The main features and types of electric planers
Unlike such hand-held power tools, which require a sufficiently large force from the worker, the electric plane has many advantages. This tool:
- facilitates work, since during work it is not required to apply excessive physical strength;
- increases the productivity of work due to the presence of an electric drive;
- increases the accuracy and cleanliness of surface alignment;
- has a number of additional functions that allow you to remove a neat uniform chamfer or to make a quarter cut, that is, removing the solid wood of the required size along the edge, which is very difficult to achieve with an ordinary mechanical plane.
Among the features of the electric planer can be called its highly specialized focus. With this tool, you can only perform a certain type of work on a single material - wood. Therefore, the greatest need for it arises among people associated with wood processing and the manufacture of wooden products. And in the arsenal of an ordinary home craftsman, you can rarely find him.
If you need an electric planer, you should understand that the productivity and quality of the work performed by it will depend on the compliance of the technical characteristics of the device with the tasks for which this tool is purchased.
You need to pay special attention to this when choosing an electric plane.
Today, you can find several types of electric planers on sale, namely:
-
manual with collector motor
or stationary - with asynchronous.
-
network, operating from a voltage of 220 volts
or rechargeable batteries that do not require connection to a household electrical network (usually an 18-volt battery is used);
- professional or household, differing in power and other technical characteristics.
How to choose an electric plane
When choosing an electric plane, do not forget that even it does not last forever. Sooner or later, you will have to change, which means buying spare parts. Some of them are universal. But not all. Wouldn't purchasing them be a problem? Selection parameters in TOP-15:
- Application area;
- Power;
- Blade width;
- Sole sizes;
- The thickness of the removed shavings;
- Drum rotation frequency;
- Knife type;
- Design;
- Plane weight;
- Cord length;
- Additional accessories;
- Security.
The range of prices and capabilities of woodworking planing tools is very large. Before choosing, you need to answer yourself a few questions: How often will you have to use the tool? What types of work will they perform? What is the volume and load?
Electric planer. Purpose and types of device
The main working operation of any electric planer is leveling the surface of the wood. The degree of its roughness can be any, from rough bark to light "woolly". Either way, this powerful tool will do the job perfectly.
In addition to planing, with an electric plane, you can chamfer and quarter, make grooves and shaped notches in the wood. This expansion of functionality is highly appreciated by those who are professionally engaged in carpentry.
In addition to hand tools, you can find stationary structures on sale, often referred to as jointing machines. They are convenient for processing long and wide materials.
Stationary electric planer
The designers combined the advantages of a stationary installation and a mobile tool in one device. It consists of a hand plane and a bed, to which it can be attached if necessary.
A manual electric planer turns into a stationary one after being installed on a stationary frame. In the photo, the popular model Bison ZR-1300-110, according to customer reviews, has a good price-quality ratio (5400-6400 rubles.for 2017), however, it is not devoid of shortcomings, requires calibration and running-in.
It should be noted that in terms of safety, a hand-held tool is preferable to a stationary one. During operation, the knives are at the bottom and are not capable of causing serious injury.
In the stationary version, the shaft with knives is located on top
Therefore, any careless movement while machining the workpiece can lead to injury. A sliding safety shutter reduces the risk of injury, but does not completely eliminate it
Prices, manufacturers, models
If you decide to buy an electric plane, you cannot go blind. The best way is to read user reviews. They contain valuable advice on choosing and describe important nuances, as well as possible flaws in the work.
The reliability indicators of any electrical device are the price and reputation of the manufacturer. Focusing on them, you can make the right choice.
Foreign companies that traditionally produce productive and ergonomic power tools - Makita, Bosch, DeWALT. Their products cannot be called cheap, but no one can blame them for their poor quality.
Makita KP 0810 - decent characteristics, as well as a large number of positive reviews with a minimum number of complaints, allow us to call it one of the best options for home and summer cottages.
Prices for such a tool are in the range from 6 to 18 thousand rubles. Some options have already been mentioned, other popular models that have earned high consumer ratings are shown in the table below.
Manufacturer | Model | Specifications | Prices for 2017 |
MAKITA | KP 0810 | 16000 rpm, power 850 W., processing width 82 mm, planing depth up to 4 mm, weight 3.3 kg, quarter cut. | 12800-13700 rub. |
1911B | 16000 rpm, power 900 W., processing width 110 mm, planing depth up to 2 mm, weight 4.2 kg. | RUB 13,000-13,400 | |
BOSCH | PHO 2000 | 19500 rpm, power 680 W., processing width 82 mm, planing depth up to 2 mm, weight 2.6 kg, quarter cut. | RUB 5400-5900 |
GHO 40-82C | 14000 rpm, power 850 W., processing width 82 mm, planing depth up to 4 mm, weight 3.2 kg, quarter cut. | RUB 17400-18700 | |
DeWalt | DW 680 | 15000 rpm, power 600 W., processing width 82 mm, planing depth up to 2.5 mm, weight 3.2 kg, quarter cut. | RUB 9500-10700 |
The category of budget purchases includes electric planers Interskol, Ryobi, Bison, Fiolent, Diold, Elitech. In addition to these, there are many other less popular budget brands. The average cost is from 3 to 6 thousand rubles.
