How to choose the "right" wood-planer?

I found this video which shows the top 5 wood planer (buying guide): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xroaNmnNAiQ

Hi Hope, I would watch several woodworking videos to get an idea of what the diy-ers are using. You probably know thawt the pronunciation (contrary to the previous post, is "plainer" NOT {planner. I suggest you find a woodworker in your locality and ask advice from an experienced person. That person may even know others who are retiring from woodworking and would love to sell their used equipment. If you use Facebook, you could advertise you are in the marker for a "pl-ner". :) Good Luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ8QgFZ5b9g

Here are a few sites. I don't have one and really never needed one. Been woodworking since 70's. I usually hand plane, sand, or buy wood the thickness I need. If you do purchase one get a name brand one. Easy on the warranty. Used one may need work and calibration, parts worn, etc.

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-benchtop-planer/

https://baileylineroad.com/wood-planers-tutorial/

https://woodandshop.com/best-thickness-planer-for-woodworking-power-tool-buying-guide-04/

https://www.jlconline.com/products-tools/power-tools/choosing-a-power-planer_o

Hope, I'm curious to know what project you are doing to need a planer so badly. Good tools are a long term investment. If you are going to use it regularly, then it's worth the money to buy the best tool you can afford. Most woodworkers buy a bench top planer because they are milling rough cut lumber and need to get to precision measurements. And, if you really need a planer, you probably need a jointer for squaring up edges as well. If this is not the direction your woodworking is taking you in, then do as William suggests and buy wood stock off the shelf that best meets your needs. You can always rent a power hand planer. I like to give my business to local independent lumber yards that usually have better quality stock at competitive prices. If there is a lumber mill near you that actually processes rough cut boards into dimensional lumber, they may be willing to run it through their planer for a price.

I would go to a hardware store like ace or somewhere else that has good customer service. Not only can they help you with selecting, many times they will give you tips on product usage.

All depends how badly it's cupped. Planing cupped wood you may end up with different thicknesses or unusable wood. If the cupping is barely visible I'll use a belt sander against the grain at a slight angle. Prevents tear out. Then a random orbit sander high to low grit. If the cupping is noticeable I'll use a Jack plane also against the grain at an angle. Then the sander. If you have a lot of wood you can rent a planer from Home Depot. Especially if you'll have no real use for it in the future. If you buy a used one consider it will be a bare bones one. May need work to adjust or new blades. The new ones have so many user friendly features than an old used one. Also there is a reason it's for sale.

Hope I found this info for you then go on youtube.com and you will find tons of videos to show you how to use your new tool

https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/a24491/best-entry-level-planers/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXSHhNQ-0N8

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Woodworking-Tools-Planers/N-5yc1vZc27y

The most common hobby planer is a 12" or 12 1/2" planer. They are available at home depot and many hardware stores. Ive had mine for 20 years and still works great. Its a "King" If you want to go bigger then 12 " then they get expensive