Best Bench Planer
For any serious woodworker, a reliable bench planer is an indispensable tool, transforming rough lumber into perfectly smooth, uniformly thick stock. Achieving professional-grade results hinges on the precision and power of your equipment.
However, navigating the vast array of options to find the best bench planer can be a daunting task, requiring careful consideration of various features and specifications. This article aims to simplify that search, guiding you through the critical factors that define superior performance.
We understand that investing in the right tools means considering not just initial cost, but also long-term durability, ease of maintenance, and overall value. Making an informed decision ensures your projects benefit from consistent quality and efficiency.
Our focus is on helping you identify the best bench planer to meet your specific needs and elevate your craftsmanship.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Best Bench Planer Compared

🏆 BEST OVERALL Amazon Basics Woodworking Hand Planer – No.4 Adjustable Bench Plane with 2-Inch Blade for Wood Smoothing
- Durable cast iron body provides stability and strength.
- Contoured, impact-resistant handle for excellent control.
- Durable steel alloy blade designed for quality cuts.
- Adjustable gear allows for precise results.
4.5/5
Check Price on Amazon

� BEST VALUE CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp
- Powerful 15 Amp motor handles both hard and soft wood efficiently.
- Poly-v cutterhead drive designed for maximum stock removal.
- Smooth operation due to ball-bearing mounted, solid steel cutter head.
- Quick-change, high carbon steel, double-edged reversible knives for extended cutting life.
4.3/5
Check Price on Amazon

DEWALT Benchtop Planer
- Powerful 15-amp motor handles demanding cuts and hardwoods
- Three-knife cutter head delivers an exceptionally fine finish
- Disposable, reversible knives offer extended life and easy replacement
- Four-column carriage lock effectively minimizes snipe
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon

WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thicknes
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades provides a smooth finish and extends blade life.
- Onboard material removal gauge assists in precise depth control.
- Generous capacity handling boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide.
- Powerful 15A motor delivers 10,000 RPM for effective material removal.
4.3/5
Check Price on Amazon

WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
- Generous capacity for boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide
- Powerful 15A motor capable of 20,000 cuts per minute for smooth finishes
- Consistent 26 feet per minute feed rate for efficient material removal
- Precise depth adjustment up to 1/8 inch per pass
4.5/5
Check Price on Amazon

WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer
- Powerful 3.8-amp motor for consistent cuts
- Precise depth adjustment with 9 stops (0-1/16 inch)
- Extremely lightweight (4.3 lbs) for easy handling
- Convenient onboard storage for adjustment wrench
4.8/5
Check Price on Amazon

Cutech 40800H 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer with 26 Tungsten Carbide Inserts
- Spiral cutterhead designed for smooth finishes and reduced noise.
- Automatic snipe minimization feature, eliminating the need for a separate snipe lock.
- Two-speed feed rate allows for optimal processing of various wood types and reduces tearout.
- Convenient repeat cut depth stop with 8 positions for batch consistency.
4.3/5
Check Price on Amazon

FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead
- Pre-installed helical cutter head with 40 carbide inserts for superior finish.
- Achieves high accuracy (tolerance <0.1mm) due to 4-column design.
- Produces smooth, tear-free cuts with reduced noise.
- Efficient dust collection system minimizes clogging.
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon

