10 Best Electric Planer Machines 2026 in the United States

The JET Black 20-Inch Thickness Planer is a powerful machine suited for serious woodworking projects, especially for those who need to plane wide boards up to 20 inches. Its 5-horsepower motor and two-speed feed rates (24 and 31 feet per minute) provide both strength and flexibility, allowing efficient and smooth cutting. The helical-style cutterhead with multiple knife inserts ensures cleaner cuts and quieter operation compared to traditional blades, which can be a big plus for quality and noise reduction. The cutting depth maxes out at about 0.09 inches, which is typical for thickness planers and good for precise, thin shaving of wood surfaces.

The planer’s cast iron tables with a special coating resist corrosion and reduce friction, so you won’t need to frequently wax or polish the surface, easing maintenance. The large handwheel with a positive gear drive allows for quick and very accurate table adjustments in fine increments, helping you achieve precise thickness settings. In terms of build, the welded steel base and alloy steel materials make this machine very sturdy and stable, which is important to avoid vibration during use. It weighs a hefty 765 pounds, reflecting its solid construction but making it less portable and better suited for a dedicated workshop space.

Dust collection is supported by a dust hood included with the unit, which helps keep your workspace cleaner though you may still want a strong shop vacuum or dust extractor for best results. One downside might be the size and weight, making it unsuitable for casual users or those with limited space. Also, it operates on 230 volts and demands a 40-amp circuit, so it requires appropriate electrical setup. This planer is well suited for experienced woodworkers or small shops that need a reliable, heavy-duty machine to handle big pieces of wood with precision and durability.

The JET 20-Inch Planer (Model JWP-208HH) is a powerful, industrial-grade planer well suited for serious woodworking projects or professional shop use. Its 5-horsepower motor and 20-inch planing width allow it to handle wide boards efficiently, while the helical cutterhead design improves cutting quality and reduces noise compared to traditional blades. You can make precise depth adjustments in fine 1/16-inch increments, which is great for detailed planing work. The machine offers two feed speeds, letting you balance smoothness and speed depending on the wood and finish you want.

At 753 pounds, this planer is very heavy and stable, thanks to a sturdy steel and cast iron build. This weight and solid construction mean it won’t shift or vibrate during operation, which helps achieve cleaner cuts. The large handwheel with a positive gear drive makes adjusting the table height easier and more accurate. Dust collection is supported by a dust hood, but like many benchtop planers, effective dust control also depends on your shop setup.

Its size and weight make the planer less portable and better suited for a fixed workshop environment. The price and industrial features may be more than what casual hobbyists need, but professionals will find it reliable and durable. The 5-year warranty (2 years for commercial use) adds confidence in its long-term value. For those looking for a robust planer with precise control, a wide cutting capacity, and solid construction, this JET model is a strong contender.

The DEWALT DW735 is a powerful and robust thickness planer designed for users who need to handle larger, wider boards. Its 15-amp motor running at 20,000 rpm delivers strong cutting power, making it suitable for serious woodworking projects. The 13-inch planing width allows you to work on wider pieces, which is better than many smaller planers. One standout feature is the three-knife cutter head that spins at 10,000 rpm, providing smoother finishes and longer knife life while making replacements easier.

The two-speed gearbox lets you adjust the feed rate for either faster or more precise cuts, depending on your needs. The 0.13-inch maximum cutting depth enables removal of a good amount of material without multiple passes. The planer’s build is solid, with a rigid cast aluminum base that helps keep things stable during use and reduces snipe (those unwanted dips at the start or end of a board). It also includes handy extras like a dust hose adapter and fan-assisted chip ejection, which helps keep your workspace cleaner.

This planer is quite large and heavy, which might be challenging to move or store if you have limited space. Also, being corded means you’ll need a power outlet nearby and less portability compared to battery-powered models. For users new to planers, the automatic carriage lock and easy-to-read thickness scale make it simpler to get accurate results. The DW735 is well-suited for hobbyists and professionals who need a reliable, heavy-duty planer that can handle bigger jobs with consistent precision.