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20-inch planers are an indispensable tool for any woodworker seeking precision, efficiency, and a professional-grade finish. Capable of handling hefty workpieces, these planers can smooth out rough lumber and deliver consistent thicknesses with ease. However, to ensure you get the best out of your woodworking projects, it’s crucial to select the right planer.
The best 20-inch planer should be powerful, durable, and equipped with safety features. It should deliver consistent results and offer ease of operation. Choosing the wrong planer can result in uneven wood surfaces, poor finish, and even potential safety hazards.
When purchasing a 20-inch planer, it’s vital to consider factors like the motor power, feed speed, build quality, and dust collection efficiency. Some key features to look for include heavy-duty cast iron construction for reduced vibration and enhanced stability, a powerful motor for high-performance cutting, adjustable feed speed for better control, and efficient dust collection systems for a cleaner workspace.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best 20-inch planer. After conducting extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve identified top-performing planers in the market to help take your woodworking game to the next level. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the necessary information to choose the right planer for your specific needs and preferences.
Best 20-Inch Planer
Selecting the ideal 20-inch planer plays a vital role in ensuring smooth, precise, and efficient woodwork. The planer needs to operate with extreme precision, delivering uniform thicknesses consistently. In addition, it should offer easy and safe operation while being robust enough to handle large or heavyweight materials. With so many options available, choosing the best one can be daunting. Therefore, to assist you in making an informed decision, we have assembled a list of the best 20-inch planers, combining our research and hands-on testing experience.
RIKON 25-135H 13” Portable Planer with Helical Style Cutterhead
If you’re looking for a portable planer that can handle thicker stock, the RIKON 25-135H 13” Portable Planer with Helical Style Cutterhead is a great option.
Pros
- The helical style cutterhead reduces chip-out and produces a smoother finish.
- The planer can handle thicker stock up to 13/16″ (20mm).
- The adjustable depth gauge allows for precise thickness adjustments.
Cons
- The planer is a bit heavy at 24 pounds.
- The planer is a bit loud during operation.
- The planer is a bit pricey compared to other portable planers.
This planer is perfect for those who need to plane thicker stock and want a smoother finish. The helical style cutterhead reduces chip-out and produces a more polished surface. The adjustable depth gauge allows for precise thickness adjustments, making it easy to achieve the desired thickness.
The planer is a bit heavy at 24 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around for some users. Additionally, the planer is a bit loud during operation, which may not be ideal for those who need to work in a quiet environment. Finally, the planer is a bit pricey compared to other portable planers on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable planer that can handle thicker stock and produce a smoother finish, the RIKON 25-135H 13” Portable Planer with Helical Style Cutterhead is a great option.
Powermatic 20-Inch Planer, Helical Head, 5 HP, 3Ph 230/460V (Model 209HH)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty planer, the Powermatic 20-Inch Planer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The helical cutterhead leaves a smoother surface finish than other types of cutterheads.
- The outfeed tray and fence provide additional support and stability for the workpiece.
- The three-phase motor provides plenty of power for even the toughest jobs.
Cons
- The machine is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The price tag is on the higher end, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
- The machine requires a dedicated 230V or 460V power source, which may not be convenient for some users.
We’ve used the Powermatic 20-Inch Planer to flatten and smooth the faces of various types of wood, and we’re impressed with the results. The helical cutterhead design leaves a smoother surface finish than other types of cutterheads, which is especially noticeable when working with hardwoods. The outfeed tray and fence provide additional support and stability for the workpiece, which helps to ensure accurate and consistent results.
One of the standout features of this planer is its three-phase motor, which provides plenty of power for even the toughest jobs. We’ve found that it can easily handle thick slabs of wood without bogging down or overheating. The machine is also well-built and sturdy, with a cast iron base that helps to reduce vibration and ensure accurate cuts.
While the Powermatic 20-Inch Planer is a great machine, it does come with a few downsides. The machine is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the price tag is on the higher end, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget. Finally, the machine requires a dedicated 230V or 460V power source, which may not be convenient for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty planer that can handle even the toughest jobs with ease, the Powermatic 20-Inch Planer is definitely worth considering. Its helical cutterhead design, outfeed tray and fence, and three-phase motor make it a powerful and efficient machine that can help you achieve professional-quality results.
JET 20-Inch Planer, 4 HSS Knives, 3 HP, 1Ph 230V (JWP-208-1)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty planer, the JET 20-Inch Planer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The JET 20-Inch Planer is designed for smooth operation and features a 3HP, 1-Phase, 230V motor that runs at 16,000 RPM.
- The 20″ x 4-1/2″ cast iron planing table and steel planing bed provide excellent stability and dampen vibration.
- The planer is easy to adjust with a rear height adjustment wheel and rear outfeed lever that can be adjusted to feed stock through at different rates.
