Not meant for thicknessing wide boards

  • Requires practice to keep cuts even

  • More of a “supplement” tool than a full solution

If you work mostly on small decorative or craft woodworking, a handheld planer might be all you need.

Best Woodworking Planer Comparison Table (Beginner Overview)

Model Best For Strengths Limitations
DEWALT DW734 Most beginners Smooth finish, stable tables Loud, blade wear
DEWALT DW735X Serious DIYers Dual speeds, pro finish Higher cost
Craftsman CMEW320 Budget beginners Affordable, lightweight More snipe
WEN 6552T Best value Quiet, triple-blade head Moderate durability
WEN 6530 Small shops Portable, versatile Not for full thicknessing

Which Woodworking Planer Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick recommendation guide based on your goals:

Choose the DEWALT DW734 if…

You want the best balance of price, performance, and reliability.

Choose the DEWALT DW735X if…

You want professional results and plan to work with hardwoods often.

Choose the Craftsman CMEW320 if…

You’re on a budget and doing light DIY or home projects.

Choose the WEN 6552T if…

You want strong performance at a low price.

Choose the WEN 6530 if…

Space is tight and you need simple trimming ability.

If you’re planning to use your planer for furniture building, you’ll want to know which woods perform best. Explore this helpful guide:
Types of Wood for Furniture: Best Options

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

Chapter 6: How to Use a Woodworking Planer (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

Learning how to use a woodworking planer correctly is one of the fastest ways to improve your projects and reduce frustration in the workshop. Even the best planer will struggle if the wood is fed incorrectly, the depth is set too deep, or the board isn’t prepared. This chapter breaks everything down into simple, practical steps so you can get smooth, consistent results from day one.

Let’s walk through the exact process that professional woodworkers use to get clean cuts, minimize snipe, and protect both their boards and their planer.

Step 1: Prepare Your Board Properly

Before you send any board through the planer, preparation matters. Rushing this step is one of the most common mistakes beginners make.

Check for nails, screws, or metal

Metal instantly ruins planer blades. Run your hand along the board, and inspect knots or cracks where nails might hide.

Clean dirt, mud, or concrete residue

Debris shortens the life of your blades. A quick scrub or pass with a stiff brush helps a lot.

Mark the grain direction

Planing against the grain creates tear-out. Look for grain slope and feed the board so the planer cuts “with” it.

For a refresher on wood grain and types of lumber, this guide is helpful:
Types of Wood: Complete Guide

Step 2: Set the Depth of Cut (Less Is More)

Beginners often set the cutting depth too high, thinking it will speed up the job. In reality, deep cuts cause tear-out, slow the machine, and create uneven surfaces.

Ideal depth for beginners:

  • 1/32 inch for a smooth finish

  • Up to 1/16 inch for rough thicknessing

  • Avoid going deeper unless absolutely necessary

Shallower cuts take longer but give dramatically better results.

Step 3: Stand in the Correct Position

Your stance affects both safety and quality.

Stand slightly off to the side

Don’t stand directly behind the board. If it kicks back (rare, but possible), you want to be out of the path.

Support long boards

Use roller stands, a workbench extension, or even a simple support table to keep boards flat as they enter and exit the planer.

Better support = less snipe.

Step 4: Feed the Board Smoothly and Consistently

Feeding technique is one of the most important parts of using a woodworking planer correctly.

Tips for clean feeding:

  • Feed the board straight, without twisting

  • Apply gentle upward pressure at the start

  • Let the rollers do the work—don’t push hard

  • Avoid changing direction abruptly

Beginner trick:
If the board has a slight cup, feed it cup side down so the cutters remove from the edges first.

Working on projects that require consistent thickness? These are great for practice:
Beginner Woodworking Projects

Step 5: Reduce Snipe (Start and End Dips)

Snipe is the shallow dip that appears at the start or end of a board. Even experienced woodworkers deal with it occasionally. The good news is that it’s easy to prevent.

Ways to reduce or eliminate snipe:

  • Lift the board slightly on entry and exit

  • Keep your planer’s infeed and outfeed tables level

  • Add longer auxiliary tables

  • Plane boards back-to-back

  • Run a “sacrificial board” before and after the main piece

Many manufacturers discuss snipe in their manuals, and woodworking magazines like Fine Woodworking regularly stress that board support is the number-one snipe reducer.

