The solid and dependable construction that Makita users have come to expect is here in spades. From the comfortable low vibration handle to the positive stops on the fine adjustment knob, it’s a joy to use! Starting with the build quality. It’s a nicely put together bit of kit that’s heavy enough at 2.8 kg to feel solid in the hand. But it’s not so weighty that it’ll slow you down. The handle is at the best angle and rubberised for a positive, comfortable grip. The trigger and safety button work smoothly, and the depth adjuster is easy to read and turn. You get all the refined qualities of the excellent Makita KP0800, but without the cord. Ideal for working away from the mains or when you’re fed up with trailing cables. At 2.4kg it’s one of the lighter electric planers on my list. That makes it easy to use, even with one of Einhell’s high Ah batteries plugged in.

The maximum rpm of 14,000 isn’t that fast compared with the cordless DeWalt DCP580N. Usually, the faster a planer blade spins, the less it causes tear-out. PL1632 3-1/4 In. Planer, (1) PA1202 Reversible Woodrazor Blade, (1) Dual-Mount Guide Fence, (1) No-Mar Plastic Overshoe, (1) Shavings Bag, (1) Blade Wrench The electric brake is a brilliant safety feature. It does away with dangerous run-on that can cause accidents and gouge the workpiece.The adjustable fence is sturdy and will help you cut rebates accurately. You can cut them down to an impressive 12mm as well, which is impressive. Like most cordless planers, this is a power hungry bit of kit. High Ah batteries are a necessary evil. They’re heavy but mean you’re not swapping over quite so often. The GHO 18V-LI Professional cordless planer delivers impressive performance in the 18 V category. It features a continuously adjustable depth-of-cutting setting of up to 1.6 mm, enabling fast, uninterrupted work progress. The planer is fitted with ultra-sharp and durable carbide reversible blades, producing high- quality, accurate surface results. Its lightweight design ensures easy, comfortable handling. Equipment & Application

There’s one thing you can count on in woodworking- if the tool is loud, spins fast and removes a lot of material, there’s going to be a lot of sawdust. It goes everywhere and gets into everything, so having an effective way to remove this stuff is vital. Like almost all Ryobi tools, the construction is almost all plastic. I’m sure it’ll last well but compared with the metal parts on the DeWalt DCP580N it feels a bit cheap. The 2.5m power cable length is not generous enough. Corded tools like planers need longer cables, so you don’t have to get out the extension cord all the time.It’s one of the best electric planers for chamfering. You get three “V” grooves in the foot for different sized chamfer cuts. It’s a good thing to see on an inexpensive planer. An incredible no-load speed of 19,500 rpm. Compared to the Bosch Professional GHO 26-82D it’s 1,500 rpm faster. It does it all with a smaller motor than the Makita KP0800 as well. Like the Bosch GHO 26-82D, you can choose which side the chips eject from. It’s a premium feature you might only expect to see on more expensive tools. Although they’re probably better known for their battery-operated power tools, Japan’s Ryobi make one of the best corded planers, the RPN780-S. It’s a powerful tool that can remove a serious amount of material when it needs to. Planing wood is the secret to tight-fitting joinery, glass-like wood surfaces and getting your doors to fit properly after having new carpets fitted. Let’s see how they can do what they do: Mains Operated and Battery Powered Planers

Compared with the Makita KP0800’s metal motor housing, the Ryobi feels quite plastic. It’s tough plastic, but I prefer the durability that comes with steel.I’m surprised by the weight of this planer. It’s not got the biggest motor but still weighs in at more than 3kg. Compared to the lightweight Jellas EP01 it’s a bit of a tank. You’re unable to change the side that the chips eject from. Compare it to the Bosch GHO 26-82D and it feels limited, especially if you’re left handed.