7 Best Jet Planers 2025 in the United States

The WEN PL1303 is a powerful benchtop thickness planer designed for woodworkers who need to plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. Its 15-amp motor is strong, allowing it to make up to 30,000 cuts per minute with a steady feed rate of 26 feet per minute, which helps in achieving smooth and consistent results. It comes with three reversible SK5 blades, which are durable and easy to flip, extending blade life and saving on replacement costs.

You can precisely adjust the cutting depth up to 1/8 inch per pass, giving good control over how much material is removed each time. The base is made of cast iron, which adds stability and durability, essential for handling heavier use without excessive vibration. While the planer is highly rated and popular among power benchtop planers, its size and weight (around 79 pounds) mean it’s best suited for a dedicated workshop space rather than frequent moving.

This planer is well suited for hobbyists and small workshop users who want reliable, consistent thickness planing with solid build quality. However, those needing advanced dust control or a more portable option might need to look elsewhere.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer (DCP580B) is a powerful and efficient tool designed for jet-planing tasks. It features a brushless motor, which enhances both power and runtime, making it suitable for extended use. The planer achieves up to 30,000 cuts per minute, allowing for rapid material removal and a smooth finish. Its cutting depth reaches up to 2 millimeters, which is sufficient for most planing jobs.

The precision-machined aluminum shoes ensure accurate parallel cuts, and the front shoe’s groove is a handy addition for edge chamfering. Users will appreciate the ergonomic handle that reduces fatigue during prolonged use and the kickstand that prevents unintended material damage when resting the tool. The Poly-V drive belt adds durability to the belt system, contributing to the build quality of the planer, which appears robust and reliable.

However, the tool does not come with batteries, which means users need to purchase them separately, adding to the initial cost. At 7.4 pounds, the planer is relatively lightweight, aiding maneuverability without sacrificing sturdiness. This product is an excellent choice for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable, high-performance tool for various planing applications.

The WEN PL1252 is a solid benchtop thickness planer designed for hobbyists or small workshop users who need to smooth and resize wood boards. It features a strong 15-amp motor capable of 20,000 cuts per minute, which helps deliver a clean and efficient planing process. With a cutting width of 12.5 inches and the ability to handle boards up to 6 inches thick, it suits medium-sized woodworking tasks.

The adjustable cutting depth up to 1/8 inch per pass allows for precise control over how much material is removed, making it flexible for different projects. It uses two reversible SK5 blades, which can be flipped to extend their lifespan, a handy feature to keep maintenance manageable. The feed rate of 26 feet per minute strikes a good balance between speed and smoothness of finish.

The planer’s cast iron construction adds to its durability and stability during operation, a plus for consistent results and long-term use. At just under 30 kilograms, it's reasonably portable for a benchtop model but still sturdy enough to stay steady while working. Though it may not have some advanced features found in higher-end models, the WEN PL1252 provides reliable performance and good value for anyone seeking a practical, no-frills thickness planer for everyday woodworking.