Planers / Thicknessers

Preparing timber accurately is an important part of achieving clean, consistent results in woodworking. Rough or uneven boards can make accurate cutting, jointing and assembly more difficult, while variations in thickness can affect how individual components fit together. A planer/thicknesser combines two essential timber preparation processes in one machine, helping transform rough timber into smooth, accurately dimensioned material ready for further woodworking.

Scheppach's range of planer/thicknessers is designed for DIY enthusiasts, woodworking hobbyists and professional users who want the versatility of planing and thicknessing within a single machine. The HMS850, HMS1070 and HMS1500 provide options for different workshop requirements, allowing timber to be flattened and smoothed before being brought to a consistent thickness.

Combining practical design with Scheppach's German engineering heritage, these machines provide a convenient solution for furniture making, cabinetry, joinery and general timber preparation. UK after-sales support and genuine spare parts are also available, providing continued support for maintenance and long-term ownership.

This guide explains how a planer/thicknesser works, the benefits of combining both functions and the key factors to consider when choosing a machine for your workshop.

Choosing the Right Planer/Thicknesser

Choosing the right planer/thicknesser depends largely on the timber you work with, the scale of your projects, available workshop space and how frequently you need to prepare material.

For occasional DIY and smaller woodworking projects, a more compact machine can provide the planing and thicknessing capabilities required while making efficient use of workshop space. This can be particularly useful for home workshops where having separate machines for each operation may not be practical.

Users preparing timber more frequently should consider the typical dimensions of their workpieces and the demands of their projects. Furniture making, cabinetry and joinery can involve preparing multiple boards to matching dimensions, making consistent planing and thicknessing particularly valuable.

Working capacity should therefore be an important consideration. Think about the width and thickness of the timber you commonly use rather than choosing solely around your current project. Selecting a machine with suitable capacity for your typical workload can provide greater flexibility as your woodworking projects develop.

The HMS850, HMS1070 and HMS1500 give Scheppach users a choice of planer/thicknessers for different workshop and project requirements.

Understanding a Planer/Thicknesser 

A planer/thicknesser combines two related but distinct timber preparation processes within one machine.

The planing function is used to create a flat, smooth reference surface on the timber. When working with rough-sawn or uneven boards, this provides a more accurate starting point for subsequent machining and assembly.

Thicknessing is then used to bring the timber to a consistent thickness. Once a suitable reference face has been established, the workpiece can be passed through the thicknessing section so material is progressively removed from the opposite surface.

Using both processes allows rough timber to be transformed into more accurately prepared boards with flatter surfaces and consistent dimensions.

Having these functions combined within a single machine can also help make efficient use of workshop space. Rather than requiring separate equipment for planing and thicknessing, one machine can perform both stages of timber preparation.

Preparing Timber for Woodworking Projects

Accurately prepared timber provides a better foundation for almost every stage of a woodworking project.

Rough-sawn boards can contain saw marks, uneven surfaces and variations in thickness. Attempting to create accurate joints or assemble components before addressing these inconsistencies can make it more difficult to achieve clean, correctly aligned results.

A planer/thicknesser allows timber to be prepared before it reaches these later stages. Establishing a flat reference surface first provides a reliable basis for further machining, while thicknessing can then be used to produce boards with consistent dimensions.

This is particularly useful when preparing several pieces of timber for the same project. Furniture frames, cabinet components, shelves and other repeated parts often need to match closely, and consistent timber preparation helps improve accuracy during cutting, jointing and final assembly.

Preparing your own timber can also provide greater flexibility when selecting material for a project, particularly when working with rough or unfinished boards that require additional machining before use.

Achieving a Smooth and Consistent Finish

Good results from a planer/thicknesser depend on correct machine setup, suitable timber and controlled material removal.

Before machining, timber should be inspected carefully for nails, screws, stones or other foreign objects that could damage the planer knives. The condition and grain direction of the material should also be considered before beginning.

Rather than attempting to remove excessive material in a single pass, making controlled passes allows the timber to be brought progressively towards the required dimensions. This provides greater control over the finished workpiece and can help achieve a cleaner, more consistent surface.

Sharp and correctly maintained planer knives are equally important. Worn or damaged blades can affect surface quality and reduce cutting efficiency, so regular inspection and maintenance help ensure the machine continues to perform effectively.

