A planer is a woodworking machine that uses power to trim boards to a consistent thickness. The machine’s feed roller grabs the board and pulls it through and past a rotating cutter, removing wood. You can use it for many applications such as trimming doors, scribing cabinets, rough carpentry flattening large slabs, building jigs, and tapering wood. A woodworker knows that they need a planer to get the most out of rough lumber. With advanced technology, the tool is now manufactured cordless. Working with the best cordless wood planer offers you the flexibility of changing job sites.
You don’t have to get hampered by the length of the cord or a power outlet’s location. This cordless equipment solves those issues. Having a battery unit that works efficiently can bring the tool to the workpiece or set the workstation outside. It can be easily transported around the job site without the hassle of messing with an extension cord. Engage in quick work of flattening surfaces and save yourself hours of sanding.
For most users, it’s a tall order settling for the best tool in the market considering that they are available in large numbers. This article reviews the very best cordless wood planers. Additionally, I’ve included a comprehensive buyer’s guide with the necessary details you need to know about these tools before purchasing. Read on for more:
Table of Contents
List of the Best Cordless Wood Planer
1. DEWALT DCP580B
The Dewalt model with a B at the end stands for the bare tool. This unit does not come with a charger or battery; it is sold separately. The kit is a hand power planer itself, together with an edge guide and a plastic blade setting device needed when you replace your blade. With your edge guide, you’re able to control where you will plan on the actual board. To install it, you take it and push it in on the unit’s left side. Then you tighten it in the preferred position that seems fit at that point of your project. It is easy and self-explanatory and works well when you get to work.
The adjustment knob at the front helps control the depth of cut from zero to 5/64 inches. When you get deeper into those massive cuts, it bugs down a unit, but as long as you go slower, it handles it just fine. On the top is the trigger mechanism that is very ergonomic with rubber over-mold where your hands go. The trigger cannot be pressed until you hit and push down the button for the safety lock. Once you push that lever down, you’re now able to pull the trigger and start the unit.
On the back of the unit, there is a key that has a storage part. This enables you to remove and replace the blade. There’s two-blade storage on the back knob to replace your dull blade when working. You turn the knob clockwise, and it opens up a storage port. That feature is very handy and convenient as you can store two additional blades. If you’re interested in a planner, check this out.
Summary of top features
- Brushless motor with a runtime of 32000 cuts per minute to increase battery performance
- The kickstand that rests the planner on the work surface without gouging the material
- Depth adjustment knob of 5/64 inches
- the front and back aluminum shoes to ensure parallelism of cut
Advantages
- Weighs only 6.8 pounds
- The tool gives a great impression for its smoothness.
- There’s a hook or tool rest to help you prop up the flat bottom to avoid cutting through your workpiece or whatever you set your tool.
- Dust port for dust extraction
Disadvantages
- The blade is not adjustable.
2. Makita XPK01Z
Makita battery-powered is one of the best cordless planers in the world. It’s powered by a lithium-ion 18 Volts that performs magnificently. Lithium-ion have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger. The battery slides in the back next to the spring gadget to help keep the planner off the work surface. There are three bolts at the bottom to help change the blade. The tool operates on a standard Makita battery to enable you to work on your wood without getting worried about a power outage.
This brushed motor planes up to 3-1/4-inch-wide, and you can go up to 5/64 of an inch deep on a single pass. the device has two-blade cutter heads with double edge carbide blades for added performance and smooth finish. It weighs 7.4 pounds, and if you add the battery, I weigh 7.5 pounds. The motor spins are 14000 rotations per minute engineered for fast stock removal. The smooth running and precise tool
One of the most fabulous tools you can ever get that’s easy and comfortable to use.
Summary of top features
- Stand with a spring that elevates the base to protect the workpiece.
- Delivers 14000 rotations per minute
- There’s an electric brake for maximum productivity.
- Uses 18 Volts lithium-ion batteries
Advantages
- Two heavy-duty carbide blades
- Lightweight and cordless
- The depth adjustment knob has an easy-to-read scale.
- Aluminum base for planing accuracy
- Rubberized soft grips handle
Disadvantages
- The battery is sold separately.
- Some of the tools come with the front and rear plates out of alignment.
3. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless 3-1/4 in. Planer P611
For this excellent tool from Ryobi, the cut depth to 1/16 inches per pass at full width for maximum versatility. This planer has an incredible 3 in. to1/4 in. cut width with 18 volts with a no-load speed of 11,000 rotations per minute. The voltage is essential because it pushes more current to operate. Higher voltage also means less current to do the same amount of work, so longer battery life.
The durable steel planing base with an automatic kickstand prevents the marring of the workpiece. Installed is convenient onboard blade wrench storage that helps you to keep together the small accessories. This feature enables you not to misplace the tool and spend time instead of looking for it with no assurance of finding it.
