I know that some people who are reading this don’t quite know what a thickness planer is. Well, a thickness planer or a thicknesser is one of the best woodworking tools.

It works on either side of a wooden board at the same time and achieves a uniformly flat surface. A thicknesser operates more like a wooden sander. However, as we have seen, its work doesn’t end by just smoothing a surface.

The best thickness planer has the power to trim larger wooden pieces for consistent thickness. Here are the vital features of a planer.

Slicing Knives

A thicknesser must have a set of slicing knives. These knives will remove the unwanted chunk of wood to achieve a flat surface on both ends. They will also reduce the wooden plank to the desired size.

The knives are easy to replace once they get dull. One fascinating thing about the knives is that they are reversible/ double-edged.

Easy Switch

A thickness planer should also have a switch. This is the most vital thing. The switch powers it up while the other functions fallow suit.

Some of the best on and off switches are designed with the lift on and tap-in off technology. You can, therefore, clear any mishap easily.

Depth Stop

The Depth Stop gauge prevents you from exceeding the required thickness. The depth stop gauge comes in numbers. You can then use these numbers to pre-set the required thickness.
A good depth stop gauge won’t allow you to go beyond the level that you set before. Some depth stop gauges can go up to 1/8 of an inch. In addition to that, they must also be calibrated in quarters, halves, and three quarters.

Dust Port

The dust ejection port is also a vital feature. It is often set at the back of the best thickness planer and has one work.

It shoots chips and dust out of the planer’s system. By so doing, this port prevents any lumber from getting stuck and also keeps the area clean.

Measuring Ruler

The measuring ruler helps you to maximize the accuracy of the thickness. It works with the depth stop gauge to leave you with the accurate size of lumber.

Final Verdict

If you want to get the best thickness planer, you must focus on the features that meet your needs. It is some of these features that we have highlighted here.