hand held power planer works for bigger frames. Should be able to plane a house frame in a couple of days with a 12" planer. I have the makita 12" and I like it ok, it's a bit heavy and goes through blades faster than I like, but does the job.
http://www.amazon.com/Makita-KP312-12-1-4-Inch-Planer/dp/B000140B54