How to Use a Power Planer

Summary: Adding a number of features to the traditional hand planer, the hand held power planer is an extremely versatile power tool capable of leveling, shaving and shaping wood. The modern power planer performs the functions of a hand plane, a belt sander and a jointer all rolled into one. The tool is great for leveling uneven or warped planks of wood and smoothing out any rough edges.

In these free power tool videos, our woodworking expert demonstrates how to use a power planer, starting with safety for the work area and the person who will be using this versatile tool. Then he explains the basics, such as how to adjust the cut depth as well as other settings. You will also see demonstrations of tasks suited to the power planer, such as creating a bevel and planing the end grain of a piece of lumber. Our expert wraps up with advice on how to clean and store your power plan