Thickness planers

(5 products)

Professional thickness planers from €427 to €11,370, with widths from 310 to 630 mm. These machines do one thing only — calibrate wood thickness — but they do it with superior power and precision compared to combination machines. Ideal for woodworking shops that process large volumes or wide boards.

Unlike jointer-planer combinations, there is no jointing function here: they are useful when you already have a separate jointer or when you are working with already planed wood and only need to calibrate the thickness. The advantage? More usable width (up to 630 mm), more power, and no time wasted converting the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a thicknesser and a jointer-thicknesser?

A thickness planer only calibrates: it brings already planed boards to the desired thickness. A jointer-planer combines two functions — planing (jointer) and calibrating (planer) — in a single machine. If you already have a separate jointer or work with pre-finished wood, you only need the thickness planer.

Can I use a thickness planer on warped boards?

No. A thickness planer reproduces imperfections from the bottom face onto the top face. If the board is warped, it will remain warped but thinner. To straighten it, you first need a jointer, then you can calibrate it with a thickness planer. Or a combination machine that does both.

Which thicknesser for hobby use?

For hardwoods like oak, beech, or walnut, at least 2-3 kW and light passes (0.5-1 mm) are needed. 400V three-phase models have more torque and handle strain better. The Bernardo DH 410 (2.2 kW) and TP 630 D (5.5 kW) are designed for intensive use on any wood type.

How much power is needed for hardwoods?

How often are the blades changed?

With intensive professional use (6-8 hours/day), HSS knives last 1-2 weeks on soft woods, less on hard or resinous woods. Signs of wear: dull finish, burn marks, strained motor. A replacement set costs €30-80 depending on the model.

Is a dust collector needed for the thickness planer?

Absolutely. A professional thickness planer produces 3-5 bags of chips per hour. Without extraction, the machine clogs and the cutting quality deteriorates. An extractor with a minimum capacity of 2,000 m³/h is needed for 400V models. Budget: €500-1,500.

Thickness planer or belt sander: which is better?

It depends on the job. A thickness planer removes more material per pass (2-3 mm) and is faster for roughing. A wide belt sander works with sandpaper, removes less (0.1-0.5 mm) but leaves surfaces ready for painting without sanding. Many joineries have both.

When to choose a thickness planer only

Thicknesser vs. Planer-Thicknesser: Which do you need?

A thicknesser planes already flattened boards to the desired thickness. The wood passes under a roller that presses it against the cutter block. It cannot straighten warped boards — for that, a jointer is needed first.

A planer-thicknesser combines both functions in one machine. It costs less and takes up less space, but requires 30-60 seconds to switch between modes.

Choose a thicknesser only if:

You already have a separate jointer in the workshop
You work with already planed wood (panels, pre-finished boards)
You need widths over 410 mm (combined machines stop there)
You do series production and don't want to waste time converting
You need more power for hardwoods or deep cuts

If, however, you are setting up your first workshop or have limited space, a combined planer-thicknesser is probably the best choice.

Width Guide

Thicknessers pick up where combined machines leave off:

310-330 mm: Professional entry-level. The Bernardo TH 330 (€427) and Güde GDH 330 (€433) are compact and run on 230V — excellent for those who want to separate functions without investing too much.
410 mm: The Bernardo DH 410 (€2,623) handles kitchen panels and medium-large tables. Requires 400V three-phase.
630 mm: The Bernardo TP 630 D (€11,370) is an industrial machine for furniture factories and sawmills. It planes entire panels in one pass.

Essential Accessories

A thicknesser produces enormous amounts of chips. A dust extraction system with a flow rate of 2,000+ m³/h is mandatory for professional models. Always keep a set of replacement blades — with intensive use, they wear out in 1-2 weeks.

To dimension large quantities of panels with smoother finishes, also consider sanding machines: they work with abrasive paper instead of blades and leave no planing marks.

All Bernardo models are covered by a 24-month warranty and assistance in Italy. Do you have doubts about which machine to choose? Read our wood planing guide.