Have you ever looked at a beautiful piece of wood and imagined something amazing? Maybe a smooth, sleek table or a perfectly crafted shelf? Getting that smooth finish can be tricky. Rough lumber is often uneven. That’s where a benchtop planer comes in! It’s a powerful tool that can transform rough wood into something beautiful.
Choosing the right benchtop planer can be a real headache. There are so many models! You might get confused by the different features and prices. It’s easy to feel lost and waste money on the wrong tool. This guide will help you avoid those problems.
In this blog post, we will help you understand what to look for in a benchtop planer. You will learn about the important features, like cutterhead types and size. We will also discuss what to consider when buying one. By the end, you’ll be ready to pick the best benchtop planer for your needs. Get ready to create some amazing woodworking projects! Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 Benchtop Planer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
DEWALT Thickness Planer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
CRAFTSMAN Planer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
DEWALT Benchtop Planer | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Benchtop Planer 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 helps you make wood boards smooth and the right size. This planer is great for woodworking projects. It can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide. The planer uses two blades to cut the wood. It has a strong 15-amp motor. This motor makes 20,000 cuts every minute! You can adjust how much wood it removes. Each pass can remove up to 1/8 of an inch.
What We Like:
- It can plane boards up to 6 inches thick.
- The motor is powerful and cuts wood quickly.
- It includes two reversible blades.
- You can adjust the depth of each cut easily.
- The feed rate is 26 feet per minute.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may want more detailed instructions.
- It might be loud during operation.
The WEN PL1252 is a good planer for the price. It is a solid choice for woodworkers of all levels.
2. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.7/10
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful thickness planer. It helps woodworkers create smooth, even boards. This machine has a strong motor and smart features to make your projects easier. It’s built for both beginners and experienced users. This planer is designed for efficiency and accuracy in any woodworking shop.
What We Like:
- The 15 amp motor is strong. It easily handles big cuts on wide boards.
- The three-knife cutter head lasts a long time. Changing the knives is also very easy.
- You can change the speed. This helps you get the best cuts.
- A fan blows away wood chips. This keeps the machine clean.
- The base is strong. It makes the planer more stable.
- The automatic carriage lock prevents mistakes.
- The material removal gauge and thickness scale are accurate.
- The depth stop lets you quickly return to common thicknesses.
- It comes with tables and extra knives.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find it a bit noisy.
- It’s a larger machine, so it takes up more space.
The DEWALT DW735X is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable thickness planer. It’s a solid machine that will help you get professional results.
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 you make wood smooth and even. This machine uses a spiral cutterhead. The cutterhead has 26 blades that cut wood. These blades are made of HSS, which is strong steel. The planer can handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. A 15-Amp motor powers the machine. It spins at 10,000 RPM. The wood feeds through at 26 feet per minute. There is a gauge to show how deep each cut will be.
What We Like:
- The spiral cutterhead gives a smooth finish.
- The material removal gauge is useful for cutting depth.
- It can handle wide boards.
- The motor is powerful.
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 woodworking projects. It is a powerful and effective planer for many projects.
4. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 9.4/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a benchtop tool for woodworkers. It has a 15-amp motor. This planer is made to remove material from both hard and soft woods. It features a two-knife cutter head. This cutter head is made of solid steel. It is designed to make your woodworking projects easier.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor gives it plenty of power. It removes material from wood easily.
- The poly-v cutterhead drive helps remove more wood quickly.
- The two-knife cutter head runs smoothly. It is made of solid steel and mounted on ball bearings. This makes it last a long time.
- The knives are reversible. They are made of high carbon steel. This makes them last longer.
- A vacuum port keeps your workspace clean. It helps collect dust.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more detailed instructions.
- The initial setup might take a little time.
The CRAFTSMAN Planer is a good tool for woodworkers. This planer is a solid choice for your workshop.
5. DEWALT Benchtop Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The DEWALT DW734 is a powerful benchtop planer. It has a 15-amp motor and a 12-1/2-inch cutting width. This planer helps you make smooth, even surfaces on wood. It is great for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. Get ready to make your projects look amazing!
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor is strong. It can handle big jobs.
- The three-knife cutter head gives a smooth finish. You get 96 cuts per inch!
- The reversible knives last longer. They are also easy to change.
- The four-column carriage lock helps prevent mistakes.
