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There are plenty of small planer thicknessers to choose from in the UK, but only a few are worth your hard-earned money. We’ve spent hours filtering the good from the bad to arrive at the UK’s best small planer thicknessers.
To avoid making a costly mistake, both in time and money, keep reading to find out which small planer thicknesser is best for your DIY needs.
Small Planer Thicknesser Reviews — The UK’s Top 3 in 2024
Wondering which is the best small planer thicknesser for you?
We’ve reviewed three of the best models, so whatever your priorities are, you can find the best small planer thicknesser for your needs.
1. Makita 2012NB/2
- Easy adjustment for accurate and even finishes
- Fine depth adjustment
- Large material capacity
- The downward pressure system when feeding in materials prevents timber sniping
The Makita 2012NB/2 features a high-performance 1.65kW motor with blade speeds up to 8,500 RPM, making it suitable for all types of woodworking projects. This model also has an impressive 8.5 metres per minute feed rate, but bear in mind that this speed is not adjustable, unlike some other models.
Easy to adjust and highly accurate, this model can plane widths up to 304mm with a depth stop from 3-100mm thick. Furthermore, the unique feeding mechanism ensures superior finish levels with minimal snipe.
The Makita 2012NB/2 is fairly easy to set up and operate. Despite its higher price tag, this model represents good value for money thanks to its premium build quality and power.
Double-insulated, this machine is also relatively quiet compared to most other models. It has a dust extraction hood for effective dust removal, wrenches and a magnetic holder.
So if you’re looking for a small planer thicknesser for maximum accuracy and a smooth finish combined, this model is the one for you. An excellent choice for beginners and experienced users alike.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1.65kW motor, producing up to 8,500 RPM | Non-adjustable feed speed |
| 304mm max planing width | Expensive |
| Depth stop: 3–100mm | |
| Unique smooth-feeding mechanism | |
| Includes dust extraction hood, wrenches and magnetic holder |
2. Triton TPT125
- 3.2–152mm cutting height
- 1.58mm cutting depth increments
- 4-post column design
- Large infeed and outfeed tables
- Dust extraction chute extracts two ways
- Quick access brushes
The Triton TPT125 Thicknesser is a solid, mid-range model. With a respectable 1.1kW motor, producing 17,500 cuts per minute, it has plenty of power for your average DIY project.
The four-post column design allows for smooth and accurate movement, while the large tables help to support long pieces of timber.
Thanks to its generous 317mm cutting width, the Triton has one of the widest cutting widths in our selection, making it a good choice if you work with wide timber.
Cuts can be easily and accurately set to 1.6mm increments, while the cutter height is a maximum of 152mm. The blades are double-sided, so you can remove, turn and replace them when blunt. They’re also readily available to re-order.
Other useful features of this model include easy-access brushes for hassle-free changes when worn out, a circuit breaker for electrical safety and a dust chute for enhanced dust extraction.
On the downside, it’s more noisy than most other machines we’ve reviewed. Furthermore, while this is a good quality machine, you should know that the sides are plastic, making it slightly less durable.
However, on the whole, the Triton is an excellent mid-price small planer thicknesser that you can rely upon to get your timber smoothly planed. It makes a great choice for the occasional DIYer, especially if you tend to use larger wood, as this is one of the widest portable models available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1.1kW motor, producing 17,500 cuts per minute | Very noisy |
| Cutting width: 317mm/Cutter height: 152mm | Plastic sides |
| Increments 1.6mm depth | |
| Quick access brushes | |
| Dust chute for extraction | |
| Electrical circuit breaker |
3. DeWalt DW733
- Powerful 1,800W motor
- Portable and compact
- Attaches to workbenches
- Large infeed and outfeed tables
- 4 post column design
- Thickness scale, material removal gauge and graduated depth crank
- Keyless blade change
If you are looking for a professional-quality portable planer thicknesser, you can’t go wrong with the DeWalt Dw733.
Its high-performance 1.8kW motor takes on hard and softwoods, with a high no-load speed of 10,000 RPM and an eight-metre-per-minute feed rate. Despite this model’s compact size and portability, these impressive specifications make large surface planing quick and easy.
Featuring large in and outfeed tables for extra support, this model has a generous 317mm width, one of the largest in our selection.
With its maximum thicknesser capacity of 152mm, this model is the best choice if you are looking for a planer thicknesser that can handle high volumes of timber while also fitting into tight workspaces. Just be aware that 37kg is the heaviest model in our selection.
