The Best Double Sided Planers for Small Businesses

Double sided planers are essential tools for small businesses looking to achieve smooth and perfectly parallel surfaces on their lumber. These versatile machines are capable of handling both rough and finish planing, making them a valuable investment for woodworking shops and other businesses that work with wood. In this article, we will explore some of the best double sided planers on the market, and discuss their features and capabilities to help you make an informed decision for your small business.

The Benefits of Double Sided Planers

Double sided planers offer a range of benefits for small businesses, making them a worthwhile addition to any workshop. One of the key advantages of these machines is their ability to process both sides of a workpiece simultaneously, drastically reducing production time and labor costs. This efficiency makes them ideal for businesses with high production demands, as they can significantly increase output without sacrificing quality.

In addition to their speed and productivity, double sided planers also deliver exceptional accuracy and consistency in thickness, ensuring that your lumber is uniform and ready for the next stage of production. This level of precision is essential for creating high-quality products that meet the standards of both your business and your customers.

Furthermore, double sided planers are designed to handle a variety of wood types and sizes, giving small businesses the flexibility to work with diverse materials without the need for multiple machines. Whether you're processing hardwoods, softwoods, or engineered wood products, these planers can deliver exceptional results across the board.

Choosing the Right Double Sided Planer for Your Small Business

When selecting a double sided planer for your small business, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right machine for your needs. First and foremost, you should assess the production volume of your business to determine the necessary capacity of the planer. If you have high output demands, you'll want to invest in a planer with a larger feed capacity and higher speed capabilities to keep up with your workload.

Another important consideration is the size of the workpieces you typically process. Some double sided planers are designed for smaller stock, while others can accommodate larger pieces. It's essential to choose a machine that can handle your typical stock sizes without sacrificing productivity or quality.

Additionally, pay attention to the power and motor capabilities of the planer, as well as the knives and cutterheads it utilizes. A powerful motor and high-quality cutting components are essential for achieving smooth, clean surfaces while minimizing tear-out and other imperfections in the wood.

When evaluating different planers, also consider the ease of use, maintenance requirements, and available features such as digital readouts, variable feed speeds, and safety mechanisms. These factors can play a significant role in the overall performance and user experience of the machine, making it essential to assess them before making a purchase.

Now that we've covered the benefits of double sided planers and key considerations for choosing the right machine, let's explore some of the top options available for small businesses.

Jet JWP-208HH 20' Planer

The Jet JWP-208HH 20' Planer is a heavy-duty machine designed for professional woodworking shops and small businesses with demanding production needs. This planer features a helical cutterhead with carbide inserts, delivering exceptional cutting power and reducing noise for a quieter working environment. With a generous 20' width capacity and a 5HP motor, the Jet JWP-208HH can handle large workpieces with ease, making it a versatile option for businesses that require high-capacity planing.

In addition to its power and capacity, the Jet JWP-208HH offers user-friendly features such as a cast iron table for stability and durability, as well as a segmented infeed roller to ensure smooth, consistent feeding of stock. The machine also includes a digital readout for precise thickness adjustments, allowing for accurate and repeatable planing results. With its combination of performance, precision, and convenience, the Jet JWP-208HH is an excellent choice for small businesses looking to maximize their productivity and quality output.

Grizzly G6687 25' Double Sided Planer

The Grizzly G6687 25' Double Sided Planer is a robust and reliable machine that offers an impressive 25' capacity for handling larger workpieces. This planer is equipped with a powerful 10HP motor and two independently adjustable feed speeds, allowing businesses to process stock at their desired pace while achieving consistent results.

One of the standout features of the Grizzly G6687 is its heavy-duty construction and precision-ground cast iron tables, which provide stability and support for accurate planing. The planer also includes a spiral cutterhead with four rows of carbide inserts, ensuring smooth cutting action and reduced tear-out on both sides of the workpiece. With its combination of size, power, and cutting performance, the Grizzly G6687 is well-suited for businesses that require a dependable and efficient double sided planer.

Oliver 837 25' Planer

The Oliver 837 25' Planer is a versatile machine that offers exceptional performance and precision for small businesses. With a 25' capacity and 10HP motor, this planer is capable of handling a wide range of workpieces with ease, making it suitable for businesses with diverse production needs.

One of the key features of the Oliver 837 is its helical cutterhead with four-sided carbide inserts, which delivers superior cutting action and surface finish while minimizing noise and vibration. The planer also includes segmented infeed rollers and a sectional chipbreaker to ensure smooth stock feeding and consistent thickness control. Additionally, the Oliver 837 features a user-friendly control panel with digital readouts for easy and accurate adjustments, as well as safety features such as an emergency stop button and thermal overload protection. With its combination of power, precision, and user convenience, the Oliver 837 is a top contender for small businesses seeking a high-performance double sided planer.

Powermatic 15HH 15' Planer

The Powermatic 15HH 15' Planer is a compact and capable machine that offers exceptional planing capabilities for smaller workpieces. This planer features a 15' width capacity and a 3HP motor, making it well-suited for businesses that primarily work with narrower stock and have limited space in their workshop.

Despite its smaller size, the Powermatic 15HH delivers outstanding cutting performance and surface finish thanks to its helical cutterhead with 74 four-sided carbide inserts. This cutterhead design provides smooth, quiet operation and minimizes tear-out on even the most challenging wood species, ensuring high-quality results for your business. Additionally, the planer includes a cast iron table for stability and durability, as well as a digital readout for precise thickness adjustments. With its compact footprint and impressive cutting capabilities, the Powermatic 15HH is an excellent option for small businesses that prioritize efficiency and quality.

Laguna Tools MPlan 2520-0130 Double Sided Planer

The Laguna Tools MPlan 2520-0130 Double Sided Planer is a premium machine designed to meet the demands of professional woodworking businesses. With a generous 25' width capacity and a 15HP motor, this planer is capable of handling large and challenging stock with ease, making it suitable for businesses with high-output requirements.

One of the standout features of the Laguna MPlan is its helical cutterhead with four-sided carbide inserts, offering exceptional cutting performance and surface finish while reducing noise and vibration. The planer also includes digital thickness control for precise adjustments, as well as variable feed speed control to accommodate different wood species and cutting requirements. Additionally, the machine is equipped with safety features such as a magnetic safety switch and emergency stop button, ensuring a secure working environment for your business. With its combination of power, precision, and safety, the Laguna MPlan is an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize top-tier performance and quality results.

Summary

Double sided planers are indispensable tools for small businesses looking to achieve precise, efficient, and high-quality planing results. By investing in a reliable and capable machine, you can streamline your production processes, increase output, and deliver exceptional products to your customers. When choosing a double sided planer for your business, be sure to consider factors such as production volume, stock sizes, motor power, cutting capabilities, and user convenience to select a machine that meets your specific needs. With top options such as the Jet JWP-208HH, Grizzly G6687, Oliver 837, Powermatic 15HH, and Laguna MPlan, you can find the perfect double sided planer to elevate your business's woodworking capabilities and achieve outstanding results.