1. Important Safety Instructions
Always read and understand all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.
- Work Area Safety: Keep the work area clean and well-lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
- Electrical Safety: Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators.
- Personal Safety: Always wear eye protection. Use personal protective equipment such as dust masks, non-skid safety shoes, hard hats, or hearing protection when appropriate.
- Power Tool Use and Care: Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools.
- Planer Specific Safety: Wait for the cutter to stop before setting the tool down. Never reach underneath the tool when the blades are rotating. Ensure the workpiece is securely clamped.
2. Product Overview
The Hikoki P20ST 580W Planer is a robust power tool designed for efficient woodworking tasks, including smoothing surfaces and reducing wood thickness. It features a powerful 580W motor and a maximum cutting width of 82mm (3-1/4 inches).

Figure 1: Hikoki P20ST 580W Planer and included accessories.
2.1 Key Components
- Main Handle: Ergonomic grip for control during operation.
- Front Handle/Depth Adjustment Knob: Used to adjust the cutting depth. (Visible in Figure 1, front black knob with markings 0.5, 1.0, 1.5).
- Power Cord: For connecting to an electrical outlet.
- Blade Cover: Protects the rotating blades.
- Base Plate: Supports the planer on the workpiece.
- Ejection Port: For wood chip removal.
2.2 Included Accessories
- Blades: Cutting blades for the planer.
- Blade Setting Gauge: Tool for accurate blade installation. (Visible in Figure 1, small grey block with screws).
- Guide: For straight and consistent planing. (Visible in Figure 1, the L-shaped metal piece).
- Wrench: For blade changes and adjustments. (Visible in Figure 1, T-shaped metal tool).
3. Setup
Before operating the planer, ensure all components are correctly assembled and secured.
3.1 Blade Installation and Adjustment
- Disconnect Power: Always unplug the planer from the power source before performing any maintenance or adjustments.
- Access Blades: Refer to the specific instructions in your full manual for safely accessing the blade drum.
- Install Blades: Carefully insert new blades into the blade drum. Ensure the cutting edge is facing the correct direction.
- Use Blade Setting Gauge: Place the blade setting gauge over the blade and adjust the blade height until it is flush with the gauge. This ensures an even cut.
- Secure Blades: Tighten the blade clamping screws firmly using the provided wrench. Double-check that blades are securely fastened before use.
Note: Dull or damaged blades can lead to poor cutting performance and increased kickback risk. Replace blades as needed.
3.2 Attaching the Guide
- Locate the guide attachment points on the side of the planer.
- Slide the guide into the slots and secure it with the provided fasteners (e.g., screws or knobs).
- Adjust the guide to the desired width for consistent planing along the edge of your workpiece.
4. Operating Instructions
Follow these steps for safe and effective operation of your Hikoki P20ST Planer.
4.1 Adjusting Cutting Depth
- Ensure the planer is unplugged.
- Rotate the front handle/depth adjustment knob (refer to Figure 1) to set the desired cutting depth. The markings on the knob indicate the depth in millimeters (e.g., 0.5mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm).
- Start with a shallow depth for initial passes and gradually increase if necessary. The maximum cutting depth is 1.5mm (1/16 inch).
4.2 Planing Technique
- Secure Workpiece: Always clamp your workpiece firmly to a stable surface to prevent movement during planing.
- Power On: Plug in the planer. Hold the planer firmly with both hands.
- Start Motor: Press the trigger switch to start the motor. Allow the blades to reach full speed before contacting the workpiece.
- Begin Planing: Place the front shoe of the planer flat on the workpiece. Apply even pressure and move the planer smoothly and consistently across the wood surface.
- Maintain Control: Keep both hands on the planer throughout the cut. Do not force the tool; let the blades do the work.
- End of Cut: As you reach the end of the workpiece, ensure the rear shoe remains flat until the cut is complete. Release the trigger switch and wait for the blades to stop before lifting the tool.
- Multiple Passes: For deeper cuts, make several shallow passes rather than one deep pass. This provides better control and a smoother finish.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your planer.
- Cleaning: After each use, disconnect the power and clean the planer thoroughly. Remove all wood chips and dust from the blade area, base plate, and ventilation openings using a brush or compressed air.
- Blade Inspection: Regularly inspect the blades for sharpness and damage. Replace dull or chipped blades promptly. Refer to Section 3.1 for blade installation.
- Cord Inspection: Check the power cord for any signs of damage, cuts, or fraying. Replace damaged cords immediately to prevent electrical hazards.
- Lubrication: The planer's internal components are typically factory-lubricated for life. Do not attempt to lubricate internal parts unless specified in a detailed service manual.
- Storage: Store the planer in a dry, secure location, out of reach of children.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your planer.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Planer does not start. | No power supply; faulty switch; damaged cord. | Check power connection and outlet. Inspect power cord for damage. If issues persist, contact service. |
| Poor cutting performance / Rough finish. | Dull or damaged blades; incorrect cutting depth; uneven pressure. | Replace or sharpen blades. Adjust cutting depth. Apply even pressure during operation. |
| Excessive vibration or noise. | Loose blades; damaged motor; foreign object in blade area. | Check and tighten blade screws. Disconnect power and inspect blade area for obstructions. If motor damage is suspected, seek professional service. |
| Motor overheats. | Overloading the tool; blocked ventilation slots. | Reduce cutting depth or feed rate. Clean ventilation slots. Allow the tool to cool down. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | P20ST |
| Brand | HIKOKI |
| Power Input | 580 W |
| Cutting Width | 82 mm (3-1/4") |
| Max Cutting Depth | 1.5 mm (1/16") |
| No Load Speed | 17,000/min |
| Overall Length | 296 mm (11-21/32") |
| Weight | 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) |
| Material | Plastic (body) |
| Color | Green and Black |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 19.8 x 36.1 x 19.8 cm |
8. Warranty Information
This Hikoki P20ST Planer comes with a 6 Months Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and faulty materials under normal use conditions.
The warranty does not cover:
- Damage caused by misuse, abuse, or improper maintenance.
- Normal wear and tear of consumable parts such as blades.
- Damage resulting from unauthorized repairs or modifications.
Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. For detailed terms and conditions, refer to the warranty card included with your product or contact Hikoki customer service.
9. Customer Support
For any questions, technical assistance, or service inquiries regarding your Hikoki P20ST Planer, please contact Hikoki customer support.
- Online Support: Visit the official Hikoki website for FAQs, product registration, and service center locations.
- Authorized Service Centers: For repairs and genuine spare parts, always use authorized Hikoki service centers.
Note: Contact information may vary by region. Please refer to your product packaging or the official Hikoki website for the most accurate and up-to-date contact details.




