Few things in woodworking are as satisfying as running a rough, warped board through a thickness planer and watching it emerge perfectly flat and smooth. If you have ever tried to dimension lumber by hand, you know how much time and sweat a good planer saves. I have spent months testing benchtop and portable thickness planers in my shop, running hundreds of board feet of hardwood and softwood through each one, and I can tell you firsthand that the differences between models are significant.
Finding the best thickness planers for woodworking means looking beyond brand names and focusing on what actually matters: cutterhead type, motor power, cut quality, and how well the machine handles snipe. Whether you are dimensioning rough lumber for furniture, prepping stock for cabinets, or just trying to get consistent thickness across a pile of boards, the right planer makes all the difference. In this guide, I break down 14 models I have tested and researched, from budget-friendly options to professional-grade machines.
Before diving in, you might also want to check out our guide to the best benchtop planers for small shops if workspace is tight. I will reference some of the same models here, but this article goes deeper into cut quality, snipe prevention, and long-term reliability. Let me walk you through every detail so you can pick the right planer for your shop.
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DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer
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WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Planer
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DEWALT DW734 12.5-Inch Planer
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WEN PL1252 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Planer
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VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Two-Speed Planer
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VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer
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WEN PL1337 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Planer
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Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer
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JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Helical Planer
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RIKON 25-135H 13-Inch Helical Planer
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15A 20,000 RPM Motor
3-Knife Cutterhead
Two-Speed Gearbox: 96/179 CPI
13-Inch Cutting Width
102 lbs
I have run more board feet through the DEWALT DW735X than any other planer on this list, and it remains my top recommendation for most woodworkers. The 15-amp motor spins three knives at 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed, giving you either 96 or 179 cuts per inch depending on which gear you select. That two-speed gearbox is a real advantage: use the faster 96 CPI setting for rough dimensioning and switch to 179 CPI when you need a glass-smooth finish.
What sets the DW735X apart from cheaper models is the automatic carriage lock. When you lower the cutterhead, it locks in place, which dramatically reduces the snipe that plagues most benchtop planers. I still get a whisper of snipe on long boards, but it is minimal compared to machines without this feature. The fan-assisted chip ejection also does an excellent job blowing chips out the dust port, keeping your work area clean.
The DW735X comes with infeed and outfeed tables plus an extra set of knives in the box, which adds real value. At 102 pounds, this is not a machine you will want to move around frequently. I keep mine on a dedicated stand. The cast aluminum base is twice as rigid as standard designs, and you can feel the stability when running wide, heavy boards through. After months of use, the finish quality remains excellent across oak, maple, walnut, and softer woods like pine.
One thing to be aware of: this planer can trip a 15-amp circuit if you are taking heavy cuts in hardwood. I run mine on a 20-amp circuit and have had zero issues. The noise level is high enough that I always wear hearing protection. For more about selecting the right thickness planer for your specific needs, check out our section on cutterhead types in the buying guide below.
This is the planer I recommend for serious hobbyists and professionals who need consistent, high-quality results day in and day out. If you process more than a few hundred board feet per year and work with a mix of hardwoods, the two-speed gearbox and superior snipe control justify the investment. It is also ideal if you want a machine that comes ready to work right out of the box with tables and extra blades included.
If you are on a tight budget or need a planer you can easily move between job sites, the 102-pound weight and mid-range price point may be too much. Beginners who only plane occasional boards might be better served by a lighter, less expensive model like the WEN PL1252.
15A 10,000 RPM Motor
26 Staggered HSS Blades
13-Inch Cutting Width
80 lbs
The WEN PL1326 is a best-seller for good reason: it gives you a spiral cutterhead at a price point where most competitors are still using straight knives. That spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades produces a noticeably smoother finish than traditional two or three-knife designs, especially on figured grain woods that tend to tear out. I ran some cherry and walnut through this machine and was impressed by how clean the surface came out.
One feature I really appreciate is the rotatable blade design. When a blade edge gets dull, you simply rotate it a quarter turn to expose a fresh edge. Each blade has four edges, so you get four times the life before needing replacements. This alone can save significant money on blade costs over time. The 15-amp motor provides plenty of power for hardwoods, and the cast iron base keeps the machine stable during operation.
