Woodworking is a craft that requires precision, patience, and the right tools. One of the essential tools for any woodworking project is a planer. A planer is a machine that shaves off the top layer of a piece of wood, creating a smooth and even surface. This tool is essential for any woodworker, from beginners to professionals.
When it comes to choosing the best planer for woodworking, there are several things to consider. The first thing to consider is the type of planer you need. There are two main types of planers: handheld and benchtop. Handheld planers are portable and can be used on small pieces of wood, while benchtop planers are larger and more powerful, making them ideal for larger pieces of wood.
Another thing to consider is the size of the planer. The size of the planer will depend on the size of the wood you will be working with. If you plan on working with larger pieces of wood, you will need a larger planer. Additionally, you should consider the power of the planer. A more powerful planer will be able to handle tougher jobs and will be more efficient.
When choosing the best planer for woodworking, it’s important to consider the quality of the machine. A high-quality planer will last longer and produce better results. Look for a planer made of durable materials and with a good warranty.
In the next section, we will review the top planers for woodworking and help you choose the best one for your needs.
Best Planers for Woodworking
If you’re looking to smooth out rough lumber or create precise thicknesses for your woodworking projects, a planer is an essential tool to have in your arsenal. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best planers for woodworking based on factors such as power, accuracy, and ease of use. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, there’s a planer on this list that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) 2-Speed 13″ w/Feed Tables & Extra Blades
If you’re in the market for a powerful, efficient, and reliable thickness planer, the DEWALT DW735X is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 15 AMP, 20,000 RPM motor makes it easy to handle larger cuts in wider materials.
- The three knife cutter-head delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife changes faster and easier.
- The two-speed gear box allows users to change feed speed to optimize cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI.
Cons
- The planer is relatively heavy, weighing in at 92 pounds.
- The stand is not included, which may be an additional expense.
- Some users have reported issues with the drive belt breaking.
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful and efficient thickness planer that can handle a variety of materials with ease. The three knife cutter-head and two-speed gear box make it easy to achieve accurate and precise cuts, while the fan-assisted chip ejection system helps keep your workspace clean and free of debris.
One of the biggest advantages of the DEWALT DW735X is its powerful motor. With a 15 AMP, 20,000 RPM motor, this planer can easily handle larger cuts in wider materials, making it a great option for professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Another great feature of this planer is the three knife cutter-head, which delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife changes faster and easier. The two-speed gear box also allows users to change feed speed to optimize cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI, depending on the type of material being used.
While the DEWALT DW735X is a great option for most woodworkers, it does have a few drawbacks. The planer is relatively heavy, weighing in at 92 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around your workspace. Additionally, the stand is not included, which may be an additional expense for some users. Finally, some users have reported issues with the drive belt breaking, which may be a concern for those who plan to use the planer frequently.
Overall, the DEWALT DW735X is a powerful and efficient thickness planer that is well-suited for a variety of woodworking projects. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality planer, this is definitely one to consider.
VEVOR Thickness Planer 13-Inch Benchtop Planer
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful thickness planer for woodworking, the VEVOR Thickness Planer 13-Inch Benchtop Planer is a great option.
Pros
- The 2000W 15-AMP high-power thickness planer handles larger cuts in broader materials with ease.
- The foldable tables and detachable stand provide extra operating space and allow for adjusting the tables to get the appropriate angle for smoothly feeding boards.
- The height of the cutter head can be easily adjusted with a comfortable crank handle, and the scale indicates the thickness of the board being machined.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the handle sticks and that the planer blows the fuse in their garage every few days.
- A few customers have had issues with the planer breaking down after a few months of use.
- The planer may not be suitable for professional use.
In terms of performance, this planer is powerful and efficient, making it a great option for those looking to tackle larger cuts in broader materials. The foldable tables and detachable stand provide extra operating space, which is a nice touch for those who need more room to work. Adjusting the height of the cutter head is easy and precise, thanks to the comfortable crank handle and the scale that indicates the thickness of the board being machined.
