Have you ever looked at a beautiful piece of wood and thought, “I wish this was perfectly smooth and even”? Woodworking is a rewarding hobby, but getting those flawless surfaces can be a real challenge. Rough lumber can ruin your projects, causing headaches and wasted materials. That’s where a bench top planer comes in!
Choosing the right bench top planer can be tricky. There are many different models, and they all claim to be the best. You might feel confused by the features, the prices, and the different brands. This guide helps you avoid those frustrations. We’ll uncover the secrets to selecting the perfect planer for your needs. We’ll also help you understand how to get the most out of your new tool.
By reading on, you’ll learn how to compare different planers. You’ll understand what features matter most for your projects. We’ll also cover important safety tips. You’ll be able to choose a bench top planer with confidence. This post will give you the knowledge to make smooth, beautiful wood a reality. Let’s dive in and explore the world of bench top planers!
Our Top 5 Bench Top Planer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEWALT Thickness Planer | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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CRAFTSMAN Planer | 9.1/10 | 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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DEWALT Benchtop Planer | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Bench Top Planer Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.8/10
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful thickness planer. It’s designed for woodworking projects. This machine can handle big cuts in wide materials. It has a strong motor and smart features to make your work easier. It’s built to last and give you great results.
What We Like:
- The 15 amp motor is very strong. It handles tough jobs.
- The cutter head has three knives. These knives last longer and are easier to change.
- You can change the speed. This helps you get the best cuts.
- It has a fan to blow away wood chips. This keeps your work area clean.
- The base is strong. It helps make accurate cuts.
- It locks the carriage. This stops the wood from moving and makes for better results.
- It has a gauge to measure wood thickness. This helps you make precise cuts.
- It has tables to feed wood in and out. It also includes extra knives.
What Could Be Improved:
- The planer is a bit heavy.
- It can be loud when it’s running.
The DEWALT DW735X is a great tool for woodworkers. It has many useful features. This planer helps you get professional results.
2. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.5/10
The WEN PL1252 is a benchtop thickness planer. It helps you make wood boards the same thickness. This black planer has two blades. It can plane boards up to 12.5 inches wide. It uses a strong 15-amp motor. The motor makes 20,000 cuts every minute. It also feeds the wood at 26 feet per minute. You can adjust how much wood it removes. Each pass can remove up to 1/8 of an inch.
What We Like:
- The planer can handle boards up to 6 inches thick.
- It has a powerful motor for fast work.
- It comes with two reversible blades.
- You can easily change the depth of cut.
What Could Be Improved:
- The blades may need replacing more often than higher-end models.
- It might not be the best choice for very large projects.
The WEN PL1252 is a good planer for small to medium projects. It is a great tool for woodworkers who want to make their boards even.
3. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 9.3/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a powerful benchtop tool. It has a 15 Amp motor. This planer is for both hard and soft woods. It also features a solid steel cutter head with two knives. This planer will help you get smooth and clean cuts. It’s a great tool for any woodworking project.
What We Like:
- The 15 Amp motor gives it lots of power. It removes wood from hard and soft materials easily.
- The cutterhead design removes a lot of material quickly.
- The cutter head is made of solid steel. It has two knives that are easy to change. This means it runs smoothly.
- The knives are made of high carbon steel. They can be flipped over for longer use.
- It has a vacuum port. This port keeps your workspace clean by collecting dust.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the dust collection system needs improvement.
- It may take some time to learn how to use it correctly.
This CRAFTSMAN planer is a good choice for woodworkers. It is a powerful tool that is easy to use. It will help you get great results on your projects.
4. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.8/10
The WEN PL1326 is a benchtop thickness planer. It helps you make wood smooth and even. This planer uses a spiral cutterhead with many small blades. These blades are made of HSS, which is strong. It can handle boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. A powerful 15A motor turns the blades fast. It also has a gauge to show how much wood it removes.
What We Like:
- The spiral cutterhead gives a smooth finish.
- The material removal gauge is helpful.
- It can plane wide and thick boards.
- The motor is strong and the feed rate is good.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the initial setup tricky.
- The blades will need to be changed eventually.
The WEN PL1326 is a good choice for woodworkers. It is a powerful and useful tool for your workshop.
