Have you ever looked at a rough piece of wood and dreamed of transforming it into something smooth and beautiful? Woodworkers, both seasoned and new, often face this challenge. Getting wood perfectly flat and the exact thickness can be tough. Without the right tools, you might spend hours sanding, only to get uneven results. That’s where the benchtop planer comes in!
Choosing the right benchtop planer can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and features! You might not know what to look for or how much to spend. This guide helps you understand the key things to consider. We’ll tackle the common problems and questions about benchtop planers. This will make your woodworking projects easier and more enjoyable.
By reading on, you’ll learn how to pick the best benchtop planer for your needs. You’ll discover what features matter most and how to avoid common mistakes. We’ll also cover safety tips and maintenance. Get ready to transform rough lumber into smooth, ready-to-use wood! Let’s dive into the world of benchtop planers and get started!
Our Top 5 Benchtop Planers Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Thickness Planer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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CRAFTSMAN Planer | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Benchtop Planer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Benchtop Planers Detailed Reviews
1. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The WEN PL1252 is a powerful benchtop thickness planer. It helps woodworkers make boards smooth and even. This planer has two blades and a strong motor. It can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide and 6 inches thick. The WEN PL1252 is a great tool for any woodworking shop.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor is strong. It cuts fast.
- It can plane boards up to 12.5 inches wide.
- You can adjust the depth of each cut. You can take off up to 1/8 of an inch.
- The blades are reversible. This means you can use them twice.
- It makes 20,000 cuts per minute.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a dust collection system. It is not included.
The WEN PL1252 is a good choice for woodworkers. It is a powerful and useful tool for planing wood.
2. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.3/10
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful thickness planer. It’s designed for woodworkers of all levels. This machine helps you make wood pieces the exact thickness you need. It features a strong motor and many useful features. This planer can handle big jobs and small ones. It’s a great tool for your workshop.
What We Like:
- The 15 amp motor is very strong. It powers through wood easily.
- The three-knife cutter head lasts longer. It also makes changing knives easier.
- The two-speed gearbox lets you choose the best speed. This helps get the best cuts.
- Fan-assisted chip ejection keeps the cutter head clean. It blows chips away from the machine.
- The cast aluminum base is very sturdy. It makes the machine more stable.
- The automatic carriage lock prevents snipe. This saves you time.
- The material removal gauge and thickness scale give accurate cuts every time.
- The included infeed and outfeed tables help support the wood.
- An extra set of knives comes with the machine.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find it a bit noisy.
- It is a larger machine, so it needs space.
The DEWALT DW735X is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable planer. It has many features that make woodworking easier. This planer will help you create excellent projects.
3. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.2/10
The WEN PL1326 is a benchtop thickness planer. It helps woodworkers make boards smooth and even. It uses a spiral cutterhead with many blades. These blades are made of high-speed steel (HSS). This planer is a great tool for your workshop. It can handle boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick.
What We Like:
- The spiral cutterhead gives a very clean finish.
- It has an onboard gauge. This tells you how deep each cut will be.
- The powerful 15A motor works fast. It spins at 10,000 RPM.
- It can plane large boards.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find it a bit noisy.
- The initial setup may take some time.
The WEN PL1326 is a good choice for woodworkers. It provides good results for a reasonable price. This planer will help you create great projects.
4. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 8.8/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a benchtop planer. It’s designed for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. This planer has a 15 Amp motor. It can handle both hard and soft woods. The cutter head uses two knives. They are made of solid steel. This helps make smooth cuts and lasts a long time. It also has a vacuum port for a cleaner workspace.
What We Like:
- The powerful 15 Amp motor removes wood quickly.
- The solid steel cutter head gives smooth results.
- The reversible knives last a long time.
- It has a vacuum port for dust control.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find it bulky for small workshops.
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a good choice for woodworkers. It offers power and features for a cleaner work environment. It is a reliable tool for your workshop.
5. DEWALT Benchtop Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer is a powerful tool for woodworking. It’s a corded planer that helps you make smooth, even surfaces on wood. This planer is great for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. It has a strong motor and several features to make your projects easier.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor is strong. It handles big cuts in tough wood.
