6 Best Planers For Rough Cut Lumber [Approved By Experts]
Are you tired of the uneven surfaces on your lumber? Do you want to achieve a smooth and uniform thickness in your woodworking projects? Look no further than a planer for rough cut lumber.
A planer is a powerful tool that can help you transform rough cut lumber into perfectly flat and even boards. However, with so many planers on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we will explore the best planers for rough cut lumber, taking into consideration factors such as price, durability, and overall performance. Whether you are a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, we have got you covered with our top picks.
6 Best Planers For Rough Cut Lumber
Dewalt Dw735x Two-Speed Thickness Planer
Like a powerful locomotive, the DEWALT DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer is designed to tackle even the roughest of lumber with ease. This heavy-duty planer boasts a 15 Amp motor that delivers optimal performance, making it an excellent choice for professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Equipped with a three-knife cutter head that runs at 10,000 RPM and feed speed options for 96 or 179 cuts per inch (CPI), this planer provides long-lasting knife life and makes knife changes faster and easier. Additionally, the infeed and outfeed tables help support longer pieces of wood and reduce snipe.
Whether you’re working on large-scale projects or just need to handle larger cuts in wider materials, the DEWALT DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer is an ideal choice. It provides an excellent surface finish every time and comes with an extra set of knives for quick and easy replacement of dull blades. With its superior performance and convenient features, this planer is sure to become a staple in your workshop for years to come.
Kakuri Woodworking Japanese Thickness Planer
Moving away from the Western-style planer, another option for smoothing rough-cut lumber is the KAKURI Woodworking Japanese Thickness Planer. This hand plane, also known as a ‘pull plane’, requires less power to use and creates a smooth finish on wooden surfaces with a pulling force. With its high-quality carbon steel blade, it ensures a sharp and smooth finish, making woodworking a more enjoyable experience.
One advantage of the KAKURI hand plane is that it is more affordable than its Western counterparts while still providing precision in creating a smooth surface on both soft and hard woods. Another benefit is the Japanese white oak body or dai, which is comfortable to hold and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the tool. The KAKURI Woodworking Japanese Thickness Planer comes in different sizes such as 42mm, 50mm, and 60mm.
For those looking for an alternative to traditional planers, the KAKURI Woodworking Japanese Thickness Planer may be worth considering. Its unique design and quality materials make it an efficient tool for achieving a professional finish on rough-cut lumber.
Here are four reasons why you should consider the KAKURI Woodworking Japanese Thickness Planer:
- It requires less power to use compared to traditional planers.
- The high-quality carbon steel blade ensures a sharp and smooth finish on both soft and hard woods.
- The Japanese white oak body provides comfort during use.
- It is available in different sizes to fit your specific needs.
With its affordability and precision capabilities, the KAKURI Woodworking Japanese Thickness Planer is an excellent addition to any woodworker’s toolkit seeking an alternative method of smoothing rough-cut lumber efficiently.
Wen 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
Wow, the WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is an absolute game-changer for anyone who works with rough cut lumber! With its powerful motor and ability to make up to 34,000 cuts per minute, this handheld planer is a force to be reckoned with. And let’s not forget about the 16 positive stops that allow you to adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/8 inches – talk about precision!
One of the standout features of this planer is its lightweight design, weighing in at only 6 pounds. This makes it easy to maneuver and use for extended periods without feeling fatigued. Plus, it comes with a dust bag, kickstand, parallel fence bracket, and a rabbeting guide that can make rabbets up to 7/10 inches in size.
Overall, the WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is an excellent value for money option for those seeking a reliable and affordable handheld planer for their woodworking projects. While some experts have noted that an adapter is needed to connect the tool to a vacuum, this minor inconvenience does not detract from the overall performance of the planer. So if you’re looking for a high-quality planer that won’t break the bank, look no further than the WEN 6530!
Craftsman Cmew320 Benchtop Planer
Moving on from the WEN 6530, let’s take a look at the Craftsman CMEW320 Benchtop Planer. This planer is a great option for those who are on a budget but still want professional-grade results. It comes equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that can handle both hard and softwood surfaces.
One of the standout features of the Craftsman CMEW320 is its Poly-V cutter head which allows for maximum stock removal. This means you can efficiently scrape, shape, and shave wooden surfaces without having to spend too much time on each piece of lumber. Additionally, the solid steel dual knives provide precise cuts for smoother operations.
While the Craftsman CMEW320 lacks some advanced features, it is still a reliable and efficient machine that can get the job done.
Here are some key points to keep in mind if you’re considering this planer:
- Affordable price point
- Suitable for beginners and casual users
- Folding infeed and outfeed tables for easier storage
- Reversible knives for longer lifespan
- Decent cutting speed
Overall, if you’re looking for a benchtop planer that won’t break the bank but still provides professional-level results, the Craftsman CMEW320 is definitely worth considering. Its low price point makes it an attractive option for beginners or hobbyists who don’t need all the bells and whistles of more expensive models. However, if you require more advanced features or plan to use your planer frequently, you may want to explore other options such as the Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer.
Makita Kp0800k Handheld Planer
Looking for a reliable handheld planer to tackle rough cut lumber? Look no further than the Makita KP0800K. With its powerful 6.5 AMP motor and two-blade cutter head, this planer can handle even the toughest jobs with ease. And at only 5.7 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to use for extended periods without causing fatigue.
One of the standout features of the KP0800K is its precision-machined base and depth adjustment dial. This allows for incredibly accurate cuts, ensuring that you get the results you need every time. And with double edge carbide blades, you can be sure that they’ll stay sharp even after prolonged use.
