Electric planers / power planers
Electric planers / power planers
ELECTRIC PLANNERS POWER PLANNERS EXPERT KNOWLEDGE
Planing knife
As with stationary planers, the planing knives of an Electric planers are arranged in such a way that a circular orbit (cutting flight circle) is created, with each planing knife starting exactly at the point in the wood where the previous planing knife begins to emerge from the material. Thanks to modern carbide reversible knives, there is no need for the time-consuming adjustment of the knives that was required on older models. On high-quality models, the planer knives are mounted at an angle on the shaft and thus ensure less strain on the motor with a pulling cut, which also results in a better surface quality. Some manufacturers, such as Festool, even use a single blade that is inserted into a kind of groove, making it easier to change the blade.
Planing width and chip thickness
Most Electric planers offer a cutting width of approx. 82 mm, although narrower models with 65 mm are also available as edge planers and wider variants with over 100 mm for larger surfaces. Electric planers power planers with a width of up to 350 mm are even available for special uses, such as processing beams.
The cutting depth can be set between 0 and 3 millimetres on most devices. A lower setting should be selected for smoothing larger surfaces so as not to overload the motor. The setting is made using a rotary knob, which also serves as an additional handle on the Planes. An exact scale enables precise fine adjustment of the chip thickness.
Plough sole and protective mechanism
Many Electric planers power planers and planers with battery have a die-cast aluminium soleplate consisting of two parts - a fixed rear part and a separate, adjustable front soleplate section. For edge processing, most Electric planers power planers are equipped with a V-groove at the front, which enables guidance along the edge.
To protect the planer blades and the surface, many Electric planers are equipped with a safety stop. This can be either a spring-mounted shaft cover or a parking shoe. The parking shoe raises the sole of the planer so that the blades do not come into contact with the surface.
Engine power and handling
The performance of the motors usually ranges from 600 to 1000 watts. Some devices are equipped with constant electronics that keep the Speed constant even under high loads, which is particularly advantageous for greater planing depths, chip thicknesses or larger planing widths. However, most Electric planers power planers from manufacturers in the lower price segment do not have Speed control or a soft start, which can affect comfort when working with the Planers.
Handle and operation
The handle of electric levellers is often positioned at a slight angle to enable better control when working. Many models also offer an ergonomic handle with a rubberised surface, which helps to reduce vibrations and improves grip comfort. The power switch is often integrated into the handle and is equipped with a switch-on lock.
Chip extraction
Suction plays an important role in hand planers to ensure clean working conditions and a better view of the workpiece. Planing produces a lot of chips, which is why good chip removal is required. Most machines allow the chip ejector to be switched from right to left as required, so that the suction hose can be adjusted depending on the working position. This not only keeps the surrounding area clean, but also reduces the risk of blockages in the planes.
Make sure that the hose always remains free of chips to ensure efficient suction and therefore a good quality of work. Older hand planers or cordless planers often have a dust bag that is sufficient for smaller jobs.
Accessories
Adjustable stops or rebate depth stops are practical for precise work, but not all models offer these within the Scope of delivery. A rip fence is particularly important for planing edges at an exact right angle. An adjustable angle fence is also necessary for mitre and bevel cuts.
Tips for buying
When buying, look for a model with sufficient engine power and constant electronics, especially if you also want to work on hardwood. If possible, also opt for a bevelled planer blade, an easily adjustable chip ejector and accessories, such as a suitable dust bag and a rip fence. Many Einhell, Bosch or Makita models available in DIY stores do not offer these features. In addition, the noise level of these machines is not insignificant and often disturbing even with hearing protection. The same applies to the Planes' vibrations. High-quality manufacturers offer machines with lower values or specify them in the first place.
Care tips
Regular maintenance, such as changing blunt plane blades and checking the soleplate for damage, is essential for precise planing results, even with electric planes. Contamination of the planer shaft and plane iron must be removed regularly with resin solvent or oil. A planing wax to maintain and improve the running properties helps to keep the soleplate clean and resin-free.
