Abstract: The specification discloses a hand held portable facing device to be used primarily for facing polystyrene building panels after installation. The facing device is constructed of a frame, a wire planing element, and tension arms which mount on the frame for keeping the planing element taut. The facing device incorporates an electrical power system which conducts electrical current from an external source, through an electrical power unit, through a safety switch, through the wire planing element, to the frame and earth ground which are electrically interconnected. The current flow heats the wire planing element and enables it to shear a flat polystyrene panel. Guide arms capable of resting on and following the flat panel are incorporated into the frame, and the tension arms and wire planing element are so attached to the guide arms that the wire planing element follows the path of the guide arms leaving a flat smooth surface.