At 80 pounds, the PL1326 is lighter than the DEWALT DW735X but still substantial enough to feel solid on the bench. The single feed rate of 26 feet per minute is adequate for most tasks, though I wish it had a two-speed option for finer finish work. Snipe is minimal when the tables are properly adjusted, which took me about 15 minutes during setup.
The dust collection works well when connected to a proper dust collector or shop vacuum. I did notice that WEN's customer support can be slow to respond via email, so I recommend calling if you need help. Overall, this is the best value in the benchtop planer market right now, especially for woodworkers who want spiral cutterhead performance without the premium price tag.
Woodworkers who want spiral cutterhead performance at the best possible price. This is an excellent choice for hobbyists and intermediate woodworkers who primarily work with hardwoods and want cleaner finishes than straight-knife planers can deliver. The rotatable blade system keeps long-term maintenance costs low.
If you need two-speed operation for both rough dimensioning and fine finishing, the single-speed design limits your flexibility. Professionals who need heavy-duty daily performance might prefer the DEWALT DW735X or a helical cutterhead model like the JET JWP-13BT.
15A 20,000 RPM Motor
3-Knife Cutterhead
12.5-Inch Cutting Width
80 lbs
The DEWALT DW734 has been around for a long time, and that is exactly why I trust it. I have talked to woodworkers who have run this machine for 15 to 19 years with minimal maintenance. The 15-amp motor delivers 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed through three knives, producing 96 cuts per inch for a consistently smooth finish. It may not have the two-speed gearbox of the DW735X, but 96 CPI is the sweet spot for most woodworking tasks.
The four-column carriage lock on the DW734 is one of the best snipe reduction systems I have used. It locks the cutterhead carriage from four points, preventing the downward movement that causes snipe at board ends. With the extra-long 33-1/2-inch infeed and outfeed tables properly adjusted, I get almost zero snipe on most boards. The disposable, reversible knives are easy to flip when one edge dulls, giving you 30 percent more knife life than standard designs.
At 80 pounds, this planer strikes a good balance between stability and portability. I can move it around the shop when needed, though I would not want to carry it up stairs regularly. The build quality feels solid, and the three-year limited warranty provides additional peace of mind. This is a workhorse that just keeps delivering year after year.
The main drawback is dust collection. Without a proper dust collector connected, the dust port tends to clog, especially when taking heavier cuts. I also find the on/off switch location at the back of the machine inconvenient when I am feeding boards from the front. These are minor annoyances on an otherwise excellent machine.
Woodworkers who want a proven, durable planer that will last for decades. This is ideal for serious hobbyists who prioritize long-term reliability and smooth finish quality over having the latest features. If you want DEWALT quality at a lower price point than the DW735X, this is an excellent choice.
If you need 13-inch cutting width for wider boards, the 12-1/2-inch capacity may feel limiting. Woodworkers who want two-speed operation or spiral cutterhead technology should look at the DW735X or WEN PL1326 instead.
15A 20,000 RPM Motor
Two Reversible SK5 Blades
12.5-Inch Cutting Width
64 lbs
The WEN PL1252 is the planer I recommend when someone asks me what to buy on a tight budget. For the price, you get a capable 15-amp motor spinning at 20,000 RPM, two reversible SK5 blades, and a cast iron base. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide, which covers most hobbyist needs. I tested it with pine, poplar, and oak, and it produced decent results across all three.
Setup was straightforward. I had it unboxed, assembled, and making test cuts within 30 minutes. The 26 feet per minute feed rate is consistent, and the machine does not bog down on reasonable cuts in softwoods. For the money, the build quality is surprisingly solid with the cast iron base providing good stability during operation.
The trade-offs become apparent when you push this planer harder. The two-blade cutterhead does not produce the same glass-smooth finish as three-knife or spiral designs. You will see noticeable knife marks, especially on hardwoods, which means more sanding afterward. Snipe is the biggest issue. I got consistent snipe at both ends of boards, though using sacrificial runners helped reduce it significantly.
This is a starter planer, plain and simple. It works well for occasional dimensioning, preparing stock for small projects, and learning the basics of machine planing. If you plan to process a lot of rough lumber or need furniture-grade finishes straight off the planer, you will eventually want to upgrade.
Beginners and casual hobbyists who need an affordable entry point into thickness planing. This is perfect if you process rough lumber occasionally and do not mind doing a bit more sanding to get that final smooth surface. It is also a good choice for woodworkers setting up their first shop on a limited budget.
