Have you been watching planer prices for months wondering when retailers finally drop their prices significantly?

Most craftsmen waste hundreds of dollars buying tools at full retail price simply because they don’t know when sales happen. Watching your dream planer sit in your cart at $600 feels frustrating when it drops to $400 just weeks later during predictable sales events. Understanding the best time to buy a planer saves serious money through strategic purchase timing during major retailer promotions.

This comprehensive 2026 guide reveals exact dates and strategies for maximizing your tool-buying budget effectively.

Best Time to Buy a Planer

The best time to buy a planer is during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November, when discounts typically range from 25% to 40% off retail prices. Additional savings opportunities appear during January clearance sales and Father’s Day promotions in June, making these periods ideal for budget-conscious workers.

Major Planer Sales Events Throughout the Year

Black Friday: 

Black Friday consistently delivers the deepest discounts on planers with savings reaching 25-40% off retail prices. Major retailers including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Acme Tools compete aggressively for customers. The 2026 Black Friday falls on November 27th with sales typically starting the week before Thanksgiving.

DeWalt DW735X thickness planer regularly drops from $699 to $549-$599 during Black Friday weekend sales. Budget planers from Ryobi, Craftsman, and WEN see even steeper percentage discounts making entry-level models incredibly affordable. Manufacturers bundle extra blades, rolling stands, and accessories creating exceptional value packages during this shopping period.

Black Friday shopping strategies require preparation since popular models sell out quickly during peak demand. Create accounts at major retailers beforehand enabling faster checkout when deals go live online. Sign up for email alerts from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon receiving advance notice of upcoming sales. Many retailers release Black Friday ads days early allowing smart shoppers to plan purchases strategically.

Cyber Monday: 

Cyber Monday follows Black Friday offering exclusively online deals perfect for avoiding crowded stores and chaos. While discounts typically match Black Friday levels, inventory often differs providing second chances on sold-out models. Amazon, Direct Tools Outlet, and specialty retailers focus heavily on Cyber Monday promotions annually.

Online shopping during Cyber Monday provides advantages including easier price comparisons across multiple retailers simultaneously. Browser extensions like Honey and CamelCamelCamel track historical pricing helping identify genuine deals versus inflated prices. Free shipping thresholds drop during Cyber Monday making it easier to avoid delivery charges completely.

Father’s Day:

Father’s Day sales in June provide excellent mid-year opportunities for planer purchases at discounted prices. Home Depot and Lowe’s typically offer 15-25% discounts on select power tools including planers specifically. These sales don’t match Black Friday intensity but beat paying full retail prices significantly for quality equipment.

Father’s Day sales timing proves perfect for woodworkers starting summer projects requiring dimensional lumber preparation

Seasonal Planer Price Patterns

Spring Sales: March Through May

Spring brings new model releases from major manufacturers creating clearance opportunities on previous year models. Retailers discount older inventory making room for updated versions with minor improvements or color changes. Savvy shoppers save 15-30% purchasing last year’s models performing identically to current releases practically speaking.

March and April see moderate sales activity as retailers transition winter inventory toward spring merchandise. May Memorial Day weekend delivers solid discounts though not matching November Black Friday intensity levels. Patient shoppers willing to wait until November save more, but spring buyers get tools immediately.

Summer Sales: June Through August

Summer months traditionally see fewer major sales events except Father’s Day and Independence Day promotions. June offers Father’s Day discounts while July 4th weekend brings patriotic-themed sales from major retailers. August back-to-school sales occasionally include tool promotions though focus remains primarily on student supplies.

Summer represents shoulder season for tool purchasing with moderate pricing and decent inventory availability. Craftsmen needing planers immediately for active projects shouldn’t wait for November sales six months away. The opportunity cost of delayed projects often exceeds savings from waiting for seasonal promotions significantly.

