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10 Best Power Planers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth, Brushless Motor, Bare Tool Only (DCP580B)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,158
Dust Collection

Most important from
4457 reviews

Dust Collection
Works great but you really need the dust collector attachment.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer (DCP580B) is equipped with a brushless motor that offers strong power and extended run time, making it suitable for efficient, continuous use. The motor achieves 30,000 cuts per minute, ensuring rapid material removal. It has a maximum cutting depth of 2 mm, which is moderate and sufficient for standard planing tasks.

The precision-machined aluminum shoes aid in maintaining accurate parallel cuts, and the calibrated depth adjustment knob allows for very fine adjustments down to 1/256 in. (approximately 0.01 mm). This precision can be incredibly useful for detailed work. The ergonomic handle design reduces user fatigue, which is beneficial for prolonged use. Weighing 7.4 pounds, this planer is relatively lightweight, contributing to ease of handling and maneuverability.

The kickstand feature is handy for resting the tool without damaging the work surface, and the precision machined groove in the front shoe is useful for edge chamfering. However, it is worth noting that this is a bare tool, meaning it does not come with the required lithium-ion battery, which needs to be purchased separately. Additionally, it includes replacement blades. This planer is best suited for professionals or DIY enthusiasts looking for a powerful and precise tool for detailed woodwork.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,158
Dust Collection

Most important from
4457 reviews

Dust Collection
Works great but you really need the dust collector attachment.
#2

WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

Rating
9.8
Blade Type
Dust Collection

Most important from
964 reviews

Blade Type
The high-speed steel cutter blades last for about 10 boards before needing rotation, with easy blade replacement.
Dust Collection
Hooking up to a shop vac is essential due to the amount of sawdust produced, but it works very well.

The WEN PL1326 is a powerful benchtop thickness planer, ideal for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals. One of its standout features is the 15-amp motor, which delivers a robust 10,000 RPM, ensuring efficient and consistent performance. This motor power allows the planer to handle tough materials with ease. The spiral cutterhead equipped with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades provides a smooth, clean finish, significantly reducing the chance of tear-out and delivering finer cuts compared to straight blades.

It can handle boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick, which is quite versatile for a wide range of projects. The onboard material removal gauge is a helpful feature, allowing users to precisely control the cutting depth for each pass, adding to the ease of use and accuracy of the tool. However, at 36.74 kilograms, this planer is quite heavy, which might make it less portable and harder to move around the workspace. The cast iron construction, while sturdy and durable, contributes to this weight. Ergonomically, the machine is well-designed for stable operation, but the heft may be a drawback for some users.

The corded electric power source ensures continuous operation without the worry of battery life but requires proximity to a power outlet. The WEN PL1326 offers strong performance, precision, and durability, making it a great fit for heavy-duty planning tasks, albeit with some considerations regarding its weight and potential need for additional dust management.

Rating
9.8
Blade Type
Dust Collection

Most important from
964 reviews

Blade Type
The high-speed steel cutter blades last for about 10 boards before needing rotation, with easy blade replacement.
Dust Collection
Hooking up to a shop vac is essential due to the amount of sawdust produced, but it works very well.
#3

WEN PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer , Black

Rating
9.7
Motor Power
Cutting Depth
Blade Type

Most important from
964 reviews

Motor Power
Delivers an exceptionally smooth finish on wood, even at its single fast speed, with minimal snipe and tear out.
Cutting Depth
Feed rate is smooth and consistent, contributing to superior surface quality across different wood types like walnut, maple, and red oak.
Blade Type
HSS blades perform surprisingly well and may even produce a better finish than carbide in some cases.
Weight and Ergonomics
Build quality feels solid and robust, with a weight that ensures stability during operation.
Dust Collection
Dust collection handles most chips effectively, though a dedicated dust collector is better than a shop vac.

The WEN PL1303 is a benchtop thickness planer designed for woodworking enthusiasts or small workshop users who need to plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. It features a robust 15-amp motor that powers the blades at 30,000 cuts per minute, delivering a smooth feed rate of 26 feet per minute. This motor strength is great for handling moderately thick wood efficiently.

