Have you ever tried to build a beautiful wooden table, only to find your boards are all different sizes? It’s frustrating, right? A thickness planer can fix that problem! It makes wood pieces the same thickness, so your projects look amazing. But buying one can be tricky, especially if you have a budget.
Finding a good thickness planer under $500 can be tough. You might feel confused by all the models. You might worry about getting a machine that doesn’t work well. You want something that’s powerful, accurate, and will last. You also don’t want to waste your money on something that’s not a good value.
Don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We will look at the best thickness planers you can buy for under $500. You will learn what to look for and what to avoid. You’ll also get reviews of top models. By the end, you will know which planer is best for you. Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Thickness Planer Under $500 Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
 |
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
VEVOR Thickness Planer | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
CRAFTSMAN Planer | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
 |
VEVOR Power Benchtop Planers | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Thickness Planer Under $500 Detailed Reviews
1. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.1/10
The WEN PL1252 is a benchtop thickness planer. It’s a great tool for woodworkers. The planer helps smooth rough boards. It can plane boards up to 12.5 inches wide. It also works on boards that are up to 6 inches thick. The powerful 15-Amp motor makes 20,000 cuts every minute. It feeds wood at a rate of 26 feet per minute. The planer comes with two reversible blades. You can adjust the depth of cut. It ranges from 0 to 1/8 of an inch with each pass.
What We Like:
- The planer is easy to use.
- It has a powerful motor.
- The blades are reversible.
- It can handle large boards.
- The depth adjustment is easy to control.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find it noisy.
- The dust collection could be better.
Overall, the WEN PL1252 is a good choice for woodworkers. It is a useful tool for any workshop.
2. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.1/10
The WEN PL1326 is a benchtop thickness planer. It is a great tool for woodworkers. This planer uses a spiral cutterhead with many small blades. These blades make a smooth surface on your wood. The planer can handle boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. It has a powerful 15-Amp motor that spins at 10,000 RPM. It feeds the wood at 26 feet per minute. It also has a material removal gauge to show how much wood it removes.
What We Like:
- The spiral cutterhead gives a smooth finish.
- The onboard gauge helps you plane wood accurately.
- It can plane wide and thick boards.
- The motor is strong and works fast.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the initial setup a little tricky.
- The dust collection could be better for some projects.
The WEN PL1326 is a good planer for the price. It’s a solid choice for any woodworker who needs a benchtop planer. It will help you get smooth, even boards for your projects.
3. VEVOR Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
The VEVOR Thickness Planer is a benchtop planer. It has a 13″ wide worktable and a powerful 15-Amp motor. This planer can handle both hard and soft woods. It also has a low-noise design and a dust collection port. It’s designed for both hobbyists and professionals.
What We Like:
- Wide Worktable: You can plane boards up to 13″ wide and 6″ thick. The extended tables help support long pieces of wood.
- Strong Motor: The 1800W motor provides smooth finishes. It is also reliable.
- Durable Blades: The two-knife cutter head is made of solid steel. It is built to last.
- Safety Features: It has an over-current protector for safety.
- Dust Collection: A vacuum port keeps your workspace clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The noise level could be a bit quieter.
This VEVOR planer is a good option for woodworkers. It is powerful and has many useful features. You can get smooth results with this planer.
4. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 9.1/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a powerful benchtop tool. It features a 15 Amp motor. This planer is made for both hard and soft woods. It uses a two-knife, solid steel cutter head. The cutter head helps the planer work smoothly. It also has a vacuum port for dust collection, keeping your workspace clean. This planer is a great tool for woodworkers.
What We Like:
- The 15 Amp motor removes wood quickly.
- The cutter head is made of solid steel. It is strong and lasts a long time.
- The planer operates smoothly because of the ball bearings.
- The knives are reversible. This means they last longer.
- There is a vacuum port. This helps keep the workspace clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a larger capacity.
- The initial setup process could be more user-friendly.
The CRAFTSMAN Planer is a good choice for many woodworking projects. It is a powerful and useful tool for any workshop.
