If 13-inch thickness planer isn’t enough for your woodworking project, perhaps you’ll need to level up your planer device. We put together a list of the best 15-inch thickness planer offered in the market as well as a buying guide you can depend on. Check out a Thickness Planer buying guide here.
Top 5 15-Inch Thickness Planers Reviewed
1. Jet JWP-15BHH 15-inch Helical Head Planer
Let’s begin with a planer with a helical cutter head made by the Jet brand. It performs a quieter cut over and done with the carbide inserts on the device’s helical cutter head. The majority of its edifice is made of heavy-duty cast iron and steel construction, which makes the planer sturdy and stable during operation. The device quickly transforms a rough wood into smooth boards.
It renders wide workpiece support that is out of cast iron material. There’ll be enough space for most sizes of lumbers to be cut. The table locks while in use to keep the planer in place. It is powered with 3 HP TEFC induction motor and three v-belt transmissions resulting in consistent operation. It has a two-speed gearbox with an automatic chain tensioner to easily adjust the feed rate according to your needs.
The total dust collection is about 400 cubic feet and there’s a dust port to keep the dust hose out of the way. Therefore, the planner is so easy to clean for the next use.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Has lockable caster wheels for portability
- Produces smooth finish
Cons
- Expensive
2. Powermatic 1791213-15HH 15-Inch Planer
Powermatic sets a new standard in wood planing by producing the Powermatic 1791213 planer model. It is used in making precise wood dimensioning like depth-of-cut adjustments, smooth cutting, and fine finishes. Moreover, the planner is considered as the top-of-the-line woodworking tool.
The tool is made of stress-proof steel that is so durable to stand for years of operation. It relies on a powerful 3HP with 230volt TEFC motor to render better performance. Stability is sustained with the help of its four posts and its large cast-iron handwheel design. There are iron casters with a foot-operated brake that lets you maneuver the planer from one place to another.
Its table can be expanded up to 48-inches in length to support extra-long lumbers. Debris can be taken away through a dust hood with a four-inch diameter port. Further, the product is backed with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- It comes with 10 extra knife inserts
- Well-design infeed and outfeed roller
- In-depth dust collector
- Portability
Cons
- Pricier than the prior device
- Issues on the knife’s durability
3. Grizzly G1021Z 15-Inch Planer with Cabinet Stand
This one is less pricey than the previous planers but it still costs more than a thousand dollars. The included cabinet stand is a plus in purchasing this product with the said cost. Another reason why most woodcutters loved this device is its good looks. It helps to beautify your workplace with its cabinet-like style.
The device is designed with all ball-bearing construction that is powder-coated for years of protection against rust. It is powered with 3 HP single phase motor. As a result, its cutter head speed is about 5,000 RPM that produces lots of woodcuts and finishes.
In addition, the rate of speed is 16 FPM and 20 FPM. It has a large side-mounted handwheel design for easy transport around your workplace.
The package comes with 3 HSS knives and a 3-piece knife setting tool to complete the planning process. It is delivered with an overall weight of 540-pounds.
Pros
- Well-design planer
- Easy to transport
- Rust-resistant design
Cons
- Costly
4. Grizzly G0453 15 Inch Thickness Planer
Grizzly G0453 meets CSA and UL standards thus ensure safety for the users. It is the second product made by Grizzly that nearly looks like the prior device. However, this one has a raising foot pedal to adjust the planer’s height for comfier operation. Its four columns support with table locks and cabinet stand makes it more stable at all times.
The product is made of heavy-duty cast-iron material on the base, infeed/outfeed tables, and feed rollers. It has three knives cutter head with a speed of 4,800 RPM and has adjustable feed rates of 16 and 30 FPM. It provides more space for all sizes of lumbers through its 42-inch long bed together with cast-iron wings and bed rollers.
A 4” dust port is provided for dust collection and hence results in a cleaner operation.
Pros
- Has a built-in mobile base
- Protection against overheating
- Two-speed board feed
- CSA and UL certified
Cons
- A metal outfeed roller may cause print in softer woods
- Changing the knives is difficult at first
5. Grizzly Industrial G0815 15 Inch Heavy-Duty Planer
Lastly is another planer device from Grizzly Industrial. It is a heavy-duty planer that could perform heavy-duty task too with its powerful 3 HP motor. This one doesn’t come with a table but still sturdy because of its four-column support. It nearly looks like the first two Grizzly products but this is more inexpensive.
It has a cutter head speed of 5000 RPM and two feed rate settings between 16 and 30 FPM which has only a little different from the priors. Various wood types are easily cut by this planer.
Movements while planing is prevented through its magnetic switch with thermal overheat protection. You can, therefore, do the work at ease and quicker.
The planer is so portable that it doesn’t need more space to dwell.
Pros
- Portable
- Less expensive
- Prevents unnecessary movements
Cons
- No buyer reviews
Quick Buying Guide
In choosing for the best thickness planer, you need to consider some key factors a planer must-have. Here are some details to simplify your buying decision and increase the chance of picking the best planer for your needs:
- Workspace
Consider your workspace if there’s allotted space for the planer and for you to still move around the room. It is better to be sure than to regret in the end and so know your workspace dimension before buying a planer.
- Knife blade
More blades result in faster operation. The best option for knives is carbide steel knives. Planer normally comes with 2 to 5 blades.
- Planer Type
Buy a planer that’ll fit your woodworking needs. Each planer category renders different performance for specific user’s needs. Ask yourself how you’ll gonna use a planer before picking one.
- Thickness and width capacity
The main purpose of a planer is to cut woods in different sizes. Knowing its thickness and width capacity will save you from everything. You’ll know what kind of wood it would accommodate by knowing this factor.
- Powerful Motor
Planer motor is either induction or universal motors which have huge differences. Induction motor is suitable for industrial use while the latter is for portable planers.
- Dust Collection
A dust-free workshop is very comfortable to work at. Through the use of a dust collector or an integrated fan, cleaning up the area would be easier.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Here are five frequently asked questions collected from the other review articles:
- Should I really look for a thickness planer with dust collector?
Absolutely, yes! The dust collector will help you quickly remove wood chips or dust rather than doing it manually.
- How to replace knife blades on a planer?
Make sure to turn off the planer before the replacement of blades. Unscrew then remove the old blade. Clean the area before putting the new blade. After you properly place the blades, tightly secure the planer by using the screws earlier. Just be careful not to cut yourself in doing so.
- How much does thickness planer cost?
The thicker its thickness capacity results to higher cost. You’ll spend thousands of dollars on one planer which could last for years. Of course, branded ones are more expensive yet more reliable to buy than cheaper products.
- Where to buy a thickness planer?
You can look for the best thickness planers in Amazon.com or in other online selling platforms. These are also available in the market of wood tools.
- Which of the five 15 inch thickness planer is the best buy?
We chose Powermatic 1791213-15HH 15-Inch Planer as the best buy device among the top listed products. The price is undeniably high yet it is one of the top-of-the-line woodworking tools in today’s market. Plus, the warranty is 5-years which is favorable for the buyers. This portable planer cuts woods more precise and then produces smooth finishes. Moreover, it comes with 10 extra knife inserts.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A woodworking project will often require using any sizes of lumbers that a simple planer wouldn’t accommodate. Thanks to the manufacturers of the best 15-inch thickness planer! Now, it would be easier to cut down and finish woods at thicker sizes. Try out even one of the above-listed products and share with us your experience.
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