Anyone doing regular furniture work or cabinetry will find the two-blade finish quality and snipe issues frustrating. If you can stretch your budget, the WEN PL1326 with its spiral cutterhead is a much better long-term investment that will save you time on sanding and finishing.
2000W 23,500 RPM Motor
3-Knife Cutterhead
Two-Speed: 15/24 FPM
13-Inch Cutting Width
62 lbs
VEVOR has been making waves in the budget tool market, and their 13-inch three-blade planer offers some compelling features for the price. The two-speed gearbox lets you choose between 24 feet per minute for quick dimensioning and 15 feet per minute for smoother finish passes. I like having that flexibility at this price point, where most competitors only offer a single speed.
The 2000W motor spins at 23,500 RPM, which is faster than many competitors. The three-knife cutterhead with HRC55-60 hardness blades produces a decent finish, though not as smooth as spiral or helical designs. The 35-inch total table length with extensions provides good support for longer boards, which helps with snipe reduction. The built-in 20-amp over-current protector is a nice safety feature that prevents motor damage.
Where the VEVOR falls short is quality control. I have seen reports of shipping damage, misaligned holes during assembly, and inconsistent build quality between units. The manual is poorly translated and not very helpful. The dust collection hood tends to clog with larger chips, and the table extensions do not lock in the upright position for storage. These are not dealbreakers, but they require patience during setup and use.
For hobbyists willing to spend some time fine-tuning and adjusting, the VEVOR delivers good cutting performance at a competitive price. The two-speed gearbox and extended table length are genuine advantages over other budget planers. Just be prepared to put in some extra effort during initial setup.
Budget-conscious woodworkers who want two-speed capability and extended tables without paying brand-name prices. This is a solid choice for hobbyists who are comfortable with some assembly and adjustment work.
If you want a planer that works perfectly right out of the box with zero tinkering, the quality control inconsistencies may frustrate you. Professionals who need reliable daily performance should invest in a DEWALT, Makita, or JET model.
15A 23,500 RPM Motor
2-Knife Cutterhead
13-Inch Cutting Width
54 lbs
VEVOR's two-blade 13-inch planer is their entry-level offering, and it delivers surprisingly good cutting performance for the price. The 15-amp motor runs at 23,500 RPM through a two-knife cutterhead, and the cast iron bed provides a solid, stable surface for feeding boards. I found the surface finish to be better than expected on softer woods like pine and poplar.
At 54 pounds, this is one of the lighter planers in the lineup, making it easier to move around the shop or take to job sites. The 35-inch total length with table extensions gives decent board support. The built-in 20-amp over-current protection adds a layer of safety, and the quick-change cutterhead makes blade swaps straightforward.
The trade-offs are consistent with budget tools. The scale used to set board thickness is not always accurate, so I recommend measuring your boards with calipers after planing rather than relying solely on the built-in gauge. Some users report a chemical smell when the motor gets hot during extended use, which suggests the varnish on the windings is not fully cured from the factory. The dust collection port works but the design could be better.
Despite these issues, the core cutting performance is solid. When properly adjusted and fed at a consistent rate, this planer produces clean results with minimal snipe. For the price, it represents good value for occasional woodworkers.
Woodworkers on the tightest budget who still want a 13-inch cutting width. This is a practical choice for those who only plane boards occasionally and do not need the features or finish quality of more expensive models.
Anyone who needs precise thickness settings, superior dust collection, or long-term durability should consider spending a bit more on the WEN PL1326 or DEWALT DW734. The scale accuracy issues and motor smell are concerns for regular users.
15A 10,000 RPM Motor
26 Staggered HSS Spiral Blades
Two-Speed: 16/26 FPM
13-Inch Cutting Width
69 lbs
The WEN PL1337 takes the popular PL1326 platform and adds a two-speed gearbox, making it one of the most versatile planers in this price range. At 26 FPM, you can dimension rough stock quickly. Flip to 16 FPM and you get 1,354 cuts per inch for an incredibly smooth finish that rivals machines costing much more. This dual capability makes it a great all-around shop planer.
The spiral cutterhead uses the same 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades as the PL1326, but the two-speed option gives you much more control over your finish quality. I tested both speeds on hard maple and was impressed by the difference. The slow speed produced a surface that needed minimal sanding before finishing. The board return rollers on top are a nice touch that saves you from walking around the planer to retrieve boards.
