15 · Power Tools

Power Planer

Also called Electric planer · Hand planer

A handheld planer that shaves thin layers off wood to flatten boards, trim doors and chamfer edges.

Electric (corded)

Sizes & models we rent

Standard4-3/8" largeWider cut per pass

Overview

A power planer runs a spinning cutter block between two flat shoes, shaving a thin, even layer off a wooden surface with every pass.

We rent a standard planer and a 4-3/8 in that takes a wider cut per pass.

Trimming a sticking door, flattening joists and beams, chamfering edges, and scribing boards to fit an uneven wall.

Set a shallow depth and take several passes rather than one deep cut. Start each pass with the pressure on the front shoe and finish with it on the rear shoe — that is what stops the planer dipping at the beginning and the end of a board.

Best uses

Trimming sticking doors
Flattening joists and beams
Chamfering edges
Scribing boards to fit

Troubleshooting

Find a symptom

Rough finish or tear-out

Checks to try, in order

Slow down your feed rate.
Plane with the grain.
Blunt blades cause tear-out — swap or turn them.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Dips at the start or end of the board

Checks to try, in order

Shift your pressure from the front shoe to the rear shoe as you move through the pass.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Tool won't switch onShared · Electric (corded)

Likely causes

Tripped GFCI or breaker
Lock-off button
Damaged cord
Dead outlet

Checks to try, in order

Check the outlet works and reset any GFCI / RCD that has tripped.
Release the lock-off button or safety switch before squeezing the trigger.
Inspect the cord and extension lead for cuts, crushed sections or damaged plugs.
If running from a generator, make sure it's running and its breaker hasn't tripped.

A damaged cord or plug means the tool is out of service. Tag it and return it — never tape a cord.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Keeps tripping the breakerShared · Electric (corded)

Likely causes

Circuit overloaded
Undersized extension cord
Blunt accessory

Checks to try, in order

Plug into a circuit with nothing else heavy running on it.
Use a shorter, heavier extension cord. Long, thin cords starve the motor and trip breakers.
Don't force the tool — a dull bit, blade or disc makes the motor draw more current.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Overheating, burning smell or heavy sparkingShared · Electric (corded)

Checks to try, in order

Stop and unplug the tool.
Check the motor vents aren't blocked with dust.
Let it cool, fit a sharp accessory and let the tool's weight do the work.

Heavy sparking from the vents or a burning smell that returns points to worn brushes or a failing motor — workshop only.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

For electric (corded)

Inspect the cord and plug before every use. Use a GFCI/RCD outdoors or near water.
Unplug before changing blades, bits, discs or pads.
Wear eye protection, and a dust mask when cutting, grinding or sanding masonry.