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 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.

The WEN PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer is a solid choice for woodworking enthusiasts looking for an effective, mid-range planer. With a cutting width of 13 inches and a 15-amp motor generating 30,000 cuts per minute, it can handle fairly wide and thick boards efficiently. The three reversible 13-inch SK5 blades contribute to smooth and consistent cuts, and with the ability to adjust the depth of cut from 0 to 1/8 of an inch, you have substantial control over the planing process.

The cutterhead speed, combined with a 26 feet per minute feed rate, ensures quicker material removal, albeit at the cost of precision for more delicate tasks. However, its 78.8-pound weight may hinder portability, making it less convenient to move around the workshop. The dust collection system is adequate but may require additional accessories for those seeking a cleaner workspace.

Build quality is robust, featuring a cast iron base, ensuring durability and stability during operation. This benchtop planer is suitable for hobbyists and small-scale professional woodworkers who need dependable performance without advanced features. Considering its price point and features, the WEN PL1303 offers a good balance of power, precision, and durability for its class.