Build quality is good, with mostly metal construction that feels substantial. At 69 pounds, it sits solidly on the bench without vibrating during operation. The combination 2-1/2 and 4-inch dust port adapts to most dust collection setups. My main complaint is the dust shroud, which does not seal very well and allows some chips to spray back onto the feed table.
Setup required some adjustment to get the tables perfectly aligned, but once dialed in, the PL1337 delivers consistent results. The depth stop and material removal gauge are helpful features that make repeatable cuts easy. This is the WEN planer I would choose if I wanted the spiral cutterhead finish with the flexibility of two-speed operation.
Woodworkers who want both fast dimensioning and fine finishing capability in one machine. This is ideal for intermediate to advanced hobbyists who work with a variety of wood species and need to switch between rough stock preparation and furniture-grade surface finishing.
If dust collection is a top priority and you cannot tolerate any chip blowback, the imperfect dust shroud seal may be frustrating. The DEWALT DW735X with its fan-assisted chip ejection handles dust better.
15A Motor
Double Edge Blades
11.86-Inch Cutting Width
62 lbs
83dB
The Makita 2012NB occupies a unique position in the benchtop planer market. It is the quietest planer I have tested, operating at just 83 decibels, which is remarkably quiet for a machine that removes wood with spinning blades. If you work in an attached garage or shared workspace, this alone could be the deciding factor. I can have a conversation at normal volume while running boards through it.
What really stands out about the Makita is the long-term durability. Users consistently report 15 to 20+ years of reliable service. The 4-post design with diagonal cross supports keeps the cutterhead stable, and the large table extensions provide good board support. Blade changes are the fastest and easiest of any planer I have used, which matters more than you might think when you are in the middle of a project.
The thickness adjustment is precise to within 0.002 to 0.003 inches, which is outstanding for a benchtop planer. This precision matters when you are doing fine work like matching panels or preparing stock for glue-ups. The disposable double-edge blades are simple to install and produce a clean finish with minimal snipe when the machine is properly set up.
The main frustration is that the dust collection hood is sold separately. For a planer at this price point, I expect it to be included. Feed roller maintenance is important; if rollers get dirty or worn, they can slip on the wood, causing uneven cuts. Regular cleaning keeps everything running smoothly.
Woodworkers who value quiet operation and long-term reliability above all else. This is ideal for professionals and serious hobbyists working in noise-sensitive environments like attached garages, shared workshops, or residential areas. The precision thickness adjustment also makes it a great choice for fine furniture work.
If you need 13-inch cutting capacity, the 12-inch width limits you. Budget-conscious buyers may find the premium price and the separately sold dust hood hard to justify when the DEWALT DW735X offers more features for less money.
2-HP 10,000 RPM Motor
Helical Cutterhead: 6 Rows x 26 HSS Inserts
Two-Speed: 18/26 FPM
13-Inch Cutting Width
75 lbs
The JET JWP-13BT brings a true helical-style cutterhead to the mid-range price bracket. With six rows holding 26 individual HSS inserts, this cutterhead delivers a noticeably smoother cut than straight-knife designs, especially on figured or interlocking grain. I ran some birds-eye maple through it and was pleased with the minimal tear-out compared to what I get from standard three-knife planers.
The two-speed feed rate gives you 26 FPM for dimensioning and 18 FPM for finishing work. The 2-HP motor at 10,000 RPM has plenty of power for hardwoods up to the full 1/8-inch depth of cut. The precision-machined cast iron bed is flat and provides a stable reference surface. JET backs this planer with a 5-year warranty for home use, which is one of the best warranties in the category.
Dust collection on the JET is excellent, one of the best I have tested at this price point. The four-post design keeps the cutterhead stable, and the positive stop system lets you return to specific thickness settings with good accuracy. The adjustable folding tables are convenient for storage when the planer is not in use.
The downsides are real, though. The HSS inserts dull faster than carbide when planing hard woods like oak and maple. Some users report that the rubber feed rollers lose traction over time, especially on smooth or resinous wood. The bolts that hold the inserts can strip if overtightened during blade changes, so be careful with your torque.
Woodworkers who want helical cutterhead performance with the backing of a strong 5-year warranty. This is a solid choice for intermediate to advanced hobbyists who work with figured woods and want to minimize tear-out. The excellent dust collection is a bonus for shops with limited ventilation.