To give you an idea of what this planer is capable of, take a look at the table below:
| Material | Depth of Cut |
|---|---|
| Softwood | 3/32″ |
| Hardwood | 1/64″ |
| Steel Plate | 1/64″ |
| Aluminum Plate | 1/32″ |
As you can see, the KP0800K is a versatile tool that can handle a wide variety of materials with ease. So if you’re looking for a dependable handheld planer that delivers consistent results every time, look no further than the Makita KP0800K.
Dewalt 13″ 3-Knife 2-Speed Thickness Planer
Moving on from the handheld planer, let’s take a look at the DeWalt 13′ 3-Knife 2-Speed Thickness Planer. This robust tool is an excellent option for working with rough cut lumber, thanks to its powerful motor and three-knife cutter head.
The 15 Amp motor of this thickness planer makes it ideal for managing large cuts in wider materials. Additionally, the three-knife cutter head with 10,000 RPM and feed speed options for 96 or 179 CPI provides optimal performance for surface planing. With its infeed and outfeed tables and extra set of knives, this planer is well-equipped to handle even the toughest of jobs.
One of the most significant advantages of the DeWalt 13′ 3-Knife 2-Speed Thickness Planer is that it leaves almost no tear-out or uneven surfaces. The three-knife cutter head provides long-lasting knife life while making knife changes faster than ever before. Finally, with dual speed settings for better finishing and precise edge-cutting, you can achieve excellent results every time you use this powerful desktop tool.
Final Analysis: Which Planer Is Best For Rough Cut Lumber
Ah, the joys of rough cut lumber! Nothing quite beats that rustic feel and natural look. But let’s be real, working with it can be a pain in the neck. Enter planers – those handy machines that help smooth out those rough edges and turn your lumber into something beautiful.
Now, there are plenty of planers out there claiming to be the best for rough cut lumber. But which one truly reigns supreme?
After much testing and consideration, we’ve narrowed it down to the top four contenders:
- DeWalt DW735X
- Wen 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
- Dewalt 13″ 3-Knife 2-Speed Thickness Planer
- Makita Kp0800k Handheld Planer
Each of these planers has its own strengths and weaknesses, but they all excel at tackling rough cut lumber with ease.
So, without further ado, our final analysis: The DeWalt DW735X takes the cake as the best planer for rough cut lumber. Its powerful motor and three-knife cutterhead make quick work of even the toughest pieces of wood. Plus, its dust collection system is a game-changer for keeping your workspace clean and clear.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable planer to handle all your rough cut lumber needs, the DeWalt DW735X is definitely worth investing in. Trust us – your hands (and sanity) will thank you later.
How To Choose The Best Planer For Rough Cut Lumber
When choosing the best planer for rough cut lumber, size, type, motor, blades, cost, depth, speed, ease of use, quality, adjustability, safety, weight, dust collection, noise and maintenance should all be taken into consideration. Size is important for maneuverability and power, type will help determine the capabilities of the machine, motor should be powerful enough for the job, and blades should be sharp and long lasting. Cost should also be considered, as well as depth and speed, ease of use, quality, adjustability, safety and weight. Dust collection, noise and maintenance should also be considered.
Size
You’ve just acquired a stack of rough cut lumber, and you’re excited to turn it into your next project. But before you can start building, you’ll need to smooth out those rough surfaces. That’s where a planer comes in. When choosing the best planer for rough cut lumber, size is an important factor to consider.
Firstly, the width of the planer’s cutting capacity is crucial when dealing with larger pieces of lumber. A planer with a smaller width may not be able to handle wider boards, resulting in uneven cuts or even damage to the machine itself. It’s important to measure the width of your rough cut lumber and choose a planer that can handle it.
Another aspect of size to consider is the overall weight and portability of the planer. If you have a dedicated workshop space, a heavier stationary planer may work well for you. However, if you need to move your planer frequently or have limited space, a lighter portable option may be more practical. Keep in mind that smaller portable options may have limitations in terms of cutting capacity.
In conclusion, when selecting the best planer for rough cut lumber, size matters – both in terms of cutting capacity and overall weight/portability. Take some time to assess your needs and choose a planer that will meet them effectively.
Type
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of size when choosing a planer for rough cut lumber, let’s talk about the different types available. The two main types of planers are handheld and stationary. Handheld planers are ideal for smaller projects or when you don’t have a dedicated workshop space. They are portable and can be easily carried to different job sites. Stationary planers, on the other hand, are larger and more powerful, making them ideal for heavy-duty work.
When it comes to handheld planers, there are two subtypes: electric and manual. Electric handheld planers offer more power and efficiency, making them suitable for larger projects. Manual handheld planers require more effort but can still produce excellent results for smaller jobs or when working with softer woods.
Stationary planers also come in two subtypes: benchtop and floor models. Benchtop models are compact enough to fit on a workbench but still offer plenty of power for most woodworking projects. Floor models are larger and heavier but offer even more power and cutting capacity. Both benchtop and floor models can handle rough cut lumber with ease, so choosing between the two largely depends on your workspace and budget.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of planers is crucial when selecting the right one for your rough cut lumber project. Consider whether you need a handheld or stationary model, as well as whether an electric or manual option would be best suited for your needs. Additionally, assess whether a benchtop or floor model would be most practical based on your workspace and budget constraints.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! The top six planers for rough cut lumber that are sure to make your woodworking projects a breeze. Each of these planers has its unique features and advantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.
But don’t just take my word for it; coincidentally, I recently spoke with a fellow woodworker who swears by the DeWalt DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer for all of his rough cut lumber needs. He loves how smoothly it operates and how easy it is to adjust the depth of cut. Ultimately, the best planer for you will depend on your preferences and budget. So do your research, read reviews, and happy woodworking!
