Every Woodworker knows the importance of a Power Planer. When you are working on a small project, the handheld ones will do the job, but when you are working on a larger project, power planer saves a lot of time and does the job efficiently as well.
The primary function of a power planer is to make the surface more smooth by removing the rough end grain part of it. The power planer can also be used for tapering wood.
What i love about the power planer that it is a very simple tool, It’s not as complicated as table saws & miter saws. There are three rotating blades on the base of a power planer. There is also one knob at the top which allows you to adjust the depth of the cut. Its detachable edge guide system works as a fence for smoothing.
It’s highly recommended to go through the user manual before you start using these products. In Power Planer, the blades are mounted on the drum which spins up to the speed of 20000 RPM and removes the wood difference between the front and rear shoe.
It’s essential to know how to hold and push the power planer. The proper posture will help you in having effective results. You should have the appropriate balance standing on your feet. For smooth results, you have to maintain the steady hand pressure and rhythm of balance.
Today, in this section, we’ll compare two benchtop power planer from Wen Products. Both the power planers are known for their advanced features and very popular among the woodworkers around the world. In the below section, we’ll compare all different aspects that you should be aware of.
In the end, we would be presenting Our Recommendation (Winner Power Planer). Read the whole article thoroughly so that you have proper clarity about the product before you make the purchase.
Technical Differences
Parameter | Wen 6550T Power Planer | Wen 6552T Power Planer |
---|---|---|
Brand | Wen | Wen |
Manufacturer | Wen | Wen |
Model number | 6550T | 6552T |
Measurement System | Metric | Metric |
Dimensions | 23.5 x 24 x 19 inches | 25.25 x 21.75 x 16 inches |
Weight | 70 pounds | 66 pounds |
Color | Orange and black | Orange and black |
Motor | 15-amp | 15-amp |
Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
Cutterhead Speed | 8,500 RPM | 8,500 RPM |
Blade system | 2 blades | 3 blades |
Can support board height | Up to 6 inches | Up to 6 inches |
Base Size | 21 in. x 12-1/2 in. | 21-3/4 in. x 12-1/2 in. |
Can support board width | Up to 12.5 inches | Up to 13 inches |
Table | Granite | Metal |
Table Size | 12-1/2 in. x 9-3/8 in. | 13-1/4 in. x 9-1/2 in. |
Extension Table Size | 12-1/2 in. x 6-3/4 in. | 13-1/4 in. x 7-1/2 in. |
Cuts Per Minute | 17,000 | 25,500 |
Feed Rate | 26 FPM | 26 FPM |
Dust extraction capabilities | Two-inch port | This has an an adaptor that fits 2, 2.5, or 4-inch connectors |
Depth adjustment dial | No | Yes |
Adjustable width settings | Yes | No |
Handles | Rubberized | plastic |
Foldable infeed and outfeed tables | Yes | Yes |
Dust Chute Port Size(s) | Outer Diameter 2-1/20 in., Inner Diameter 1-7/8 in. | 2 in., 2-1/2 in., and 4 in. |
Tri-Roller Feeding System | Yes | Yes |
Material Removal Gauge | Yes | No |
Maintenance | Low | Low |
Warranty | 2-year limited | 2-year limited |
Price | Under $500 | Under $500 |
Wen 6550 vs 6552 | Power Planer Comparison
1- Ergonomics & Ease of Use
When it comes to buying a power planer, the build quality, and design is one of the most critical aspects that you have to look at. Wen 6550 comes with a great design and sturdy build quality. It has a balance placed at the center, which decreases the discomfort, and you can easily use it for a longer duration without getting fatigued. It can handle the wood up to 12.5inch wide, which is pretty good. With Wen 6550 Model, you also get the carrying case so that you can easily carry it from one place to another. The longer cord gives you more freedom while using. It gives you a convenient woodworking experience. The planing gauge gives you the precise reading so that you know how much wood is getting removed in each pass.
On the other hand, 6552 Model also is a great model and comes with three blades in the cutter head — more blades spinning means that you get faster and smoother cuts. If you get the smooth cut, then you have to spend less time in sanding. It can handle a 13inch board and has a cut-rate of 25500 per minute.
2- Portability
Let’s talk about the portability aspect of both the power planer as well. When it comes to benchtop power planers, most of the time, they are not easy to carry around. But when products are completely opposite and very easy to carry. WEN 6550 comes with collapsible table and also has side handles. If you are a contractor, this would be the best companion of you. It weighs around 70 pounds, and its dimensions are 23.5 x 24 x 19 inches. It has a granite table and cast iron base which provides you very steady vibration-free experience.
While in the case of 6552 Model, the granite is not used. Instead, it comes with metal. It is lighter in weight. It weighs around 66 pounds, and its dimensions are 25.2 x 21.8 x 16 inches. If you are worried about the wobbling, you can secure it using the pre-drilled mounting holes.
3- Power Planer Pros
In this section, we’ll discuss about some of the positive points of both the models. So, let’s have a look at it. If we miss any important point, you are most welcome to let us know in the comments below. It would be really helpful to our readers.
WEN 6550
- It comes with an adjustment knob which allows you to change the width and height of the tool easily.
- With dust collection port, you get the fan as well, which eliminates the problem of dust clogging.
- It has solid build quality with a cast iron frame which reduces the vibration during use.
- It has a tri-roller system which smoothly cuts the board without you experiencing any kind of snipe.
WEN 6552
- It comes with two years of warranty which already gives you an idea about this sturdy build quality.
- It has ergonomic build & powerful motor provides you the effective result.
- The dust collection system is pretty good, and you can also change the blades pretty easily.
4- Power Planer Cons
WEN 6550
- It is a bit heavier in weight (4 pounds heavier than the other model).
- It doesn’t come with a stand. You have to make one of your own.
- The knob quality is not good, which can wear with time.
- You need to fix it at a stable surface to have a vibration-free experience.
WEN 6552
- The price is a bit higher, and if you are a beginner, you have to think twice before making the purchase.
- The Cast Iron is used in place of granite.
- It is recommended for home use and might not fulfill industrial needs.
5- Maintenance & Affordability
If you are buying any of these power planers. Don’t forget to go through the user manual. Both the models are low maintenance, and you don’t have to worry much about their regular checkup. They come with two years of warranty that is already an indicator of their high-quality build quality. Both have received good reviews online, but there is a slight difference in their price.
WEN 6552T is a little bit costlier than the WEN 6550T Model but worth the investment. Make sure you follow all the safety guidelines while using the product to have secure woodworking experience.
6- Precision & Accuracy
Precision and Accuracy should be the key factor in deciding the power planer. As both of these models are WEN Products, you won’t have any issue with precision and accuracy. With 6550T Model, you get the rubber-coated handle to make the adjustment easily. It has a tri-roller feeding system which removes the possibility of incurring snipes.
The 6552T Model is also very precise and in fact, better than the 6550T Model. That’s why it is a bit costlier as well.
7- Blade System
WEN 6550T model comes with a 2-blade system, which is decent enough for smoothing and leveling but not the best in the market.
While 6552 features a 3-blade system that provides better and effective work experience.
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8- Conclusion
We have covered all of the important things that you should know about these power planers. The design & build quality is almost the same, but you would find some differences in the features.
So, after the thorough comparison, we have to come to a conclusion, and we present you our expert recommendation. Our Recommendation is completely based on features and user experience. Though, the choice can vary depending on individual needs as well. In case of any confusion, don’t forget to let us know in the comments below. We’ll try to reply as soon as possible
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