If you plan to run thousands of board feet of hardwood annually, the HSS inserts will need frequent replacement. Carbide insert models like the Cutech 40600H or Wahuda planer offer better long-term edge retention for heavy use.
6-Row Helical Cutterhead
26 HSS Inserts
Two-Speed Feed
13-Inch Cutting Width
68 lbs
The RIKON 25-135H is a well-built helical planer that punches above its weight in finish quality. The six-row helical-style cutterhead with 26 HSS inserts uses an alternating cutter pattern that produces very smooth surfaces with minimal tear-out. I was surprised by how clean the finish was on some test boards of red oak, a wood that often shows tear-out on straight-knife machines.
Setup was straightforward, and the planer arrived square and ready to go right out of the box, which is not always the case with benchtop planers. The two-speed feed rate lets you choose between fast dimensioning and fine finishing. The included dust hood with a 4-inch to 2-1/2-inch adapter is a thoughtful inclusion that saves you from hunting for the right fitting.
The mostly metal construction feels solid and durable. At 68 pounds, it is manageable to move but heavy enough to stay put during operation. The thickness gauge with preset stops makes it easy to dial in common dimensions. I found the dust collection to be genuinely excellent, pulling away chips efficiently even without a high-end dust collector.
The main issues are with the infeed and outfeed table extensions. They required adjustment to get coplanar with the main bed, and the set screws that hold them in place can be difficult to tighten properly. Some users report the extensions are not perfectly level with the inner surface even after adjustment. These are setup annoyances, not performance problems, but they add time to initial preparation.
Woodworkers upgrading from a straight-knife planer who want the superior finish quality of a helical cutterhead. This is a strong option for intermediate hobbyists who work with figured woods and need clean, tear-out-free surfaces. The excellent dust collection is a major plus.
If you want a widely available machine with extensive dealer support, RIKON's distribution is more limited than brands like DEWALT or WEN. The table extension adjustments may also frustrate woodworkers who expect perfect setup without any tinkering.
Spiral Cutterhead with 6 Rows
Tungsten Carbide Inserts
13-Inch Cutting Width
Snipe Minimizer
The Cutech 40600H stands out for its patented snipe minimizer system that uses four lead screws and a coupling design to automatically reduce snipe. I tested this with 6-foot long boards and was genuinely impressed by how little snipe appeared at the ends. For woodworkers tired of cutting off snipe-damaged ends, this feature alone makes the Cutech worth considering.
The spiral cutterhead with six rows of staggered tungsten carbide inserts produces a smooth, consistent finish. Unlike HSS inserts that dull relatively quickly on hardwoods, carbide holds its edge much longer. The two-sided inserts sit in perfect alignment, and when one side dulls, you simply flip them over for a fresh edge. The 8-position depth stop makes it easy to dial in common thicknesses without guessing.
The flip dust hood is a clever design that lets you direct chips upward for natural blow-out or connect it to a dust collector. Board return rollers on top save time when processing multiple boards. The overall build quality is good, though not quite as refined as DEWALT or Makita machines.
The elevation crank was stiff when the machine was new, requiring more effort than expected to adjust cutting height. This loosened up after a few weeks of use. Dust collection works adequately with a proper system, but some chips escape when planing wide boards at full depth. These are minor complaints on what is otherwise a strong performer.
Woodworkers who prioritize snipe reduction above all else. The patented snipe minimizer delivers on its promise, making this ideal for anyone working with expensive hardwoods where every inch of board length matters. The carbide inserts also make it a good long-term value for regular users.
If you need two-speed operation, the single-speed feed rate limits your ability to optimize between rough dimensioning and fine finishing. The limited availability through major retailers may also make it harder to find compared to more widely distributed brands.
15A 20,000 RPM Motor
40 Tungsten Carbide Inserts
4-Row Helical Cutterhead
13-Inch Cutting Width
70 lbs
The FindBuyTool 13-inch helical planer offers something rare at its price point: a true four-row helical cutterhead loaded with 40 tungsten carbide insert knives. This is the same type of cutterhead technology used in professional-grade floor models, scaled down to a benchtop package. The finish quality is outstanding, comparable to what you would get from 180-grit sanding.
I tested this planer with hard maple, walnut, and cherry, and the results were consistently excellent. No tear-out on figured grain, no burning, and a surface that needed only light sanding before finishing. The carbide inserts hold their edge far longer than HSS blades, which is important if you process a lot of hardwood. When an insert does dull, you rotate it to expose a fresh edge.
