10 Best Bench Top Planer 2026 in the United States

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 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 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.