If you’re a woodworker, you know that a benchtop planer is an essential tool for creating smooth, even boards. Benchtop planers are designed to take rough, uneven lumber and turn it into perfectly flat and uniform pieces. They can be used to plane down warped or twisted boards, remove saw marks, and create perfectly parallel edges.
When shopping for a benchtop planer, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the size and capacity of the machine. Benchtop planers can vary in size from compact models that can handle small pieces of wood, to larger machines that can tackle wider boards. You’ll also want to pay attention to the power of the motor, as a more powerful motor will be able to handle tougher jobs with ease.
Another important consideration is the quality of the blades. The blades on a planer can dull over time, so you’ll want to choose a model with durable, high-quality blades that can be easily replaced when needed. Finally, you’ll want to look for a machine that is easy to adjust and operate, with clear and intuitive controls.
After researching and testing a variety of benchtop planers, we’ve identified the top models on the market. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at each of these models and highlight their key features and benefits, so you can choose the best benchtop planer for your needs.
Best Benchtop Planers
If you’re a woodworking enthusiast, you know how important it is to have a good planer. A benchtop planer is a must-have tool for anyone who wants to create smooth, even surfaces on their lumber. With a good planer, you can save time and effort by quickly and easily smoothing out rough or warped boards. In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best benchtop planers on the market to help you find the perfect tool for your workshop.
WEN Benchtop Planer
If you’re looking for a benchtop planer that can handle rough and worn-out wood and give you an exceptionally smooth finish, the WEN 12.5-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer is a great choice.
Pros
- The powerful 15-amp motor generates up to 20,000 cuts per minute at a 26 feet per minute feed rate, making it easy to plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide.
- The handy depth adjustment knob allows you to adjust the depth of each pass anywhere from 0 to 1/8 of an inch, giving you greater control over the planing process.
- The 2-inch dust port removes chips and sawdust from the workpiece, keeping your workspace clean and safe.
Cons
- The planer can be quite loud, so you may want to wear ear protection when using it for extended periods of time.
- The infeed and outfeed tables can be a bit wobbly, which may cause snipe on longer boards.
- The blades can dull quickly, so you may need to replace them more frequently than with other planers.
Overall, the WEN Benchtop Planer is a solid choice for woodworkers who need a reliable planer that can handle a variety of wood types and sizes. With its powerful motor, adjustable depth control, and convenient dust port, this planer can help you achieve smooth, professional-looking results on your woodworking projects.
In terms of value for money, the WEN Benchtop Planer is an excellent option. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive planers, it gets the job done and comes with a friendly customer support line and a stocked inventory of replacement parts. If you’re looking for a benchtop planer that won’t break the bank but still delivers solid performance, the WEN Benchtop Planer is definitely worth considering.
DEWALT Benchtop Planer
If you’re looking for a benchtop planer that can handle larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods, the DEWALT Benchtop Planer is worth considering.
Pros
- The powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor of the woodworking planer handles larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods.
- The three-knife cutter head with 10,000 rpm cutter-head speed of the thickness planer provides 96 cuts per inch, one of the finest finishes of any portable planer.
- The disposable, reversible knives of the wood planer deliver 30% more knife life and make knife change fast and easy.
Cons
- The DEWALT Benchtop Planer can be quite noisy, so ear protection is recommended.
- The planer is quite heavy at 80 pounds, so it may not be the most portable option.
- The dust collection system could be more efficient, as some users have reported that it can be difficult to attach a dust collection hose.
In terms of performance, the DEWALT Benchtop Planer is a solid choice. The four-column carriage lock drastically reduces the movement that causes snipe, and the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide 33-1/2-inch of material support. The material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale deliver accurate cuts with every pass, and the turret depth stop allows the user to return to their most frequently used depths with ease.
Overall, if you’re looking for a benchtop planer that can handle larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods and provides a fine finish, the DEWALT Benchtop Planer is definitely worth considering.
Delta 13 In Portable Thickness Planer
If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable benchtop planer, the Delta 13 In Portable Thickness Planer is a great option.
Pros
- The 15A motor is powerful enough to handle even the toughest jobs.
- The four-column design provides excellent stability for smooth, accurate planning.
- The quick-change knife system with dual-edge disposable knives allows you to change knives without difficult-to-use alignment jigs.
Cons
- The maximum board thickness is only 0.125 inches, which may not be sufficient for some projects.
- The machine is quite heavy at 58 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The dust collection system could be more effective.
This planer is designed to help you create masterpieces with ease and precision. The adjustable infeed and outfeed tables make it easy to support long pieces and reduce snipe, while the reversible dust port allows you to collect chips from either side of the planer. The two polyurethane feed rollers provide a no-slip grip on the workpiece, which is positioned close to the cutterhead to improve workpiece finish.
The Delta 13 In Portable Thickness Planer is a quality machine that comes at a great price. It’s perfect for intermediate woodcrafts persons who want to add a planer to their tool collection. However, the planer may not be suitable for those who need to handle thicker boards or move the machine around frequently.