Fall Sales: September Through November

September Labor Day sales kick off fall buying season with modest 10-20% discounts on select models. October remains relatively quiet as retailers prepare inventory for massive Black Friday and holiday promotions. November explodes with Black Friday and Cyber Monday delivering year’s deepest discounts on power tools.

Smart woodworkers time major tool purchases for fall sales saving hundreds of dollars through patience. Create wish lists during summer research phases then execute purchases when November sales arrive strategically. This approach maximizes savings while ensuring adequate time for project completion before winter weather arrives.

Where to Find the Best Planer Deals

Major Retail Chains

Home Depot

Multiple locations nationwide plus robust online shopping platform Special Buys program features rotating tool deals throughout the year weekly Tool rental services available at most locations for trying before buying Competitive price matching policy on identical items from major competitors

Lowe’s

Nationwide presence with both store and online shopping options available MyLowe’s Rewards program provides exclusive member discounts and early sale access regularly Weekly ad features rotating tool deals worth monitoring for planer discounts consistently Price matching available making it easy to secure best available pricing

Acme Tools 

Specialty tool retailer with extensive inventory and knowledgeable staff assistance. Strong manufacturer relationships resulting in exclusive bundle deals and extended warranties Free shipping on orders over threshold amounts saving on heavy planer deliveries

Online Retailers

Amazon

Lightning deals change hourly during major sales events requiring constant monitoring Prime membership provides free two-day shipping plus exclusive early deal access Price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel reveal historical pricing patterns helping identify deals Customer reviews help avoid problematic models with consistent quality or performance issues

Direct Tools Outlet

Factory-direct reconditioned tools at 30-50% discounts with full manufacturer warranties. Physical retail locations in select states for hands-on inspection before purchase Frequent promotional codes stack with already-discounted pricing for maximum savings

Specialty Woodworking Retailers

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware

Multiple locations plus comprehensive online catalog with nationwide shipping availability Website: rockler.com Frequent 20% off single-item coupons via email newsletter subscriptions worth monitoring Knowledgeable staff provides expert advice on planer selection and usage techniques

Woodcraft Supply

70+ locations across United States providing local shopping with expert guidance.Loyalty program rewards frequent shoppers with points toward future purchases Regular classes and workshops help woodworkers maximize tool investments through education

Month-by-Month Planer Buying Calendar

Month	Event	Typical Discount	Purchase Priority
January	New Year Sales	10-15%	Low
February	President’s Day	15-20%	Medium
March	Spring Clearance	15-25%	Medium
April	Tax Refund Season	10-15%	Low
May	Memorial Day	15-20%	Medium
June	Father’s Day	15-25%	High
July	Independence Day	15-20%	Medium
August	Back to School	10-15%	Low
September	Labor Day	15-20%	Medium
October	Pre-Black Friday	10-15%	Low
November	Black Friday/Cyber Monday	25-40%	HIGHEST
December	Christmas Sales	20-30%	High

Refurbished and Open-Box Planer Opportunities

Factory-Reconditioned Models

Factory-reconditioned planers offer exceptional value at 30-50% discounts with full manufacturer warranties included. Direct Tools Outlet specializes in reconditioned DeWalt, Black+Decker, and Craftsman tools inspected rigorously. These units undergo thorough testing, cleaning, and replacement of worn components before resale to customers.

Reconditioned tools often look and perform identically to brand-new models minus original packaging aesthetics. Warranties typically match new tool coverage providing identical protection against defects and premature failures. Budget-conscious woodworkers stretch dollars further purchasing reconditioned equipment from reputable authorized sellers like Direct Tools Outlet.

Open-Box and Display Models

Retailers occasionally discount display models and customer returns at 20-40% off original pricing significantly. Home Depot and Lowe’s mark these items clearly with reduced pricing and existing condition notes. Inspect open-box planers carefully checking for missing accessories, blade condition, and overall mechanical function completely.

Ask store associates about return policies on open-box purchases ensuring adequate protection if issues arise. Some retailers offer shorter return windows on clearance items requiring careful pre-purchase inspection and testing.

