Electric planers are good for taking ridges out of timber floors and refitting doors.

But you need to be very careful when you use them.

In floors, always double-check that there are no hidden nails, screws or other hard objects that might hit the cutters.

If the cutters strike anything hard while they're turning, it can damage them in an instant.

For doors, the same checks apply. Look out for nail, staples and other metal fasteners.

You also need to clamp the door firmly to a bench or saw stool so it doesn't move while you're working.

In general, be extremely careful while the planer is running.

The cutters are unguarded, and will cut anything that comes into contact with them - timber, floor coverings, clothing, fingers and anything else.

Before you put the planer down, make sure the cutters have stopped turning.

Always disconnect the planer from the power source before clearing out shavings or checking the cutters.

You can either lay it on its side, or put it on a soft material that won't damage the cutters.

Remember, the cutters are razor sharp, which makes the edge quite fragile if it is bumped against hard surfaces.

The link below will take you to a basic SOP for a planer.

Planer SOP