VEVOR Thickness Planer – 13-Inch Benchtop Wood Planer
- Powerful 2000W motor and high cutter head speed for efficient processing.
- Generous 13-inch maximum cutting width and 6.3-inch planing height capacity.
- Foldable workbenches and detachable stand offer excellent workspace flexibility.
- User-friendly features like automatic feeding and precise depth adjustment with scale.
4.3/5
Check Price on Amazon
Detailed Reviews of the Best Bench Planer
Amazon Basics Woodworking Hand Planer – No.4 Adjustable Bench Plane with 2-Inch Blade for Wood Smoothing – Durable cast iron body provides stability and strength.
This tool appears to be constructed with durability in mind, featuring a cast iron body that contributes to its stability and overall robust feel during operation. The handle is made from impact-resistant plastic with a contoured grip, which should provide comfortable and secure handling for extended periods. It’s equipped with a durable steel alloy blade designed for making quality cuts, suggesting reliable performance across various tasks.
A notable feature is the adjustable gear mechanism, allowing for precise fine-tuning to achieve accurate results, which is beneficial for detailed work. Users should be aware of the manufacturer’s recommendation to adjust the ‘factory setting’ according to the user manual (Point 5) before initial use to ensure optimal operation and prevent potential issues. This pre-use adjustment step is important for getting the most out of the tool’s capabilities.
Pros
- Durable cast iron body provides stability and strength.
- Contoured, impact-resistant handle for excellent control.
- Durable steel alloy blade designed for quality cuts.
- Adjustable gear allows for precise results.
Cons
- Requires initial adjustment of ‘factory settings’ before first use as per manual.
DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer –
Feature: 13 in. 2-Speed Thickness Planer, & Dust Hose Adapter
Pros
Cons
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp – Powerful 15 Amp motor handles both hard and soft wood efficiently.
This planer offers a robust solution for woodworking tasks, capable of handling both hard and soft woods thanks to its powerful 15 Amp motor. Users should appreciate the poly-v cutterhead drive designed for efficient stock removal, which contributes to quicker project completion. The cutting mechanism features a two-knife, quick-change, solid steel cutter head mounted on ball bearings, aiming for smooth operation and enhanced durability over time.
Further extending the tool’s utility are the high carbon steel, double-edged, reversible knives, which promise a longer cutting life before needing replacement or sharpening. This design choice adds to the overall value by reducing frequent maintenance. For maintaining a cleaner work environment, the integrated vacuum port is a practical addition, allowing for effective dust collection.
Overall, this unit appears well-suited for various planing needs, focusing on power, efficiency, and operational convenience.
Pros
- Powerful 15 Amp motor handles both hard and soft wood efficiently.
- Poly-v cutterhead drive designed for maximum stock removal.
- Smooth operation due to ball-bearing mounted, solid steel cutter head.
- Quick-change, high carbon steel, double-edged reversible knives for extended cutting life.
- Integrated vacuum port assists with dust collection for a cleaner workspace.
Cons
- Optimal dust collection requires connection to a suitable external vacuum system.
- As with most powerful woodworking tools, operating noise levels may necessitate hearing protection.
DEWALT Benchtop Planer – Powerful 15-amp motor handles demanding cuts and hardwoods
This planer offers a robust set of features suitable for various woodworking tasks, particularly those involving hardwoods. The powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor is designed to handle deeper cuts and tougher materials effectively. A significant advantage is the three-knife cutter head, which, at 10,000 rpm, provides an impressive 96 cuts per inch, resulting in a notably fine finish.
The convenience of disposable, reversible knives that boast 30% more life and quick changes streamlines maintenance. Stability during operation is enhanced by the four-column carriage lock, which aims to drastically reduce snipe. Users will also appreciate the extended 33-1/2 inch infeed and outfeed tables for substantial material support, along with clear material removal and thickness gauges for accurate adjustments.
The turret depth stop is a practical addition for quickly returning to frequently used depths.
Pros
- Powerful 15-amp motor handles demanding cuts and hardwoods
- Three-knife cutter head delivers an exceptionally fine finish
- Disposable, reversible knives offer extended life and easy replacement
- Four-column carriage lock effectively minimizes snipe
- Extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide excellent material support
