Ever wish you could turn rough lumber into smooth, perfect boards without spending a fortune? You’re not alone! Many woodworkers dream of a benchtop planer, but the cost and choices can be overwhelming. Picking the wrong one can lead to frustration and wasted money. That’s why we’re diving into the world of benchtop planers and helping you find the best option for your wallet.
Choosing a benchtop planer can feel like navigating a maze. You have to consider features, price, and brand reputation. The goal is to find a machine that does the job well, without breaking the bank. Making the wrong choice can be a costly mistake, leaving you with a tool that doesn’t meet your needs or performs poorly. This is a pain point for many woodworkers.
In this post, we’ll break down the key features to look for, compare top-rated models, and help you understand what makes a benchtop planer a good value. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and find the perfect planer to take your woodworking projects to the next level. So, get ready to discover the best benchtop planer for your money! Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Benchtop Planer For The Money Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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VEVOR Thickness Planer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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CRAFTSMAN Planer | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Benchtop Planer For The Money 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 is perfect for smoothing wood. This planer is great for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. It can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide. It also planes boards up to 6 inches thick. This planer has a powerful motor. The motor makes 20,000 cuts every minute! It has two reversible blades. This planer can adjust the depth of each pass.
What We Like:
- Planes boards quickly and efficiently.
- The 15-amp motor is powerful.
- You can adjust the depth of each cut.
- Includes two reversible blades.
- It is compact and fits on a workbench.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the dust collection a bit messy.
- The blades might need to be replaced over time.
The WEN PL1252 is a good choice for woodworkers. It is a powerful and useful tool. You can get smooth, even boards with this planer.
2. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.3/10
The WEN PL1326 is a 13-inch spiral benchtop thickness planer. It helps you make wood pieces the correct thickness. The planer uses a spiral cutterhead. This cutterhead has many small blades. These blades are made of HSS. The blades spin fast and cut wood smoothly. The planer can handle wood up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. A 15-amp motor powers the machine. It feeds wood at 26 feet per minute.
What We Like:
- The spiral cutterhead gives a very smooth finish.
- The onboard gauge helps you measure how deep each cut is.
- It can plane wide boards.
- The motor is powerful and works quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users find the dust collection system could be better.
- The initial setup might take some time.
The WEN PL1326 is a good planer for many woodworkers. It’s a great choice if you want smooth results.
3. VEVOR Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.9/10
The VEVOR Thickness Planer is a benchtop machine. It has a 13″ wide worktable and a powerful 1800W motor. This planer is designed for both hard and soft woods. It features two blades and a 12″ extended infeeding table. This helps you get smooth and accurate cuts. It also has a low-noise design and a dust collection port.
What We Like:
- High-quality 13″ worktable lets you plane wide boards.
- The two-knife cutter head gives smooth results.
- The 1800W motor is strong and reliable.
- It has a built-in current overload protection.
- The extended infeeding table offers good support.
- A vacuum port helps keep your workspace clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Make sure to check for any adjustments needed before use.
- Ensure the blades are sharp for the best results.
The VEVOR Thickness Planer is a great tool for woodworkers. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to smooth out their wood projects.
4. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a powerful tool for your workbench. It has a 15 Amp motor that helps you remove wood. This planer is great for both hard and soft woods. It has a solid steel cutter head with two knives. This helps the planer run smoothly and last a long time. It also has a port for a vacuum to keep your workspace clean.
What We Like:
- The motor is strong enough to remove wood from both hard and soft materials.
- The cutter head design removes a lot of material quickly.
- The two-knife cutter head runs smoothly.
- The knives are reversible. This means you can use them for a long time.
- There is a vacuum port to help with dust.
What Could Be Improved:
- Consider adding a dust collection bag or offering one as an option.
- Some users may find the initial setup a little tricky.
Overall, the CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a good choice for woodworkers. It is a powerful and reliable tool for the workbench.
5. FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead
Rating: 8.8/10
The FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer is a powerful tool for woodworking. It has a helical cutterhead with 40 tungsten carbide insert knives. This planer is designed to give you smooth cuts. The 120V 15-AMP motor spins at 20000 RPM. It also has an infeeding worktable. This makes it easier to plane your wood projects. It is perfect for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
What We Like:
- The helical cutterhead gives great cutting results.
