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Powered Hand Tools - Planers

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What should you do before you start cutting with a planer?

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  • Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
  • Use hearing protection suitable for the noise level of the planer.
  • Use a respirator if working in dusty environments, especially with materials like hardwood or particleboard.
  • Avoid wearing loose or baggy clothing and make sure that long hair is tied back. 
  • Disconnect the planer from the power supply (unplug or remove the battery) before making any adjustments to the cutter head or blades.
  • Ensure the switch is in the off position before plugging it in or reconnecting power.
  • Use blades of the same weight and set at the same height for balance and smooth operation.
  • Make sure that the blade-locking screws are tight to prevent movement during use.
  • Remove adjusting keys, wrenches, or other tools before turning on the power.
  • Support the material (stock) in a stable and comfortable position to make sure safe and accurate cuts.
  • Check stock thoroughly for staples, nails, screws, knots, or other foreign objects that could damage the blades or cause injury.
  • Do not cut stock less than 20 cm (8 inches) long or 1 cm (0.5 inches) thick.
  • Make sure the work area is clean and free from debris that could cause slips, trips, or falls. 
  • Maintain proper lighting to see the planer and stock clearly. 
  • Avoid distractions while operating the planer. 
  • If using a battery-powered planer: 
    • Inspect the battery for any damage, cracks, or leaks before use. 
    • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storing the battery. Avoid overcharging or exposing it to extreme temperatures. See Battery Charging - Lithium-ion Batteries for more information. 
 worker using a powered hand planer on a secured board held by a work support frame. The worker is wearing a hard hat and maintains proper posture while guiding the planer along the surface.

What should you do while cutting with a planer?

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  • Start a cut with the infeed table (front shoe) resting firmly on the stock and with the cutter head slightly behind the edge of the stock.
  • Use two hands to operate the planer: one hand on the trigger switch and the other on the front handle.
  • Do not put your finger or any object in a deflector to clean out chips while a planer is running.
  • Always disconnect the power supply when stopping to dump out chips, or to inspect the bottom of the planer.
  • Wait for the blades to come to a complete stop before setting the planer down to avoid unintentional contact.
  • Stand on the side of the planer near the controls. Never stand behind the stock when it is being fed into the planer.
  • Take only a small amount of material off at a time. 
Labeled diagram of a powered hand planer showing its key components. Labels include the cutter head, belt guard, trigger switch, front handle, infeed table (front shoe), outfeed table (back shoe), cutter blade, and cutter retainer.
  • Keep all cords and clothing clear of the cutting area.
  • Maintain proper footing and balance to reduce the risk of slips or falls.
  • Move the planer smoothly and at a controlled rate over the stock. 
  • Do not operate the planer in wet or damp conditions to avoid the risk of electric shock. 
  • Regularly clean wood chips and dust from the planer. 
  • Adjust the working height to a comfortable level to minimize strain on your back and arms. 

 

Refer to Powered Hand Tools - Basic Safety for Electric Tools for general safety tips.


  • Fact sheet last revised: 2025-04-30

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