- Accurate material removal gauge and thickness scale for precise cuts
- Turret depth stop allows for quick setting of common depths
Cons
- Integrated dust collection system details are not specified
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thicknes – Spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades provides a smooth finish and extends blade life.
This planer offers a robust set of features suitable for various woodworking tasks. The core of its performance lies in the spiral cutterhead, equipped with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades. This design not only contributes to a noticeably smoother finish on lumber but also provides the convenience of rotating blades when an edge dulls, extending their overall lifespan before replacement is needed.
Users will appreciate the onboard material removal gauge, which is a practical addition for monitoring cutting depth and ensuring consistent passes, helping to prevent accidental over-planing. With a substantial capacity to handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide, it accommodates a good range of project sizes. The 15A motor, delivering 10,000 RPM at a 26 feet per minute feed rate, provides adequate power for consistent material removal.
This unit appears well-suited for home workshops or small professional settings.
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades provides a smooth finish and extends blade life.
- Onboard material removal gauge assists in precise depth control.
- Generous capacity handling boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide.
- Powerful 15A motor delivers 10,000 RPM for effective material removal.
- Consistent feed rate of 26 feet per minute.
Cons
- No specific details provided on integrated dust collection, suggesting an external system may be necessary.
- Lacks variable speed settings, which some users might prefer for different wood types or finishes.
WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer – Generous capacity for boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide
This planer presents a robust option for those needing to dimension lumber for various projects. Its capacity to handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide makes it versatile for a range of woodworking tasks, from small crafts to larger furniture components. The 15A motor is powerful, delivering 20,000 cuts per minute at a consistent 26 feet per minute feed rate, which is conducive to achieving smooth finishes on different wood species.
Users can easily adjust the depth of cut from 0 to 1/8 of an inch per pass, allowing for precise material removal. The inclusion of two reversible 12.5-inch SK5 blades is a thoughtful addition, providing extended operational life and ensuring continued performance. This tool appears well-suited for home workshops and serious hobbyists seeking accurate and efficient lumber planing.
Pros
- Generous capacity for boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide
- Powerful 15A motor capable of 20,000 cuts per minute for smooth finishes
- Consistent 26 feet per minute feed rate for efficient material removal
- Precise depth adjustment up to 1/8 inch per pass
- Includes two durable, reversible SK5 blades for extended life
Cons
- Fixed feed rate, not variable
- As with all planers, effective dust collection is essential and needs to be considered
WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer – Powerful 3.8-amp motor for consistent cuts
This compact electric planer offers a practical solution for various woodworking tasks, particularly where precise material removal is needed. The 3.8-amp motor delivers up to 32,000 cuts per minute, providing consistent performance for light to moderate planing. Users will appreciate the nine positive stops for depth adjustment, allowing for precise control from 0 to 1/16 inches, which is ideal for fine-tuning surfaces.
Weighing only 4.3 pounds, the tool is easy to handle and maneuver, reducing fatigue during extended use. Thoughtful design elements like the onboard storage for the blade adjustment wrench and an integrated kickstand, which prevents damage to your workpiece, enhance the overall user experience. The included two-year warranty adds a layer of assurance for your investment.
Pros
- Powerful 3.8-amp motor for consistent cuts
- Precise depth adjustment with 9 stops (0-1/16 inch)
- Extremely lightweight (4.3 lbs) for easy handling
- Convenient onboard storage for adjustment wrench
- Integrated kickstand protects work surfaces
- Backed by a two-year warranty
Cons
- Maximum cutting depth of 1/16 inch may be shallow for some projects
- 3.8-amp motor might limit use for very heavy-duty material removal
Cutech 40800H 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer with 26 Tungsten Carbide Inserts – Spiral cutterhead designed for smooth finishes and reduced noise.
