5 Best Hand Planers for Beginners: Affordable and Easy-to-Use Options

Are you just starting out in woodworking and seeking tools that will simplify your projects and enhance your experience?  Hand planers help smooth out rough wood surfaces, trim doors, and fine-tune woodworking projects with ease. However, choosing the best hand planer can be overwhelming, especially for someone just starting out. The market has many options to choose from. But don’t worry—we’ve made a list for you. These hand planers are great for beginners. They’re both affordable and easy to use.

Why Choose a Hand Planer?

By using a hand planer you’ll have a control that power tools can’t match. Hand planers are the top choice for delicate adjustments and fine detailing which allow woodworkers to reach a smoother finish and exact measurements. They are perfect for small-scale projects and for working in tight spaces where power tools are impractical. Additionally, hand planers are quieter and more portable.

Top 5 Best Hand Planer for Beginners

When choosing the best hand planer, consider factors like ease of use, affordability, and the specific tasks you plan to undertake. For beginners, we’ve curated the list of best choices based on the tool’s efficiency. Following are some affordable and easy-to-use options:

1. WoodRiver Bench Plane 

The bench plane is the best hand planer as it is designed for both beginners and expert woodworkers. Its full-size body makes it versatile for various tasks and its ergonomic design provides comfort during extended use.

  • Size: 9-7/8 inches long by 2-7/16 inches wide
  • Pros: Easy to use, no assembly required, versatile
  • Cons: Some users report blade quality issues

2. Yogeon 4-Inch Woodworking Hand Planer 

You’ll love how this small planer makes fine-tuning and smoothing your projects easier. You can carry it anywhere since it fits right in your tool belt. Its comfortable design feels great in your hand, and the sharp steel blade gives you perfect, precise cuts. Whether you’re just starting out or have been woodworking for years, this planer is a reliable choice. It’s especially handy when you need to get into tight spaces with accuracy.

  • Size: 4-1/10 inches long by 2-2/5 inches wide
  • Pros: Portable, affordable, comes with instructional video
  • Cons: Setup can be challenging for first-time users
  • Cost: Approximate $22.99

3. Low Angle Block Plane

The Low Angle Block Plane is a versatile and compact tool. With a typical 12° bed angle and blade bevel-up design, it is perfect for end grain work, trimming dovetails, dowels, and box joints. Its adjustable mouth allows for fine-tuning cuts and reducing tear-out. Moreover, this plane is especially useful for flush trimming, small edges, and fixing surface imperfections.

  • Pros: Easy to handle and store.
  • Cons: Requires post-use sharpening particularly when used on dried glue squeeze-out.
  • Cost: Around $99.00 but it varies according to model. 

4. Bosch 2632 Hand Planer

The Bosch 2632 is a compact and strong hand planer also perfect for light-duty woodworking projects. It allows you to get precise and smooth finishes on various wood surfaces. The tool’s ergonomic design provides comfortable handling, even during extended use. Furthermore, its dual-blade system gives efficient cutting performance which ultimately makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.

  • Size: The size is 3.25 inches and ideal for detailed work and small projects.
  • Pros: Ergonomic grip which provides comfort and control.
  • Cons: It has Limited power which is not ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
  • Cost: $140.00

5. DEWALT 20V MAX Planer

The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer is a cordless and high-performance tool designed for efficient wood planing. Powered by a 20V lithium-ion battery, it offers the freedom to work without being tethered to a power outlet. The planer features a 3.25-inch cutting width and dual carbide blades to deliver smooth and consistent finishes. Its lightweight design and ergonomic handle guarantee comfort and control during use.

  • Pros: Improves mobility and convenience. Also, delivers clarity and durability.
  • Cons: It may demand frequent recharging for extended projects.
  • Cost: Around $162.00 

Tips for Using a Hand Planer

  • Start with light passes: Start with light passes and slowly increase pressure for better control and results.
  • Keep the blade sharp: Make sure the blade is sharp and properly aligned for efficient performance.
  • Maintain consistent pressure: Apply even pressure throughout the stroke to complete a smooth finish and avoid uneven surfaces.
  • Plane with the grain: Always move the hand planer along the grain of the wood to prevent tear-out and achieve a cleaner finish.
  • Check for obstructions: Always inspect the wood for any nails, screws, or knots that could damage the blade or affect the quality of your work.
man working with an affordable hand planer

Conclusion

In the end, it’s all about choosing the tool that fits your needs and skill level. Electric handheld planer offer power and ease of use. Manual planers provide control and precision for detailed work. The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer is perfect for versatility and convenience. It delivers powerful performance for various tasks. For fine, detailed work, the Low Angle Block Plane is an excellent choice. Ultimately, the best tool depends on your specific requirements and preferences. Choose what works best for you.