Best Planer Under £50
Finding a reliable planer for under £50 is a challenge, but a few budget-friendly models can handle edge jointing and light surfacing. We have compared specs, owner feedback, and brand reliability to find the best value planers that won't break the bank.
Quick answer
The best planer under £50 is the Draper 16898 650W Planer for its solid build and consistent cutting depth. For the absolute lowest price, the Silverline 633766 650W Planer is a usable option for occasional DIY tasks, though it lacks the durability of the Draper.
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- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
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Research updated June 2026.
Draper 16898 650W Planer
The best balance of power, depth adjustment, and dust port design in the budget category.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draper 16898 | Best Overall | 650W, 2mm cut | 4.2 / 5 | ~£45 |
| Silverline 633766 | Cheapest | 650W, 1.5mm cut | 3.8 / 5 | ~£30 |
| VonHaus 200W | Light Duty | 200W, 1mm cut | 3.9 / 5 | ~£35 |
| Draper Storm 750W | Most Power | 750W, 2mm cut | 4.0 / 5 | ~£48 |
| Sealey PL650 | Rebate Work | 650W, 10mm rebate | 3.9 / 5 | ~£45 |
Draper 16898 650W Planer
Best OverallPros
- Consistent depth adjustment dial
- Effective dust port for bag or extractor
- Good balance of power and weight
Cons
- Blades can dull quickly on hardwood
- No parallel guide included
The Draper 16898 is the most recommended planer in the sub-£50 bracket on UK DIY forums. Owner reviews consistently mention the smooth depth adjustment and the fact that it comes with a dust bag that actually stays attached during use. The 650W motor is adequate for planing softwoods and occasional hardwood edge work.
Build quality is better than the Silverline alternatives, with a metal sole plate that resists warping. The main drawback is that the blades are not reversible; you will need to replace them sooner than on more expensive models. For the price, it is a dependable tool for trimming doors and squaring up timber.
Silverline 633766 650W Planer
Cheapest OptionPros
- Very low price point
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Includes a parallel guide
Cons
- Plastic sole plate can flex
- Dust port is poorly designed
The Silverline 633766 is the entry-level champion. At its price point, it is hard to argue with the value. Many owner reviews mention it is fine for occasional use, such as planing a few doors or chamfering edges. It includes a parallel guide, something the Draper lacks, which helps with edge jointing.
The biggest compromise is the plastic base. Over time, it can wear unevenly, leading to less accurate planing. The dust port also clogs easily without a shop vac attached. It is a tool for the very occasional DIYer who needs to save money and is willing to accept lower precision.
VonHaus 200W Planer
Best for Light DutyPros
- Very lightweight and compact
- Low vibration for a budget tool
- Good for small trim work
Cons
- Underpowered for hardwood
- Max cut depth is only 1mm
The VonHaus 200W planer is a niche tool for very light work. It is ideal for planing the edges of softwood shelves or trimming a door that is only slightly tight. Owner reviews highlight how easy it is to control due to its low weight and vibration levels.
Do not expect to surface large boards or work with oak. The 200W motor will stall under heavy load. It is a specialist tool for the DIYer who needs a planer for finishing touches rather than heavy material removal.
Draper Storm 750W Planer
Most PowerfulPros
- Highest power in the price bracket
- Stronger motor for hardwood
- Good dust extraction
Cons
- Heavier than competitors
- Can be more aggressive than needed
The Draper Storm 750W is the most powerful planer you can get for under £50. It is a step up in capability, handling hardwood surfacing better than the standard 650W models. Owner reviews note that it removes material quickly, which is a time saver on larger jobs.
The trade-off is weight and control. At 3.1kg, it is heavier, and the extra power can make it feel more aggressive on softwoods. It is best for users who have some experience and need to plane denser materials regularly.
Sealey PL650 Planer
Best for RebatesPros
- Deep rebate capacity (10mm)
- Sturdy metal sole plate
- Good for edge jointing
Cons
- No dust bag included
- Depth knob can feel stiff
The Sealey PL650 is a solid choice if you need to cut rebates. It offers a 10mm rebate depth, which is better than many competitors at this price. Owner reviews appreciate the metal sole plate for its flatness and durability.
The main downside is that it does not come with a dust bag, so you will need a shop vac for dust control. The depth adjustment knob is also reported to be stiff initially. It is a workmanlike tool that focuses on function over frills.
What to check before buying a planer under £50
When shopping on a tight budget, focus on the motor power and the sole plate material. A 650W motor is the minimum for effective planing on softwoods. A metal sole plate is essential for accuracy; plastic ones will warp over time. Check the maximum depth of cut and the rebate capacity to ensure the tool matches your typical projects. Also, look at the dust port design, as a poor port will clog quickly and make a mess.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not buy a planer with a plastic sole plate if you need flat surfaces. Avoid models with non-reversible blades, as they will cost more in the long run. Do not assume a higher wattage always means a better tool; weight and ergonomics matter for control. Finally, do not forget to check if the tool includes a dust bag or a parallel guide, as these add value.
FAQs
Can I use a planer under £50 on hardwood?
Yes, but it will be slower and may require multiple passes. The Draper Storm 750W is the best option for hardwood in this price range.
How often do I need to replace the blades on a budget planer?
Blades on budget planers typically last for 10-20 hours of use on softwood. Hardwood will wear them faster.
Is a planer under £50 good for trimming doors?
Yes, it is one of the best uses for a budget planer. The Draper 16898 is ideal for trimming door edges.
What is the difference between a planer and a thicknesser?
A planer is a handheld tool for edge and surface work. A thicknesser is a stationary machine for dimensioning lumber.
Do I need a dust bag for a planer?
Yes, planers produce a lot of shavings. A dust bag or shop vac connection is highly recommended for cleanliness.
Can I sharpen the blades on a cheap planer?
Some blades can be sharpened, but it is often cheaper and easier to buy replacement blades for budget models.
What is a rebate cut on a planer?
A rebate cut is a step cut along the edge of a board. The rebate depth indicates how deep this step can be.
Is a 200W planer powerful enough for DIY?
Only for very light work like chamfering edges. For any serious material removal, a 650W model is required.
Which brand is most reliable under £50?
Draper and Sealey are the most reliable brands in this budget bracket, based on owner reviews and warranty support.
Should I buy a corded or cordless planer under £50?
Corded is better under £50 as cordless models at this price lack sufficient battery and power for effective planing.
Our verdict
For the best overall planer under £50, choose the Draper 16898 for its reliable performance and metal sole plate. If you need the cheapest option for a single project, the Silverline 633766 will do the job, but expect lower build quality. For hardwood work, the Draper Storm 750W offers the most power in this budget.