- It has a 4-column design for accuracy and stability.
- The motor is powerful with a 27.5 FPM feed rate.
- The depth stop helps you cut boards to the same size.
- The dust collection system works well and prevents clogging.
- It is a product of Machorool, a trusted sub-brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is a residential type machine so pay attention to cutting depth and material width.
- It’s best to plane in small amounts to avoid overloading.
Overall, the FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer is a good choice for your workshop. This planer offers great features and performance for your woodworking needs.
Benchtop Planer: Your Guide to Getting the Best for Your Buck
Buying a benchtop planer can be a big decision. You want one that works well without breaking the bank. This guide helps you pick the best planer for your money.
Key Features to Look For
Here are some important things to check:
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Cutting Width and Depth
Think about how wide and thick the wood you’ll use is. Planers have a maximum width and depth they can handle. You need a planer big enough for your projects.
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Motor Power
A stronger motor means the planer can cut through wood easier. Look for a motor with at least 15 amps. More power is better for harder woods.
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Knife Type
Planers use knives to shave off wood. Some have disposable knives. Others have knives you can sharpen. Sharpenable knives might save you money in the long run.
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Dust Collection
Planers make a lot of sawdust. Look for a planer with a dust collection port. This helps keep your workspace clean.
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Feed Rate
The feed rate tells you how fast the wood goes through the planer. A faster feed rate means you can plane wood quicker. However, a slower rate gives a smoother finish.
Important Materials
The materials used in a planer affect how well it works and how long it lasts:
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The Body
Most planers have a metal body. Metal makes the planer sturdy. It helps it stay in place while you work.
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The Knives
The knives are usually made of steel. High-speed steel (HSS) is common. Some planers use carbide knives. Carbide knives last longer and stay sharper.
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The Bed
The bed is where the wood sits as it goes through the planer. Look for a smooth bed. It helps the wood slide easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a planer great, while others make it less so:
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Quality Improves With:
- A strong motor.
- A sturdy body.
- Sharp knives.
- A smooth bed.
- Good dust collection.
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Quality is Reduced By:
- A weak motor.
- A flimsy body.
- Dull knives.
- A rough bed.
- Poor dust collection.
User Experience and Use Cases
Here’s how you might use a benchtop planer:
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Woodworking Projects
You can use a planer to make wood the right thickness for projects. This includes making boards for tables, shelves, and cabinets.
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DIY Home Improvements
If you are making changes to your home, a planer can help you create custom trim pieces or repair damaged wood.
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Easy to Use
Planers are usually easy to use. You simply adjust the cutting depth. Then, you feed the wood through the machine. You will get smooth, even boards.
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Safety First
Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Never plane wood with nails or staples. These things can damage the knives.
Benchtop Planer FAQs
Q: What is a benchtop planer?
A: It is a machine that smooths and levels wood. It sits on a workbench and is smaller than floor-standing planers.
Q: What kind of wood can I plane?
A: You can plane most types of wood. Be sure to check the planer’s manual. It will tell you the maximum width and depth.
Q: How do I adjust the cutting depth?
A: Most planers have a knob or lever. This controls how much wood the planer removes with each pass.
Q: How often should I change the knives?
A: It depends on how much you use the planer and the type of wood. Dull knives will leave a rough surface. You can sharpen or replace them when this happens.
Q: What safety gear do I need?
A: You need safety glasses and hearing protection. You may want to wear a dust mask.
Q: How do I clean the planer?
A: Use a brush or vacuum to remove sawdust. You can also use a cleaner designed for woodworking tools.
Q: What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A: A planer makes wood the right thickness. A jointer makes the edges of wood straight and flat.
Q: Can I plane wet wood?
A: It is not recommended. Wet wood can warp and damage the planer.
Q: How do I prevent snipe (uneven cut at the end of the board)?
A: You can try supporting the wood at the end. This will help prevent it from dipping as it exits the planer.
Q: What is the best benchtop planer for beginners?
A: Look for a planer that is easy to use and has good safety features. Read reviews from other users before you buy.
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!