10 Best Bench Top Planer 2025 in the United States

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is a solid choice for those looking to achieve fine finishes on their woodworking projects. It features a powerful 15-amp motor capable of 20,000 RPM, making it efficient for tackling larger and deeper cuts in hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head, with a cutter-head speed of 10,000 RPM, provides an exceptionally smooth finish, delivering 96 cuts per inch. This makes it suitable for creating high-quality surfaces on various types of wood.

One of the standout features is the disposable, reversible knives that offer 30% more life and are easy to change, minimizing downtime during projects. The four-column carriage lock significantly reduces snipe, ensuring the material remains steady during planning. Additionally, the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide extended material support, measuring a combined 33-1/2 inches, which helps in handling longer pieces of wood with ease.

The material removal gauge and large thickness scale offer precise cutting, and the turret depth stop allows for quick returns to frequently used depths, adding convenience. On the downside, at 36.29 kilograms, the planer is quite heavy, which affects its portability. While the build quality is robust, making it durable for extended use, the weight can be a drawback for those who need to move it frequently.

The WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer is a solid choice for anyone looking to handle medium-duty woodworking tasks. With a cutting width of 12.5 inches and the ability to plane boards up to 6 inches thick, it offers decent capacity for a variety of projects.

The 15-amp motor is powerful and allows the planer to make 20,000 cuts per minute, ensuring efficient material removal at a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. This model features two reversible 12.5-inch SK5 blades, providing good longevity and the option to use both sides of the blade before needing replacements. Users can adjust the cutting depth up to 1/8 of an inch with each pass, allowing for precision in achieving the desired board thickness.

The planer weighs 29.03 kilograms (around 64 pounds), which may limit its portability around the workshop. The build quality is robust, thanks to the cast iron material, but some users might find its size and weight challenging if frequent transportation is needed. If portability is less critical for your needs, the WEN PL1252 offers strong performance and durability at a reasonable price point.

The WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer is designed for woodworkers seeking a reliable tool for achieving smooth and even surfaces on their lumber. One of its major strengths is the spiral cutterhead, which features 26 staggered and rotatable high-speed steel (HSS) blades. This design minimizes tear-out and provides a superior finish compared to traditional straight blades. The onboard material removal gauge is another handy feature, allowing users to easily monitor and adjust cutting depth, which is especially useful when working with various wood thicknesses.

With the capability to plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide, this planer can accommodate a range of woodworking projects, making it suitable for both hobbyists and more seasoned practitioners. The 15A motor generates impressive power, achieving cutterhead speeds of 10,000 RPM and a feed rate of 26 feet per minute, ensuring efficient performance.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Weighing in at about 36.74 kilograms (81 pounds), portability might be a concern for some users, especially if you need to move the planer frequently. Additionally, it's a corded electric model, which limits its flexibility in terms of workspace without directly accessing an electrical outlet. While the build quality is solid, with a cast iron construction that adds durability, it may require some effort to set up and calibrate initially.