Designed and packaged in a cool beautiful box, a switch gets your eye at the top for the dust port.
You get to choose which side you want the dust to get out that is either left or right. In other words, it gives you the freedom to choose what makes you comfortable. This tool is powerful and has an okay thought of design. It is a perfect keeper, and it can replace what is not working well in your workshop.
Summary of top features
- Automatic kickstand
- Quick knob adjustment
- Ergonomically rubberized handle
- Has 11000 rotations per minute
Advantages
- Comes with a 6-year replacement warranty
- Gives you the freedom to choose the direction of the dust extraction
- Sold at a reasonably fair price
- Crisps and accurate cutting depth
Disadvantage
- Does not come with a battery or charger
4. Makita XPK02Z
For this Makita model number XPKo2Z, it comes brushless. There’s a direct motor that operates without the mechanical brushes and commutator of a traditional brush motor. The manufacturers have improved this model as compared to the XPKo1Z that is brushed. The feature makes it more energy-efficient than brushed and can run on batteries up to fifty percent charge. In summary, it amounts to longer run time, increases power speed, and longer tool life.
The planner has two carbide blades and can plan up to 3 and a quarter inches wide with a 1/8 inches deep single pass cut. It weighs about 7.3 pounds without the battery. This magnificent tool has been designed with advanced electronics and features. It works in an automatic speed change function that includes a high-speed mode and a high torque mode.
When the load is low, the tool runs at high speed for quick stock removal. When the cutting load is high, the tool will run in a torque mode for more power. There is a mode indicator light right next to the battery gauge, and it lights up if the tool goes into high torque mode. For an overload condition, it happens to blink.
There’s overheating protection, and if you run into this situation, the tool will automatically stop. It would be best if you then restarted it when the situation seizes. During that situation, the battery gauge will blink, which is incredible feedback. It is a fantastic portable tool that you do not want to miss in your workshop.
Summary of top features
- It is manufactured with an electric brake that stops the tool instantly.
- Comes with two excellent dust collection ports
- The auto-start wireless system is Bluetooth technology.
Advantages
- The depth of the cut knob is visibly labeled and a positive clicking.
- Comes with an auxiliary fence which adjusts the entire width of the shoe planner plate
- Has a dust system option
Disadvantages
- The auto-start wireless transmitter is sold separately.
5. Bosch Bare-Tool PLH181B
This phenomenal cordless model comes without batteries. The tool will be complete when you have the universal battery to power it up. The kit needs an 18 volts high lithium-ion batteries with a power indicator at the back that tells you how much charge is left. The edge guide is applied on either side of the planner, and it is beneficial for either right-handed or left-handed individuals.
The safety switch is a little challenging at the beginning but gets soft with each press. This also comes on both sides of the unit. There is a little switch with arrows that changes your waste’s direction depending on your standing. Just make sure sawdust is coming out is the position away from you.
Upfront is the control knob that guides you on how much you’re going to take off when planning. Like most planners, it goes with 1/64 increments. This tool is a single blade very sharp unit with one blade change. There three unique grooves on the bottom of part of the plate. There’s a thin one, a medium one, and a deeper grove. It works as a router and helps round over edges.
Summary of top features
- Counterbalanced single blade
- four rear earth magnets deliver the most power possible.
- Weighs an impressive 5.9 pounds
- Edge guide fence
Advantages
- Long battery run time
- Fast cutting speeds
- Easily set depth knobs
Disadvantages
- The controls are not user friendly.
6. Metabo HPT Cordless Planer, (P18DSLQ4)
This cordless lightweight planer comes weighing a reasonable 7.3 pounds, offering more comfortable use and less fatigue. It combines comfort and convenience with fade-free power and longer total battery life. Batteries are made of lithium-ion, which can recharge hundreds of times and are more stable. This is because they have a higher energy density, voltage capacity, and lower self-discharge rate than other rechargeable batteries. It’s also equipped with a battery charge indicator that warns you when the battery life is getting low to reduce unexpected downtime.
The Metabo HPT cordless planer can generate a no-load speed of 16 000 RPM with a 3-1/4″ cutting width and a cutting depth of up to 5/64″. The planner is capable of generating no-load speeds of 16000 rotations per minute. The rotations optimize machining time and tool life as well as providing a consistent workpiece finish.
Ergonomically designed soft grip handles offer improved comfort and less fatigue when working for long hours. Additionally, there is a safety stand attached on the rear side to prevent the blade from accidental contact with the user when not in use.
Summary of top features.
- Battery level indicator
- Capable of generating no-load speeds of 16,000 RPM
- Has a maximum rabbeting depth of 11/32 inches
- cutting capacity 3-1/4 inches cutting width
Advantages
- Accepts 18V slide-type lithium-ion battery
- the tool weighs 7.3 pounds offering more comfortable use and less fatigue.
