9 Best Planers With Helical Cutterheads 2025 in the United States

The Powermatic 22-Inch Planer with a helical cutterhead is an impressive machine designed for serious woodworkers who value precision and quality. One of its standout features is the helical cutterhead, which includes 125 four-sided carbide knife inserts. This design not only provides smoother and quieter cuts but also helps to extend the life of the blades, making it ideal for long-term use. The adjustable bed rollers are a nice touch, allowing for smooth feeding of various workpieces, whether they’re rough or finished. With a powerful 7.5 HP motor, this planer handles large jobs effectively, which is a significant advantage for those working with larger materials. Additionally, the heavy cast iron construction ensures durability and stability, which can be beneficial for maintaining accuracy during use.

On the downside, the Powermatic planer is quite heavy at 1430 pounds, which may be a concern for individuals needing mobility or working in smaller spaces. Its dimensions (49"L x 42"W x 59"H) require a sizable area, so planning for adequate workspace is essential. While the dust collection system with a 5" port does help keep the workspace cleaner, it might not be sufficient for larger projects, and users may need to invest in additional dust collection systems. Furthermore, the price point can be a barrier for hobbyists or those just starting out. It’s a significant investment, so it might not be practical for casual users.

The Powermatic 22-Inch Planer is ideal for professional woodworkers or serious hobbyists seeking top-tier performance and durability, but it may be excessive for beginners or those with limited space and budget.

The WEN PL1326 is a benchtop thickness planer designed for woodworking projects that require smooth, precise finishes. Its standout feature is the spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered, rotatable high-speed steel blades. This design helps produce cleaner cuts and reduces tear-out compared to traditional straight blades. It can handle boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick, making it suitable for many common woodworking tasks.

Powered by a 15-amp motor running at 10,000 RPM, it feeds wood at 26 feet per minute, offering a good balance between speed and finish quality. The planer includes a built-in material removal gauge, so you can easily see how much wood will be taken off with each pass. Dust collection is managed through an adjustable dust port, helping keep your workspace cleaner. The cast iron base adds stability and durability to the machine.

One limitation is that it operates at a single speed, providing less flexibility for slower feed rates needed in very fine work. At around 81 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which could affect portability if frequent moving is required. The WEN PL1326 is well suited for hobbyists and small shop users seeking quality results without investing in larger, more expensive industrial planers. Its combination of a helical cutterhead and solid build makes it a reliable choice for achieving smooth finishes on a variety of wood projects.

The FindBuyTool 13" Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer is designed for those who need a reliable tool for woodworking projects. One of its major strengths is the helical cutterhead. Equipped with 40 tungsten carbide insert knives, it ensures a smooth and precise cut, reducing noise and producing minimal tear-out. The 13-inch cutting width and 0.06-inch cutting depth are suitable for a variety of wood sizes, making it versatile for different projects. Powered by a 120V 15-AMP motor running at 20000RPM, it offers ample power for efficient operation, combined with a 27.5 feet per minute feed rate for swift processing of wood pieces.

Additionally, the 4-column design and anti-wobble foundation enhance stability and accuracy, keeping the thickness variance within 0.1mm, which is impressive for a benchtop model. The dust collection system also stands out, efficiently removing chips and maintaining a clean workspace. However, weighing 70 pounds, it’s relatively heavy, which might pose a challenge if frequent relocation is necessary. The absence of batteries and reliance on corded electric power means it requires a constant power source, which could limit portability. This planer is best suited for dedicated woodworking spaces where precision and smooth finishes are paramount.