On the downside, some customers have reported that the handle sticks and that the planer blows the fuse in their garage every few days. A few customers have had issues with the planer breaking down after a few months of use. Additionally, this planer may not be suitable for professional use, but it is a great option for DIY woodworking projects.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient thickness planer for your woodworking projects, the VEVOR Thickness Planer 13-Inch Benchtop Planer is definitely worth considering.
WEN Planer
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable planer, the WEN Planer is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The 15A motor generates 20,000 cuts per minute at a 26 feet per minute feed rate, making it a powerful tool for any woodworking project.
- The WEN Planer can plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide, making it a versatile tool for a variety of projects.
- The depth adjustment knob allows you to adjust the depth of each pass anywhere from 0 to 1/8 of an inch, giving you precise control over your workpiece.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the dust port can become clogged easily, so you may need to clean it frequently during use.
- The WEN Planer can be somewhat loud during operation, so you may want to invest in hearing protection if you plan to use it for extended periods of time.
- The infeed and outfeed tables can be somewhat difficult to adjust, and may require some trial and error to get them just right.
Overall, the WEN Planer is an excellent tool for any woodworker looking for a reliable and affordable planer. With its powerful motor, wide planing capacity, and precise depth control, it’s a versatile tool that can handle a variety of projects with ease. If you’re in the market for a new planer, the WEN Planer is definitely worth considering.
Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hand plane for your woodworking projects, the Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane might be the one for you.
Pros
- The durable cast iron body provides stability and strength, ensuring that the hand plane will last for a long time.
- The impact-resistant plastic handle with contoured grip offers excellent control and comfort, making it easy to use for extended periods.
- The adjustable gear allows you to achieve precise results, making it a versatile tool for various woodworking projects.
Cons
- The steel alloy blade is not as sharp as some other hand planes on the market. You might need to sharpen it before using it.
- The hand plane requires some adjustments before you can use it. You need to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you’re using it correctly.
- The hand plane is relatively heavy, which might make it difficult to use for some people.
If you’re looking for an affordable hand plane that can get the job done, the Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane is worth considering. Despite its low price, it has a durable cast iron body that provides stability and strength. The impact-resistant plastic handle with contoured grip offers excellent control and comfort, making it easy to use for extended periods. The adjustable gear allows you to achieve precise results, making it a versatile tool for various woodworking projects.
However, the steel alloy blade is not as sharp as some other hand planes on the market. You might need to sharpen it before using it. Additionally, the hand plane requires some adjustments before you can use it. You need to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you’re using it correctly. Finally, the hand plane is relatively heavy, which might make it difficult to use for some people.
In conclusion, the Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Universal Bench Hand Plane is a decent choice for those who are looking for an affordable hand plane for their woodworking projects. It has some limitations, but it’s a solid tool that can get the job done.
WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable planer for woodworking, the WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 6-Amp motor provides up to 34,000 cuts per minute, making it a powerful tool for smoothing out rough surfaces.
- The 16 positive stops allow you to adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/8 inches, giving you more precision and control over your work.
- The included rabbeting guide and parallel fence bracket make it easy to create rabbets and straight cuts, making this planer a versatile tool for a variety of woodworking projects.
Cons
- The dust bag that comes with the planer is not very effective at collecting all of the shavings, so you may need to use a separate vacuum or dust collector to keep your workspace clean.
- The planer is not very lightweight, weighing in at 6 pounds, which may make it more difficult to use for extended periods of time.
- Some users have reported that the blades dull quickly and need to be replaced frequently, which can be an added expense.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly planer that can handle a variety of woodworking tasks, the WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a solid choice. With its powerful motor, adjustable cutting depth, and included accessories, it’s a versatile tool that can help you achieve smooth and even surfaces on your woodworking projects.
NADOBA Wood Planers Woodworking Tools
If you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use hand planer for woodworking, the NADOBA Wood Planers Woodworking Tools might be a great option for you.
