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10 Best Benchtop Planers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

POWERTEC UT1012C 13 Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer, 6 Inch Benchtop Jointer with Flip Top Tool Stand

The POWERTEC UT1012C is a solid choice for woodworking enthusiasts who want a versatile setup combining a 13-inch benchtop planer and a 6-inch jointer on a convenient flip-top stand with caster wheels. The planer’s cutting width of 13 inches and ability to handle boards up to 6 inches thick cover most common workshop needs. Its powerful 15-amp, 2 HP motor spins the cutterhead at a high 9400 RPM, making thicknessing efficient and smooth. The 3-blade cutterhead is typical for benchtop planers and balances sharpness with ease of maintenance. One standout feature is its larger 4-inch dust port, which helps keep the workspace cleaner compared to smaller ports found on similar models. This can reduce clogging and improve safety and comfort during use.

#2
10.0 score

WEN Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-Inch Spiral Blade, Benchtop (PL1337)

The WEN Thickness Planer, model PL1337, is a versatile and efficient tool for woodworking enthusiasts. With a 13-inch cutting width and the capability to plane boards up to 6 inches thick, it offers a good range for various projects. The two-speed operation stands out, offering a 26 feet per minute (FPM) feed rate for quick dimensioning and a slower 16 FPM rate for achieving a finer finish. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for both rough and fine woodworking tasks.

Rating
10.0
Cutting Depth
Cutterhead Type
Feed Rate

Most important from
939 reviews

Cutting Depth
Setting up measurement and adjustment is simple, and removing about 1/16” at a time works well for smooth results.
Cutterhead Type
High-speed steel cutter blades last for about 10 boards before needing rotation, and carbide blades provide even longer durability.
Feed Rate
Even though snipe occurs near the ends, using scrap boards or adjusting feed trays can help mitigate this issue.
Dust Collection
The dust collection system works very well when hooked up to a shop vac, managing the substantial sawdust effectively.
#3
9.8 score

DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth, Brushless Motor, Bare Tool Only (DCP580B)

The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer (DCP580B) is a handheld, battery-powered tool that offers versatility and convenience for woodworking tasks. One of its standout features is the brushless motor, which enhances power and runtime, making it suitable for heavy-duty use. The planer operates at an impressive 30,000 cuts per minute, allowing for fast material removal and efficient work progress. With a maximum cutting depth of 2 mm (approximately 5/64 inches) and precise depth adjustment in increments as small as 1/256 inches (0.01 mm), it provides excellent control for detailed work.

Rating
9.8
Dust Collection

Most important from
4413 reviews

Dust Collection
Works great, but a dust collector attachment is essential for optimal use.

Top 10 Best Benchtop Planers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

POWERTEC UT1012C 13 Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer, 6 Inch Benchtop Jointer with Flip Top Tool Stand

Cutting Width: 13 in (planer), 6 in (jointer)
Cutting Depth: 6 in (planer)
Motor Power: 15A 2HP (planer), 10A (jointer)
Cutterhead Type: 3-blade
Dust Collection: 4-in dust port

Chosen by 1196 this week

WEN Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-Inch Spiral Blade, Benchtop (PL1337)

Cutting Width: 13 inches
Cutting Depth: 6 inches
Motor Power: 15-amp
Cutterhead Type: Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades
Feed Rate: 26 FPM and 16 FPM
Dust Collection: Dual port dust collection system

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 Type: Two-Blade
Feed Rate: 26 feet per minute

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 Type: Three-blade
Feed Rate: 26 feet per minute
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Buying Guide for the Best Benchtop Planers

Choosing the right benchtop planer can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your woodworking projects. A benchtop planer is a tool used to smooth and flatten wood surfaces, making it an essential piece of equipment for any woodworker. When selecting a benchtop planer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and choose a planer that meets your specific requirements.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width of a benchtop planer refers to the maximum width of the wood that the planer can handle. This spec is important because it determines the size of the wood pieces you can work with. Planers typically come with cutting widths ranging from 12 to 15 inches. If you primarily work with smaller pieces of wood, a planer with a 12-inch cutting width may suffice. However, if you often work with larger boards, you might want to consider a planer with a wider cutting capacity.
Cutting DepthCutting depth indicates how much material the planer can remove in a single pass. This is crucial for efficiency and achieving the desired thickness quickly. Planers usually offer cutting depths between 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch. For light-duty tasks and finer adjustments, a smaller cutting depth is adequate. For more aggressive material removal and faster planing, a larger cutting depth is beneficial. Consider your typical project requirements to determine the appropriate cutting depth for your needs.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in amps, affects the planer's ability to handle tough materials and maintain consistent performance. Benchtop planers generally have motors ranging from 10 to 15 amps. A higher amp motor provides more power, which is useful for planing harder woods and maintaining a smooth finish. If you frequently work with dense or hardwoods, opting for a planer with a more powerful motor is advisable. For softer woods and occasional use, a lower amp motor may be sufficient.
Cutterhead TypeThe cutterhead is the part of the planer that holds the blades and does the actual cutting. There are two main types: straight knife and helical (or spiral) cutterheads. Straight knife cutterheads are more common and typically less expensive, but they can be noisier and may leave more noticeable lines on the wood. Helical cutterheads, on the other hand, use multiple small blades arranged in a spiral pattern, providing a smoother finish and quieter operation. If you prioritize finish quality and noise reduction, a helical cutterhead is a better choice. For general use and cost-effectiveness, a straight knife cutterhead may be adequate.
Feed RateFeed rate refers to the speed at which the wood is fed through the planer, usually measured in feet per minute (FPM). This affects both the quality of the finish and the time it takes to complete a project. Planers with adjustable feed rates allow you to choose between faster feed rates for rough cuts and slower feed rates for finer finishes. If you need versatility and control over the finish quality, look for a planer with adjustable feed rates. For straightforward tasks, a single feed rate may be sufficient.
Dust CollectionDust collection is an important feature for maintaining a clean workspace and ensuring the longevity of your planer. Effective dust collection systems help to remove wood chips and dust generated during planing, preventing clogging and reducing cleanup time. Some planers come with built-in dust collection ports that can be connected to a shop vacuum or dust collector. If you value a clean work environment and want to minimize maintenance, choose a planer with a good dust collection system.

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