10 Best Bench Top Planer 2025 in the United States

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is a solid choice for those looking to achieve fine finishes on their woodworking projects. It features a powerful 15-amp motor capable of 20,000 RPM, making it efficient for tackling larger and deeper cuts in hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head, with a cutter-head speed of 10,000 RPM, provides an exceptionally smooth finish, delivering 96 cuts per inch. This makes it suitable for creating high-quality surfaces on various types of wood.

One of the standout features is the disposable, reversible knives that offer 30% more life and are easy to change, minimizing downtime during projects. The four-column carriage lock significantly reduces snipe, ensuring the material remains steady during planning. Additionally, the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide extended material support, measuring a combined 33-1/2 inches, which helps in handling longer pieces of wood with ease.

The material removal gauge and large thickness scale offer precise cutting, and the turret depth stop allows for quick returns to frequently used depths, adding convenience. On the downside, at 36.29 kilograms, the planer is quite heavy, which affects its portability. While the build quality is robust, making it durable for extended use, the weight can be a drawback for those who need to move it frequently.

The WEN PL1337 benchtop planer is designed for woodworkers who need a reliable and efficient machine to smooth and dimension wood. It offers a solid cutting width of 13 inches and can handle boards up to 6 inches thick, making it suitable for a range of common woodworking projects. With a powerful 15-amp motor spinning the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM, it delivers fast and smooth planing. The two-speed feed rates let you choose between quicker material removal or a finer finish, adding versatility. A standout feature is its spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered, rotatable high-speed steel blades, which helps produce cleaner cuts and quieter operation compared to traditional blades.

Dust collection is addressed through combined 2.5- and 4-inch ports that connect to shop vacuums or dust extractors, helping keep your workspace cleaner. At 69 pounds, the planer is fairly portable for a benchtop model, but it’s best suited for a workshop setting rather than frequent moves. The metal build feels sturdy and durable, and extra touches like onboard wrench storage, return rollers, and a depth stop make adjustments and use easier. The maximum cutting depth of 0.13 inches per pass is typical for this category, balancing precision with efficiency.

Although it does not include an integrated dust collector, the included ports and solid build make it a strong choice for hobbyists and small shop users seeking a high-quality planer that combines power, smooth finishes, and user-friendly features.

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.