Here’s an overview of the Best Wood Planers that we’ll explore today:
Wood planers are indispensable tools for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike, allowing users to achieve smooth, even surfaces on wood boards while maintaining precise thickness. Whether you’re crafting furniture, cabinetry, or decorative pieces, the right planer can make all the difference in the quality and efficiency of your work. In this review, we evaluated five wood planers across a range of price points, from budget-friendly hand tools to premium benchtop machines. Our methodology included assessing motor power, cutting precision, build quality, ease of use, and overall value. This guide aims to help you choose the best planer for your specific needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional woodworker.
1. DEWALT Thickness Planer
- Brand: DEWALT
- Manufacturer: DEWALT
The DEWALT DW735X is a high-performance, professional-grade thickness planer designed for demanding woodworking tasks. Featuring a powerful 15-amp motor and a two-speed gearbox, this planer is capable of delivering up to 20,000 RPM, making it ideal for handling larger cuts and wider materials. Its three-knife cutter head ensures longer blade life and precise cuts, while the fan-assisted chip ejection system efficiently removes debris. The sturdy 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base provides excellent stability, and the automatic carriage lock minimizes snipe, ensuring consistent results.
In practice, the DW735X excels in producing smooth, even finishes on both softwoods and hardwoods. The two-speed gearbox allows users to optimize cuts per inch, making it versatile for both rough and fine finishes. Its material removal gauge and turret depth stop enhance precision, while the included infeed and outfeed tables reduce material handling issues. However, at 102 pounds, it is quite heavy, and its premium price point may deter casual users. This planer is best suited for professionals and serious hobbyists who require top-tier performance and durability.
Pros
- Powerful motor for demanding tasks
- Two-speed gearbox for versatility
- Fan-assisted chip ejection for efficient debris removal
- Sturdy aluminum base for stability
- Includes extra knives and tables
Cons
- High price point
- Heavy and less portable
2. WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
- Brand: WEN
- Manufacturer: WEN
The WEN 6530 is a compact, lightweight electric hand planer designed for small to medium-scale woodworking projects. Powered by a 6-amp motor, it delivers up to 34,000 cuts per minute, making it efficient for quick material removal. The planer features 16 positive stops for precise depth adjustments and a rabbeting guide for creating rabbets up to 1 inch in size. At just 6.5 pounds, it’s highly portable and easy to maneuver, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go tasks.
While the WEN 6530 is a budget-friendly option, it doesn’t compromise on performance for its price. It’s best suited for light-duty tasks such as smoothing edges, leveling boards, or creating rabbets. However, its 3.25-inch cutting width and 1/8-inch maximum cutting depth may limit its utility for larger projects. The included dust bag is a handy addition but may require frequent emptying during extended use. Overall, this planer is ideal for DIYers and hobbyists seeking an affordable and portable solution.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and portable
- High cutting speed for quick material removal
- 16 positive stops for precise adjustments
- Includes useful accessories
Cons
- Limited cutting width
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
3. Amazon Basics Woodworking Hand Planer – No.4 Adjustable Bench Plane with 2-Inch Blade for Wood Smoothing
- Brand: Amazon Basics
- Manufacturer: Amazon Basics
The Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Bench Plane is a simple, manual woodworking tool designed for those who prefer traditional hand planing. With a durable cast iron body and a 2-inch steel blade, this hand planer offers stability and durability for light woodworking tasks. Its contoured plastic handle provides a comfortable grip, and the adjustable gear allows for precise depth and blade alignment.
As a budget option, the Amazon Basics hand planer is best suited for occasional use or small projects that don’t require the speed and efficiency of an electric planer. While it offers decent performance for its price, users may need to spend time fine-tuning the factory settings for optimal results. The lack of a dust collection system and the manual effort required may deter users seeking convenience. This tool is ideal for beginners or hobbyists on a tight budget.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Durable cast iron body
- Adjustable blade for precision
- Lightweight and easy to handle
Cons
- Requires manual effort
- No dust collection system
4. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
- Brand: WEN
- Manufacturer: WEN
The WEN PL1252 is a mid-range benchtop thickness planer designed for small to medium-scale projects. Equipped with a 15-amp motor, it generates 20,000 cuts per minute and can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide and 6 inches thick. The two reversible SK5 blades ensure durability and precision, while the adjustable depth feature allows for incremental material removal.
In terms of performance, the WEN PL1252 offers solid results for its price point. It’s capable of handling a variety of wood types, though it may struggle with harder woods under heavy loads. The dust port helps maintain a clean workspace, but the planer’s 63.9-pound weight makes it less portable. Overall, it’s a great choice for hobbyists and small workshop owners looking for a reliable and affordable benchtop planer.
Pros
- Affordable for a benchtop planer
- Handles boards up to 12.5 inches wide
- Reversible blades for extended use
- Adjustable depth for precision
Cons
- Limited portability
- May struggle with harder woods
5. FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead
- Brand: FIND BUY TOOL
- Manufacturer: FIND BUY TOOL
The FindBuyTool 13-inch planer is a premium benchtop model featuring a helical cutterhead with 40 tungsten carbide insert knives for superior cutting performance. Its 15-amp motor delivers 20,000 RPM, and the 4-column design ensures precision and stability. With a maximum cutting depth of 1/8 inch and a dust collection system, this planer is designed for professional-grade woodworking.
The standout feature of this planer is its helical cutterhead, which produces exceptionally smooth surfaces with minimal tear-out. It excels in handling both softwoods and hardwoods, making it a versatile option for advanced users. However, its high price and 70-pound weight may be prohibitive for some. This planer is best suited for professionals or serious hobbyists who prioritize quality and are willing to invest in top-tier equipment.
Pros
- Helical cutterhead for superior finish
- Powerful motor with high RPM
- Sturdy and stable design
- Excellent dust collection system
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy and less portable
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about wood planerss to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wood planers can truly enhance your game.
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