10 Best Bench Top Planer 2025 in the United States

The JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer is a solid option for both amateur woodworkers and those looking to achieve professional-level finishes. One of its standout features is the helical-style cutterhead with 6 rows of 26 individual quick-change high-speed steel inserts. This design not only provides smoother and quieter cuts but also reduces the risk of tear-out, making it suitable for various wood types. With a powerful 2-HP motor that runs the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM, the planer can handle a maximum cutting depth of 1/8 inch, which is practical for most projects.

The build quality is impressive, featuring a precision-machined cast iron bed and a sturdy four-post design that enhances control and stability during operation. The adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables add to its convenience, allowing for easy storage and space-saving in your workshop.

The JET planer does have a few drawbacks. Weighing 75 pounds, it's quite heavy, which may limit portability. Additionally, the sound level reaches up to 97 dB, making it relatively noisy during operation, which could be a concern in quieter work environments. The dust collection system is functional, but some users may find it less effective than desired, potentially requiring additional dust management solutions.

The Grizzly Industrial G0959-12" Combo Planer/Jointer with Helical Cutterhead is a robust and versatile tool designed for both amateur and professional use. It features a 1-1/2 HP motor, which provides sufficient power for most woodworking tasks. The maximum cutting width of 11.75 inches and a cutting depth of 1/16 inch cater to a variety of project sizes, while the cutterhead speed of 8500 RPM, delivering 17,000 cuts per minute, ensures smooth and precise finishes. The helical cutterhead with 28 indexable carbide inserts enhances the cutting performance and reduces noise levels to 90 dB, making it relatively quiet for its category.

Portability is a bit of a trade-off due to its weight of 86 pounds, making it less ideal for frequent movement. However, the durable die-cast aluminum infeed and outfeed tables contribute to its build quality and stability during operation. The built-in dust collection port is a beneficial feature, keeping the workspace cleaner. The quick-release fence with adjustable stops adds to its ease of use and versatility, allowing for precise bevel jointing from 0 to 45 degrees.

On the downside, the maximum cutting depth of 1/16 inch might be limiting for some users who require deeper cuts in a single pass. Additionally, its larger dimensions (23.5 x 45 x 22.5 inches) may require ample workspace, which could be a constraint in smaller workshops. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Grizzly G0959 is well-regarded for its reliable performance and solid construction, backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty, making it a commendable choice for those needing a capable and durable bench-top planer/jointer.

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.