Here’s an overview of the Best Benchtop Planer that we’ll explore today:
Benchtop planers are essential tools for woodworkers and hobbyists alike, enabling precise thickness adjustments and smooth finishes on a variety of wood types. Whether you’re a professional craftsman or a DIY enthusiast, selecting the right planer can significantly impact your projects’ quality and efficiency. To help you make an informed decision, we rigorously tested and compared five top-rated benchtop planers within a price range of $298.88 to $699.99, covering both budget-friendly and premium options. Our evaluation focused on build quality, cutting performance, ease of use, and additional features. The products reviewed are from reputable brands such as WEN, DEWALT, Kayrain, and FIND BUY TOOL, offering a diverse selection for different needs and budgets.
1. DEWALT Thickness Planer
- Brand: DEWALT
- Manufacturer: DEWALT
The DEWALT DW735X is a high-performance planer designed for demanding woodworking tasks. With a powerful 15-amp motor and a cutterhead speed of 10,000 RPM, it handles wide and thick materials effortlessly. The three-knife cutterhead system ensures extended blade life and quick replacements, while the two-speed gearbox offers versatility for dimensioning and finishing. The 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base provides exceptional stability, and the automatic carriage lock minimizes snipe during operation.
During testing, the DW735X delivered consistent, smooth cuts even on hardwoods like oak and maple. Its fan-assisted chip ejection system effectively cleared debris, maintaining a clean workspace. The material removal gauge and turret depth-stop were particularly helpful for repeatable cuts. While the unit is heavier at 102 pounds, its robust construction ensures durability. However, the higher price point may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Pros
- Powerful motor handles large cuts with ease
- Two-speed gearbox for versatile applications
- Fan-assisted chip ejection for clean operation
- Durable cast aluminum base
- Includes extra blades and infeed/outfeed tables
Cons
- Expensive compared to other models
- Heavy and less portable
2. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
- Brand: WEN
- Manufacturer: WEN
The WEN PL1252 is an affordable option for hobbyists and small-scale woodworkers. Its 15-amp motor generates 20,000 cuts per minute, making it suitable for softwoods and moderate workloads. The unit features two reversible SK5 blades, providing decent cutting performance for its price. With a maximum cutting width of 12.5 inches and depth adjustment of up to 1/8-inch, it offers flexibility for various projects.
In our tests, the WEN PL1252 performed well on pine and similar softwoods, producing smooth surfaces with minimal snipe. However, it struggled slightly with harder woods and thicker boards. The cast iron base provides stability, but the overall build quality feels less robust compared to premium models. While it lacks advanced features like a spiral cutterhead or dust collection system, it remains a reliable entry-level option.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Compact and lightweight design
- Decent performance for softwoods
- Simple depth adjustment
Cons
- Struggles with hardwoods
- Lacks advanced features
3. WEN Thickness Planer
- Brand: WEN
- Manufacturer: WEN
The WEN PL1337 offers a step up in performance with its spiral cutterhead and two-speed operation. Equipped with 26 staggered HSS blades, it delivers smooth finishes with reduced tear-out. The 15-amp motor and 13-inch cutting width accommodate a wide range of materials, while the onboard depth stop and material removal gauge enhance precision. Its dual dust port supports efficient cleanup, making it ideal for workshop settings.
The spiral cutterhead of the PL1337 impressed during testing, particularly on hardwoods and figured wood, where it minimized tear-out. The two-speed feed rate allowed for quick dimensioning and fine finishing, depending on the project requirements. The unit’s build quality is solid, though the 69-pound weight may limit portability. At $604.99, it offers excellent value for its feature set but remains a mid-tier option in terms of price.
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead for smooth finishes
- Two-speed operation for versatility
- Effective dust collection system
- Includes depth stop and material removal gauge
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- Heavier than budget models
4. FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead
- Brand: FIND BUY TOOL
- Manufacturer: FIND BUY TOOL
The FindBuyTool FB131H is a premium benchtop planer designed for precision and durability. Featuring a helical cutterhead with 40 tungsten carbide inserts, it delivers tear-free cuts with minimal noise. The four-column design ensures stability, while the motor’s 15-amp power and 20,000 RPM speed handle demanding tasks. Its 8-position depth stop simplifies batch processing, and the dust collection system efficiently removes debris.
This planer excelled in producing consistent results on both softwoods and hardwoods, making it suitable for professional-grade projects. The helical cutterhead reduced chip size and noise levels, enhancing the user experience. However, at $699.99, it is the most expensive model in this comparison, which may be a barrier for casual users. Additionally, its 70-pound weight and bulky design limit portability.
Pros
- Helical cutterhead with tungsten carbide inserts
- Precise depth adjustment with 8-position stop
- Stable four-column design
- Effective dust collection system
Cons
- Highest price in the comparison
- Heavy and bulky
5. 13” Benchtop Planer 15A 2000W – HSS Double-sided Blade
- Brand: Kayrain
- Manufacturer: Kayrain
The Kayrain 13” planer offers a balance of affordability and performance, featuring a 15-amp motor with 2000W power for handling hardwoods like oak and maple. Its double-sided HSS blades boast a longer lifespan and are sharpenable, reducing maintenance costs. With a precision tolerance of 0.008”, it minimizes snipe and uneven cuts. The dual dust ports ensure efficient debris cleanup, while the included 3-year warranty adds peace of mind.
In our tests, the Kayrain planer performed admirably on both softwoods and hardwoods, delivering smooth finishes with minimal snipe. Its compact design and 52.9-pound weight make it more portable than heavier models. However, the cutterhead speed of 9200 RPM is lower than competitors, which may affect cutting efficiency on thicker materials. At $339.00, it is a strong contender for those seeking value without sacrificing quality.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Sharpenable double-sided blades
- Compact and lightweight design
- Efficient dual dust ports
Cons
- Lower cutterhead speed
- Limited advanced features
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about benchtop planers to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Each benchtop planer reviewed has unique strengths and drawbacks, catering to different user needs and budgets.
Professionals seeking top-tier performance should consider the DEWALT DW735X or FindBuyTool FB131H, while hobbyists and beginners may find the WEN PL1252 or Kayrain 13” planer more suitable.
Intermediate users looking for a balance of features and value will appreciate the WEN PL1337..