The best uses for a planer go far beyond simple thickness adjustments, yet many craftsmen never explore its full potential. You may already own a planer, but still struggle with uneven boards, wasted lumber, or inconsistent project results. That frustration grows when expensive hardwood stock ends up unusable because surfaces refuse to cooperate. A planer solves far more problems than most craftsmen realize, saving time, material, and money simultaneously.

This guide reveals ten unexpected ways to use a planer that improve precision, efficiency, and creative freedom.By understanding these applications, you unlock professional-level results without purchasing additional tools.

Best Uses for a Planer Beyond Basic Milling

A planer is often viewed as a basic milling tool, but its capabilities extend far beyond simple board preparation.From restoring reclaimed lumber to refining joinery components, a planer solves many common workshop challenges. Understanding these lesser-known applications helps users save material, improve accuracy, and work more efficiently.

The following uses highlight how a planer becomes a versatile problem-solving tool in real projects.

1. Flattening Warped or Twisted Lumber

Warped boards are common, especially with construction lumber and improperly stored hardwood stock. A planer helps flatten boards after one reference face is established using a jointer or sled.
This process transforms unusable lumber into project-ready material while reducing waste significantly.Planing warped boards also ensures better glue joints and improved structural integrity.

For home workshops, thickness planers like the DeWalt DW735 remain popular across the United States. DeWalt tools are widely available through Home Depot locations nationwide and online as well.

2. Restoring Reclaimed and Salvaged Wood

Reclaimed wood often contains surface damage, grime, and weathering that hides its real potential.
Using a planer removes rough exterior layers while preserving the character beneath.This approach is ideal for furniture, accent walls, and rustic décor projects.

Before planing reclaimed lumber, inspect carefully for nails, staples, or embedded metal debris.
Many professionals use metal detectors to prevent blade damage and costly repairs. Planers with disposable knife systems simplify blade replacement when working with risky materials.

3. Creating Consistent Thickness for Panel Glue-Ups

Panel glue-ups demand boards of identical thickness to avoid uneven surfaces and excessive sanding. A planer ensures consistent board dimensions across multiple pieces efficiently. This results in stronger glue joints and a flatter final panel.

Craftsmen producing tabletops or cabinet panels benefit greatly from batch planing boards together. Consistency improves both visual appeal and structural performance.This technique saves hours compared to sanding inconsistencies later.

4. Refining Rough-Sawn Hardwood

Rough-sawn lumber is cheaper but requires additional processing before use. A planer transforms rough stock into smooth, dimensionally accurate boards quickly. This method allows woodworkers to control final thickness based on project requirements.

5. Cleaning Up End Grain Cutting Boards

End grain cutting boards require perfectly level surfaces for durability and appearance. Planers equipped with light passes can flatten glued cutting boards efficiently.Using shallow cuts prevents tear-out and protects delicate glue joints.

Helical cutterhead planers perform especially well for end grain applications. They reduce tear-out while producing smoother finishes. This technique minimizes sanding time significantly.

6. Reducing Stock Thickness for Joinery Preparation

Joinery often requires precise thickness tolerances for proper fit and strength. A planer allows controlled material removal to match tenons, grooves, and dados perfectly. This precision improves joint strength and long-term durability.

Furniture makers rely heavily on this application when fitting drawer components. Consistent thickness ensures smooth drawer operation and clean reveals. Accurate joinery elevates overall craftsmanship noticeably.

Joinery often requires precise thickness, and the Grizzly 20″ planer with 5 HP motor handles it effortlessly.

7. Refreshing Old Furniture Components

Old furniture often suffers from surface wear, scratches, and uneven finishes. A planer helps refresh removable components like table leaves and panels.This restores flatness while preparing surfaces for refinishing.

Always remove hardware and veneers before planing antique pieces. Planers are best suited for solid wood components only. This method preserves original material while extending furniture lifespan.

8. Preparing Lumber for CNC and Laser Projects

Modern workshops increasingly combine traditional woodworking with CNC machining. Planers ensure stock thickness consistency before digital cutting operations. Accurate material dimensions improve CNC accuracy and reduce machining errors.