Disadvantage
- it has no warranty.
7. SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless Planer – PL593802
The Skill uses a brushless motor that provides a maximum runtime of 14000 RPM cuts per minute. The digital motor provides efficient, high-performance power. It can achieve an impressive removal rate with a max cutting depth of 5/64 inches in a single pass. The weight is 8.41 pounds, which is slightly higher than other hand planers, but the extra power makes it up.
Unlike many of the hand planers on the market, this tool comes cordless. The 3-1/4 inch is ideal in leveling wood thickness to your project’s requirements, thus eliminating the need to order custom thickness boards. The wood planer is also used to flatten and create a smooth surface, bevel edges, and even reclaim old wood.
Skil is known for producing high-quality power tools with advanced technology. For this device, it includes a lock-off safety, which prevents unintended startups. The longer battery life results in a longer run time with a five-minute charging. An impressive planer kit comes with a PWR Core 20 4. 0Ah Lithium Battery and a charger. The lithium has a patented cooling system where each cell is wrapped with temperature management material to keep the battery cool and powerful. Overall it is one of the best hand tools to have for any wood enthusiast.
Summary of top features
- Lithium battery and PWR jump charger
- Dual left or right dust exhaust
- Brushless motor
- Produces 14,000 rotations per minute
- Comes with a rabbet fence, wrench, and a dust bag
Advantages
- A smooth kickstand prevents the blade from scratching.
- Longer run time and battery life
- Charges battery in five minutes
- Five years limited warranty
Disadvantage
- Little heavy.
8. Milwaukee 2623-20 M18 3-1/4″ Planer
When you open the box, you get the instruction manual and the tool adequately wrapped up. One thing that you will quickly notice is the two dust ports on the right and the left. You can get an adapter for the inch and a half port or hook it up to a vacuum system. The planer is about 12 inches long, six ¼ inches wide, and a height of almost 7 inches. This is 8.45 pounds, a little heavier than some of the other models from the same manufacturers.
For the planner, it is 3-1/4 inches together with a designed brushless system. The rotations per minute fall about 14000. You cannot control the rotations on this device because there is no range. If the piece of equipment is turned on, that’s it. When you’re planning, you require maximum power; therefore, it has been designed just right.
You will notice that the device has a superior little lock upfront that looks like 20 clicks for the positioning level. The knob goes from zero up to 5/64. When you get it down to zero, it doesn’t let you go any further. This helps no to mess up the planner. On the bottom of it is a little spring-loaded kickstand that pops out once you’re done using it.
Summary of top features
- A kickstand that helps the blade from making contact with the surface once you’re done
- Beveled edge guide that takes your angle up to 45 degrees
- A jig for getting ship lack on boards
Advantages
- You can use any Milwaukee battery
- The motor stops first when you switch the tool off.
- There’s a convenient storage spot for the blade at the bottom.
Disadvantage
- comes with a 5-year comprehensive warranty.
9. Bosch 12V Max Planer(Bare Tool) GHO12V-08N
Bosch has designed this tool to be lightweight and compact as possible. We are looking at 3.3 pounds, which is pretty low as compared to other planers. There is a removal plastic part for the sawdust, which you can take out and slide back into either part of the tool. If you’re planing on the side, you can direct the chip away instead of them spraying out at you.
This works for preference for left and right-handed. Rotating the depth adjustment knob has an automatic stop at 1 mm, making it quick and convenient, so you know when you’re at a millimeter. If you intend to go further, there’s a safety button you get to push, and it takes you up to 2mm.
The planer has a brushless motor with a battery indicator. As soon as you turn the tool on, it shows you the indication of your battery charge. The speed is 14500 RPM, which provides professional operation work and efficient run time. There is a small storage draw there on the rear of the plane, which essentially comes with a spare blade. This tool has no trouble handling planing up to 2 mm, which is a great time saver when you’re working on site.
Summary of top features
- Machined groove
- The tool delivers up to 33 ft. of planing per battery
- 12 volts maximum planer
- An efficient motor that runs at 14500 RPM
Advantages
- Switchable shavings ejection
- Motor maintains speed under load
- Has a blade holder
- Ideal for trimming doors because it is cordless
Disadvantage
- Battery and charger are sold separately
10. Milwaukee 2623-21 M18 3-1/4” Planer Kit
Milwaukee has come out with a new woodworking tool in the form of a cordless electric hand planer. It’s similar to corded models with a 3-1/4 inch cutting width. It features the same overall shape and everything except that it’s cordless and takes the manufacturer’s 18 volts and one lithium-ion battery.