Pros
- The stainless steel blade is sturdy and strong, ensuring long-lasting use.
- The plastic body is durable and well-built, providing resistance to breakage and deformation.
- The design of the hand plane is safe and practical, making woodworking more easy, safe, and hassle-free.
Cons
- For thicker pieces of wood, it may be necessary to make multiple passes with the hand planer tool, which can be time-consuming.
- The planer is relatively small, which may not be ideal for larger woodworking projects.
- The hand-powered design may require more effort than motorized power planers.
This mini wood cutter planer is engineered to remove layers of wood with meticulous accuracy. It’s great for maintaining straightness on double surfaces and cutting wood with precision accuracy to the desired thickness. Additionally, the NADOBA Wood Planers Woodworking Tools can be used for wood carving to create parallel surfaces and adjust the thickness of finished boards quickly.
The hand planer is easy to use, as it uses muscle power to force the cutting blade over the wood surface. Just shaving down the wood with our wood shaver tool. These woodworking hand tools can tackle larger tasks and prevent your hand from getting cuts and hurts due to its practical design. The planer is also lightweight, making it easy to use for extended periods.
Overall, the NADOBA Wood Planers Woodworking Tools is a great option for those who need a compact and easy-to-use hand planer for woodworking. It’s perfect for smaller woodworking projects or for those who prefer hand-powered tools.
Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful planer for your woodworking projects, the Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer might be a great choice for you.
Pros
- The powerful 15A motor can easily handle even the most demanding jobs.
- The four-column design provides excellent stability for smooth and accurate planning.
- The quick-change knife system with dual-edge disposable knives lets you change knives without difficult-to-use alignment jigs.
Cons
- The infeed and outfeed tables could be larger to better support longer pieces and reduce snipe.
- The planer is quite heavy, which might make it difficult to move around your workshop.
- The dust collection system could be more efficient.
This planer is a great choice if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable tool that can handle a variety of woodworking projects. The 15A motor is capable of handling even the toughest jobs, and the four-column design provides excellent stability for smooth and accurate planning. The quick-change knife system with dual-edge disposable knives is also a great feature that makes it easy to change knives without any difficult-to-use alignment jigs.
One downside of this planer is that the infeed and outfeed tables could be larger to better support longer pieces and reduce snipe. Additionally, the planer is quite heavy, which might make it difficult to move around your workshop. Finally, the dust collection system could be more efficient, which might be a concern if you’re working in a small or enclosed space.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable planer that can handle a variety of woodworking projects, the Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer is definitely worth considering.
VEVOR Thickness Planer 12.5 inch Wood Planer
If you’re in the market for a high-power wood planer, the VEVOR Thickness Planer 12.5 inch Wood Planer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 1500W high-power motor with 2pcs double cutter blades can handle a max cutting width of 12.5″ (319 mm) and a cutting thickness of 0.2″-6″ (5-150 mm), making it suitable for planing old, weathered, rough and worn wood.
- The crank handle and scale ruler make it easy to adjust the height of the cutter head for precise machining, while the grooves on both sides make it easy to move around.
- The dust exhaust interface can be connected to dust collectors for easy cleanup of the flying wood chips, and the detachable & heavy-duty stand ensures a strong fixation of the wood planer.
Cons
- This planer generates a lot of dust, so you’ll need to connect a dust vacuum to keep the planing surface smooth.
- Some users have reported issues with the feed rollers becoming worn and causing issues with the planing process.
- The crank handle for raising and lowering the cutter head can be a bit tight.
Overall, the VEVOR Thickness Planer 12.5 inch Wood Planer is a reliable and powerful tool for woodworking. With its high-power motor and double cutter blades, it can handle even the toughest materials. However, you’ll need to be prepared for the amount of dust it generates and keep an eye on the condition of the feed rollers.
DEWALT Benchtop Planer
If you’re in the market for a powerful and reliable benchtop planer, the DEWALT DW734 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 15 amp, 20,000 RPM motor can handle larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods with ease.
