A Guide to Planer Blade Materials: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
Choosing the right planer blade can feel like a small decision, but it makes a big difference on the job. The metal behind your blades affects how long they stay sharp, how smooth the finish is, and how well they cope with heat and impact. Picking the wrong one can mean more downtime, more sharpening, and a less than perfect cut. This guide walks through the common materials you’ll see on the market, explaining what they are and when you’d use them – in plain English.
High-Speed Steel (HSS) – Reliable and Tough
High-speed steel is the classic choice. It’s durable, re-sharpenable, and performs well in most situations. Within HSS, there are different grades that professionals need to know about.
18% HSS refers to HSS alloyed with around 18% cobalt. The cobalt increases the blade’s heat resistance, helping it hold an edge longer under continuous use or when planing hardwoods. These blades are ideal for general joinery, mixed softwood and hardwood applications, and workshops where blades are sharpened regularly.
M2 HSS is a standard workhorse steel. It offers a solid balance of durability, toughness, and heat resistance, making it ideal for everyday use. M2 blades handle routine planing well, are easy to sharpen, and provide reliable performance without breaking the bank.
M42 HSS steps things up with around 8% cobalt, offering even better heat resistance and a longer-lasting edge. This is a smart choice if you regularly work with hardwoods or want cleaner cuts with less sharpening.
Bi-Metal M42 – Combining Toughness and Longevity
Bi-metal blades take the benefits of M42 HSS and combine them with a tougher steel backing. This creates a blade that keeps its edge for longer while also absorbing shocks and impacts from knots or irregular timber. Bi-metal M42 blades are particularly useful for hardwoods with unpredictable grain or when you want long-lasting blades that are less prone to chipping.
Trimetal – Engineered for Stability
Trimetal blades are built with three layers of metal, often including a softer layer like copper sandwiched between harder steels. This construction helps absorb heat and vibration, reducing the risk of cracks and maintaining blade stability. Trimetal designs are more commonly seen in industrial or high-precision applications, but they can be a game-changer when heat build-up or precision cuts are critical.
Tungsten Carbide / TCT – Built for Endurance
TCT (Tungsten Carbide Tipped) blades are known for exceptional wear resistance. They use a steel body with carbide tips bonded to the cutting edge. Carbide is extremely hard, meaning TCT blades stay sharp for far longer than HSS.
These blades are particularly useful for hardwoods, abrasive woods, and engineered materials. They’re perfect if you want a blade that lasts, just keep in mind carbide is more brittle, so it’s worth avoiding hidden nails or heavy knots. Sharpening usually requires specialist equipment, but the longevity often makes up for it.
Which Blade Material Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide based on what you’re working with:
- General planing and everyday projects: M2 HSS or 18% HSS
- Hardwoods or longer planing sessions: M42 HSS
- Knots or tricky timber: Bi-metal M42
- Precision or prolonged use: Trimetal
- Abrasive woods and engineered boards: TCT
Ultimately, it’s all about balancing sharpness, longevity, and cost with the type of work you’re doing.
Choosing the right planer blade doesn’t need to be complicated. By understanding the materials, you’ll get better results, spend less time sharpening, and enjoy smoother, more consistent finishes on every project.
If you're still confused or have any further questions, don't hesitate to get in touch. You can reach us on 0333 8000 345, info@mytoolkit.co.uk or DM us on our social media channels @mytoolkitonline.
** When using nails, staples or any tooling equipment, it's important to follow safety guidelines and use them responsibly.