In summary, if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable benchtop planer that can handle most woodworking projects, the Delta 13 In Portable Thickness Planer is a great choice.
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
If you’re looking for an affordable benchtop planer that can handle both hard and soft wood material removal, the CRAFTSMAN Planer is worth considering.
Pros
- The 15 Amp motor provides power for both hard and soft wood material removal.
- The Poly-V Cutterhead drive allows for maximum stock removal.
- The two-knife, quick-change, solid steel cutter head mounted on ball bearings assures smooth operation and long life.
Cons
- The vacuum port for dust collection could be more effective.
- There may be some snipe at the ends of your workpieces.
- The unit may leave black marks on the workpiece.
This planer is easy to adjust and simple to put together. It’s perfect for home use and going the extra mile on projects. However, if you’re looking for a planer with more advanced features, this may not be the right choice for you.
The CRAFTSMAN Planer is a great option for those who are just starting their woodworking journey. It’s affordable, easy to use, and gets the job done. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly planer that can handle most woodworking projects, this is a good choice.
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer Single Speed
If you’re looking for a benchtop planer that can handle both hard and soft wood, then the WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer Single Speed is worth considering.
Pros
- The spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades provides a clean, smooth finish.
- The onboard material removal gauge informs users about the cutting depth of each pass.
- The planer can handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide.
Cons
- The planer is relatively heavy at 74.8 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The dust port may require a larger dust collection system to effectively remove chips and sawdust.
- Some users have reported difficulty adjusting the infeed and outfeed tables.
In our experience, the WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer Single Speed is a solid choice for those looking for a benchtop planer that can handle a variety of wood types. The spiral cutterhead provides a smooth finish, and the onboard material removal gauge helps users achieve the desired depth of cut. Additionally, the planer’s heavy-duty cast iron base ensures stability during operation.
That being said, the planer’s weight may make it difficult to move around, and the dust port may require a larger dust collection system to effectively remove chips and sawdust. Some users have also reported difficulty adjusting the infeed and outfeed tables, which may impact the planer’s performance.
Overall, we recommend the WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer Single Speed for those looking for a reliable and versatile benchtop planer.
VEVOR Thickness Planer
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly benchtop planer, the VEVOR Thickness Planer might be worth considering.
Pros
- The 13″ widened worktable can plane boards up to 6″ thick and 13″ wide, and the easily adjusted tables and extensions allow for better support on long stock.
- The high-precision three-knife cutter head assures smooth and consistent performance for long life.
- The two speeds offer quick planing to thickness at 24 f/m or slower 15 f/m for a smooth finish on the figured stock with minimal to no tear out.
Cons
- The planer only has three knife cutters, which may not be enough for some projects.
- The wood extraction system can get clogged, which may lead to shavings getting stuck in the blades.
- The planer is relatively heavy at 61.7 lbs, which may make it difficult to move around.
Overall, if you’re a DIY enthusiast or a small woodworking shop owner, the VEVOR Thickness Planer could be a great addition to your tools. It’s affordable, easy to use, and can handle most small to medium-sized projects. However, if you’re a professional woodworker or need a planer for larger projects, you may want to consider a more powerful and feature-rich model.
Shop Fox W1877 13″ Portable Planer with Spiral-Style Cutterhead
If you’re looking for a high-end portable planer that will give you smooth finishes, the Shop Fox W1877 13″ Portable Planer with Spiral-Style Cutterhead is a great choice. With a powerful motor, a unique repeat cut selector, and a convenient thickness scale, this planer has everything you need for consistent production work.
Pros
- The spiral-style cutterhead with indexable carbide inserts provides smoother finishes than traditional straight-knife cutterheads.
- The repeat cut selector allows you to quickly set the cutterhead to six pre-set heights, making it easier to switch between different thicknesses of stock.
- The extension tables fold up for storage and transport, making this planer easy to move around your workspace.
Cons
- The dust port could be larger, as it tends to clog easily.
- The noise level is higher than some other portable planers on the market.
- The price point is higher than some other portable planers, but the quality and features make it worth the investment.
If you’re looking for a portable planer that can handle a wide range of stock thicknesses, the Shop Fox W1877 is a great choice. The repeat cut selector makes it easy to switch between different thicknesses, and the spiral-style cutterhead provides smoother finishes than traditional straight-knife cutterheads. The extension tables fold up for storage and transport, making this planer easy to move around your workspace. However, the dust port could be larger, and the noise level is higher than some other portable planers on the market. Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality portable planer, the Shop Fox W1877 is a great choice.
RIKON 25-135H 13” Portable Planer with Helical Style Cutterhead
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient benchtop planer, the RIKON 25-135H 13” Portable Planer with Helical Style Cutterhead is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The six row helical-style cutter head and 26 HSS insert cutters produce a super-efficient alternating cutter pattern that produces a smooth cut surface.
- The planer features a threaded 4-post threaded housing for extra head stability when running, side handle for quick table height adjustments, repeat cut setting lever, large fold-up extension tables, flat top with rollers for stock returning, and side carry handles.
