Best Planer

DEWALT Thickness Planer –

Feature: Powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor (10,000 rpm cutterhead speed) handles larger cuts in wider materials with ease

WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thicknes – Spiral cutterhead with 26 inserts provides a superior, clean finish.

This 13-inch benchtop planer offers a compelling set of features for woodworking projects. The main highlight is the spiral-style cutterhead, which utilizes 26 individual HSS inserts. This design is known for producing a smoother finish with less tear-out compared to traditional straight knives, and the individual cutters can be rotated or replaced if damaged, which is a convenient and cost-effective approach to maintenance.

The 15A motor provides substantial power, running the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM to handle various wood species. Its capacity is generous for a portable unit, accommodating boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. A helpful addition is the material removal gauge, which allows the user to see the planned cutting depth for each pass, helping to prevent motor strain and improve results.

The 26 FPM feed rate is standard and efficient for most home shop applications.

CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp – Powerful 15 Amp motor handles both hard and soft wood species.

This benchtop planer is built around a 15 Amp motor, which provides sufficient power for dimensioning both hardwoods and softwoods effectively. The cutting mechanism features a solid steel, two-knife cutter head that is mounted on ball bearings, designed to ensure smooth operation and enhance the tool’s longevity. A notable feature is the high-carbon steel knives, which are double-edged and reversible.

This design essentially doubles the usage you can get from a single set of blades before needing a replacement, which is a practical and cost-effective benefit. The poly-v belt drive system is engineered for efficient power transfer, aiming for maximum stock removal with each pass. For workshop cleanliness, the inclusion of a vacuum port is a welcome addition, allowing for direct connection to a dust collection system to manage chips and fine dust.

The specifications suggest a capable machine for hobbyists and small shop use.

DEWALT 20V MAX Planer – Powerful brushless motor provides strong performance and efficiency.

This electric planer appears to be a well-designed tool, centered around a powerful brushless motor that should deliver both consistent power and efficient runtime. The high rate of 30,000 cuts per minute is impressive, suggesting it can achieve a smooth finish while removing material quickly. A standout feature is its precision; the depth adjustment knob allows for very fine, calibrated changes, and the machined front and back aluminum shoes are designed to ensure cuts remain parallel and accurate.

Thoughtful additions like the kickstand, which protects the workpiece from the blade when the tool is set down, and the groove for edge chamfering add to its overall utility. The ergonomic handle is a welcome feature for reducing user fatigue during extended use, making this a capable tool for a variety of woodworking projects.

DEWALT Benchtop Planer – Powerful 15-amp motor capably handles hardwoods.

This portable planer is equipped with a robust 15-amp motor, designed to handle demanding cuts in various hardwoods. Its three-knife cutter head, spinning at 10,000 RPM, delivers an impressive 96 cuts per inch, which should result in a very fine, smooth surface finish straight from the machine. A key feature is the four-column carriage lock, specifically engineered to minimize snipe—a common issue with benchtop planers.

The inclusion of extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provides substantial material support at 33.5 inches, further aiding in the reduction of snipe on longer boards. For convenience, the planer uses disposable, reversible knives, which simplifies the replacement process and extends blade life. Precision is addressed through a material removal gauge, a large thickness scale for clear readings, and a turret depth stop for quickly returning to preset thicknesses.

These features combine to offer a well-rounded tool for woodworkers seeking consistent and accurate results.

VEVOR Thickness Planer – Generous 13-inch width and 6-inch thickness capacity.

This 13-inch benchtop planer is a capable machine for the home workshop or job site. The 15-amp, 1800W motor provides sufficient power for surfacing various types of wood, and the two-knife cutter head delivers a generally smooth finish. The unit can handle boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick, which is a generous capacity for a portable model.

I found the pull-out extension tables helpful for supporting longer boards, reducing the likelihood of snipe on entry and exit. The cast iron bed offers a stable and flat reference surface. Safety features like the 20A current overload protector are a welcome addition.

While dust collection is present via a vacuum port, you’ll need a reasonably powerful shop vacuum to manage the high volume of chips this machine produces. Overall, it performs as expected for a planer in this category, suitable for dimensioning lumber for various projects.

WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer – Handles wide boards up to 12.5 inches.

This benchtop planer is a capable machine for the home workshop, well-suited for hobbyists and DIYers. The 12.5-inch width capacity is generous for most projects, and the 6-inch thickness limit handles substantial stock. Its 15-amp motor delivers a respectable 20,000 cuts per minute, which, combined with the 26 feet per minute feed rate, results in a reasonably smooth surface on both softwoods and hardwoods.

For best results, especially with wider or denser woods like oak, it’s advisable to take shallow passes of 1/16-inch or less to ensure a clean finish and reduce motor strain. The included reversible SK5 blades are a nice touch, effectively doubling their lifespan before needing to be replaced. Overall, it performs as expected for a planer in its class, providing a reliable way to mill lumber to precise dimensions without the cost of an industrial machine.

WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer – Very lightweight and easy to maneuver at only 4.3 pounds.

This electric planer is a capable tool for various DIY and home improvement projects. Its 3.8-amp motor delivers up to 32,000 cuts per minute, which is sufficient for smoothing rough lumber, trimming doors, and leveling frames. The depth adjustment is a standout feature, with nine positive stops allowing for precise control over material removal, up to a maximum depth of 1/16 of an inch per pass.

Handling is quite comfortable thanks to its lightweight design at just 4.3 pounds, which helps reduce fatigue during extended use. Thoughtful additions like the built-in kickstand to protect the blade and workpiece, along with onboard storage for the adjustment wrench, add to its overall convenience. The two-year warranty provides a good level of consumer protection.

It feels well-suited for the hobbyist or homeowner’s workshop rather than a heavy-duty professional job site, performing reliably on common woodworking tasks.

VEVOR Power Benchtop Planers – Dual feed speeds for both rapid dimensioning and fine finishing.

This 13-inch benchtop planer offers a solid set of features for hobbyists and serious woodworkers. Its capacity to handle boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick is quite generous for a portable unit. The build, incorporating a cast iron bed and pull-out steel extensions, provides a stable 35-inch support surface for longer stock, which helps in achieving flat, consistent results.

A standout feature is the dual-speed feed rate. The faster setting is ideal for quickly dimensioning rough lumber, while the slower option is designed to produce a smoother finish with less tear-out on figured woods. The three-knife cutter head and a powerful 2000W motor support these operations effectively.

The integrated dust port is a practical addition for connecting a shop vacuum to manage chips, and the over-current protector is a thoughtful safety inclusion.

Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-1/4-Inch Planer – Lightweight design at 7.4 lbs enhances maneuverability and reduces user fatigue.

This electric hand planer performs capably for its intended tasks. The 14,000 RPM motor is powerful enough for efficient stock removal, and the two-blade cutter head with double-edge carbide blades produces a respectably smooth finish on most woods. At 7.4 lbs, its high power-to-weight ratio is noticeable, making it relatively easy to handle and control during operation, which helps reduce fatigue on longer jobs.

The depth adjustment is a standout feature; the click knob is tactile and the scale is easy to read, allowing for precise settings from a fine shave up to a 5/64″ pass. It’s a well-balanced tool for general purpose planing jobs like trimming doors, leveling joists, or flattening smaller boards. The build feels solid and the core features are well-implemented, making it a reliable choice for both DIYers and professionals who need a portable, effective planer in their toolkit.