10 Best Benchtop Wood Planers 2026 in the United States

The Powermatic 22-Inch Planer is a powerful and heavy-duty benchtop wood planer designed for serious woodworking projects. It offers a wide cutting width of 22 inches, making it suitable for larger boards and slabs. Its cutting depth of 0.19 inches allows for substantial material removal in each pass, which is good for both rough and finish planing. Powered by a strong 7.5 HP motor and running on 230V 3-phase power, it provides plenty of force to handle dense or thick wood without bogging down.

One standout feature is the helical cutterhead with 125 four-sided carbide inserts, which results in smoother and quieter cuts compared to traditional straight knives. This also means less tear-out on wood surfaces and longer-lasting blades that require less frequent changing. The adjustable bed rollers help feed both rough and finished wood evenly, preventing snags or uneven thickness. The build is solid, with a cast iron table and heavy construction that ensures stability during use, though it also means the planer is very heavy (around 1430 pounds), so it’s not portable and is best for a fixed workshop setup. The dust chute with a 5-inch port supports good dust collection, helping keep your workspace cleaner.

Feed rollers mounted on roller bearings contribute to smooth operation and durability, while the segmented infeed roller helps manage wood with varying thicknesses. This planer is ideal for professional woodworkers or serious hobbyists who need a large-capacity, robust machine and have space for it. Its size, weight, and electrical requirements make it less suitable for casual users or those without a dedicated workshop. Additionally, the 3-phase power demand means it’s best for industrial or well-equipped home shops.

The DEWALT 13-Inch Thickness Planer (DW735) is ideal for those working with wider boards, featuring a 13-inch cutting width that accommodates larger pieces of wood. It is powered by a robust 15-amp motor running at 20,000 RPM, enabling smooth handling of heavy cuts which suits hobbyists or small shops needing efficient and consistent planing. The three-knife cutterhead rotates at 10,000 RPM, extending knife life by 30% and simplifying blade changes — a practical feature for frequent users.

This model includes a two-speed gearbox offering feed rates of 96 or 179 cuts per inch, allowing users to choose between a finer finish and faster stock removal. Dust collection is well designed with a fan-assisted chip ejection system and a dust hose adapter, helping maintain a cleaner workspace, important for indoor projects. The cast aluminum base is extra rigid and stable, while folding tables support longer boards, improving ease of handling.

The automatic carriage lock reduces snipe, preventing unwanted dips at the start or end of a board and enhancing precision without extra effort. Clear, large scales and adjustable stops provide accurate, repeatable thickness settings. Although corded and requiring a power source, making it less portable for job sites without electricity, its weight and size make it best suited for a dedicated workspace. The cutting depth maxes at 0.13 inches, typical for planers, so heavy material removal requires multiple passes. This makes the DEWALT DW735 a reliable and precise planer for woodworking enthusiasts or small workshop owners who need to handle wider boards and appreciate features like variable feed rates and dust management.

The DEWALT DW735X is a solid choice if you're looking for a benchtop wood planer that can handle wide boards up to 13 inches and remove up to 0.13 inches of material in a single pass. Its powerful 15-amp motor spins the cutterhead at 20,000 RPM, making it capable of tackling tough wood with ease. The cutterhead uses three knives, which last longer and are easier to replace than some other models, saving you time and effort. A handy two-speed feed rate lets you choose between smoother finishes or faster work depending on your project.

Dust management is thoughtfully handled with a fan-assisted chip ejection system that keeps debris away from the cutterhead and directs it out through a dust chute, helping keep your workspace cleaner. The planer’s aluminum base is sturdy and larger than average, which adds stability and reduces unwanted movement that can cause uneven cuts. Included infeed and outfeed tables further support longer boards and improve accuracy.

Weighing 102 pounds, this planer is quite heavy, so it’s not the most portable option if you need to move it around frequently. Also, while the maximum cutting depth is sufficient for most woodworking tasks, it might feel limited for very heavy-duty jobs. It is a dependable, precise tool suitable for hobbyists and professionals who want quality results with minimal fuss.