INTERSKOL R-110 / 1100M is a popular model due to its high power, stationary use, processing width and low price. Judging by the characteristics and reviews, it is more suitable for stationary use, and is also not devoid of flaws that affect the quality of work.
Manufacturer | Model | Specifications | Prices for 2017 |
INTERSKOL | P-110 / 1100M | 16000 rpm, power 1100 W., processing width 110 mm, planing depth up to 3 mm, weight 4.5 kg. | RUB 4900-5700 |
RYOBI | EPN7282NHG | 16000 rpm, power 750 W., processing width 82 mm, planing depth up to 2 mm, weight 3.2 kg, quarter cut. | 3900-4600 rub. |
FIOLENT | P3-82 | 15000 rpm, power 1050 W., processing width 82 mm, planing depth up to 3 mm, weight 3.5 kg, quarter cut. | RUB 5700-6400 |
ELITECH | P 110 | 15000 rpm, power 1000 W., processing width 110 mm, planing depth up to 3 mm, weight 3.2 kg, quarter cut. | RUB 4900-5600 |
Remember that reviews for the cheapest models are rarely positive. Attempts by manufacturers to produce the most inexpensive product have a negative impact on its quality.
Non-standard types of planers
The emergence of non-standard electric planers is caused by the need to perform work that is not easy to do with an ordinary tool, or it will take a lot of time. The non-standard nature of such devices is manifested in appearance, size and some design features. In the modern world power tool market, you can find the following models of non-standard electric planers:
-
electric planers with increased planing width, for example, model
Makita KP312S, with a knife length of 312 mm and a powerful 2.2 kW motor, with the help of two rotary carbide knives, it can process wide boards and a bar with a high surface quality in one pass (there are models with a planing width of up to 350 mm);
-
electric seam planers designed for chamfering up to 25 mm deep, which, unlike standard models, have a special shape with a deep
V-neck like Wegoma FH71 or Virutex CE89E models;
-
planers for processing a curved surface, having a sole that is not flat, but a semicircular shape, which are capable of processing concave and convex surfaces with a radius of curvature of 450 mm (400 for convex) and more;
-
electric planers with a spiral-shaped knife, or a straight blade fixed on the drum at a certain angle to the axis of rotation, such a tool is designed for finishing, and is capable of producing a perfectly smooth surface.
All non-standard electric planers have a highly specialized purpose, and can only be an additional power tool to a standard planer.
The best electric planers for home use
How to choose an electric planer for your home and not regret your choice? In annotations and instructions, you can learn only about the advantages of the model. The descriptions do not always match the qualities of a particular instrument. Therefore, when buying, you always need to do a visual inspection. The task of the plane is to level, which means that the surfaces must be perfectly flat and parallel. Unfortunately, even famous models have errors. But there are four best electric planers that are perfect for working from home.
DeWalt DW680
Professionals approve of the tools of the American company DeWalt. This model will not be useful for industrial use, but it will become a reliable, durable assistant at home. All components of the electric planer meet high quality standards.
The relatively low power of the motor is sufficient for planing and folding medium-hard rocks. This is facilitated by the record number of drum revolutions. You can work with solid wood as well. But then you need to observe the time intervals in order to control the load.
Dignity
- Quarter sampling up to 12 mm;
- 3 chamfering chutes;
- Simple adjustment of the planing depth;
- Comfortable handle with controls;
- Highly efficient dust removal system;
- Ergonomic
disadvantages
Not found.
Bosch GHO 26-82 D Professional
Introduced in the name "professional" gives a clear idea of the capabilities of the model. It is worth accumulating a little experience with an electric drill, and even at home you can make building materials ideal in quality. The planing depth is easily adjustable. When pressed smoothly, it is removed up to 2.6 mm of the workpiece depth. The chips are ejected on two sides, which makes the work especially comfortable.
Manufacturers have provided another special function. The home master can sharpen the canvases himself. It is not necessary to carry the tool to the workshop for maintenance.
Dignity
- Power 710W;
- Rotation speed 18000 rpm;
- Carbide double-sided knives;
- Planing depth regulator with a step of 0.1 mm;
- Overload protection;
- Cable length 4.2 m.
disadvantages
No.
Craftsmen praise the instrument for its almost imperceptible vibration and low noise level.
DeWalt D26500K
The electric planer is so powerful that it can easily plan even hard wood species. Carbide double-sided knives will ideally process fiberboard, chipboard, plywood, and any other materials. The standard planing width of 82 mm is suitable for carpentry household chores. A quarter sampling depth of 25 mm is sufficient for domestic carpentry purposes.
The comfortable handles are rubberized. Thanks to him, the plane lies comfortably in the hands, is easily controlled, makes the work pleasant and effective.