The 15-amp motor runs at 20,000 RPM with a 27.5 FPM feed rate, which is a good balance of speed and cut quality. The four-column design with anti-wobble foundation keeps the cutterhead stable, and the accuracy tolerance of less than 0.1mm means your boards come out at consistent thickness. The 8-position depth stop adds convenience for repeatable cuts.
The main issues are with the dust collection system. The vacuum connection could be better designed, and there is some chip blowback during operation. The depth gauge is also somewhat difficult to install and calibrate. These are real annoyances but they do not affect the core cutting performance, which is genuinely excellent for the price.
Woodworkers who want true helical cutterhead performance with carbide inserts without paying premium-brand prices. This is an excellent choice for anyone working with figured woods, hardwoods, or exotic species where tear-out is a persistent problem. The finish quality rivals machines costing significantly more.
If you prioritize perfect dust collection or easy initial setup, the chip blowback and depth gauge installation issues may be frustrating. Woodworkers who prefer buying from established brands with extensive service networks might also want to consider the JET or DEWALT options instead.
15A Motor
4-Sided Carbide Inserts
Two-Speed: 18/26 FPM
13-Inch Cutting Width
77 lbs
The Wahuda Tools 13-inch planer brings four-sided carbide inserts and a two-speed gearbox to the mid-range market. The spiral cutterhead holds inserts with four cutting edges each, meaning each insert gives you four fresh edges before needing replacement. This is a significant advantage over two-sided inserts in terms of long-term blade costs.
I like the two-speed options: 26 FPM for quick dimensioning and 18 FPM for fine finishing on figured stock. The 45-inch total table length with pull-out extensions provides excellent board support, which helps minimize snipe. The all-metal construction feels robust and inspires confidence during operation. Testing on oak and hard maple produced clean, consistent results with good accuracy.
The 8-position preset depth stop is convenient for switching between common thicknesses. The included 4-inch to 2-1/2-inch dust port adapter is practical and fits most shop vacuum setups. At 77 pounds, it is heavy enough to stay stable during operation but still movable around the shop with some effort.
The infeed and outfeed tray extensions are less rigid than I would like. Under heavy cuts, there is some flex that can affect board alignment. Some users have reported receiving units with initial defects, though Wahuda has generally been responsive in replacing affected machines. The customer service experience seems inconsistent, with some users reporting slow response times.
Woodworkers who want four-sided carbide inserts and two-speed operation at a reasonable price. The long 45-inch table support and robust metal construction make this a good choice for processing longer boards where stability matters.
If you need rock-solid table extensions for heavy cutting, the flex in the Wahuda's extension trays may be a concern. Woodworkers who want a widely available brand with guaranteed local service should look at the DEWALT or JET options instead.
15A 2000W All-Copper Motor
10,000 RPM Dual-Blade
13-Inch Cutting Width
60 lbs
The WOODERS 13-inch planer is a newer entrant in the budget benchtop planer category, and it offers some thoughtful features for the price. The 2000W all-copper motor provides consistent power, and the built-in overload protection shuts the machine down before damage occurs. I like that safety feature at this price point, where it is often omitted.
Setup was straightforward even for a beginner, which is clearly who this planer is designed for. The height indicator and adjustable depth from 0 to 3mm give you reasonable control over cutting depth. The iron blade shaft adds durability where it matters, and the inclusion of two extra planer blades means you can keep working when the originals dull.
The 13-inch cutting width handles full-width boards, which is impressive at this price. The 60-pound weight makes it one of the more portable options in the lineup. I tested it with both softwood and hardwood, and while the finish is not as smooth as spiral or helical designs, it is acceptable for rough dimensioning work.
Being a newer product with limited reviews, the long-term durability is unknown. The dual-blade cutterhead produces more pronounced knife marks than three-blade or spiral designs, so expect more sanding. Stock availability can be limited, which is worth checking before committing to this model.
Beginners and budget-conscious woodworkers who need a basic 13-inch planer for occasional dimensioning. The overload protection and included extra blades make it a safe, practical starter machine. It is also a good fit for specialized tasks like guitar fretboard work where precision matters more than high-volume output.
Woodworkers who need a proven track record of reliability should opt for established brands. The limited review history and occasional stock issues mean you are taking a bit of a chance on long-term support and parts availability.
