10 Best Planers 2026 in the United States

The JET BLACK 20-Inch Planer is a heavy-duty woodworking machine designed for serious hobbyists or professional woodworkers who need a wide cutting width and powerful motor. Its 20-inch cutting width is great for handling larger boards, and the 0.09-inch maximum cutting depth allows fine thickness adjustments. The 5-horsepower motor provides plenty of power, helping maintain smooth performance even during longer jobs. A standout feature is the helical cutterhead, which uses multiple small blades to deliver quieter operation and cleaner cuts with less tear-out compared to traditional straight blades. This planer also offers precise control thanks to its large handwheel and positive gear drive, allowing you to make accurate height adjustments in very small increments. The cast iron tables coated to resist corrosion reduce friction, so boards feed smoothly without needing extra waxing or polishing.

For dust management, it comes with a dust hood to help keep your workspace cleaner. On the downside, its 765-pound weight makes it very heavy and not very portable—so it’s better suited for a fixed workshop rather than frequent moving. Also, it requires a 230V power supply, which may not be available in every home garage without electrical upgrades. With features that focus on precision, durability, and professional-grade results, the JET BLACK planer is an excellent choice if you work with wide boards regularly and want cleaner, quieter planing.

The WEN Thickness Planer (PL1337) is a solid choice for woodworkers looking for a benchtop planer that balances power and precision. Its 13-inch cutting width and ability to plane boards up to 6 inches thick make it suitable for a wide range of projects, from furniture making to cabinetry. The 15-amp motor is robust, driving the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM, which helps deliver smooth and consistent results. One standout feature is the two-speed operation: a faster 26 feet-per-minute feed rate for quick material removal and a slower 16 feet-per-minute speed that provides a finer finish. This flexibility is quite handy depending on your project's needs.

The spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered, rotatable high-speed steel blades is excellent for producing clean cuts and smoother surfaces, reducing tear-out and making blade changes easier and less frequent. Dust collection is addressed through a combined 2.5-inch and 4-inch dust port, which helps keep the workspace cleaner though attaching to a shop vacuum or dust extractor is recommended for best results. Extras like an onboard material removal gauge, depth stop, and wrench storage add convenience and ease of use. Weighing 69 pounds, it’s heavy enough to stay stable during use but still portable enough to move around a workshop.

The two-year warranty provides some peace of mind. While it may not suit very large or industrial-scale jobs, this planer is well-suited for hobbyists or serious DIYers who want a reliable, versatile machine that handles most common thickness planing tasks efficiently and with a quality finish.

The JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer (Model JPJ-12BHH) is a powerful and versatile machine designed for serious woodworking tasks. Its 3 HP motor and 12-inch cutting width let you work on wider boards with ease, while the 0.13-inch cutting depth offers precise material removal. A standout feature is the helical cutterhead with 42 four-sided carbide inserts, which ensures smooth, fast cuts and a high-quality finish that reduces tear-out.

The quick switch between planing and jointing without removing the fence adds convenience and saves time. The heavy-duty cast iron tables and a sturdy steel stand provide excellent stability and accuracy, important for professional or industrial use. Adjustments are made easy with a large handwheel and a parallelogram design that keeps the table close to the blades for consistent cuts.

Weighing 453 pounds and measuring over four feet tall, this planer/jointer is quite large and heavy, so it's best suited for a dedicated workshop with enough space. Backed by a solid 5-year warranty (2 years for commercial use), this JET model is a reliable, heavy-duty planer/jointer combo that delivers professional results and can handle frequent, demanding jobs.