What brand of Cord Planer should i get?

[Wenjie Childers]

I am now on my second step of my workbench project....my hubby bought the materials for my project...i was a bit scared of my circular saw that cutting of only 4 rails took me a long time.

Now i wanted my 2"x4" to have a finished look. I tried sanding it but didn't get the look i wanted. Now i searched online and the tool i needed is a cord planer. The question is what brand of planer should i get. Is this tool really a must for a woodworker (beginner in this field). More advice from everybody.

[Geoff Simpson]

You're sliding down a slippery slope when it comes to power tools Wenjie...welcome to the club ;) 

 

If you really want to smooth out those boards with a power tool, a thickness planer is what you're going need.  The RIDGID at home-depot is an excellent value and has great reviews.  There are corded hand-planes, i have one....its not exactly a refined instrument, i only use it for rough work when i need to move material from the edge of a board quickly....you'll never get the smoothness you're hoping for from one though.  Alternately, a Jackplane is a hand-tool that is invaluable to most wood workers, but it would be a little more advanced in order to learn how to use it.  Personally, and this is only my opinion, pick up a sheet of 3/4" this plywood...it will give you a nice smooth surface without spaces to lose tiny little screws or have sawdust build up in.

 

That said, if you're deadset and determined to use 2x4's... if you have access to a table saw you can rip the boards down lengthwise squaring up the edges, this will allow you to butt them up to one another for a smoother edge. 

 

Whatever you choose to do, good luck and be safe.

 

PS:  there is also what's called a "Jointer" which is a monser power tool to level out lumber for building furniture.  Once you have more experience, you'll be looking for one....i lust after them daily

[John Schaben]

Hi Wenjie - being a bit afraid of power tools is not a bad thing. Helps keep in focus that utmost respect for them is paramont for safety.

A corded hand planer isn't much less intimidating than a circular saw but is a handy tool to have. I do not, however, believe it is a MUST have. I would suggest a belt sander may be a better choice at this point. Possibly later on a router.

[James P. Cottingham]

I'm also looking to a planer. I'm looking seriously at a Bosch 1594k planer.

[steve kidd]

hi Wenjie, a planer is a very nice tool to have but its not a necisity. however the ridgid 13 inch is a great tool, about 350 at hd, mine has been great but a dust collector is needed for the shavings. i got my dust collector from grizzly but harbor freight has the same one much cheaper, get the 1550 cfm model, works great and you can hook it up to other tools. a 6 inch jointer would do the same thing for you in making sharp corners, but agian get a dust collector. dont be scared of the power tools, but respect them. i found if you are scared of power tools you are more likely to get hurt, but be sure to respect power tools and you will be fine.