- The three-knife cutter head spins fast. This gives you a very smooth finish.
- You can flip the knives. This gives you more use before you need to replace them.
- A carriage lock keeps the wood steady. This helps stop the wood from moving.
- Long tables support the wood. This helps to make straight cuts.
- The gauge and scale help you cut accurately.
- You can easily set the depth for repeated cuts.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the dust collection system needs improvement.
The DEWALT DW734 is a great tool. It is perfect for getting smooth, flat surfaces on your wood projects. You can count on this planer for all your woodworking needs.
Benchtop Planer Buying Guide: Flattening Your Woodworking Projects
Choosing a benchtop planer can seem tricky. Don’t worry! This guide will help you choose the right one. You will learn what to look for and how to get the best results.
Key Features to Look For
You will want a planer with the right features. Here are some important things to consider:
- Cutting Capacity: This tells you how wide and thick a board the planer can handle. Check the width and height limits. Make sure it fits your usual projects.
- Motor Power: A stronger motor means the planer can remove more wood quickly. Look for a motor with at least 1.5 horsepower (HP). More power is better for harder woods.
- Cutting Knives: Planers use blades called knives. Some planers have two knives, and others have three. More knives can give you a smoother finish. Consider knives that are easy to replace.
- Feed Rate: This is how fast the wood moves through the planer. A faster feed rate means you can plane wood quicker.
- Dust Collection: Planing creates a lot of wood chips. A good dust collection system is important. It keeps your workspace clean. Look for a port to connect to a shop vacuum.
Important Materials
Good materials make a good planer. Here’s what to look for:
The bed of the planer should be made from durable material. Cast iron is a great choice. It is strong and resists vibrations. This helps create a flat surface. The housing should be made of strong materials. Many are made of metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of a benchtop planer:
Build Quality: A well-built planer lasts longer. Look for a sturdy frame and solid construction. Check the reviews from other users. They can tell you about the planer’s reliability.
Blade Quality: Sharp, high-quality blades are essential. They give you a smooth finish. You may want to upgrade the blades to carbide blades. They stay sharp longer.
Adjustment Features: Easy-to-use adjustments are important. You will adjust the depth of cut. You will also adjust the bed height. These adjustments should be smooth and accurate.
Dust Collection: A good dust collection system keeps your workspace clean. This also helps you see what you are doing.
Vibration: Less vibration leads to better results. A heavy planer with a solid base vibrates less. This means a smoother surface on your wood.
User Experience and Use Cases
A benchtop planer is useful for many projects. You can use it to:
Flatten Boards: Planers make rough lumber flat. This is the main job of a planer. You can make boards ready for other woodworking tasks.
Create Consistent Thickness: You can plane boards to a specific thickness. This is important for building projects where all the pieces need to be the same size.
Prepare Wood for Joining: Planing helps you create smooth surfaces for joining. This leads to stronger joints.
Improve Your Projects: A planer helps you make better projects. You will get a professional look.
Safety: Always wear safety glasses. Use hearing protection. Never plane wood that has nails or staples in it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Benchtop Planer FAQs
Q: What is a benchtop planer?
A: It is a machine that makes wood flat and smooth. It sits on a bench or table.
Q: What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A: A planer makes boards parallel. A jointer makes one edge of a board straight and flat.
Q: What size planer do I need?
A: Choose a size that fits the width of boards you usually use.
Q: What is the best type of blade?
A: Carbide blades are a good choice. They last longer and stay sharper.
Q: How do I adjust the depth of cut?
A: Most planers have a knob or lever. Use it to adjust how much wood the blades remove.
Q: How do I feed wood through the planer?
A: Feed the wood straight into the planer. Make sure the wood is flat against the table.
Q: What safety gear should I use?
A: Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Use a dust mask.
Q: How do I clean my planer?
A: Use a brush or vacuum to remove wood chips. Keep the blades clean.
Q: How often should I change the blades?
A: Change the blades when they get dull or damaged. It depends on how much you use the planer.
Q: Can I plane wet wood?
A: It is not recommended. Wet wood can damage the planer and the finish.
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!