We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Machinery

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Used Planer?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,402
Share

The first decision you will need to make before searching for a used planer is to decide what type of planer you are looking for. Several machines and tools can be classified as planers, so you will need to research whether you need a thickness planer, a hand planer, a portable power planer, and so on. Once you have made this determination, research the different models available and find out what the going rate for a used planer in that category seems to be. When you have found one or two models available for sale, always do a thorough visible inspection and test out the tool if possible.

The size of the jobs you are likely to do will determine what type of used planer you will need. A tabletop planer will be used for larger jobs, while a handheld planer is great for smaller jobs and less frequent use. Handheld planers are usually less expensive than tabletop thickness planers, and if you are on an extremely tight budget, a hand planer that is not powered or motorized is the best option. You will need to choose between battery-operated and corded planers if you choose a powered handheld planer; battery-powered planers are good for smaller jobs and less frequent use, while corded models will produce consistent power output regardless of the size or duration of the job.

If possible, visually inspect the used planer you are considering, and test it out if this is feasible. Look for obvious signs of damage to the unit, and inspect the blade for pits, ruts, or wear. A visual inspection will never be enough to determine the quality of the planer, however, especially if it is a powered planer. Test out the planer on a scrap piece of wood to gauge its ease of use, power output, overall performance, and so on. Remember that even if the used planer seems to work well on the first try, it may not work once you get it home. Whenever possible, get a warranty or return policy in writing before purchasing.

Think carefully about the size of boards you are likely to plane before you go out looking for a used planer. The size of the job will often determine the size of the tool, and for small jobs, a hand planer may be just fine. For larger jobs, you will need a tabletop planer. If you will be using the planer daily, you may want to consider an industrial planer that is larger and more durable, but also more expensive.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/how-do-i-choose-the-best-used-planer.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.