- Long tables support the wood. This helps you get accurate cuts.
- The material removal gauge helps you measure. The thickness scale is easy to read.
- The turret depth stop lets you save your favorite settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the noise level to be high.
The DEWALT DW734 is a solid benchtop planer. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to improve their woodworking. This planer will help you create beautiful projects.
Benchtop Planer: Your Woodworking Wonder Guide!
Thinking about buying a benchtop planer? Great idea! These handy tools help you make wood smooth and even. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a benchtop planer, you will see many choices. Here are some important things to consider:
- Cutting Width and Depth: Planers cut wood to a specific width and depth. Make sure the planer can handle the size of wood you want to use. Wider planers are better for bigger projects.
- Motor Power (Amps): A stronger motor means the planer can work faster. It will also handle tougher wood. Look for planers with at least 10 amps.
- Cutterhead: This is the part that does the cutting. Some planers have two blades, and some have three. More blades usually give a smoother finish.
- Dust Collection: Planers create a lot of wood chips! A good dust collection system will keep your workspace clean. Look for a planer with a dust port.
- Feed Rate: This is how fast the wood goes through the planer. A faster feed rate helps you work quicker. However, a slower feed rate can give a smoother finish.
- Table Size and Material: A stable table supports the wood. Some tables are made of steel or aluminum.
- Safety Features: Look for features like a blade guard and a lock. These features keep you safe while you work.
Important Materials
The materials a benchtop planer is made from affect its quality and durability.
- Cutterhead Blades: Blades are usually made from high-speed steel (HSS). HSS blades are sharp and last a long time. Some planers use carbide blades. Carbide blades are even more durable.
- Table: The table is often made from cast iron or steel. Cast iron is very heavy and stable. Steel is also durable.
- Body: The body of the planer is often made from metal or strong plastic. Metal is usually more durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Many things affect how well a benchtop planer works:
- Blade Quality: Sharp, high-quality blades make a big difference. They cut wood cleanly and smoothly. Dull blades will leave rough surfaces.
- Motor Power: A stronger motor makes the planer work better. It can handle thicker wood and work faster.
- Build Quality: A well-built planer will last longer. Check the materials and how well everything is put together.
- Dust Collection: A good dust collection system keeps the workspace clean. It also helps the planer work better.
- Table Stability: A stable table helps the wood stay flat. This makes the planing process more accurate.
- Adjustability: Planers that are easy to adjust are easier to use. It also allows you to make precise cuts.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a benchtop planer is easier than you think. Here’s what you can expect:
- Easy to Use: Most planers have simple controls. You can adjust the cutting depth and feed rate.
- Use Cases: Planers are great for:
- Making lumber the right thickness.
- Smoothing rough lumber.
- Preparing wood for furniture making.
- Creating even surfaces for other woodworking projects.
- Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Never reach into the planer while it’s running.
- Maintenance: Keep your planer clean. Change the blades when they get dull.
Benchtop Planer FAQ
Q: What is a benchtop planer?
A: A benchtop planer is a power tool used to make wood smooth and even. You place the wood on the table, and the planer shaves off layers to get the right thickness.
Q: What size planer do I need?
A: It depends on the size of wood you plan to use. If you work with wide boards, get a planer with a wider cutting width.
Q: How does a planer work?
A: The wood goes through the planer. A spinning cutterhead with blades shaves off the top layer of the wood.
Q: What kind of wood can I use with a planer?
A: You can use a planer on many kinds of wood. Hardwoods and softwoods are both good. Always check the manual for specific wood types.
Q: How do I adjust the cutting depth?
A: Most planers have a knob or lever to adjust the cutting depth. This changes how much wood is removed with each pass.
Q: How often do I need to change the blades?
A: It depends on how much you use the planer and the type of wood. Replace blades when they become dull or damaged. You can tell because the finish won’t be as smooth.
Q: Is dust collection important?
A: Yes, dust collection is very important. It keeps your workspace clean and helps the planer work better. It also protects your lungs.
Q: What safety gear should I use?
A: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Use a dust mask too. Never reach into the planer while it is running.
Q: How do I maintain my planer?
A: Keep your planer clean. Clean the blades. Lubricate the moving parts. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Where can I buy a benchtop planer?
A: You can buy benchtop planers at hardware stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers.
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!