Ever tried to build a perfectly smooth wooden shelf, only to end up with a surface that’s more “wobbly” than “wonderful?” We’ve all been there! Getting wood to the exact thickness you need can be tricky. That’s where a bench planer comes in handy. It’s like a super-powered smoothing machine for wood.
Choosing the right bench planer can be a real headache. There are so many different brands and models to pick from! Figuring out which one fits your workshop and your projects can feel overwhelming. You might wonder about motor size, cutting capacity, and features you actually need. This guide is here to help you!
By reading on, you’ll learn the key things to look for in a bench planer. We’ll break down the important features, so you can make the best choice. You’ll also get tips on how to use your new planer safely and effectively. Get ready to say goodbye to uneven wood and hello to perfectly smooth surfaces!
Now, let’s dive into the world of bench planers and discover how to find the perfect one for your needs. We’ll start by looking at the most important things to consider before you buy.
Our Top 5 Bench Planer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
DEWALT Thickness Planer | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
 |
CRAFTSMAN Planer | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
 |
WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
 |
DEWALT Benchtop Planer | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
VEVOR Thickness Planer | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Bench Planer Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful 13-inch thickness planer. It helps woodworkers make smooth and accurate cuts. This planer has a strong motor and many features. It’s designed to handle tough jobs and give you great results. This machine is a good choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor is very strong. It makes cutting easy.
- The two-speed gearbox lets you choose how fast the wood goes through.
- The three-knife cutter head lasts longer and makes changing knives simple.
- The fan helps get rid of wood chips.
- The extra-large thickness scale helps you make accurate cuts.
- It comes with infeed and outfeed tables. You also get extra knives!
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find it a bit noisy.
- It can be heavy to move around.
The DEWALT DW735X is a great planer for woodworkers. It’s a reliable machine that will help you get professional-looking results. If you need a thickness planer, this is a solid choice.
2. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 8.8/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a powerful tool for your workbench. It has a 15 Amp motor. This planer helps you shape wood. You can use it on hard and soft woods. It features a two-knife cutter head. This makes the operation smooth and efficient. The planer is designed to last and give you a cleaner workspace.
What We Like:
- The 15 Amp motor removes wood easily.
- The cutterhead design allows for the most wood removal.
- The two-knife cutter head gives smooth cuts.
- The cutter head has ball bearings for smooth action.
- The knives are reversible for a longer life.
- The vacuum port helps keep your workspace clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may need to buy a dust collection system.
This CRAFTSMAN planer is a great choice for woodworkers. It is a reliable tool that will help you with your projects.
3. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.8/10
The WEN PL1252 is a benchtop thickness planer. It is a good tool for woodworkers. This planer can make boards smooth and even. It can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide. The planer uses two blades to cut the wood. The motor runs at 15 amps. This machine can make many cuts every minute. You can also adjust how deep the cuts are.
What We Like:
- It can plane boards up to 6 inches thick.
- The motor makes 20,000 cuts per minute.
- The feed rate is 26 feet per minute.
- It comes with two reversible blades.
- You can adjust the depth of the cut.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might need to buy new blades.
- It can be noisy.
The WEN PL1252 is a good planer for many projects. It can help you get smooth, even boards. If you want to work with wood, this planer is a great option.
4. DEWALT Benchtop Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
The DEWALT DW734 is a benchtop planer. It is a powerful tool for woodworking projects. This planer helps you make smooth, even boards. It has a 15-amp motor and a three-knife cutter head. The DW734 is designed to give you great results every time. It is a great tool for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
What We Like:
- The strong 15-amp motor cuts through wood easily.
- The three-knife cutter head makes the surface smooth.
- The reversible knives last longer and are easy to change.
- The carriage lock keeps the wood steady. This prevents mistakes.
- Long tables support the wood as you plane it.
- You can measure and adjust the cutting depth easily.
- The depth stop lets you repeat cuts quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a dust collection system.
- The noise level can be a bit high.
The DEWALT DW734 is a great choice if you need a reliable planer. It is a good investment for any woodworker.