Planing and thicknessing also generate considerable quantities of wood chips and dust. Using suitable extraction where appropriate helps manage this waste, maintain a cleaner working area and support efficient operation.

With careful preparation and the correct machine setup, a planer/thicknesser can make timber preparation faster and more repeatable while providing the accurate material needed for high-quality woodworking.

Scheppach Product Range

Scheppach's planer/thicknesser range provides versatile solutions for preparing timber accurately within a single machine. Whether you're working on smaller DIY projects or regularly preparing material for furniture, cabinetry and joinery, the range offers options to suit different workshop requirements.

The HMS850 is a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts, hobby woodworkers and home workshops looking for a compact way to combine planing and thicknessing. It allows rough or uneven timber to be smoothed and prepared before being brought to a consistent thickness, making it useful for everyday woodworking and smaller timber preparation projects.

The HMS1070 provides a versatile step up for users who regularly prepare timber for woodworking projects. Combining planing and thicknessing within one machine, it is well suited to producing accurately prepared boards for furniture making, cabinetry, joinery and other applications where smooth surfaces and consistent dimensions are important.

For users with more demanding timber preparation requirements, the HMS1500 provides a capable solution for regular workshop use. Its combined functionality makes it suitable for preparing timber through multiple stages, from establishing a smooth, flat reference surface to producing boards with a consistent finished thickness.

Across the range, the HMS850, HMS1070 and HMS1500 provide the convenience of two important woodworking processes within a single machine. Scheppach's UK support network and availability of genuine spare parts also provide added reassurance when maintaining your equipment over the long term.

Accessories & Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps a planer/thicknesser continue to produce accurate dimensions and a clean surface finish.

Planer knives are particularly important and should be inspected periodically for wear, damage or reduced cutting performance. Sharp, correctly maintained knives provide more efficient material removal and a better finish, while worn blades can leave timber with a rough or inconsistent surface. Any adjustment or replacement should be carried out according to the instructions for the individual machine.

The worktables, feed areas and cutter area should be kept clean and free from accumulated wood chips and dust. Planing and thicknessing can produce considerable amounts of waste, making suitable dust and chip extraction particularly useful for maintaining a cleaner working environment and preventing unnecessary build-up around the machine.

Before processing timber, inspect the workpiece for nails, screws, stones and other foreign objects that could damage the knives. Feed surfaces should also be kept clean so that timber can travel through the machine smoothly and consistently.

Routine checks and maintenance should always follow the guidance provided in the relevant user manual. When replacement components are required, using genuine Scheppach spare parts helps maintain compatibility with your planer/thicknesser.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a planer/thicknesser do?

A planer/thicknesser combines two timber preparation processes within one machine. The planing function helps create a flat, smooth reference surface, while the thicknessing function is used to bring timber to a consistent thickness.

What is the benefit of a combined planer/thicknesser?

Combining both functions allows multiple stages of timber preparation to be completed using one machine. This can save workshop space compared with having separate machines while providing the versatility needed to prepare rough or uneven timber for woodworking projects.

What projects can I use a planer/thicknesser for?

Planer/thicknessers are useful for preparing timber for furniture making, cabinetry, joinery, shelving and a wide variety of other woodworking projects. They are particularly valuable when several pieces of timber need to be prepared to consistent dimensions.

Why should I make several controlled passed when planing or thicknessing?

Removing material progressively provides greater control over the finished dimensions of the timber. Controlled passes can also help produce a more consistent surface rather than attempting to remove a large amount of material in a single pass.

How do I maintain a planer/thicknesser?

Regular maintenance includes removing accumulated wood chips and dust, keeping work and feed surfaces clean and inspecting the planer knives for wear or damage. Always follow the maintenance and servicing instructions provided in the user manual for your specific machine.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right planer/thicknesser depends on the size of timber you typically prepare, how frequently you use the machine, the scale of your woodworking projects and the space available in your workshop.

The HMS850 provides a practical option for smaller workshops and everyday timber preparation, while the HMS1070 is well suited to users who regularly need the versatility of combined planing and thicknessing. For more demanding workshop requirements, the HMS1500 provides another option for preparing timber accurately and consistently.

Whichever model best matches your requirements, a Scheppach planer/thicknesser can make the process of preparing timber more efficient and repeatable, providing a reliable starting point for accurate woodworking. Continued access to genuine spare parts and UK-based after-sales support also helps you look after your machine throughout its working life.