Porter-Cable rolls out new hand planer

Porter-Cable has added a new 6-amp hand planer, model PC60THPK, that offers the performance, ease of use, ergonomics and dust collection that woodworking professionals demand on today’s worksite, according to the company.

The planer can remove up to 5/64” of material in a single pass, making it ideal for planing planks, doors and joists, as well as chamfering or profiling edges.

Wil Granger, Porter-Cable’s group product manger, says that the finish is most important to woodworkers, so the company specifically addressed the issue in the motor and design.

“The 6-amp motor spins two knives at 16,500 rpm to give the user exceptional finish. In addition, we have an 11-1/2” machine shoe that provides a stable base on both large and small materials,” says Granger.

“We have also included an extra wide kickstand so the blade does not hit the material unexpectedly when the user puts the tool down.”

The planer features a large depth-adjustment knob with 11 positive stops, three chamfer grooves milled into the shoe, and a lock-on button.

The planer is sold with sets of carbide and steel knives. Granger explains that while carbide knives provide a better finish and stay sharper longer, they can be easily ruined. The steel blades might be a better choice on the jobsite if the presence of foreign objects are suspected in the wood.

Positioned behind the tool and close to the work surface for control, the planer’s handle has a comfortable overmolded grip to reduce any vibration. The planer also features a replaceable belt drive system.

“[Since] the planer can create a substantial amount of dust and debris, we placed an emphasis on dust collection,” adds Granger. “Our planer has a dual-sided dust collector that can be attached to a cloth dust bag or vacuum port. Both are included in each kit.”

The hand planer retails for about $90 and also comes with a rip fence, dust bag, vacuum adaptor and storage case.

For information, visit www.portercable.com.

This article originally appeared in the July 2011 issue.