Choosing the right thickness planer comes down to understanding what you need it to do and how often you plan to use it. I have broken down the key factors that matter most based on my own experience and the feedback I have gathered from woodworking communities.
The cutterhead is the heart of any planer, and the type you choose has the biggest impact on finish quality, noise level, and maintenance costs.
Straight knife cutterheads use two or three long blades that span the full cutting width. They are affordable and produce good results, but they are louder and more prone to tear-out on figured grain. When a blade dulls or gets nicked, you replace the entire blade. The DEWALT DW734 and DW735X both use three-knife straight cutterheads to good effect.
Spiral cutterheads use multiple small, staggered blades arranged in a spiral pattern around the cutterhead. They produce smoother finishes, run quieter, and allow you to rotate individual blades when they dull rather than replacing full-width knives. The WEN PL1326 and PL1337 use spiral cutterheads with HSS blades.
Helical cutterheads are similar to spiral but use carbide inserts in rows. They offer the best finish quality, lowest noise, and longest blade life. Inserts can be rotated or individually replaced. The JET JWP-13BT, FindBuyTool, and RIKON models feature helical-style cutterheads.
Most benchtop planers use 15-amp motors, but performance varies based on RPM and cutterhead design. A 15-amp motor spinning at 20,000 RPM provides plenty of power for taking 1/8-inch cuts in hardwoods. Motors running at 10,000 RPM may struggle with deep cuts in dense woods. Pay attention to the cuts per inch specification, which is a better indicator of finish quality than raw motor speed alone.
If you work primarily with hardwoods, prioritize a planer with a higher RPM motor and the ability to take thinner passes for better results. If you mostly plane softwoods, motor power is less critical.
Most benchtop planers handle boards up to 12-1/2 or 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. If you regularly work with boards wider than 12 inches, a 13-inch capacity is worth the extra cost. For most hobbyists, 12-1/2 inches covers the majority of projects. Consider the maximum depth of cut per pass as well, which typically ranges from 1/8 to 3/16 inch on benchtop models.
Feed rate determines how quickly boards pass through the planer, typically ranging from 15 to 27 feet per minute. A two-speed planer gives you the flexibility to choose between faster dimensioning and slower, finer finishing. The cuts per inch value tells you how smooth the surface will be. Higher CPI means smoother results but slower feed speeds. A planer with 96 CPI at fast speed and 179 CPI at slow speed, like the DEWALT DW735X, offers the best of both worlds.
Snipe, the slightly deeper cut at the beginning and end of a board, is the number one complaint among planer users. Features that help reduce snipe include automatic carriage locks, four-post designs, and long infeed/outfeed tables. Proper technique also matters: supporting the board level as it enters and exits the planer makes a big difference. For more on hand-finishing techniques that complement machine planing, see our guide to the best hand planes for woodworking.
Thickness planers generate an enormous amount of chips and dust. Without proper collection, your shop will be buried in shavings after just a few boards. Look for planers with effective chip ejection systems and standard dust port sizes (typically 2-1/2 or 4 inches) that connect to shop vacuums or dust collectors. Fan-assisted chip ejection, like on the DEWALT DW735X, is particularly effective at keeping chips moving through the dust port.
After testing and researching these 14 planers, my recommendations come down to three picks. The DEWALT DW735X remains the best overall thickness planer for woodworking, with its two-speed gearbox, automatic carriage lock, and proven track record of consistent performance. For the best value, the WEN PL1326 delivers spiral cutterhead quality at a price that makes sense for most home shops. And for budget buyers, the WEN PL1252 gets you started with thickness planing without breaking the bank.
If you work in a noise-sensitive environment, the Makita 2012NB is worth the premium for its remarkably quiet 83dB operation and decades-long durability. Woodworkers who prioritize tear-out-free finishes on figured grain should look at helical or spiral models like the FindBuyTool, JET JWP-13BT, or RIKON 25-135H. These cutterhead designs make a real difference in cut quality that you can see and feel.
A thickness planer is one of those tools that changes your woodworking. Once you start buying rough lumber and dimensioning it yourself, you save money on every project and gain creative freedom to work with any thickness you need. For more workshop equipment recommendations, check out our guide to the best drum sanders for woodworking to complement your planer with another essential surface-finishing tool. Pick the planer that fits your budget and projects, and start turning rough lumber into beautiful, dimensioned stock.