10 Best Bench Top Planer 2025 in the United States

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 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 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.

The 15-amp motor is powerful and allows the planer to make 20,000 cuts per minute, ensuring efficient material removal at a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. This model features two reversible 12.5-inch SK5 blades, providing good longevity and the option to use both sides of the blade before needing replacements. Users can adjust the cutting depth up to 1/8 of an inch with each pass, allowing for precision in achieving the desired board thickness.

The planer weighs 29.03 kilograms (around 64 pounds), which may limit its portability around the workshop. The build quality is robust, thanks to the cast iron material, but some users might find its size and weight challenging if frequent transportation is needed. If portability is less critical for your needs, the WEN PL1252 offers strong performance and durability at a reasonable price point.