10 Best Power Planers 2025 in the United States

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers up to 20,000 RPM, making it capable of handling deeper and larger cuts, especially in hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head, operating at 10,000 RPM, ensures a high-quality finish with 96 cuts per inch, which is quite impressive for a portable planer. The knives are also disposable and reversible, enhancing their lifespan by 30%, and making replacements straightforward and quick. This is a significant benefit for users looking for convenience and cost efficiency in maintenance.

The four-column carriage lock is effective in minimizing snipe, which is the unwanted indentation at the beginning or end of a board, ensuring a smoother finish. Additionally, the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables, providing 33-1/2 inches of material support, contribute to the stability and ease of use when working with longer pieces of wood. The material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale help users achieve precise cuts consistently, and the turret depth stop allows for quick returns to commonly used depths, adding to the tool’s efficiency.

However, the planer is quite heavy, weighing approximately 36.29 kilograms (around 79.8 pounds), which may pose a challenge in terms of portability. Despite its weight, it is designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring that the user experience is comfortable during prolonged use. Dust collection is handled via an included dust hood, an important feature for maintaining a clean workspace and minimizing health hazards. Users might need to consider an effective dust extraction system to complement this feature fully. The planer’s durability is backed by a three-year limited warranty, which covers defects due to faulty materials or workmanship. This DEWALT Benchtop Planer is an excellent choice for those needing a high-performance, reliable tool for detailed and precise woodworking, albeit with some considerations regarding its weight and portability.

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.

The Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer is a robust choice for those who need a reliable tool for woodworking projects. It boasts a powerful 1650-watt motor which ensures efficient performance on various types of wood. The cutting depth and planing width are very respectable, allowing for precise and smooth finishes.

One of its standout features is the blade change system, which is designed for quick and easy replacements, reducing downtime and frustration during use. Additionally, it uses disposable double edge blades, adding convenience for the user. The planer is relatively quiet at 83dB, providing a more comfortable working environment compared to noisier alternatives.

Its compact and lightweight design (weighing 28.07 kilograms) makes it easy to transport, even though it may be a bit heavy for some users. The ergonomics are solid, with large table extensions that help support the workpiece, enhancing stability during operation. However, the planer does not seem to have a specified dust collection system, which could be a drawback for those who prioritize cleanliness in their workspace. This planer is ideal for professional woodworkers and serious DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable and efficient tool for their projects.