If you’re looking for an easy to operate handheld planer, you might soon find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer choice on offer, and unfortunately there’s no simple solution besides looking in more detail at what each model has to offer. The Triton TCMPL is a handheld model that though small, comes with all the features of a larger model, whilst being suited to smaller jobs. It has its shortcomings, but also forms part of a long line of renowned Triton products, one of which is the award winning plunge router, the TRA001.
Designed to be held in the palm, this planer comes with a slim handle design with a rubber over-moulded grip, making it easy for you to hold and control using one hand. When you’re holding something that vibrates and could cause discomfort, it’s important that the grip is soft and comfortable, and that’s certainly the case here. It has a 60mm planing width making it an effective companion, especially when you have a lot of work to do, and the step-by-step depth control allows you to set accurate cutting depths from 0-1.5mm.
The planer is ideal for fast material removal on small to medium sized DIY tasks, and thanks to an adjustable dust extraction port, any chips you create can be directed away from the work piece. The power lock-off switch enables you prevent accidental operation.
An incidental feature that might be of interest is that this planer has a European euro or ‘Schuko’ plug as standard, and comes with a British plug adapter included. So if you’re a tradesman who works all over the continent, this could well be a wise investment.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Comfortable grip to protect you from vibration during prolonged periods of use
- Reversible blades ensure you get a high quality surface finish
Cons
- Risk of losing the adjustment hex key, as it’s a loose item
- Some users have concerns such as the tool being difficult to get a decent grip with, this may be a question of personal preference
The Triton TCMPL is a planer with all the right features in all the right places, from its aesthetic design, to its flexibility in use. It isn’t a particularly well known or popular model among users, and for some this could raise alarm bells. None the less if you want a small, compact planer, and you appreciate a ‘mouse’ style grip, you don’t have a lot to lose by using this!
