Have you ever watched a piece of wood transform from rough to perfectly smooth? It’s amazing, right? That magic often comes from a tool called a helical planer. But choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze! There are so many different types, sizes, and features. It can be confusing to know which one is best for your needs.
Picking the wrong helical planer can cause problems. You might end up with tear-out, which means the wood looks chipped and rough. You could also waste time and money on a machine that doesn’t work well. This is why understanding helical planers is so important for anyone who loves woodworking!
This blog post is your guide. We’ll break down what a helical planer is, how it works, and what to look for. You’ll learn how to choose the perfect planer to make your projects smooth and beautiful. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Get ready to become a helical planer expert!
Our Top 5 Helical Planer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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WEN Thickness Planer | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Thickness Planer | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Oliver 13″ HCX Helical Cutterhead Benchtop Planer | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Helical Planer Detailed Reviews
1. FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead
Rating: 9.0/10
The FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer is a powerful tool for woodworkers. It features a helical cutterhead with 40 top-quality tungsten carbide insert knives. This planer is made to give you smooth, tear-free cuts on your wood. It is designed for both softwoods and hardwoods. The 120V 15-AMP motor spins at 20,000 RPM. This helps it cut wood quickly and efficiently. It is a great tool for any woodworking project.
What We Like:
- The helical cutterhead makes smooth cuts.
- The 4-column design makes it stable and accurate.
- The dust collection system keeps your workspace clean.
- The depth stop helps you cut wood to the same size every time.
- The powerful motor cuts wood quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is a residential type tabletop machine, so pay attention to the cutting depth and material width limits.
- It is recommended to work in small quantities many times to avoid overloading.
This FindBuyTool planer is a good choice for woodworkers. You can get great results with this tool.
2. WEN Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.5/10
The WEN Thickness Planer (PL1337) is a benchtop machine. It is a good choice for woodworkers. It has a 13-inch spiral blade. This planer helps you make wood pieces the right size. It has two speeds. This lets you choose how fast the wood goes through the machine.
What We Like:
- The two speeds are great! You can pick the speed you need.
- The spiral cutterhead makes the wood smooth. It has 26 blades.
- It can handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide.
- The motor is strong. It has 15 amps.
- It comes with helpful features. These include a depth stop and a dust port.
- It has a two-year warranty. This means WEN will help you if something goes wrong.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a larger machine for bigger projects.
The WEN PL1337 is a good planer for most woodworkers. It has many useful features at a good price.
3. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful thickness planer. It helps woodworkers make boards the right thickness. This machine has a strong motor and many features to help you. It makes cutting wood easy and accurate. It is a good tool for any woodworking shop.
What We Like:
- The 15 amp motor is very strong. It can handle big cuts.
- The three-knife cutter head lasts longer. Changing knives is also easy.
- You can change the speed. This lets you make the best cuts.
- A fan blows away wood chips. This keeps the machine clean.
- The base is strong and stable. It helps prevent mistakes.
- The automatic carriage lock stops the wood from moving. This prevents problems.
- You can see how much wood you are removing. The scale helps you make accurate cuts.
- You can set the depth easily. This makes it easy to repeat cuts.
- It comes with tables and extra knives.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find it a bit noisy.
- It is a little heavier than some other planers.
The DEWALT DW735X is a great planer for many woodworkers. It has many features that make it easy to use and accurate. This is a good choice for a shop or home project.
4. JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer
Rating: 8.9/10
The JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer (Model JWP-13BT) is a powerful tool for woodworkers. It has a helical-style cutterhead. This means it has many small blades for a smooth cut. The planer is designed to make boards flat and even. It is a good choice for both hobbyists and professionals. It has a strong motor and can handle tough jobs.
What We Like:
- The helical cutterhead cuts wood smoothly and quietly.
- The cast iron bed helps boards stay flat.
- The four-post design keeps the cutterhead steady.
- The 2-HP motor is strong.
- Folding tables save space.
- You can cut boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick.
- The depth stop helps you make the same cut over and over.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial cost may be higher compared to planers with straight knives.
The JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer is a great machine. It is a good investment for anyone who needs to plane wood.
5. Oliver 13″ HCX Helical Cutterhead Benchtop Planer
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to plane like a pro with the Oliver 13″ HCX Helical Cutterhead Benchtop Planer! This amazing machine is the Popular Mechanics Tool of the Year 2025. It packs a powerful punch in a small size. The planer uses a 2HP motor. It makes smooth cuts and lasts a long time. This benchtop planer is perfect for woodworkers of all levels.
What We Like:
- The Oliver HCX cutterhead is amazing! It’s like the ones in big machines. It gives a full 13″ cutting width.
- You can choose how fast the wood feeds with the 2-speed gearbox.
- It’s built tough. The base is strong cast aluminum. The top and handles are steel.