Step 6: Repeat Passes Until You Reach the Right Thickness

After each pass, rotate or flip your board only when necessary. Consistent orientation prevents warping and tearing.

When to flip a board:

  • If one side has already been planed flat

  • If grain direction causes tear-out

  • If the board begins to cup or twist during milling

Always measure thickness after each pass. Even a single extra pass can remove more material than you intend.

Step 7: Inspect the Surface for Tear-Out, Lines, or Burn Marks

After the board exits the planer, inspect the surface under good lighting.

Common issues and how to fix them:

  • Tear-out → Reduce depth, feed with the grain, sharpen blades

  • Burn marks → Clean rollers, slow down feed rate, sharpen or replace blades

  • Planer lines → One blade may be slightly dull or misaligned

  • Raised grain → Normal; sand lightly with 180–220 grit

For finishing tips after planing, use this guide:
Top Wood Finishing Techniques

Step 8: Maintain Your Woodworking Planer

A well-maintained planer produces better results and lasts longer.

Planer maintenance checklist:

  • Clean pitch and resin from blades

  • Vacuum chips from the cutter head

  • Wax the bed surface

  • Check blade alignment regularly

  • Inspect rollers for buildup

  • Empty dust bags frequently

If you’re running a lot of reclaimed wood, expect to maintain your blades more frequently—and consider upgrading to a helical head model later.

Bonus: Using a Planer for Reclaimed Wood (Save Money Fast)

A woodworking planer is one of the most effective tools for reclaiming old lumber. Whether you’re milling pallet wood, salvaging decking, or rescuing barn boards, a planer can save you hundreds of dollars.

Tips for reclaiming wood safely:

  • Remove all nails and screws

  • Trim ends before planing

  • Start with extremely light cuts

  • Avoid deep knots at the first pass

To turn reclaimed wood into beautiful furniture, explore these affordable ideas:
Check out these affordable woodworking plans →
DIY Wood Haven Plans

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

Chapter 7: Projects That Become Easier With a Woodworking Planer

Once you add a woodworking planer to your workshop, a surprising number of projects become easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable. Many beginners don’t realize how much a planer improves glue-ups, alignment, finishing, and the overall professionalism of their DIY builds. Whether you dream of building furniture, décor pieces, or outdoor structures, a planer opens the door to new possibilities.

In this chapter, you’ll find the most common and rewarding projects that benefit from planing, along with tips for beginners and recommended resources for next steps.

Tabletops and Workbenches (Flatter, Smoother, Stronger)

If you’ve ever tried to glue together multiple boards for a tabletop, you know how difficult it can be when the boards aren’t identical in thickness. Even a small variation can cause uneven joints, making sanding a nightmare.

A woodworking planer solves this by:

  • Making every board uniform

  • Removing warping or twist

  • Giving you clean, square edges to work with

  • Reducing the amount of sanding needed afterward

This applies to dining tables, desks, kitchen islands, and even large workbenches. Many woodworkers say that a planer cuts tabletop sanding time by 50–70 percent.

To build your first workbench or tabletop-style project, try this beginner-friendly guide:
Beginner Woodworking Projects

Cutting Boards and Small Kitchen Projects

Cutting boards are one of the most popular beginner projects—and a planer makes them dramatically easier.

A planer helps by:

  • Leveling glued hardwood strips

  • Removing glue squeeze-out instantly

  • Creating consistent thickness

  • Preparing the surface for finishing oil or polyurethane

Planers also make charcuterie boards, breadboards, trivets, and serving trays easier to build. Once you learn how to properly feed a cutting board through the planer, you’ll improve accuracy and reduce sanding time.

For help with finishing boards safely and beautifully, check out:
Top Wood Finishing Techniques

Cabinets, Drawers, and Shelving

Furniture pieces with many matching parts—like cabinet doors and drawer faces—benefit enormously from a woodworking planer. Consistent thickness ensures your frames sit flush and doors hang correctly.

