Planer/Thicknessers

These combination machines flatten one face of a board and then plane it to a consistent thickness.  They feature sturdy tables, powerful motors and accurate thickness gauges.  Planer/thicknessers are essential for preparing rough lumber for fine woodworking.

What is a planer/thicknesser and how does it work?
A planer/thicknesser is a dual-function machine that allows you to:

• Plane one face of a board flat using the jointer/planer table

• Then run it through the thicknessing bed to make the opposite face parallel and uniformly thick
  It’s an essential machine for turning rough-sawn timber into square, dimensioned boards for furniture, cabinetry, or joinery.

What’s the difference between a thicknesser and a jointer/planer?
A jointer or planer table flattens one face and squares an edge, while a thicknesser makes the opposite face parallel and smooth. Many machines combine both functions in one unit—a planer/thicknesser—which saves space and money while providing full stock preparation capability.

What should I consider when choosing a planer/thicknesser?
Key considerations include cutting width (commonly 254 mm to 310 mm), maximum depth of cut, feed rate, and motor power (often 1500–2200W+). Look for sturdy cast aluminum or steel tables, easy switching between planing and thicknessing modes, reliable dust extraction ports, and adjustable infeed/outfeed tables to reduce snipe.