Planers / Jointers
Handheld Planers, Thickness Planers, and Jointers
This collection groups three kinds of machines. Handheld planers include the Milwaukee M12 2-inch and M18 3-1/4-inch planers, Makita 18V LXT and 40V max XGT planers, the DeWALT 20V MAX DCP580B, Festool HL 850 E and HLC 82, and corded Bosch and Makita models. Thickness planers include the DeWALT DW735 and DW734 and Makita 2012NB benchtop units, plus Powermatic stationary planers. Jointers come from Powermatic and Jet, alongside the Jet JJP-8BT combo.
What to Look For
- Job size. Handheld planers trim doors, scribe cabinets, and chamfer edges. Thickness planers and jointers prepare lumber.
- Battery platform. Cordless handheld planers come tool-only on M12, M18, 18V LXT, 40V max XGT, 20V MAX, and Festool 18V.
- Dust handling. AWS capable Makita planers can trigger a compatible vacuum. Benchtop planers throw a lot of chips, so plan for collection.
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Planers / Jointers FAQ
Handheld planer or benchtop planer?
A handheld planer removes material from a board or door that is already installed or too large to move. A benchtop thickness planer like the DeWALT DW735 brings loose boards to an even thickness. Most woodshops end up with one of each.
What does the 3-1/4 inch size mean on a handheld planer?
It is the cutting width per pass. Most handheld planers here are 3-1/4 inches, which fits door edges and framing. The Milwaukee M12 2-inch model is narrower for trim and tight spots.