This review was created as part of a paid affiliate program with the Home Depot.

My first order of business with this and every product review is a disclaimer: I am not a professional contractor. I am a farmer and a fine furniture maker. When it comes to construction and renovation projects, I’m a DIYer and weekend warrior. That said, I doubt many professional contractors will be reading my tool reviews. My goal in reviewing tools and products is to provide honest feedback based on my own use and experience with these tools to other regular folks like me- wanting to get their hands dirty, try new things, and get the best value for their hard earned dollars.

Let’s Talk about the RIDGID OCTANE Brushless 18V 3-1/4 in. Hand Planer

Let’s just get this out of the way right now, any time someone says the word “planer,” to me, I cringe a little, because I’m used to dealing with the handtool version of this tool which is called a “plane.” Rant over. As overly interested in handtools as I am, however, an electric planer certainly has is place, especially when it comes to initial flattening of slabs that are too large for the jointer/planer and prepping reclaimed stock I would be far less inclined to put through my jointer/planer whether it fit or not.

The fact that this tool is battery powered makes it that much MORE awesome. A corded Ridgid power planer was one of the first power tools I used when I started woodworking 8 years ago and was building my first workbench.

If you’re on the Ridgid battery platform and ever find yourself in need of removing a thick spot here or there, truing up door frames on the job site, doing rough stock removal, if you are a woodworker and want to have a backup for fine tuning large pieces before using your other equipment on them, if you want a secondary option for salvaged lumber you’re a little worried to put through your own equipment, this is a fantastic tool for the job. For me personally, the battery power adds so much versatility to the tool because I am so frequently in spots with no power when I need to make a quick adjustment, and I absolutely love having that option with this tool.

For the money, this one is worth the investment. Is it the first power tool you should go out and buy? Absolutely not, it is for a fairly specialized job set, I’m 8 years in and finally just getting into one, but I will say there were PLENTY of times I wish I had it in the past, but if you’re on the hunt for a good, portable planing option? This is a fantastic option.