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Surface Planers

Looking for a new surface planer for your workshop? Perhaps you have one that you want to replace or your current one isn’t man enough for a new task? At TWS we don’t just have surface planers for sale we have experience, knowledge and a long track record for great customer service. We stock machinery from as many brands as we can including: Wadkin, Griggio, Sicar and many more.

Our surface planer machine stock is always changing as we sell them and get new ones in so what you see here is a fraction of what we are able to source. If you don’t see the new or used surface planer you want then we want to hear from you. We’re an independent woodworking machine dealer so we can advise you on the best machine for you not what our suppliers want us to sell! Call us now on 01278455622 or email info@twswood.co.uk.

Surface Planers – Essential Tools for Precision Woodworking

Surface planers are a crucial piece of equipment for any woodworking enthusiast or professional looking to achieve smooth, even surfaces on wood. Designed to trim boards to consistent thickness while creating perfectly flat surfaces, these tools are essential for producing high-quality finishes and dimensionally accurate materials. Whether you’re working on furniture, cabinetry, or framing, surface planers ensure every piece of wood is level and even.

What is a Surface Planer?

A surface planer, sometimes referred to as a thickness planer, is a woodworking tool used to smooth and reduce the thickness of rough or uneven timber. By feeding the wood through the machine, it removes small amounts from the surface, ensuring the wood’s top and bottom are parallel and smooth. It’s an essential tool when you need to achieve consistent thickness across multiple boards.

Why You Need a Surface Planer

If you are involved in any woodworking project requiring precision and uniformity, a surface planer is indispensable. It’s perfect for tasks such as:

Flattening rough-cut boards: The planer helps in preparing raw lumber for fine woodworking projects.
Achieving uniform thickness: Ensure all pieces match the exact dimensions for seamless joinery and smooth assembly.
Improving surface smoothness: Great for prepping wood before sanding or finishing.

What Types of Wood are Ideal for Surface Planers?

Surface planers are versatile and can handle a wide range of wood types, from hardwoods like oak and maple to softwoods like pine. Whether you’re working on large planks or smaller pieces of wood, this tool helps ensure the wood’s surface is smooth and ready for further cutting or assembly.

How to Choose the Right Surface Planer

When looking for a surface planer, consider the following:

Width capacity: Depending on the size of the timber you work with, choose a model that can accommodate wider boards.
Depth of cut: Some planers allow deeper cuts per pass, which can be more efficient for thicker pieces of wood.
Feed rate: A good feed rate ensures smoother results without overworking the machine.

Surface planers are an essential tool for anyone involved in woodworking, offering precision, efficiency, and improved results in creating flat and evenly thick boards. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, investing in a quality surface planer can elevate the quality of your projects and save you time on sanding and preparation.

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Casadei PF 410 Surface Planer

POA +VAT

New Casadei PF 41 ES Surface Planer

£5,684.00 +VAT

New SCM Casadei PF41 Surface planer

£7,250.00 +VAT

Wadkin Super 500

£4,500.00 +VAT

What is a Surface Planer Used For?

A surface planer, also known as a jointer in some regions, is primarily used to create a flat, smooth surface on a piece of rough-cut wood. It prepares one face of the wood, ensuring it’s perfectly level before moving on to other steps like thicknessing or joining. The planer is especially helpful when working with timber that is warped, uneven, or slightly twisted. By removing imperfections from the surface, it ensures that the wood is ready for further machining or assembly.

What is the Difference Between a Surface Planer and a Thickness Planer?

A surface planer focuses on flattening one surface of the wood, ensuring it is even and true. It works on the top surface of the board and is often the first tool used to prep rough timber.
A thickness planer, on the other hand, reduces the thickness of the wood by working on the opposite face. It ensures both faces are parallel, with the thickness controlled precisely to match project requirements. Typically, after a surface planer flattens one side, a thickness planer is used to even out the other side and achieve the desired thickness.

What Can I Use Instead of a Surface Planer?

If you don’t have access to a surface planer, you can use a combination of hand tools and power tools. A hand plane is a traditional alternative for flattening wood manually, though it requires skill and patience. Additionally, a router sled can be used to achieve similar results. In some cases, woodworkers opt for using a belt sander to smooth out uneven surfaces, though this requires care to ensure evenness.

Do You Need a Surface Planer?

A surface planer is highly beneficial, especially if you frequently work with rough lumber or require precision in your woodworking projects. It saves time by quickly flattening boards and ensuring they are level before further processing. However, if you typically work with pre-milled or dimensioned wood, you might not need one. That said, having a surface planer gives you more flexibility and control in achieving perfectly flat surfaces, making it an essential tool for professional woodworkers or serious hobbyists.