The planer comes with three reversible 13-inch SK5 blades, which are durable and easy to maintain since you can flip them to extend their lifespan. You can adjust the cutting depth in precise increments up to 1/8 inch, allowing for control over how much material is removed with each pass. The base is made of cast iron, providing stability during operation, though the planer is fairly heavy at nearly 79 pounds, so it’s better suited for a stationary workspace rather than frequent portability. The dimensions (28.25” x 20” x 24”) make it a compact benchtop model that fits well in smaller shops.

This WEN planer offers solid motor power, quality blades, and good cutting capacity, making it a suitable choice for hobbyists or woodworkers who need reliable thickness planning without stepping into industrial-level equipment. Its weight and moderate dust control might be drawbacks if you need high portability or a cleaner workspace setup.

Rating
9.7
Motor Power
Cutting Depth
Blade Type

Most important from
964 reviews

Motor Power
Delivers an exceptionally smooth finish on wood, even at its single fast speed, with minimal snipe and tear out.
Cutting Depth
Feed rate is smooth and consistent, contributing to superior surface quality across different wood types like walnut, maple, and red oak.
Blade Type
HSS blades perform surprisingly well and may even produce a better finish than carbide in some cases.
Weight and Ergonomics
Build quality feels solid and robust, with a weight that ensures stability during operation.
Dust Collection
Dust collection handles most chips effectively, though a dedicated dust collector is better than a shop vac.

Buying Guide for the Best Power Planers

Choosing the right power planer can make a significant difference in your woodworking projects. A power planer is a tool used to smooth and flatten wood surfaces, and it can save you a lot of time and effort compared to manual planing. When selecting a power planer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and choose a planer that will serve you well in your projects.
Motor PowerMotor power is measured in amps or watts and indicates how strong the planer is. A more powerful motor can handle tougher materials and larger projects more efficiently. For light-duty tasks, a motor with lower power (around 5-7 amps) may suffice. For more demanding jobs, look for a motor with higher power (8-10 amps or more). Consider the type of wood you'll be working with and the scale of your projects to determine the right motor power for you.
Cutting DepthCutting depth refers to how much material the planer can remove in a single pass. This is important for achieving the desired thickness and smoothness of your wood. Planers typically offer adjustable cutting depths, ranging from shallow (around 1/64 inch) to deeper cuts (up to 1/8 inch or more). If you need to make precise, fine adjustments, a planer with a smaller maximum cutting depth will be suitable. For larger, rougher adjustments, a deeper cutting depth is preferable.
Blade TypeThe type of blade used in a power planer affects the quality of the finish and the ease of use. Common blade types include high-speed steel (HSS) and carbide. HSS blades are generally cheaper and work well for softwoods, while carbide blades are more durable and better suited for hardwoods. If you frequently work with hardwoods or need a longer-lasting blade, opt for carbide. For occasional use or softer woods, HSS blades may be sufficient.
Planing WidthPlaning width is the maximum width of wood that the planer can handle in one pass. This spec is crucial for efficiency, especially when working with wider boards. Typical planing widths range from 3 to 6 inches. If you often work with wide boards, choose a planer with a larger planing width to save time and effort. For smaller, narrower pieces, a smaller planing width will be adequate.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of a power planer affect how comfortable and easy it is to use. Heavier planers can be more stable but may be harder to maneuver, while lighter planers are easier to handle but might require more control. Ergonomic features like comfortable grips and adjustable handles can make a big difference in reducing fatigue during extended use. Consider how long you'll be using the planer and your physical comfort to choose the right weight and ergonomic design.
Dust CollectionDust collection is an important feature that helps keep your workspace clean and reduces the amount of airborne particles. Some planers come with built-in dust collection systems or ports that can be connected to a vacuum. Effective dust collection can improve visibility and air quality while you work. If you plan to use the planer indoors or in a shared space, prioritize models with good dust collection capabilities.

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