Smart Shopping Strategies for Maximum Savings

Price Tracking and Comparison

Tracking planer prices over time is one of the easiest ways to avoid overpaying. Prices often fluctuate around major sales events, and tools that appear discounted may actually be selling at their regular rate.

To spot genuine deals:

• Use CamelCamelCamel to view Amazon price history
• Use Honey to automatically apply coupon codes at checkout
• Compare prices across multiple retailers before buying

For larger purchases, consider creating a simple spreadsheet to track planer models, regular prices, and sale patterns. Over time, this reveals which retailers consistently offer the best deals on specific brands and helps identify the ideal purchase window.

If you’re considering premium or high-performance options, check out our Hercules Planer Buyers Guide for detailed specs, deals, and buying tips.

Manufacturer Rebates and Promotions

In addition to retailer sales, many manufacturers offer mail-in rebates, seasonal promotions, or free accessory bundles that can significantly increase value. Brands like DeWalt frequently include extra blades, rolling stands, or accessories during spring and fall promotions.

Always check the manufacturer’s website before purchasing, as these offers are sometimes stackable with retailer discounts. Registering your planer after purchase activates the warranty and may unlock exclusive promotions, early sale notifications, and loyalty rewards.

Timing Purchases With Project Schedules

Saving money matters, but timing your purchase around actual project needs is just as important. Buying a planer months before it’s needed ties up money and storage space, while waiting too long can delay critical projects.

If a genuine 30–40% discount aligns closely with an upcoming project, buying early often makes sense. For long-term plans, creating an annual tool-buying schedule aligned with predictable sales events helps balance savings with practicality.

New vs Used Planer Considerations

Buying Used Planers Safely

Used planers can offer excellent value, especially through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and estate sales. However, careful inspection is critical.

Before buying used:

• Check blade condition and cutter head alignment
• Test the motor for smooth, consistent operation
• Inspect the table for flatness and excessive wear
• Run a test cut on scrap wood to check for snipe

Research current market prices to avoid overpaying, as popular models like the DeWalt DW735 tend to retain value even after years of use. Lesser-known brands often depreciate faster and may provide better deals for budget-conscious buyers.

Choosing a New Planer

New planers offer full manufacturer warranties, updated safety features, improved dust collection, and modern blade systems. These benefits are especially important for first-time buyers or woodworkers who rely on their tools for frequent projects.

Purchasing new also ensures access to customer support, documentation, and replacement parts. For beginners, learning proper planing techniques is easier with equipment that performs consistently and has no hidden wear or mechanical issues.

First-time buyers can explore affordable hand planers for beginners to find models that are easy to use and budget-friendly.

Conclusion

Mastering the best time to buy a planer transforms expensive tool investments into smart budget decisions. Black Friday consistently delivers deepest discounts at 25-40% off retail prices making late November optimal timing. Father’s Day and Cyber Monday provide secondary opportunities while spring clearances offer moderate savings on older inventory.

Monitor major retailers, use price tracking tools, and align purchases with project schedules maximizing value. Strategic timing combined with thorough research ensures you secure quality planers at rock-bottom prices annually.

FAQs

1) Do planer prices drop when new models are released?

Yes, older planer models often drop in price when manufacturers release updated versions.

2) Are Father’s Day sales good for planers?

Father’s Day sales in June typically offer 15–25% discounts, making them a strong mid-year buying opportunity.

3) Is it worth waiting for a sale before buying a planer?

If your purchase isn’t urgent, waiting for major sales events can save you hundreds of dollars.

4) Are refurbished planers worth buying?

Refurbished planers are worth buying if they come from authorized sellers and include a manufacturer warranty.

5) Is it better to buy a planer online or in-store?

Online shopping offers easier price comparison, while in-store purchases may include clearance or open-box deals.

6) How can I tell if a planer deal is genuine?

Using price tracking tools and comparing historical prices helps confirm whether a discount is real.