Many U.S. makerspaces recommend planing lumber before CNC use. Flat, consistent stock improves tool life and final results.This step is essential for repeatable digital workflows.

9. Creating Custom Shims and Spacers

Planers excel at producing thin, consistent shims for cabinetry and furniture installation. Fine depth adjustments allow precise thickness control unavailable with saws alone. This application proves especially useful during kitchen and built-in installations.

Contractors frequently rely on planers for on-site problem solving.Portable benchtop models offer flexibility for jobsite adjustments. Accurate shims improve fit and finish dramatically.

10. Salvaging Mistakes and Fixing Tear-Out

Mistakes happen, even for experienced workers. A planer can remove tear-out, glue squeeze-out, or milling errors efficiently. Light corrective passes often save entire boards from disposal.

This ability reduces material waste and protects project timelines. Planers function as corrective tools as much as preparation tools. Their versatility makes them indispensable in any serious workshop.

Comparison Table: Common Planer Applications

Application Purpose	Recommended Planer Type	Skill Level
Reclaimed wood	Benchtop planer	Intermediate
Glue-ups	Helical cutterhead	Beginner
Joinery prep	Thickness planer	Advanced
End grain boards	Spiral cutterhead	Advanced

U.S. Planer Buying and Support Guide

Major U.S. retailers provide reliable sales, service, and warranty support.

Home Depot

Home Depot offers nationwide availability of planers, competitive pricing, and reliable warranty support.

Many locations also provide tool rental services and in-store returns for added convenience.
Nationwide locations with tool rental and service centers
Customer Support: 1-800-466-3337

Lowe’s

Lowe’s provides a wide selection of planers with price matching and extended protection plans. Customers benefit from knowledgeable staff support and easy online-to-store purchasing options.

Nationwide stores with price matching and extended protection plans

 Customer Support: 1-800-445-6937

Woodcraft Supply

Woodcraft Supply specializes in power tools, premium planers, and expert guidance.
They also offer educational classes and in-store support for serious users and professionals.

Customer Support: 1-800-535-4482

Before purchasing, consult our Hercules planer buyer’s guide to choose the right model for your project needs.

Safety Tips When Using a Planer

• Always inspect lumber for nails, screws, or metal before feeding boards into a planer
• Use shallow passes to minimize tear-out and reduce strain on the motor
• Wear proper hearing and eye protection during operation at all times
• Disconnect the power source before changing blades or performing maintenance
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for maximum board width and thickness
• Safe operation helps extend tool lifespan and improves overall results

Conclusion

Understanding the best uses for a planer changes how workers approach material preparation and problem solving. This versatile tool handles far more than thickness reduction, from reclaimed lumber restoration to precision joinery work.
Strategic planer use reduces waste, saves time, and improves overall project quality consistently. By applying these ten techniques, craftsmen maximize return on investment from a single machine. Combined with safe operation, proper setup, and smart purchasing decisions, a planer becomes indispensable.

FAQs

1) What is the primary purpose of a planer?

A planer is primarily used to reduce lumber thickness evenly while creating smooth, flat surfaces on boards.

2) Can a planer replace a jointer?

A planer cannot fully replace a jointer, but it can flatten boards using jigs or sleds effectively.

3) Is a planer safe for beginners to use?

Yes, planers are beginner-friendly when proper safety practices and manufacturer guidelines are followed carefully.

4) Can a planer be used on reclaimed wood?

A planer can be used on reclaimed wood after thoroughly checking for nails, screws, or embedded metal.

5) How much material should be removed in one pass?

Light passes of 1/32 inch or less reduce tear-out and protect both the motor and blades.

6) Do planers work on hardwood and softwood equally well?

Planers work on both hardwood and softwood, though hardwood may require slower feed rates.

7) How often should planer blades be replaced?

Blade replacement depends on usage, wood type, and debris exposure, but dull blades should be replaced promptly.