- The three-knife cutter head with 10,000 RPM cutter-head speed provides 96 cuts per inch, delivering one of the finest finishes of any portable planer.
- The four-column carriage lock drastically reduces the movement that causes snipe.
Cons
- At 80 pounds, it’s not exactly lightweight, which could make it difficult to move around.
- The dust hood could be improved, as it doesn’t always capture all of the sawdust.
- It’s a bit on the expensive side, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
In terms of performance, the DEWALT DW734 is a top-notch benchtop planer that can handle even the toughest hardwoods with ease. The powerful 15 amp, 20,000 RPM motor provides plenty of power, while the three-knife cutter head delivers a smooth and even finish. The four-column carriage lock also helps to minimize snipe, which is a common issue with many other planers.
One of the standout features of the DEWALT DW734 is the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables, which provide 33-1/2-inch of material support. This makes it easy to work with longer pieces of wood without having to worry about them falling off the planer.
Another nice feature of the DEWALT DW734 is the material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale, which make it easy to get accurate cuts with every pass. And if you frequently use certain depths, the turret depth stop allows you to return to them with ease.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality benchtop planer that can handle even the toughest jobs, the DEWALT DW734 is definitely worth considering. While it may be a bit on the expensive side, the performance and reliability it offers make it well worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a planer for woodworking, there are a few key features you should look for to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
Type of Planer
The first thing to consider is the type of planer you need. There are two main types: benchtop and handheld. Benchtop planers are larger and more powerful, making them ideal for larger projects and professional use. Handheld planers are smaller and more portable, making them better for smaller projects and home use.
Cutting Depth and Width
Another important factor to consider is the cutting depth and width. The cutting depth refers to how much material the planer can remove in a single pass, while the cutting width refers to how wide a board the planer can handle. Look for a planer with a cutting depth and width that will meet your specific needs.
Motor Power
The motor power is also an important consideration. A more powerful motor will be able to handle tougher materials and larger projects, but it will also be more expensive. Look for a motor power that matches the types of projects you will be working on.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is another important feature to consider. Look for a planer with a good dust collection system to keep your workspace clean and free of debris. Some planers come with a built-in dust collection system, while others require an external dust collector.
Blades
Finally, consider the quality of the blades. Look for planers with high-quality blades that can be easily sharpened or replaced. Dull blades can cause tear-out and other issues, so it’s important to keep them sharp and in good condition.
By considering these factors when choosing a planer, you can ensure that you get the best product for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a high-quality woodworking planer?
When shopping for a woodworking planer, look for features such as a powerful motor, adjustable cutting depth, and a dust collection system. Additionally, you may want to consider the size and weight of the planer, as well as the quality of the blades and feed rollers.
How does a benchtop planer differ from a thickness planer?
A benchtop planer is typically smaller and more portable than a thickness planer, making it a great choice for hobbyists and those with limited workshop space. However, a thickness planer is generally more powerful and can handle larger pieces of wood with ease.
What are the top-rated planers for fine woodworking?
Some of the top-rated planers for fine woodworking include the DeWalt DW735X, the Jet JWP-15BHH, and the Powermatic 15HH. These planers are known for their precision, power, and durability.
Which planers offer the best value for a budget under $1000?
If you’re on a budget, consider the DeWalt DW734 or the Delta Power Tools 22-555. Both of these planers offer excellent performance and durability at an affordable price.
How do I determine the right size planer for my woodworking projects?
The size of the planer you need depends on the size of the wood you typically work with. If you work with larger pieces of wood, you’ll need a larger planer with a wider cutting capacity. However, if you primarily work with smaller pieces of wood, a smaller planer may be sufficient.
Are there notable differences between DEWALT and Oliver benchtop planers?
While both DeWalt and Oliver are well-respected brands in the world of woodworking tools, there are some notable differences between their benchtop planers. DeWalt planers are known for their power and precision, while Oliver planers are known for their durability and ease of use. Ultimately, the best planer for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