Dignity
- Drum with increased diameter 64 mm;
- Sole length 320 mm;
- Nozzle holder 4 mm;
- Left- and right-hand chip ejector;
- Deflector and foldable dust collector;
- Rubberized handles.
disadvantages
It is inconvenient to press the safety button.
The weight of the powerful "baby" is a little more than three kilograms. This makes the job even easier.But you have to get used to this "plus".
Rebir IE-5708M
This model can handle long-term work, maximum effort and large volumes. Its peculiarity is the planing width of 15.5 centimeters. Not every professional electric planer has these characteristics. Rebir IE-5708M planes materials at an angle of up to 45 ° to the supporting surface. This is helped by a special persistent ruler.
The front support has a chamfering groove. 15 thousand drum revolutions per minute with high motor power make the planes perfectly smooth. When super-hard knives do get dull, you can sharpen them yourself. There is a special device for this.
Dignity
- Power 2250 W;
- Planing depth 3.5 mm;
- Quarter sampling up to 17 mm;
- Outsole material cast aluminum;
- 2 spare carbon brushes;
- Vacuum cleaner adapter.
disadvantages
Sometimes clogged with shavings.
The Rebir IE-5708M electric planer can be safely “parked”. Therefore, many jobs are much more convenient to perform.
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Design and specifications
Before discussing the issue of choice, it is necessary to get an idea of its design and technical parameters.
The main units of this tool are the body, the electric motor, the shaft with the knife cutters, the base plate (sole), the rear and front handles, the planing depth regulator, the trigger and the button for blocking the on and off. On the body there is a branch pipe for removing chips into a bag.
The main parts of the electric planer
The transmission of rotation from the electric motor to the shaft is carried out using a toothed belt.
The cutters are attached to the shaft using pressure plates and bolts. This allows them to be removed for sharpening or replacement.
This is what the outsole looks like (base plate)
The base plate consists of a movable front and a fixed rear. To change the working depth with the adjusting knob, the sole of the tool is raised or lowered.
Working depth control principle
The main technical parameters of the electric plane are the engine power, indicated in watts (W) and the shaft rotation speed rpm (revolutions per minute). For high-quality wood processing, you need to choose a tool with a power of at least 600 W and a shaft rotation speed of at least 10,000 rpm.
For cutting a quarter (groove) in wood, on some models they put a shaft open on one side, as well as a parallel stop and a planing depth regulator.
Cutting the groove with a Dewalt D26500K plane. A model with a powerful 1050 W electric motor, planing depth up to 4 mm, suitable for professional use, not cheap - the price for 2017 is about 16,000 rubles. It occupies high positions in the ratings, the nature of the reviews is mostly positive, with the exception of rare complaints.
This solution expands the functionality of the tool. It can be used to make blanks for window frames and other joinery.
There are triangular grooves (grooves) at an angle of 45 degrees to remove angular chamfers on the front sole of the planer. They help keep the tool tilted to the surface of the workpiece.
Planing width is an important parameter of this tool. Three standard sizes are most often found on sale: 82, 102 and 110 mm.
When choosing an electric planer, woodworking professionals pay attention to the grade of steel from which the knives are made. If you see the letters HSS in the description of the tool, it means that the blades are made of high speed steel
The second option is carbide metal, designated HD. It is better than HSS at cutting hard types of wood, but it is afraid of overheating and can crack if it hits an accidental nail.
What to look for when choosing
When choosing a tool, you need to pay attention to several important points.
- Power. Everything is simple here - the more powerful the electric motor of the device, the more efficiently it will process wood.In addition, the powerful tool is capable of working even with hard wood species (birch, oak, larch, maple). In this case, the drum will not jam and will not spin. Normal power for an electric planer is 900 - 1,000 watts.
- Rotational speed. An equally important parameter is the drum rotation speed. The speed of wood processing depends on it. The optimum speed is 15,000 - 16,000 rpm.
- Type of food. Depending on the purpose of use, you can choose a cordless or power tool. However, it is worth remembering all the disadvantages of an electric planer powered by removable batteries, which negate the advantage in the form of autonomy.
- Convenience of holding the tool in hand. Before buying, you need to try the grip of the planer, simulate working with it, holding it in your hands. You should only buy an electric planer if it is really convenient to hold it. Otherwise, work can cause not only unpleasant emotions and discomfort, but also lead to injury.
- Overall workmanship. The plastic from which the device case is made must be thick enough and not have external defects. All components of the electric planer must fit snugly together. The handles should not be smooth and slippery, or too rough, they should not have burrs (they can injure the palm).
- Manufacturer and price. No need to buy a tool from an unnamed Chinese company. As a rule, such devices are short-lived, and in the event of a breakdown, it is almost impossible to find spare parts for them. But overpaying for branded electric planers is also not worth it - you need to find a middle ground in terms of price-quality ratio.
Expert opinion
Vasily Kuznetsov
There are exceptions to any rule. This also applies to inexpensive Chinese electric planes. They can be quite high quality. Therefore, if you have opted for any model, read reviews about it on the forums - it may turn out to be quite good.