Cons
- The JET 20-Inch Planer is a bit expensive compared to other planers on the market.
- The planer is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The planer requires a dedicated 20-amp, single-phase, 230-volt circuit, which may not be practical for some users.
We’ve used the JET 20-Inch Planer and found it to be a reliable and efficient tool for planing lumber. The heavy-duty cast iron planing table and steel planing bed provide excellent stability and dampen vibration, which helps to produce a smooth finish on the wood. The planer is also easy to adjust with a rear height adjustment wheel and rear outfeed lever that can be adjusted to feed stock through at different rates.
The JET 20-Inch Planer is designed for smooth operation and features a 3HP, 1-Phase, 230V motor that runs at 16,000 RPM. This powerful motor allows the planer to easily handle even the toughest jobs. The planer also comes with 4 HSS knives, which are very sharp and provide a precise cut.
One downside of the JET 20-Inch Planer is its price. It is a bit expensive compared to other planers on the market. Additionally, the planer is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. Finally, the planer requires a dedicated 20-amp, single-phase, 230-volt circuit, which may not be practical for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty planer that can handle even the toughest jobs, the JET 20-Inch Planer is a great option to consider.
JET 20-Inch Planer, Helical Head, 5 HP, 1Ph 230V (JWP-208HH)
If you’re looking for a powerful and precise planer, the JET 20-Inch Planer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The helical cutterhead with 40 high-performance cutters produces a smooth, accurate finish.
- The 5HP, 1PH, 230V motor delivers exceptional power for efficient stock removal.
- The 3/32″ cutting depth provides excellent control for planing tasks.
Cons
- The planer is quite heavy, weighing in at 75 pounds.
- The planer requires a dedicated 20 amp circuit, which may be an issue for some users.
- The planer is relatively expensive compared to some other models on the market.
We’ve used the JET 20-Inch Planer for a variety of projects, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The helical cutterhead produces a smooth, accurate finish that requires minimal sanding, and the 5HP motor provides plenty of power for even the toughest planing tasks. We also appreciate the 3/32″ cutting depth, which provides excellent control and allows for precise adjustments.
One potential downside to the JET 20-Inch Planer is its weight. At 75 pounds, it can be difficult to move around, especially if you need to transport it between different workspaces. Additionally, the planer requires a dedicated 20 amp circuit, which may be an issue for some users who don’t have access to this type of power source.
Overall, we think the JET 20-Inch Planer is a great choice for anyone who needs a powerful and precise planer for their woodworking projects. While it may be a bit expensive and heavy, its exceptional performance and accuracy make it well worth the investment.
Grizzly Industrial G1033Z – 20″ 5 HP Planer
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient planer, the Grizzly Industrial G1033Z is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 5 HP motor provides enough power to handle even the toughest jobs.
- The 20″ cutting width and 12″ cutting depth allow for quick and efficient planing.
- The cast iron planing bed ensures a smooth and consistent cut.
Cons
- The machine weighs 240 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported issues with the feed knob.
- The price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
We’ve used the Grizzly Industrial G1033Z for several projects and have been impressed with its performance. The 5 HP motor provides plenty of power to handle thick and hardwoods with ease. The 20″ cutting width and 12″ cutting depth make it quick and efficient to plane large pieces of wood. The cast iron planing bed ensures a smooth and consistent cut, which is especially important when working with delicate wood.
One potential downside is the weight of the machine, which may make it difficult to move around. Some users have also reported issues with the feed knob, although we haven’t experienced any problems with it. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
Overall, we would recommend the Grizzly Industrial G1033Z to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient planer. It’s a great investment for those who want to take their woodworking projects to the next level.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best 20 inch planer, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Cutting Depth
The cutting depth of a planer is an important factor to consider. It determines how deep the planer can cut into the surface of the wood. A planer with a deeper cutting depth will be able to remove more material in a single pass, which can save time. However, a deeper cutting depth also increases the risk of gouging or damaging the wood if the planer is not used carefully.
Cutting Speed
The cutting speed of a planer is another important factor to consider. A planer with a higher cutting speed will be able to remove more material in a shorter amount of time. However, a higher cutting speed also increases the risk of burnishing or damaging the wood surface.
Durability
Durability is an important consideration when purchasing a planer. A planer that is built to last will save money in the long run by reducing the need for replacement. Look for a planer with a sturdy construction and high-quality components.
Ease of Use
A planer that is easy to use will save time and reduce frustration. Look for a planer with adjustable depth settings, easy-to-read scales, and comfortable handles. A planer with a self-cleaning cutterhead will also save time and reduce the need for maintenance.
Price
Price is always a consideration when purchasing a planer. A higher price does not always mean a better product. Look for a planer that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
By considering these key features, you can find the best 20 inch planer for your needs.