It certainly does a good job, especially if you want to remove some thickness from lumber. An excellent tool for smoothening out any imperfections out of wood surfaces or when you want to make a flat plane. Even though it’s a cordless power tool, it runs at a good pace without bagging down.
It leaves a flat smooth finish, and you can run your hands across without getting any splinters. You get a few lines from the cutting blade. That’s probably because you’ve gone a little bit too fast. It won’t be a big deal because you can give everything a good sanding before you’re done. Overall it’s bigger than some of the other models, but it is not huge.
The knob in the front dials down the cutting thickness with 20 settings from 0 up to 5/64 of an inch. The bevel and edge guide gives you the ability to cut materials up to 3-1/4 inches wide and keep your cutter in line with the angle you want.
Summary of top features
- Big blade storage area
- Plastic tab to the bottom to keep the cutting head lifted off the ground
- Double-sided dust shoot
- Has two cutting blades
Advantages
- You get two replaceable double-sided cutting blades
- Has a hex key to replace the bolts that hold down the blades
- Self-tool bag to put everything inside
- Has a bevel and edge guide
- 5-year warranty
Disadvantage
- None
Best Cordless Wood Planer Buyer’s Guide
In this section, I’ve discussed features and other factors that you need to know going into the market. With these tips, you can rest assured of landing yourself the very best planers for your different woodworking project.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Cordless Wood Planer.
- Kickstand
Each one of the tools should have the ability to have a kickstand. This feature keeps the tool off the surface when not in use. It helps not to damage the knife or your workpiece when the cutter head is still spinning. A good planer will be designed with an automatic spring-loaded kickstand. The stands can also be pushed to the side if you don’t want it to assume its position. The manufacturers were very thoughtful in incorporating that feature; it would be beneficial to make fair use of it.
- Voltage
Voltage is the pressure that comes from a power source that pushes charged electrons through a conducting loop. Most of the planer will run on 18 volts or 20 volts’ batteries. The control is essential for proper operation of the equipment to prevent damage such as overheating. It further reduces transmission losses and maintains the ability of the system to withstand and prevent voltage collapse. Some tools will come with a smaller cutting head and around 12 volts of power, ideal.
- Dust collection port
Any well-designed planer will be equipped with a dust collection port. Nowadays, some of the devices are manufactured with two dust collection ports. This is even more effective as you direct the dust in the opposite direction, depending on whether you are left-handed or right-handed. Getting rid of sawdust is necessary as it provides safety, protects your respiratory health, and gives you a better woodworking experience. The port comes with a small dust bag, but you can also attach your vacuum to pick up more dust as you work for long hours.
- Cutting depth
Making shallow cuts helps to provide a smooth surface with fewer chances of tear-out or surface blemishes left by the blade. You get to use the turning knob to adjust the depth of the cut. As the front shoe is adjusted upwardly or downwardly, the cutting depth is adjusted accordingly. Most of them go all the way up to 5/64 of an inch. The equipment has been made for multiple passes and not deep cuts. All you do is dial it in, get it set where you want, and then make repeated passes.
- Safety switch
They mostly come with a dual trigger. With the battery attached, it’s easy to forget the tool is on when you pick it up. The safety switch helps to notify you that the cutter is running. It’s advisable always to get the battery out so you don’t get yourself hurt accidentally.
- Groove
The planer also comes with a designed V groove on the bottom plate on the front side so you can run a chamfer. You put it at the edge of the board and set it at the angle you want. It doesn’t set itself automatically.
- Fence
Some of the tools do come with a hookup fence system. You mount it through the bolt hole and set it to your desired reference edge. It also assists in keeping that perfect 90 degrees from side to side. Other fences can also get you doing a 45 degrees’ angle.
- Application
Before picking a hand planer, it is crucial to know what you will be using for your woodworking shop or Jobsite. Some devices can tackle both hardwood and softwood, and others only handle softwood. It is best to purchase one that can take on any type of wood without quickly wearing out or getting dull. The moment you start using your tool for the right purpose, the better for you and your wok.
Conclusion
The cordless technology is revolutionizing wood planing. It is a pathway to increased productivity and efficiency, which results in mass production. A woodworker or wood enthusiast’s goal is to meet the demands for engineered wood products and drive market growth. The information provided above is enough to walk into a shop and purchase the best cordless wood planer. You can rest assured it will save you time and money. Don’t let anything stop you; get to experience how great it feels to own a cordless planer.
Of the cordless paners reviewed above, I still find DEWALT DCP580B as the overall best cordless wood planer. The tool comes with great features that mets every woodworkers’ planing needs. Your planer preference might not necessarily be mine, which is why you are free to choose the one that works best for you.
Tyron Otieno
Tyron is an avid woodworker and writer. He founded this website to help other woodworkers, whether hobbyists or professionals by sharing his knowledge and experiencie after a decade of woodworking.