5. VEVOR Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.1/10
The VEVOR Thickness Planer is a powerful tool for woodworkers. It has a two-blade design and a 13″ wide worktable. This benchtop planer uses a strong 15-Amp, 1800W motor. It is made to work on both hard and soft wood. The planer also has an extended infeeding table for better support. Plus, it’s designed to keep noise levels low while you work.
What We Like:
- The 13″ wide worktable allows you to plane large boards.
- The 12″ extended infeeding table gives great support for long pieces.
- The powerful 1800W motor provides smooth cuts.
- The two-knife cutter head is built for long life.
- The over-current protection keeps you safe.
- It has a vacuum port for easy dust collection.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more detailed instructions.
- The dust collection could be more efficient.
This VEVOR planer is a good choice for woodworkers needing a reliable and powerful tool. It offers many features at a reasonable price.
Bench Planer Buying Guide: Get Ready to Smooth
A bench planer is a great tool for woodworkers. It makes wood flat and smooth. This guide will help you choose the right one. It covers key features, materials, quality, and how to use it.
Key Features to Look For
You need to know what to look for. Here are some important features:
- Motor Power: More power is better. It allows you to plane thicker wood. Look for a motor with at least 15 amps.
- Cutting Width: This tells you how wide the wood can be. Decide what size wood you will work with. Choose a planer that can handle it.
- Cutting Depth: This shows how much wood the planer removes in one pass. A larger depth means fewer passes are needed.
- Cutterhead: This is the part that does the cutting. It can have two or three blades. More blades mean a smoother finish.
- Dust Collection: Wood creates a lot of dust. A dust collection port helps keep your workspace clean.
- Feed Rate: This is how fast the wood goes through the planer. Faster is not always better. Some planers let you adjust the speed.
Important Materials
The materials used in a bench planer affect its quality and durability.
- Table: The table should be made from a strong material. Cast iron is a good choice. It is heavy and stable. It helps the wood feed smoothly.
- Cutterhead Blades: The blades should be made of high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide. Carbide blades last longer. They stay sharp longer.
- Body: The body should be strong. It will help the planer stay stable while you work. Metal is often used.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a planer good. Other things make it not so good.
- Quality of Construction: Look for a well-built planer. Check the joints and how things fit together. Better construction means the planer will last longer.
- Blade Quality: Sharp blades are important. Dull blades make rough cuts. They can also be dangerous.
- Accuracy: The planer should make accurate cuts. Check for adjustments to make sure the wood is flat.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer believes in their product.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a bench planer is not hard. It takes some practice.
- Use Cases: You can use a planer to make boards the same thickness. You can also flatten warped wood. It is good for making furniture, doors, and other projects.
- User Experience: Feeding wood through the planer takes practice. You need to keep the wood flat. You also need to wear safety glasses.
- Safety: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Never put your hands near the cutterhead.
Bench Planer FAQs
Here are some common questions about bench planers.
Q: What is a bench planer used for?
A: You use a bench planer to make wood flat and smooth. It also makes boards the same thickness.
Q: What size bench planer do I need?
A: It depends on the size of the wood you plan to use. Measure the widest pieces of wood you plan to work with.
Q: What is the difference between a bench planer and a jointer?
A: A jointer makes one side of a board flat. A planer makes both sides parallel (the same distance apart).
Q: How do I use a bench planer safely?
A: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Never put your hands near the cutterhead. Always feed the wood in the direction of the arrows.
Q: What type of blades should I get?
A: Carbide blades last longer and stay sharper. HSS blades are less expensive.
Q: How often should I change the blades?
A: It depends on how much you use it and what kind of wood you are planing. You will see when the cuts get rough.
Q: How do I maintain my bench planer?
A: Keep the planer clean. Lubricate the moving parts. Sharpen or replace the blades when needed.
Q: Can I plane wet wood?
A: It is not recommended. Wet wood can damage the planer and warp.
Q: What is the best brand of bench planer?
A: Several brands make good planers. Do some research. Read reviews. Consider your budget.
Q: How do I choose between a portable and a stationary planer?
A: Portable planers are easier to move. Stationary planers are more powerful and stable. Choose the one that best fits your needs and your workspace.
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!