Ever looked at a rough piece of wood and wished you could make it perfectly smooth and flat? That’s where a thickness planer comes in! It’s a woodworking tool that shaves off thin layers of wood, making your lumber the exact thickness you need. But choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze. So many brands, so many features – it’s easy to get lost and end up with a planer that doesn’t quite do the job.
This is why understanding thickness planers is so important for any woodworker, whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years. You want a tool that’s reliable, safe, and makes your projects look professional. Without the right planer, you might spend more time fighting with your wood than enjoying the creative process. We’ve all been there, staring at confusing specs and wondering which machine will truly transform your rough lumber into beautiful, finished pieces.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great thickness planer. We’ll explore the key features to look for, discuss different types of planers, and offer tips to help you find the perfect match for your workshop and your budget. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture and feel confident in your choice, ready to tackle your next woodworking project with perfectly planed wood.
Our Top 5 Thickness Planer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEWALT Thickness Planer | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 8.6/10 | 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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CRAFTSMAN Planer | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Benchtop Planer | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Thickness Planer Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.3/10
The DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer is a powerhouse tool for any woodworker. It helps you make wood smooth and the perfect thickness. This planer is built to last and to handle tough jobs. It’s great for both beginners and experienced woodworkers who want professional results.
What We Like:
- It has a strong 15 amp motor that spins at 20,000 RPM. This makes it easy to cut thicker wood.
- The three-knife cutter head lasts longer and is simple to change.
- You can choose between two speeds to get the best cut.
- A fan blows away wood chips, keeping the machine clean.
- The sturdy base is more stable than others.
- It automatically stops snipe, which is when the ends of the wood get damaged.
- Tools to measure thickness help you make accurate cuts.
- It comes with extra tables and knives, so you’re ready to go.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dust collection system works well but can sometimes be overwhelmed by very heavy use.
- While it’s a great tool, the price might be a bit high for hobbyists just starting out.
Overall, the DEWALT DW735X is an excellent investment for anyone serious about woodworking. It delivers consistent, high-quality results that will impress.
2. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.1/10
The WEN PL1252 is a powerful benchtop thickness planer that helps woodworkers create smooth, flat surfaces on their wood projects. It can handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. Its strong 15-amp motor ensures efficient cutting, and the two included SK5 blades are reversible for extended use. You can precisely control how much wood is removed with each pass, adjusting the depth from 0 to 1/8 of an inch.
What We Like:
- It planes boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide.
- The 15A motor delivers 20,000 cuts per minute for quick work.
- It comes with two reversible 12.5-inch SK5 blades.
- You can adjust the depth of cut easily, from 0 to 1/8 inch.
- The feed rate of 26 feet per minute speeds up the planing process.
What Could Be Improved:
- Benchtop planers can be noisy, so ear protection is a must.
- Dust collection can be a challenge with any planer.
This WEN planer is a solid tool for DIYers and hobbyists. It offers good performance for its size and price point.
3. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.1/10
The WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer is a powerful tool for woodworkers. It helps you make wood smooth and flat. This planer can handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. It’s a great addition to any workshop.
What We Like:
- It has a spiral cutterhead with 26 sharp blades. These blades are rotatable and staggered. This means you get a super clean and smooth finish on your wood.
- It has a special gauge that shows you how much wood it’s cutting off with each pass. This helps you control the depth of your cuts.
- The 15-amp motor is strong. It spins at 10,000 RPM. This lets the planer feed wood at a fast 26 feet per minute.
- It’s a benchtop planer, so it fits nicely in most workshops without taking up too much space.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the HSS blades are good, they will eventually need replacing. Buying replacement blades adds to the ongoing cost.
- Some users might find the noise level to be a bit high during operation. Ear protection is a must.
Overall, the WEN PL1326 is a solid choice for woodworkers looking for a reliable and effective thickness planer. It offers great features for the price, making your woodworking projects easier.
4. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 9.2/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320) is a powerful tool for any woodworker. It’s designed to help you smooth out rough lumber and create perfectly flat surfaces for your projects. This benchtop planer is built to handle both hard and soft woods with ease.
What We Like:
- The 15 Amp motor packs enough power to easily remove material from both hard and soft woods.
- A poly-v cutterhead drive helps you remove as much material as you need in each pass.
- The two-knife, quick-change solid steel cutter head runs smoothly on ball bearings, ensuring a clean cut and lasting performance.
- Double-edged, reversible knives made of high-carbon steel mean you get a long cutting life before needing replacements.
- A built-in vacuum port lets you connect a dust collector to keep your workspace clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The depth of cut adjustment could be more precise for finer adjustments.
- While the cutter head is solid, some users might prefer a helical cutter head for even quieter operation and better chip ejection.
This planer offers robust performance for its class. It’s a solid option for serious DIYers looking for a reliable benchtop tool.
5. DEWALT Benchtop Planer
Rating: 9.1/10
The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer is a powerful tool for woodworkers. It’s designed to give your wood projects a smooth, professional finish. With its strong motor and sharp blades, it can tackle tough jobs and make your woodworking easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor with 20,000 RPM is strong enough for hard woods. It can make deep cuts.
- It has a three-knife cutter head. This gives you a very smooth finish with 96 cuts per inch.
- The knives are reversible and disposable. They last longer and are quick to change.
