A surface smoother is a tool used to create a smooth, even surface on wood or other materials. The two crossword solutions for this term are 'planer' and 'PLANE, ' both of which refer to the same type of tool. A planer is a power tool that uses a rotating cutter head to shave off layers of material, while a PLANE is a hand tool with a sharp blade that is pushed across the surface of the material. Both tools are used to create a smooth, even surface.