10 Best Bench Top Planer 2025 in the United States

The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is designed for those looking for a reliable and powerful tool for woodworking, especially in home workshops. With a 15 Amp motor, it effectively handles both hard and soft woods, making it versatile for various projects. The solid steel cutter head features two quick-change knives that provide a smooth cutting operation, which is a significant advantage for achieving precise surfaces. Users can expect long cutting life from the reversible high carbon steel knives, which are essential for maintaining efficiency over time.

One notable feature is the poly-v cutterhead drive, designed for maximum stock removal, making it a great choice if you're looking to efficiently flatten or dimension lumber. The built-in vacuum port also aids in dust collection, contributing to a cleaner workspace, which is often a concern for hobbyists and professionals alike.

The CRAFTSMAN Planer is relatively heavy, weighing in at about 27.71 kg (61 pounds), which could make it less portable and harder to move around if you need to shift it frequently. This planer stands out as a dependable and sturdy benchtop option for DIY enthusiasts and small businesses, but its weight should be considered when planning your workspace setup for optimal performance.

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.

With the capability to plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide, this planer can accommodate a range of woodworking projects, making it suitable for both hobbyists and more seasoned practitioners. The 15A motor generates impressive power, achieving cutterhead speeds of 10,000 RPM and a feed rate of 26 feet per minute, ensuring efficient performance.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Weighing in at about 36.74 kilograms (81 pounds), portability might be a concern for some users, especially if you need to move the planer frequently. Additionally, it's a corded electric model, which limits its flexibility in terms of workspace without directly accessing an electrical outlet. While the build quality is solid, with a cast iron construction that adds durability, it may require some effort to set up and calibrate initially.

The FindBuyTool 13" Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer is an impressive tool designed for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals. One of its standout features is the helical cutterhead with 40 tungsten carbide insert knives, which ensures high-quality, smooth cuts with minimal tear-out. The motor is robust, offering 15 AMPs and a maximum speed of 20000 RPM, allowing efficient, precise cuts even on harder woods.

The 4-column design and anti-wobble foundation contribute to its incredible accuracy, achieving a thickness tolerance of less than 0.1mm. This makes it an excellent choice for projects requiring precision and consistency. Another advantage is its comprehensive 8-position depth stop, which simplifies the process of thicknessing multiple boards to the same size. Additionally, the dust collection system is highly effective, preventing clogging and maintaining a clean workspace.

However, at 70 pounds, this model is quite heavy, which may impact portability for some users. The build quality, primarily aluminum and cast iron, ensures durability but may add to the weight. The FindBuyTool 13" Benchtop Planer is well-suited for those seeking a high-performance, precise planer, though its weight may be a consideration for portability.