5. DEWALT Benchtop Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
The DEWALT DW734 is a powerful benchtop planer. It’s great for smoothing wood. This planer is perfect for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. It’s designed to give you smooth and accurate results every time.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor is strong. It can handle tough cuts in hardwoods.
- The three-knife cutter head spins fast. This gives a very smooth finish.
- You can flip the knives. This gives you more use out of them. Changing the knives is also easy.
- The four-column carriage lock helps. It stops the wood from moving. This prevents mistakes.
- Long tables support the wood. They help with accurate cuts.
- The gauge and scale help you measure. You get accurate cuts.
- A depth stop makes it easy. You can quickly return to your favorite settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a dust collection system. It is not included.
- The noise can be loud.
The DEWALT DW734 is a solid choice for any workshop. It’s a reliable tool that will help you make great woodworking projects.
Bench Top Planer: Your Woodworking Friend
Are you looking to make your wood projects smooth and even? Then, a bench top planer is a great tool for you! This guide will help you understand what to look for when buying one.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a bench top planer, you want the best one for your needs. Several things are important to consider.
- Cutting Width and Depth: Planers come in different sizes. They can cut wood of different widths. Think about the size of wood you plan to use. You also need to know the maximum depth the planer can cut.
- Motor Power: A strong motor is important. It lets the planer cut through wood easily. Look for a motor with at least 15 amps.
- Cutter Head: The cutter head holds the blades. Some have two blades, some have three. More blades usually mean a smoother cut.
- Feed Rate: The feed rate tells you how fast the wood moves through the planer. A faster feed rate means you can work quicker.
- Dust Collection: Woodworking makes dust. A good dust collection system keeps your workspace clean. Look for a port to connect to a dust collector.
- Portability: Benchtop planers are easier to move than floor models. Consider the weight if you need to move it often.
Important Materials
The materials used in a planer affect its quality and how long it lasts.
- Body: The body of the planer is usually made of metal. Cast iron bodies are sturdy and reduce vibration.
- Blades: Blades are made of steel. High-speed steel (HSS) blades are common. Carbide blades last longer and are more expensive.
- Tables: The tables support the wood as it goes through the planer. They are often made of metal. A smooth table helps the wood move easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a planer better. Others can make it worse.
- Quality of Construction: A well-built planer lasts longer. Look for a solid build with tight fits.
- Blade Quality: Sharp blades make smooth cuts. Good blades are made from quality steel.
- Table Flatness: Flat tables help the wood move evenly. Check the tables to make sure they are flat.
- Motor Power: A powerful motor cuts through wood without slowing down.
- Ease of Adjustment: You need to adjust the depth and other settings. Easy-to-use adjustments make your work easier.
- Noise Level: Planers can be loud. Some planers have features to reduce noise.
- Dust Collection Efficiency: A good dust collection system keeps the air clean.
User Experience and Use Cases
A bench top planer is a great tool for many woodworkers.
- Smooth Surfaces: Planers make rough wood smooth. You can use them to flatten boards.
- Thicknessing: You can make boards the same thickness. This is great for building projects.
- Jointing (with a jig): You can joint edges for joining boards. You will need a special jig for this.
- Small Projects: Bench top planers are great for small projects. They are perfect for hobbyists and DIYers.
- Easy to Use: Most planers are easy to learn. You can start using them quickly.
- Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when using a planer.
Bench Top Planer FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about bench top planers.
Q: What is a bench top planer used for?
A: Planers smooth wood and make it the same thickness.
Q: How does a bench top planer work?
A: Wood passes under a spinning cutter head with blades.
Q: What size planer do I need?
A: It depends on the size of the wood you use.
Q: What is a “snipe” on a planer?
A: “Snipe” is when the end of a board is cut too deep. It can happen if the tables aren’t adjusted correctly.
Q: How do I change the blades on a planer?
A: You should follow the instructions in your planer’s manual.
Q: How often do I need to change the blades?
A: It depends on how much you use the planer and what type of wood you are planing.
Q: What safety equipment should I use?
A: Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Q: Can I plane wet wood?
A: It’s best to plane dry wood. Wet wood can damage the planer.
Q: How do I maintain a bench top planer?
A: Keep the blades sharp. Clean the machine after each use.
Q: Are bench top planers noisy?
A: Yes, planers can be noisy. Hearing protection is very important.
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!