Ever tried building something and ended up with crooked cuts or uneven surfaces? It’s frustrating, right? That’s where a tabletop planer comes in. These handy machines are like magic for woodworkers, making rough lumber smooth and ready for projects. But with so many models out there, picking the perfect tabletop planer can feel overwhelming.
Choosing the wrong planer can lead to wasted wood, inaccurate results, and a lot of headaches. You might be confused by terms like “cut depth,” “motor size,” and “feed rate.” Don’t worry! This blog post will help you understand everything you need to know to find the right planer for your needs. We’ll break down the key features and help you avoid common mistakes.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently compare different tabletop planers. You’ll learn what to look for based on your budget and the types of projects you do. Get ready to say goodbye to rough lumber and hello to smooth, professional-looking results. Let’s dive in and find the perfect planer for you!
Our Top 5 Tabletop Planer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Thickness Planer | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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CRAFTSMAN Planer | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Benchtop Planer | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Tabletop Planer Detailed Reviews
1. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.5/10
The WEN PL1252 is a benchtop thickness planer. It is a great tool for woodworking. This planer helps you make boards smooth and even. It can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide. The planer has a strong 15-Amp motor. This motor makes the blades spin fast. It can plane boards up to 6 inches thick. The WEN PL1252 comes with two blades. You can change the depth of each cut. The blades are reversible, so they last longer.
What We Like:
- It can plane boards up to 12.5 inches wide.
- The motor is powerful and makes 20,000 cuts per minute.
- The feed rate is 26 feet per minute.
- It includes two reversible blades.
- You can adjust the depth of cut.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a dust collection system.
- The blades are SK5 steel. You may need to replace them.
This WEN planer is a good choice for woodworkers. It helps you get smooth and even boards. You can adjust the depth of each cut. This makes it easy to get the perfect thickness.
2. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.3/10
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful thickness planer. It has a 13-inch capacity and a strong 15-amp motor. The motor spins at 20,000 RPM. This planer is built for serious woodworkers. It is designed to make smooth, accurate cuts in wood. It also includes helpful features for easy use.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor easily handles big cuts.
- The three-knife cutter head lasts longer. It also makes changing knives simpler.
- The two-speed gearbox lets you choose how fast the wood feeds. You can get the best cut.
- The fan helps remove wood chips. It keeps the work area clean.
- The cast aluminum base is strong and stable.
- The automatic carriage lock prevents snipe. This means the wood won’t get messed up at the end.
- It has a material removal gauge for precise cuts.
- The turret depth-stop helps you return to common thicknesses.
- Infeed and outfeed tables make feeding wood easier.
- It comes with extra knives.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find it noisy.
- It can be a little heavy to move around.
The DEWALT DW735X is a top-notch planer. It is a great choice for both beginner and experienced woodworkers. If you want a dependable planer, this is a good one to consider.
3. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 8.9/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a powerful tool for your workbench. It is built to make your woodworking easier. This planer can handle both hard and soft woods. It has a strong 15 Amp motor. The planer removes a lot of material quickly. It also has a smooth cutting head with two knives. These knives are made of solid steel. You can change them quickly. It is designed for smooth operation and a long life. It also has a vacuum port to keep your workspace clean.
What We Like:
- The 15 Amp motor provides a lot of power. It removes wood easily.
- The cutter head uses a poly-v drive. This helps remove the most wood.
- The two-knife cutter head runs smoothly. It is built to last a long time.
- The knives are made of high carbon steel. They are reversible. This gives them a long cutting life.
- A vacuum port is included. It keeps your work area clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product doesn’t explicitly mention the maximum width of the wood it can plane.
- The product doesn’t specify the types of wood it is best for.
This CRAFTSMAN Planer is a good choice for woodworkers. It has many helpful features. It’s a great tool for your workshop.
4. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.5/10
The WEN PL1326 is a benchtop thickness planer. It helps you make wood smooth and even. This planer has a spiral cutterhead. It uses many small blades to cut the wood. These blades are made of HSS, which is strong. The planer can handle boards up to 13 inches wide. It can also plane boards up to 6 inches thick. A powerful motor drives the blades. It also has a gauge to tell you how much wood it will remove.
What We Like:
- The spiral cutterhead gives a smooth finish.
- The onboard gauge is easy to use.
- This planer can handle thick and wide boards.
- The 15A motor is powerful.
- The feed rate is fast.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity.
- The initial setup could be clearer.
The WEN PL1326 is a good choice for woodworkers. It offers a smooth finish and is easy to use.