- The four-column lock greatly reduces snipe, which is when the planer cuts too deep at the beginning or end of the wood.
- Extra-long tables on both sides support your wood well, giving you 33-1/2 inches of space.
- It has a material removal gauge and a big thickness scale. These help you make accurate cuts every time.
- A turret depth stop lets you quickly set the planer to depths you use often.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, it is a corded tool, which means you’re limited by the length of the power cord.
- Some users might find the noise level to be high.
Overall, the DEWALT DW734 is a fantastic planer for anyone looking to improve their woodworking. It offers a great balance of power, precision, and ease of use.
Choosing the Right Thickness Planer: Your Woodworking Essential
What is a Thickness Planer?
A thickness planer is a powerful woodworking tool. It flattens and smooths rough lumber. It makes wood pieces the same thickness. This tool is essential for many woodworking projects.
Key Features to Look For
1. Motor Power
More powerful motors (measured in horsepower or HP) can handle harder woods and wider boards. Look for at least 1.5 HP for most DIY projects. Higher HP means less bogging down.
2. Cutting Head/Knife System
Most planers use straight knives. These are common and affordable. Some use helical cutterheads with small carbide inserts. Helical heads are quieter, leave a smoother finish, and the inserts last longer. They are a great upgrade.
3. Number of Knives
Planers typically have two or three knives. More knives mean a smoother cut and less tear-out. Three-knife systems are generally better.
4. Feed Rate
This is how fast the wood moves through the planer. A variable feed rate lets you choose. Slower speeds often give a smoother finish, especially in tricky woods.
5. Depth of Cut
This is how much wood the planer removes in one pass. A larger depth of cut (like 1/8 inch) lets you flatten boards faster.
6. Table Size and Support
A wider and longer table helps support long or wide boards. This prevents sagging and ensures a flat result. Look for extendable tables.
7. Dust Collection Port
Planers create a lot of sawdust. A good dust collection port (usually 4 inches) connects to a shop vacuum or dust collector. This keeps your workspace clean and safe.
8. Build Quality and Stability
A heavy, well-built planer stays put. It won’t vibrate as much. This leads to better results and safer operation.
Important Materials
The main parts of a planer are made from strong materials. The body is usually cast iron or heavy-duty steel. This makes it stable. The cutting knives are made of hardened steel or carbide. Carbide inserts are much harder and last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality:
- A powerful motor helps.
- A helical cutterhead gives a superior finish.
- More knives in the cutting head mean a better cut.
- A stable, heavy base reduces vibration.
- Good dust collection keeps the tool and air clean.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- A weak motor will struggle.
- A wobbly base causes vibration and poor cuts.
- Dull or poorly installed knives leave a rough surface.
- Poor dust collection creates a messy and unsafe environment.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a thickness planer is straightforward once you understand the basics. You feed the wood through the machine. The spinning knives shave off a thin layer of wood. You adjust the height to get the desired thickness.
Common Use Cases:
- Flattening rough lumber: Planers are perfect for taking rough-sawn boards and making them smooth and flat.
- Achieving consistent thickness: They ensure all your pieces are the same thickness for joinery or assembly.
- Milling lumber: You can take rough lumber from a sawmill and mill it to your exact specifications.
- Creating tabletops: Planers help flatten and smooth boards before glue-up for a beautiful tabletop.
- Cabinetry and furniture making: Precise thickness is crucial for building high-quality cabinets and furniture.
A good planer makes woodworking much easier. It saves you time and effort. It also helps you achieve professional-looking results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between a benchtop and a stationary thickness planer?
A: Benchtop planers are smaller and lighter. They are good for hobbyists and smaller workshops. Stationary planers are larger, more powerful, and more expensive. They are best for serious woodworkers and professional shops.
Q: How do I set up a thickness planer?
A: You need to ensure it’s on a stable surface. Connect it to a dust collection system. Check that the knives are sharp and properly installed.
Q: How often should I sharpen or replace the planer knives?
A: This depends on how much you use the planer and the type of wood you cut. Dull knives will tear the wood and leave a rough finish. Inspect them regularly.
Q: Can I use a thickness planer on plywood?
A: It’s generally not recommended to plane plywood. The layers can separate or chip, leading to a poor finish and potential damage to the knives.
Q: What is the maximum width of wood a planer can handle?
A: This varies by model. Benchtop planers often handle 12-13 inch wide boards. Larger stationary planers can handle 20 inches or more.
Q: What safety precautions should I take when using a thickness planer?
A: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Keep your hands away from the cutting head. Ensure the workpiece is stable before feeding it through. Never wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Q: How do I prevent snipe with a thickness planer?
A: Snipe is an indentation at the beginning or end of a board. You can minimize it by supporting the workpiece with outfeed tables or roller stands. Some planers have depth adjustment features to help.
Q: What is the best type of wood for a thickness planer to handle?
A: Planers can handle most hardwoods and softwoods. Very hard or knotty woods might require a more powerful motor and sharper knives.
Q: Do I need a dust collector for my planer?
A: Yes, a dust collector is highly recommended. Planers produce a lot of fine sawdust that is harmful to your lungs and can create a fire hazard.
Q: How thick of a board can I plane?
A: The maximum thickness depends on the planer model. Most benchtop planers can handle boards up to 6 inches thick. Check the specifications of the planer you are considering.
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!