This planer incorporates several features designed for efficient woodworking. The Cutech spiral cutterhead, with its staggered, two-sided inserts, aims to deliver smooth finishes while operating at reduced noise levels. This design also contributes to a lower amp draw during use.
A notable feature is the automatic snipe minimization, utilizing four lead screws and a patented coupling, which removes the need for a separate snipe lock. Users can benefit from the two-speed feed rate, allowing for a slower 16-fpm setting to manage hardwoods and minimize tearout effectively. Convenience features include an 8-position repeat cut depth stop for batch processing, a clear depth of cut indicator, and a versatile flip dust hood for adaptable chip management.
The inclusion of board return rollers also adds to the operational ease. Overall, the machine appears to be well-equipped for various planing tasks.
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead designed for smooth finishes and reduced noise.
- Automatic snipe minimization feature, eliminating the need for a separate snipe lock.
- Two-speed feed rate allows for optimal processing of various wood types and reduces tearout.
- Convenient repeat cut depth stop with 8 positions for batch consistency.
- Versatile flip dust hood and board return rollers enhance user experience.
- Two-sided inserts offer superior precision and alignment.
Cons
- While advanced, achieving absolutely zero snipe can still depend on user technique and wood characteristics.
- Specific availability and long-term cost of replacement two-sided inserts are not detailed.
FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead – Pre-installed helical cutter head with 40 carbide inserts for superior finish.
The FindBuyTool FB131H 13″ benchtop planer arrives with a pre-installed helical cutter head, featuring 40 tungsten carbide inserts. This design is noted for producing a smooth, tear-free surface finish on both softwoods and hardwoods, often with reduced noise compared to traditional straight knife planers. Its 4-column structure and anti-wobble foundation contribute to maintaining consistent thickness, claiming an accuracy of less than 0.1mm.
The 15AMP motor provides adequate power for typical woodworking tasks, complemented by an 8-position depth stop for repeatable cuts. Additionally, the helical head design generates smaller chips, aiding in efficient dust collection and minimizing clogs. Users should note the recommended max cut depth of 1/8 inch per pass for optimal results, indicating its suitability for lighter passes and residential use.
Pros
- Pre-installed helical cutter head with 40 carbide inserts for superior finish.
- Achieves high accuracy (tolerance <0.1mm) due to 4-column design.
- Produces smooth, tear-free cuts with reduced noise.
- Efficient dust collection system minimizes clogging.
- Convenient 8-position depth stop for repetitive tasks.
Cons
- Max planing depth of 1/8 inch per pass may require multiple passes for significant material removal.
- Primarily designed for residential/tabletop use, with recommendations for avoiding overloading.
VEVOR Thickness Planer – 13-Inch Benchtop Wood Planer – Powerful 2000W motor and high cutter head speed for efficient processing.
This thickness planer presents itself as a capable tool for both professional and DIY woodworking tasks. Powered by a 2000W 15-AMP motor, it features an 8,000 RPM cutter head and a feeding speed of 236 inches per minute, allowing for efficient material processing up to 13 inches wide and 6.3 inches thick. The inclusion of foldable workbenches and a detachable stand is a practical design choice, enhancing workspace flexibility, while the automatic feeding system aims to streamline operations.
Adjusting the planing depth is straightforward with the crank handle and integrated scale, facilitating precise control. Safety and convenience are addressed through details like a dust exhaust port, an electromagnetic switch, return rollers, and carrying handles. It’s designed to impart a smooth finish on various materials, including wood and bamboo, making it a versatile option for reclaiming and refining stock.
Pros
- Powerful 2000W motor and high cutter head speed for efficient processing.
- Generous 13-inch maximum cutting width and 6.3-inch planing height capacity.
- Foldable workbenches and detachable stand offer excellent workspace flexibility.
- User-friendly features like automatic feeding and precise depth adjustment with scale.
- Includes practical details such as a dust exhaust interface and carrying handles.
- Versatile for planing various materials like wood and bamboo to a smooth finish.
Cons
- Effectiveness of the dust collection system is not explicitly detailed.
- Noise levels during operation, a common consideration for planers, are not specified.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Bench Planer
Power and Performance