Its head lock facility ensures an excellent snipe-free finish by eliminating any possible movement in the cutter. Combined with its thickness gauge and graduated depth crank, this model is a good choice for precision work and high-volume, heavy-duty projects.
Complete with a dust shroud, spanner, allen keys and blade changing guides; this planer thicknesser comes with everything you need to get started.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1.8kW motor, producing up to 10,000 RPM | Heavy |
| 317 mm max planing width | Expensive |
| Thicknesser capacity: 152mm | |
| Headlock facility and graduated depth crank | |
| Includes dust shroud, allen keys, spanner and blade guides |
Best Small Planer Thicknesser — 2024 Comparison Table
| Name | Main Features | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita 2012NB/2 | • 1.65kW motor — up to 8,500 RPM • 304mm max planing width • Depth-stop: 3–100mm • Unique smooth-feeding mechanism • Includes dust extraction hood, wrenches and magnetic holder | £££ | 9/10 |
| Triton TPT125 | • 1.1kW motor — 17,500 cuts per minute • 317mm cutting width • Cutter height: 152mm/ increments 1.6mm depth • Quick access brushes • Dust chute for extraction • Electrical circuit breaker | ££ | 8/10 |
| DeWalt Dw733 | • 1.8kW motor — up to 10,000 RPM • 317 mm max planing width • Thicknesser capacity: 152mm • Head lock facility and graduated depth crank • Includes dust shroud, allen keys, spanner and blade guides | £££ | 7/10 |
Small Planer Thicknesser Buying Guide
It’s important to consider the following essential features when buying a small planer thicknesser that suits your needs.
Power
Without a powerful motor, you won’t get much done, especially if you are looking for a high-quality finish or to take on extensive projects that include planing large surface areas or hardwoods.
Look for models with motors with a minimum of 1kW, ideally 1.5kW plus, for better performance.
Planing Width
Opting for a large planing width model makes sense if you intend to use your planer thicknesser for various projects.
If, on the other hand, you tend to always work with the same widths, then you can choose a more compact model that is suitable for your typical project.
Thicknessing Capacity
Make sure that your planer thicknesser can adequately accommodate your timbers’ width.
When you’re considering its thicknessing capacity, be sure to take a good look at what the minimum and maximum values are, as well as what adjustable increments are available.
Speed
Look for a model with a high maximum blade speed, measured in RPM, and a decent feed rate measured in metres per minute.
Feeding too slowly reduces the life of your cutters through rubbing and overheating. Blunt cutters require frequent sharpening or replacement to avoid ruining your finish.
Dust Hood/Extraction Connection
You won’t be able to work without a reliable dust extraction system. Your machine will soon clog up and cease functioning, so looking at the dust hood and extraction connector is important. Check the sizes of any connections for compatibility with your existing extraction system.
Blades
When choosing your planer thicknesser, double-check what type of blades it comes with and how easy they are to replace.
Some double-sided blades can be turned and used again when one side is blunt. Other types of blades may be resharpenable, saving you money over time.
Most models come complete with all the accessories you’ll need to fit your blades, such as guides and tools, but take a quick look at the instruction manuals before making your purchase. These manuals indicate how easy or complex the thicknesser is to set up.
Extension Tables
Your infeed and outfeed tables provide valuable support for your timber and help provide a smoother finish. The larger the tables, the better the level of support. However, if you lack working space and do not regularly use large pieces of timber, then you may prefer a more compact, space-saving model.
Construction Materials
Most professional planer thicknessers will feature cast iron beds for rigidity and strength. In smaller compact models, you will find that various parts are often made from aluminium to reduce weight. For better longevity and increased durability, look for all-metal models where possible.
Overall Dimensions
Don’t forget to double-check the overall dimensions of your planer thicknesser before making up your mind. If your workshop is particularly cramped, you may want to measure where you will locate your planer thicknesser.
Some models came complete with leg stands, which can be useful if your workbench is already at full capacity.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, our top pick for the best small planer thicknesser is the Makita 2012NB/2. While it doesn’t come cheap, this high-performance model will easily take on any project, thanks to its powerful 1.65kW motor.
With a maximum blade speed of 8,500 RPM and its unique smooth-feeding mechanism, you are guaranteed a smooth finish, no matter which type of timber you work with. Its generous dimensions allow you to work with larger pieces of wood than most other small models, making it ideal for large surface planing.