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10 Best Bench Top Planer 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is a solid choice for those looking to achieve fine finishes on their woodworking projects. It features a powerful 15-amp motor capable of 20,000 RPM, making it efficient for tackling larger and deeper cuts in hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head, with a cutter-head speed of 10,000 RPM, provides an exceptionally smooth finish, delivering 96 cuts per inch. This makes it suitable for creating high-quality surfaces on various types of wood.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,139
Motor Power
Number of Blades
Dust Collection

Most important from
2698 reviews

Motor Power
The powerful motor ensures it handles even hard woods like maple without missing a beat.
Number of Blades
The reversible knives are long-lasting, with one user still on their first set after over 1000 board feet.
Dust Collection
Though the dust collection system requires regular maintenance, it doesn't detract from the overall performance.
Portability
Despite being heavy, the weight is beneficial for its stability and performance.
Build Quality
The planer has proven to be durable, still performing excellently even after 19 years of use.
#2
9.8 score

WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer , Black

The WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer is a solid choice for anyone looking to handle medium-duty woodworking tasks. With a cutting width of 12.5 inches and the ability to plane boards up to 6 inches thick, it offers decent capacity for a variety of projects.

Rating
9.8
Cutting Width
Cutting Depth
Number of Blades

Most important from
2130 reviews

Cutting Width
Despite being lighter and more compact, it handles heavy-duty tasks efficiently, even on 13-inch boards.
Cutting Depth
The intuitive design for measuring material removal and the sensitive crank for depth adjustment make it easy to use.
Number of Blades
Compared to more expensive models, it’s quieter, vibrates less, and the blades provide an excellent finish.
Dust Collection
The dust collection system is adequate, though a more powerful vacuum might improve its performance.
Portability
Despite being lighter and more compact, it handles heavy-duty tasks efficiently, even on 13-inch boards.
Build Quality
The build quality is robust with a metal plate instead of granite, offering weight savings without compromising performance.
#3
9.8 score

WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

The WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer is designed for woodworkers seeking a reliable tool for achieving smooth and even surfaces on their lumber. One of its major strengths is the spiral cutterhead, which features 26 staggered and rotatable high-speed steel (HSS) blades. This design minimizes tear-out and provides a superior finish compared to traditional straight blades. The onboard material removal gauge is another handy feature, allowing users to easily monitor and adjust cutting depth, which is especially useful when working with various wood thicknesses.

Rating
9.8
Number of Blades
Dust Collection
Build Quality

Most important from
939 reviews

Number of Blades
The high-speed steel cutter blades lasted through multiple boards before needing rotation, and switching to carbide blades was easy.
Dust Collection
Hooking up to a shop vac is essential due to the significant sawdust produced, but it works very well.
Build Quality
This planer has made finishing boards so much easier, leaving the wood very smooth with minimal effort.

Top 10 Best Bench Top Planer 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9  score

DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)

Cutting Width: 12.5 Inches
Cutting Depth: 0.13 Inches
Motor Power: 15 Amps
Cutterhead Speed: 10,000 RPM
Number of Blades: 3
Dust Collection: Dust hood included
Portability: 36.29 Kilograms
Build Quality: Robust

Chosen by 1139 this week

WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer , Black

Cutting Width: 12.5 inches
Cutting Depth: 1/8 inch
Motor Power: 15-amp
Cutterhead Speed: 20,000 cuts/min
Number of Blades: 2
Portability: Limited
Build Quality: Robust

WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

Cutting Width: 13 inches
Cutting Depth: 6 inches
Motor Power: 15A
Cutterhead Speed: 10,000 RPM
Number of Blades: 26
Portability: 36.74 kg
Build Quality: Cast Iron

WEN PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer , Black

Cutting Width: 13 inches
Cutting Depth: 0 to 1/8 inch
Motor Power: 15 Amps
Cutterhead Speed: 30,000 cuts/min
Number of Blades: 3
Dust Collection: adequate
Portability: 78.8 pounds
Build Quality: robust

CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)

Motor Power: 15 Amp
Number of Blades: 2
Dust Collection: built-in vacuum port
Portability: weighing about 27.71 kg (61 lbs)
Build Quality: solid steel cutter head

Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer

Cutting Width: 11.86 Inches
Motor Power: 1650 watts
Portability: 61.8 pounds
Build Quality: Metal

JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer, Helical Style, 18/26 FPM, 120V 1Ph (Model JWP-13BT)

Cutting Width: 13 Inches
Cutting Depth: 0.13 Inches
Motor Power: 2 HP
Cutterhead Speed: 10000 RPM
Number of Blades: 26
Dust Collection: Functional, may need extra solutions
Portability: Limited, 75 pounds weight
Build Quality: Cast iron bed, four-post design

Grizzly Industrial G0940-13" 2 HP Benchtop Planer With Helical Cutterhead

Cutting Width: 13 Inches
Cutting Depth: 0.03 Inches
Motor Power: 2 HP
Cutterhead Speed: 8,500 RPM
Number of Blades: 30 carbide inserts
Dust Collection: Built-in 4” port adapter
Portability: Dual rollers, grab handles
Build Quality: Granite table bed
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Buying Guide for the Best Bench Top Planer

Choosing the right bench-top planer can significantly enhance your woodworking projects by providing smooth, even surfaces on your wood pieces. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a bench-top planer and how to navigate them.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width refers to the maximum width of wood that the planer can handle in a single pass. This is important because it determines the size of the wood pieces you can work with. Cutting widths typically range from 12 to 15 inches. If you work with larger boards, a wider cutting width will be more efficient. For smaller projects, a narrower width may suffice.
Cutting DepthCutting depth indicates how much material the planer can remove in one pass. This is crucial for efficiency and achieving the desired thickness quickly. Cutting depths usually range from 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch. For heavy-duty tasks, a deeper cut is beneficial, while lighter tasks may only require a shallow cut.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in amps or horsepower, determines the planer's ability to handle tough materials and maintain consistent performance. Higher power (15 amps or more) is ideal for frequent, heavy-duty use, while lower power (around 10 amps) may be sufficient for occasional, lighter tasks.
Cutterhead SpeedCutterhead speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), affects the smoothness of the finish. Higher speeds (around 10,000 RPM or more) generally provide a finer finish, which is important for detailed work. Lower speeds (around 8,000 RPM) may be adequate for rougher, initial passes.
Number of BladesThe number of blades on the cutterhead impacts the smoothness and speed of the cut. More blades (typically 2 or 3) result in a finer finish and faster material removal. If you need a high-quality finish, opt for more blades. For rougher work, fewer blades may be sufficient.
Dust CollectionDust collection systems help manage the debris produced during planing, keeping your workspace clean and reducing health hazards. Effective dust collection is essential for maintaining a clean environment and prolonging the life of your planer. Look for models with built-in dust ports that can connect to a vacuum or dust collector.
PortabilityPortability refers to the ease with which you can move and store the planer. This is important if you have limited space or need to transport the planer frequently. Lighter models with handles are easier to move, while heavier models may offer more stability but are less portable.
Build QualityBuild quality encompasses the materials and construction of the planer, affecting its durability and performance. High-quality materials like cast iron and steel provide better stability and longevity. If you plan to use the planer frequently, investing in a robust model is advisable.

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