A planer improves:

  • Rails and stiles

  • Drawer faces

  • Shelves

  • Face frames

  • Cabinet side panels

If you’re planning to build cabinets or furniture, learning about wood species helps a lot:
Best Types of Wood for Furniture

Wood Panels and DIY Wall Decor

Planers allow you to create your own paneling, shiplap, slatted walls, and decorative pieces. By thicknessing multiple boards to the same dimension, you get perfectly aligned rows with crisp shadow lines.

Popular décor projects made easier with a planer include:

  • Accent walls

  • Rustic plank walls

  • Modern slat walls

  • Wall-mounted art panels

  • Cedar closet lining

If you love interior décor projects, you can explore ideas here:
DIY Wood Decor Ideas

Outdoor Projects That Benefit From a Planer

Outdoor woodworking often uses rougher lumber, which a planer can clean up beautifully. Even inexpensive construction lumber becomes usable for DIY outdoor builds once it’s surfaced.

Projects that benefit:

  • Garden benches

  • Outdoor tables

  • Potting benches

  • Pergola components

  • Planter boxes

  • Shed framing and trim

If you’re thinking about building a shed or outdoor structure, here’s a helpful guided plan:
See how you can build your own shed with this step-by-step guide →
My Shed Plans

For more outdoor woodworking ideas, explore:
Outdoor Woodworking Projects

Reclaimed Wood Projects (Save Money + Add Character)

One of the best uses for a woodworking planer is reclaiming old or salvaged wood. Whether it’s pallet wood, barn boards, or discarded furniture parts, planing brings out fresh grain beneath years of dirt and wear.

Planers help by:

  • Cleaning rough reclaimed surfaces

  • Revealing beautiful grain patterns

  • Creating consistent thickness

  • Preparing old boards for joinery

Reclaimed wood is perfect for rustic furniture, accent walls, small décor pieces, and handmade gifts.

If you want curated project plans that work beautifully with reclaimed lumber, check out:
Check out these affordable woodworking plans →
DIY Wood Haven Plans

Home Improvement Projects

Planers also help with renovations and home improvements. Many DIYers use their planer for:

  • Door trimming

  • Stair tread smoothing

  • Flooring repairs

  • Edge planing for built-ins

  • Fixing uneven moulding

  • Custom wood panel fitting

A planer turns standard lumber into custom-sized pieces that look like they were made to fit your home perfectly.

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

Chapter 8: Final Thoughts + Affiliate Disclosure

A woodworking planer is one of the most transformative tools you can add to your workshop. Whether you’re a beginner exploring your first cutting board or a growing woodworker preparing to take on furniture builds, a planer helps you achieve clean, accurate, and professional-looking results. It gives you control over thickness, lets you use affordable rough lumber, and allows you to reclaim wood that would otherwise go to waste.

Throughout this guide, you’ve learned how a planer works, what separates each type of planer, which models are worth your money, and how to use your machine safely and effectively. You’ve also discovered just how many projects become easier once you have the ability to mill your own boards. From tabletops to cabinets to outdoor builds, a woodworking planer supports cleaner glue-ups, better joinery, and faster finishing.

If you’re ready to take your projects to the next level, explore these recommended resources for beginner-friendly builds, wood selection, and workshop setup:

These tools and guides will help you get more out of your planer, work smarter, and build projects you can be proud of.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the website and allow me to continue creating helpful woodworking content, guides, and tutorials. I only recommend products, tools, and plans that I genuinely believe offer value to beginners and hobby woodworkers.

Woodworking Planers: How They Work & Top Picks

📘10 Easy DIY Wood Projects for the Weekend

Looking for a fun and rewarding weekend activity?
With this FREE eBook, you’ll discover 10 beginner-friendly wood projects that you can build with simple tools and a little creativity.

Inside, you’ll find:
🪵 Step-by-step instructions for each project
🛠️ Easy-to-follow designs—perfect for beginners
🌿 Functional and stylish pieces you’ll actually use
🎉 Projects you can complete in just a weekend

Whether you want to craft a garden bench, a planter box, or a simple home décor piece, this guide will help you turn raw wood into something beautiful and useful.

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