- The cutter head’s indexable knife inserts are precision sharpened on two edges and can be easily changed/rotated if damaged or worn.
Cons
- The planer is quite heavy, weighing in at 67.9 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported that the planer produces a bit of snipe, especially when running at the faster feed rate.
- The planer is quite loud when in operation, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient benchtop planer that produces a smooth cut surface, the RIKON 25-135H 13” Portable Planer with Helical Style Cutterhead is an excellent choice. While the planer is a bit heavy and can be a bit loud, its precision sharpened indexable knife inserts and efficient alternating cutter pattern make it a top choice for serious woodworkers.
VEVOR Thickness Planer 13-Inch Benchtop Planer
If you’re looking for a powerful thickness planer that can handle larger cuts in broader materials with ease, the VEVOR Thickness Planer 13-Inch Benchtop Planer is an excellent option. With a 2000W 15-AMP high-power motor and an 8,000 RPM cutter head speed, this planer can handle even the toughest materials.
Pros
- The foldable workbench and stand provide extra operating space and allow you to adjust both tables to get the appropriate angle for smoothly feeding boards.
- The automatic feeding design is available, able to auto-feed the materials to facilitate effective and secure works.
- The scale indicates the thickness of the board being machined so that you can precisely control the required thickness to meet your different needs.
Cons
- The handle sticks and it blows the fuse in the garage every few days.
- The dust exhaust interface is not very effective, and it can be challenging to keep the work area clean.
- The electromagnetic switch can be a bit finicky and may require some adjustment to work correctly.
Overall, the VEVOR Thickness Planer 13-Inch Benchtop Planer is an excellent option for those looking for a powerful and versatile thickness planer. With its foldable workbench and stand, automatic feeding design, and precise cutting capabilities, it’s an excellent tool for both professional and DIY woodworking projects.
Buying Guide
When looking to buy a benchtop planer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look out for:
Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity of a benchtop planer refers to the maximum width and thickness of the wood it can handle. Consider the size of the wood you plan on working with and make sure the planer you choose can accommodate it.
Motor Power
A powerful motor is essential for smooth and efficient operation. Look for a planer with a motor that is at least 15 amps. This will ensure that it can handle even the toughest of woods.
Cutting Depth
The cutting depth determines how much material can be removed with each pass. A planer with a deeper cutting depth will be more efficient and save you time. Look for a planer with a minimum cutting depth of 1/8 inch.
Dust Collection
Planing wood creates a lot of sawdust and debris. A planer with an efficient dust collection system will make clean up much easier. Look for a planer with a built-in dust collection port or bag.
Feed Rate
The feed rate determines how quickly the wood is fed through the planer. A faster feed rate will be more efficient, but a slower feed rate will produce a smoother finish. Look for a planer with adjustable feed rates to suit your needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose a benchtop planer that will meet your needs and provide you with quality results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a high-quality benchtop planer?
When looking for a high-quality benchtop planer, there are a few features you should consider. First, you’ll want to look for a planer with a powerful motor, as this will allow you to work with harder woods and thicker stock. You’ll also want to consider the size of the planer, as well as its cutting capacity. Other important features to look for include a dust collection system, adjustable infeed and outfeed tables, and easy-to-use controls.
How do I choose between a benchtop planer and a cabinet planer?
When choosing between a benchtop planer and a cabinet planer, there are a few factors to consider. Benchtop planers are generally smaller and more affordable than cabinet planers, making them a good choice for hobbyists and DIYers. However, cabinet planers are typically more powerful and can handle larger pieces of wood, making them a better choice for professional woodworkers. Ultimately, the choice between a benchtop planer and a cabinet planer will depend on your specific needs and budget.
What are the top-rated benchtop planers available for under $500?
There are several top-rated benchtop planers available for under $500, including the WEN 6552T, the Delta Power Tools 22-555, and the DEWALT DW734. Each of these planers offers powerful motors, easy-to-use controls, and durable construction, making them great choices for hobbyists and DIYers on a budget.
Are there any notable differences between the DEWALT DW735X and other popular benchtop planers?
The DEWALT DW735X is widely considered to be one of the best benchtop planers on the market, thanks to its powerful motor, large cutting capacity, and easy-to-use controls. While there are other popular benchtop planers available, such as the WEN 6552T and the Delta Power Tools 22-555, the DEWALT DW735X stands out for its superior performance and build quality.
Can a benchtop planer be a suitable alternative to professional woodworking equipment?
While a benchtop planer can be a useful tool for hobbyists and DIYers, it is not a suitable alternative to professional woodworking equipment. Professional woodworking equipment is typically more powerful and more precise than benchtop planers, and is designed to handle larger and more complex projects. However, for smaller projects and home woodworking tasks, a benchtop planer can be a great choice.
What are the pros and cons of using a Hercules brand benchtop planer?
Hercules brand benchtop planers are known for their powerful motors, large cutting capacities, and durable construction. However, they can be more expensive than other benchtop planers, and may not be the best choice for hobbyists and DIYers on a budget. Additionally, Hercules brand benchtop planers may be more difficult to find than other brands, as they are not as widely available in stores.
