Have you ever tried to build something beautiful from wood, only to find your boards are uneven and warped? It’s frustrating, right? Woodworking can be a blast, but it can quickly become a headache when your materials aren’t perfectly smooth and the right size. That’s where a thickness planer comes in handy!
Finding a good thickness planer doesn’t have to break the bank. But, choosing the right one under $400 can be tricky. There are lots of planers available, and they all claim to be the best. Sorting through the options, comparing features, and understanding what you really need can be overwhelming. You don’t want to waste your money on a machine that doesn’t work well or breaks down quickly.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll explore some of the best thickness planers you can buy for under $400. We’ll look at their features, pros, and cons. By the end, you’ll know exactly which planer is the right fit for your woodworking projects. Get ready to make your projects smooth and perfect! Let’s dive in and find the perfect planer for you.
Our Top 5 Thickness Planer Under $400 Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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VEVOR Thickness Planer | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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CRAFTSMAN Planer | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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VEVOR Power Benchtop Planers | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Power Benchtop Planer | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Thickness Planer Under $400 Detailed Reviews
1. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The WEN PL1252 is a benchtop thickness planer. It helps you make wood pieces the right size. The planer can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide. It also works on boards up to 6 inches thick. This machine has a strong 15-amp motor. The motor makes the blades spin very fast. It cuts the wood 20,000 times every minute. You can adjust how much wood it removes. It takes off up to 1/8 of an inch each time. The planer comes with two blades that you can flip when they get dull.
What We Like:
- Planes boards that are wide and thick.
- The motor is powerful and makes many cuts.
- It comes with two blades to use.
- You can change how deep it cuts with each pass.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might need to buy more blades.
- It can be a bit noisy when it is running.
The WEN PL1252 is a good tool for woodworking. It helps you get the right thickness for your wood projects.
2. VEVOR Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.4/10
The VEVOR Thickness Planer is a benchtop tool for smoothing wood. It has a 13-inch wide worktable. You can plane boards up to 6 inches thick. The planer uses two blades for a smooth finish. It has a powerful 1800W motor. This motor helps the planer work on both hard and soft woods. It also includes a dust collection port to keep your workspace clean.
What We Like:
- High-quality worktable allows for wide boards.
- The two-blade cutter head gives smooth results.
- The powerful motor handles tough jobs.
- The extended infeeding table provides good support.
- The dust collection port keeps the work area clean.
- The over-current protection helps keep you safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Could benefit from a more detailed instruction manual.
- Noise level may be a concern for some users.
The VEVOR Thickness Planer is a good tool for woodworking. It is a great option for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
3. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 8.7/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a powerful tool for your workbench. This planer uses a 15 Amp motor. It can remove material from both hard and soft woods. It has a solid steel cutter head with two knives. This helps you get smooth results. It is designed for long-lasting use.
What We Like:
- The 15 Amp motor gives it strong power. It can remove wood quickly.
- The cutter head has two knives. They cut smoothly and last a long time.
- The cutter head is made of solid steel. This makes it durable.
- The knives are reversible. This gives you a longer cutting life.
- It has a vacuum port. This helps keep your workspace clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find it a bit noisy.
- The dust collection might not catch every single piece of wood.
This CRAFTSMAN planer is a good option for woodworkers. It is a solid choice for various projects.
4. VEVOR Power Benchtop Planers
Rating: 9.0/10
The VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer is a powerful tool for woodworking. It’s designed to make your boards the perfect thickness. This planer has a wide 13″ worktable and can handle boards up to 6″ thick. It also has a strong motor and a three-blade cutter for smooth results. This machine offers two speeds and a dust collection port for a cleaner workspace.
What We Like:
- The 13″ wide worktable is great for larger projects.
- It can handle boards up to 6″ thick.
- The three-knife cutter head gives a smooth finish.
- You can choose between two speeds for different wood types.
- The extended infeeding table provides better support.
- It has a dust collection port to keep your area clean.
- The motor is strong and reliable.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more speed options.
This VEVOR planer is a good choice for woodworkers. It offers great features and power for the price. It’s a solid tool for any workshop.