When selecting the best bench planer, motor power is crucial for efficient material removal, especially with hardwoods. Look for models featuring powerful 15-Amp motors, like those found in CRAFTSMAN, DEWALT Benchtop, WEN PL1326, and WEN PL1252, or even a 2000W motor as seen in the VEVOR. Higher amperage or wattage translates to greater torque and cutterhead speed, enabling the planer to handle demanding cuts without bogging down. This ensures consistent performance and smoother operation, making your woodworking tasks much easier and more effective.
Cutterhead Technology and Finish Quality
The type of cutterhead significantly impacts the finish quality and longevity of your planer. Spiral or helical cutterheads, featured in WEN PL1326, Cutech 40800H, and FindBuyTool, utilize numerous small, rotatable carbide inserts. These designs are praised for producing exceptionally smooth, tear-free finishes with reduced noise and extended blade life. Traditional straight-knife cutterheads, like the three-knife system on the DEWALT Benchtop or two-blade on WEN PL1252, also deliver fine finishes, especially with sharp, high-carbon steel or SK5 blades. Consider the ease of blade replacement and reversibility for extended cutting life.
Capacity and Precision
A high-quality bench planer offers ample capacity and precise adjustments for consistent results. Look for models that can handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 to 13 inches wide, like the WEN PL1326, WEN PL1252, and VEVOR. Precision features such as accurate material removal gauges, thickness scales, and multi-position turret depth stops (DEWALT Benchtop, Cutech, FindBuyTool) allow for quick, repeatable, and exact cuts. A consistent feed rate, typically around 26 feet per minute, ensures uniform material removal across the board.
Convenience, Durability, and Safety
The best bench planer models prioritize user convenience, robust construction, and safety. Features like four-column carriage locks and automatic snipe minimization (DEWALT Benchtop, Cutech) are vital for preventing uneven cuts at the board’s ends. Efficient dust collection systems with integrated vacuum ports (CRAFTSMAN, FindBuyTool, VEVOR) maintain a cleaner workspace. Durable cast iron bodies (Amazon Basics) and solid steel cutter heads (CRAFTSMAN) ensure stability and longevity. Extra-long infeed/outfeed tables and foldable workbenches enhance material support and workspace flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Bench Planer
What is a bench planer primarily used for?
A bench planer, often a thickness planer, is used to uniformly reduce the thickness of wood boards and create parallel, smooth surfaces. It’s essential for achieving consistent dimensions and superior finishes, making rough lumber suitable for fine woodworking projects. While some hand planers can perform similar tasks on a smaller scale, a bench planer provides greater capacity, power, and precision for larger boards. It’s a fundamental tool for any serious woodworker aiming for professional-grade results.
What motor power is ideal for a high-quality bench planer?
For a high-quality bench planer, a powerful motor is paramount. Most top models feature a 15-Amp motor, which is capable of handling both softwoods and demanding hardwoods efficiently, as seen in DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, and WEN benchtop planers. Some, like the VEVOR, offer a 2000W motor for even greater processing power. This ensures consistent performance, prevents bogging down under load, and contributes to smoother cuts, making your planing tasks quicker and more effective for any woodworking project.
How do different cutterhead types affect the finish of a bench planer?
Cutterhead type significantly impacts the finish. Spiral or helical cutterheads, like those found in WEN PL1326, Cutech, and FindBuyTool, use numerous small, rotatable carbide inserts. These create a shear cut, resulting in an exceptionally smooth, tear-free finish with reduced noise and extended blade life. Traditional straight-knife cutterheads (e.g., DEWALT’s three-knife or WEN PL1252’s two-blade) also produce fine finishes but can be more prone to tearout on difficult grain. The choice depends on desired finish quality, noise tolerance, and maintenance preference.
Why is snipe minimization important in a bench planer?
Snipe minimization is crucial for achieving consistent, high-quality results with your bench planer. Snipe refers to slight depressions at the beginning and end of a board caused by the planer head. Features like a four-column carriage lock (DEWALT Benchtop) or automatic snipe minimization (Cutech
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The Amazon Basics Woodworking Hand Planer – No.4 Adjustable Bench Plane with 2-Inch Blade for Wood Smoothing this tool offers a robust build and features designed for precision and control, making it suitable for tasks requiring reliable performance. while an initial adjustment is necessary before use, its durable components and precise adjustment capabilities suggest it’s a solid option for users needing a dependable tool.