5. VEVOR Power Benchtop Planers
Rating: 9.5/10
The VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer is a powerful tool for woodworkers. It’s designed to make your wood smooth and the right thickness. This planer has a wide worktable and a strong motor. It also includes features for safety and easy use. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
What We Like:
- High-quality 13″ worktable allows for planing wide boards.
- The three-knife cutter head gives smooth results.
- Two speeds let you choose the best setting for your wood.
- The powerful 2000W motor makes quick work of your projects.
- A dust collection port keeps your workspace clean.
- Extended infeeding tables provide great support for longer pieces.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the initial setup a little tricky.
- While low noise, it still generates some sound during operation.
In conclusion, the VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer is a solid machine. It’s a good option for anyone needing to plane wood accurately and efficiently.
Thickness Planer Under $500: Your Budget-Friendly Woodworking Guide
Are you ready to smooth out your woodworking projects? A thickness planer can help! It shaves wood to an even thickness. You can find good ones for under $500. This guide will help you choose the best one.
Key Features to Look For
You need to know what to look for. Here are some important features:
- Cutting Width: This is how wide the wood can be. Measure your biggest boards. Get a planer that’s wider.
- Cutting Depth: This tells you how much wood the planer removes in one pass. More depth means faster work!
- Motor Power: A stronger motor is better. It will help you cut through hardwood. Look for a motor with at least 1.5 horsepower.
- Feed Rate: This is how fast the wood goes through the planer. A faster rate saves time.
- Dust Collection: Planing makes a lot of sawdust. Look for a planer with a dust port. You can connect it to a shop vacuum.
- Knife System: Some planers use disposable knives. Others use knives that can be sharpened. Sharpenable knives can save you money.
- Portability: Consider the weight. Will you move it around? Lighter planers are easier to carry.
Important Materials
The materials used in a planer affect how it works.
- Cast Iron: A cast iron base is heavy and sturdy. It helps reduce vibration. This leads to smoother cuts.
- Steel Knives: Steel knives are strong. They last longer than other materials.
- Metal Rollers: The rollers pull the wood through. Metal rollers are more durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a planer better or worse.
- Build Quality: Look for solid construction. A well-built planer lasts longer.
- Blade Quality: Sharp blades make clean cuts. Dull blades can tear the wood.
- Accuracy: Check for accurate measurements. Make sure the planer cuts the wood evenly.
- Ease of Use: Is the planer easy to adjust? Can you change the blades easily?
- Noise Level: Planers can be loud. Consider the noise level if you work in a small space.
- Safety Features: Look for safety features like a blade guard. These protect you from injury.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the planer.
- DIY Projects: Planers are great for making furniture. You can also use them to make shelves and other home projects.
- Woodworking Hobby: If you love woodworking, a planer is a must-have. It will help you get professional results.
- Thicknessing Lumber: Planers make lumber the right thickness. This is important for any woodworking project.
- Surface Preparation: Planers can smooth rough wood. This makes it easier to work with.
- Consider the size of the project: If you are working on smaller projects, a smaller planer might be enough. For larger projects, you might need a bigger one.
Thickness Planer Under $500: FAQ
Here are some common questions about thickness planers:
Q: What is a thickness planer used for?
A: A thickness planer makes wood the same thickness. It smooths the surface.
Q: How much does a good planer cost?
A: You can find good planers under $500.
Q: What kind of wood can I use a thickness planer on?
A: You can use a planer on most types of wood. Hardwoods might need a more powerful motor.
Q: How do I make the best cuts?
A: Make sure the blades are sharp. Take off only a little wood at a time.
Q: What safety gear should I use?
A: Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Use a dust mask.
Q: How do I change the blades?
A: Read the user manual. Follow the instructions carefully.
Q: How do I clean my planer?
A: Clean out the dust often. Wipe down the rollers and table.
Q: What is snipe?
A: Snipe is when the planer removes too much wood at the end of a board. You can prevent this by supporting the wood as it exits.
Q: What is a dust port for?
A: The dust port connects to a shop vacuum. It removes sawdust.
Q: How do I choose the right size planer?
A: Measure the widest boards you will use. Buy a planer that is wider than that.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!