5. Power Benchtop Planer
Rating: 9.1/10
The TROPOW 1250W Power Benchtop Planer is a strong tool for woodworking. This planer has a 7.8-inch worktable. It is made to work with both hard and soft woods. The planer makes your wood smooth and even. It is also designed to keep dust down, so you can breathe easier. This machine is good for both pros and people who like to do projects at home. It helps you save time and energy on all your jobs.
What We Like:
- It has a strong 1250W motor. This motor can handle hard and soft wood.
- The planer keeps the dust away. Your workspace stays cleaner.
- You can use it for many different woodworking jobs.
- It works fast, so you can finish projects quickly.
- It is easy to use. You can make adjustments easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- We don’t have any cons to report at this time.
The TROPOW Power Benchtop Planer is a great choice for woodworkers of any skill level. It’s a powerful and easy-to-use tool that will make your projects better.
Thickness Planer Buying Guide: Budget-Friendly Woodworking
Want smooth wood surfaces? A thickness planer is your answer! But which one to get? This guide helps you choose a great thickness planer under $400.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these important features:
- Cutting Capacity: How wide and thick can the wood be? This is important. Make sure it fits your projects.
- Motor Power: More power means better cutting. Look for at least 15 amps. This helps the planer handle tough wood.
- Cutterhead: The cutterhead holds the blades. Some have two blades, others have three. More blades can mean a smoother cut.
- Depth Adjustment: How much wood does it take off each pass? A good range helps you get the right thickness.
- Dust Collection: Planing makes a lot of sawdust! A good dust port connects to a vacuum.
- Feed Rate: How fast does the wood go through? Faster is not always better. A good feed rate helps you work efficiently.
Important Materials
The materials used in a planer matter. They affect how long it lasts.
- Steel Blades: These cut the wood. They need to be sharp and durable. Some are made of high-speed steel (HSS). This lasts longer.
- Metal Body: A metal body makes the planer strong. It also reduces vibration.
- Cast Iron Tables: The tables support the wood. Cast iron is heavy and stable. This helps with accurate planing.
- Plastic Parts: Look for durable plastic for the controls and dust port.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a planer better. Others make it worse.
- Build Quality: A well-made planer lasts longer. Check the reviews.
- Blade Quality: Sharp blades are important. Dull blades tear the wood.
- Table Flatness: The tables need to be flat. This gives you an even cut.
- Ease of Use: A planer should be easy to adjust. The controls should be easy to understand.
- Noise Level: Some planers are loud. Consider the noise level if you work inside.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do you use a thickness planer? What are its uses?
A thickness planer makes wood the right thickness. You feed the wood through. The blades shave off a little at a time. This is perfect for:
- Making boards the same thickness: This is great for building furniture.
- Smoothing rough lumber: It removes saw marks.
- Preparing wood for projects: It gets the wood ready to work with.
- Working with reclaimed wood: You can remove old finishes and make it new.
User experience means how easy it is to use. Look for planers that are easy to adjust. Read reviews to see what other users say.
Thickness Planer FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is a thickness planer?
A: It’s a power tool that makes wood the same thickness.
Q: What wood can I plane?
A: Most planers handle soft and hardwoods. Check the planer’s specifications.
Q: How do I set the depth of cut?
A: Most planers have a knob or lever. You adjust it to remove the right amount of wood.
Q: What is snipe?
A: Snipe is when the planer removes too much wood at the end of a board. It’s a common problem.
Q: How do I prevent snipe?
A: You can support the wood as it enters and exits the planer. Also, take shallow cuts.
Q: Do I need a dust collector?
A: Yes, a dust collector is important. It keeps your shop clean.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: It depends on use. Sharpen or replace them when they get dull.
Q: What safety precautions should I take?
A: Always wear safety glasses. Never put your hands near the blades.
Q: Can I plane warped wood?
A: Yes, but you may need to take multiple passes. First, flatten one side with a jointer if possible.
Q: How do I choose the right planer under $400?
A: Consider the features. Read reviews. Choose one that meets your needs.
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!