I'm a weekend warrior who enjoys tinkering with power tools and scrap lumber. I'm contemplating investing a couple hundred bucks in a benchtop planer to smooth out some old pallet planks. I'm not a pro carpenter—just looking to build simple items like a shelf or a dog house. Has anyone had experience with benchtop planers? What's your opinion on them, and can you recommend any good brands that are budget-friendly?
3 Answers
Absolutely, even the cheapest planer out there will be fine for your weekend warrior projects! I've used a basic model from Lowes for over a decade. Works well for occasional use, just a few times a month. One thing to consider is dust collection; some models are better than others. If dust is a concern, you might want to look at the Dewalt model, but it’s pricier.
I have the Harbor Freight Hercules planer, and it works great for my needs! Just keep an eye out for sales to snag it at a better price. Also, it's currently on sale for Labor Day; if you sign up for ITC, you can get an extra discount. Definitely a solid option for casual projects!
I use a Jet jointer-planer combo that I'm really happy with. It's small but does the job well for its size and price. If you’re just doing weekend projects, you don't need anything too fancy! A simpler model from a store like Lowe’s will handle your needs nicely without breaking the bank.