- The 4-post design keeps everything lined up.
- It has a dust port to keep your workspace clean.
- The tables adjust to help you make great cuts.
- A digital readout makes cutting easy and precise.
- Safety features like overload protection keep you safe.
- It’s CSA listed, so it meets safety standards.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price may be a bit higher than other benchtop planers.
- The motor is only 2HP, which might limit the types of wood you can plane.
The Oliver 13″ HCX Helical Cutterhead Benchtop Planer is a great tool. It is a good choice for anyone who wants professional results.
Helical Planer: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
A helical planer is a cool tool for woodworking. It makes wood smooth and flat. This guide will help you find the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing a helical planer means looking at its features. These features help you decide which planer is right for your projects.
1. Cutter Head Type
The most important part is the cutter head. Helical planers have many small knives. These knives are called inserts. They are arranged in a spiral. This design helps the planer cut the wood smoothly. You should look for a cutter head with many inserts. More inserts mean a smoother cut. You can also rotate or replace the inserts when they get dull.
2. Motor Power
The motor’s power is important. It is measured in horsepower (HP). A more powerful motor is better. It can handle thicker wood and faster cuts. For smaller projects, a 1.5 to 2 HP motor is good. If you plan to work with large pieces of wood, you should get a 3 HP motor or even more.
3. Cutting Width and Depth
The cutting width is how wide the planer can cut. The cutting depth is how much wood it removes in one pass. Decide what size wood you plan to use. Then, choose a planer with the right cutting width and depth. Most planers have a cutting depth of up to 1/8 inch.
4. Dust Collection
Woodworking creates a lot of dust. A good dust collection system is important. It helps keep your workspace clean. Look for a planer with a dust port. This port connects to a dust collector or shop vacuum.
5. Table Size and Stability
The table supports the wood as it goes through the planer. A larger table is better. It provides more support for larger pieces of wood. Make sure the table is stable. A stable table prevents the wood from moving while it is cut.
Important Materials
The materials used in a helical planer affect its quality and durability.
1. Cutter Head Material
The inserts are made of a hard metal. This metal is usually carbide. Carbide is strong and can stay sharp for a long time. It is very important for quality.
2. Body Material
The body of the planer is usually made of metal. Cast iron is a popular choice. It is heavy and absorbs vibrations. This makes the planer more stable. Steel is also used. It is strong but can vibrate more.
3. Table Material
The table is often made of cast iron or steel. These materials are durable and provide a smooth surface for the wood to slide across.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors affect the quality of a helical planer.
1. Build Quality
A well-built planer will last longer. Look for planers with solid construction. Check the joints and the overall feel of the machine. Good planers are made to last.
2. Insert Quality
The inserts are the most important part of the cutting process. High-quality inserts will stay sharp longer. This will give you a better finish. Look for inserts made from carbide.
3. Motor Quality
A good motor is important for power and performance. A motor that is powerful will cut through wood easily. It will also be more reliable.
4. Dust Collection System
A good dust collection system keeps your workspace clean. It also protects your health. A well-designed system is important.
User Experience and Use Cases
A helical planer is a great tool for many woodworking projects.
1. Use Cases
You can use a helical planer to make wood smooth. You can also make it flat. It is great for building furniture, doors, and cabinets. You can also use it for smaller projects like cutting boards.
2. User Experience
Helical planers are usually easy to use. They make less noise than traditional planers. They produce fewer tear-outs, giving a smoother finish. They are also easier to maintain because you can rotate or replace the inserts.
Helical Planer FAQs
Q: What is a helical cutter head?
A: It is a cutter head with many small knives (inserts) arranged in a spiral. This design helps cut the wood smoothly.
Q: Why is a helical planer better than a straight-knife planer?
A: Helical planers cut more smoothly. They also make less noise. They also reduce tear-out in the wood.
Q: How do I maintain a helical planer?
A: You should clean it regularly. You also should check the inserts. Rotate or replace dull inserts.
Q: What size motor do I need?
A: It depends on your projects. For smaller projects, a 1.5 to 2 HP motor is good. For larger projects, get a 3 HP motor or more.
Q: What is the cutting width and depth?
A: The cutting width is how wide the planer can cut. The cutting depth is how much wood it removes in one pass. Choose based on the wood you use.
Q: What is the best material for the body of the planer?
A: Cast iron is a good choice. It absorbs vibrations and is durable.
Q: How does the dust collection system work?
A: It collects the sawdust. It is connected to a dust collector or shop vacuum.
Q: How long do the inserts last?
A: It depends on the wood. They can last a long time before needing to be rotated or replaced.
Q: Can I use a helical planer for all types of wood?
A: Yes, but some woods may be harder to plane than others. Adjust the feed rate.
Q: Is a helical planer worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, the smoother finish and quieter operation make it worth the extra cost for most woodworkers.
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!