5. DEWALT Benchtop Planer
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer is a powerful tool for woodworking. It’s a corded planer with a 15-amp motor. This lets you take on tough jobs. It has a 12-1/2-inch cutting width. The planer uses three knives and spins at 20,000 RPM. This helps make smooth cuts. It’s built to handle a variety of wood types.
What We Like:
- The strong 15-amp motor cuts through hardwood easily.
- The three-knife cutter head gives you a great finish with 96 cuts per inch.
- You can flip the knives for more use, making changes easy.
- The four-column carriage lock helps prevent mistakes.
- Long tables give you more support for your wood.
- The gauge and scale help you measure wood accurately.
- The depth stop makes it easy to set your favorite depths.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find it a little heavy to move around.
- It is important to always wear safety glasses.
The DEWALT DW734 is a strong and useful planer. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to make smooth, professional-looking cuts in wood.
Level Up Your Woodworking: The Tabletop Planer Guide
Are you ready to make your wood projects smoother? A tabletop planer is a great tool! It helps you make wood boards the same thickness. This guide will help you choose the right one.
Key Features to Look For
You need to know what features are important. Here are some to think about:
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Cutting Width and Depth:
The cutting width tells you how wide a board you can plane. The cutting depth tells you how much wood you can remove in one pass. Look for a planer that fits your biggest projects.
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Motor Power:
More power means you can plane harder woods. A stronger motor works faster. It also helps prevent the machine from stalling.
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Feed Rate:
This tells you how fast the wood goes through the planer. A faster feed rate means you can finish projects quicker. But a slower feed rate can give you a smoother finish.
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Dust Collection:
Planing wood makes a lot of sawdust! A good dust collection system helps keep your workspace clean. It also helps protect your lungs.
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Blade Type:
Planers use blades to cut the wood. Some blades are disposable. Others you can sharpen. Make sure you can get replacement blades easily.
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Portability:
Tabletop planers are meant to be moved. Consider the size and weight. This will make it easy to carry and store.
Important Materials
Tabletop planers are made of different materials. These materials impact the planer’s quality and how long it will last.
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The Body:
Planers often use steel or aluminum for the body. Steel is strong. Aluminum is lighter. Both are good choices.
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The Cutter Head:
The cutter head holds the blades. It needs to be strong. It also needs to spin smoothly. Look for a well-made cutter head.
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The Blades:
Blades are usually made of high-speed steel. These blades are hard and stay sharp. They will last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things change the quality of a tabletop planer. You want a good one!
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Build Quality:
A well-built planer will last longer. Check the parts. Make sure they are strong and fit together well.
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Blade Quality:
Sharp blades give you a smooth finish. Dull blades tear the wood. Look for blades that are easy to replace or sharpen.
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Motor Quality:
A good motor will run smoothly. It also won’t overheat. This will ensure the planer’s longevity.
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Dust Collection System:
A good dust collection system is important. It keeps your workspace clean. It also protects your health.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the planer to use? What can you do with it?
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Ease of Use:
Look for a planer that is easy to set up. The controls should be easy to understand. You should be able to change the settings quickly.
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Use Cases:
You can use a tabletop planer for many projects. You can make boards the same thickness for furniture. You can also smooth rough lumber. It is great for any woodworking project.
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Safety:
Always wear safety glasses. Use ear protection. Never put your hands near the blades. Follow the safety instructions.
Tabletop Planer FAQs
Here are some common questions about tabletop planers:
Q: What is a tabletop planer used for?
A: It is used to make wood boards the same thickness and smooth.
Q: What kind of wood can I plane?
A: Most planers can handle soft and hardwoods. However, check the planer’s specifications.
Q: How do I change the blades?
A: The process varies. Read the owner’s manual for the correct way.
Q: How often do I need to change the blades?
A: It depends on how much you use the planer. Also, it depends on the wood you are planing. The blades will dull over time.
Q: How do I clean my planer?
A: Unplug the planer. Use a brush or vacuum to remove sawdust.
Q: Is a tabletop planer safe?
A: Yes, if you use it correctly. Always wear safety glasses and follow the instructions.
Q: What is snipe?
A: Snipe is when the planer removes too much wood at the end of the board. Adjust the infeed and outfeed tables to help prevent snipe.
Q: Can I plane wet wood?
A: It is better to plane dry wood. Wet wood can clog the planer and cause problems.
Q: What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A: A jointer makes one side of a board flat. A planer makes the entire board the same thickness.
Q: What is the best tabletop planer for beginners?
A: Look for a planer that is easy to use and has good safety features. Read reviews 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!