10 Best Thickness Planer Machines 2026 in the United States

The Powermatic 22-Inch Planer (Model 201HH) is a heavy-duty machine designed for professional woodworking. Its 22-inch cutting width and 0.19-inch cutting depth make it suitable for large projects. The 7-1/2 horsepower motor ensures powerful performance, and with a feed rate of up to 20 feet per minute, it can handle a high volume of work efficiently.

The helical cutterhead with 125 four-sided carbide knife inserts provides smoother and quieter cuts, which is a significant advantage for maintaining a pleasant working environment and achieving high-quality finishes. Additionally, the adjustable bed rollers and cast iron construction contribute to the machine's durability and stability, ensuring smooth operation even with rough or finished workpieces. The dust chute with a 5-inch port is a useful feature for effective dust collection, keeping the workspace cleaner and safer.

However, at 1430 pounds, this planer is extremely heavy, making portability a challenge. It is best suited for a stationary workshop setup rather than being moved around frequently. The Powermatic 22-Inch Planer is a robust and efficient machine ideal for professional woodworkers who require precision and high performance but may not be suitable for those who need a more portable solution.

The JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer (Model JPJ-12BHH) is designed for serious woodworkers and professionals. With a cutting width of 12 inches, it can handle larger boards, making it suitable for substantial projects. The helical cutterhead with 42 carbide inserts ensures rapid cutting and a high-quality finish, reducing the need for additional sanding.

The motor power is 3 HP, offering robust performance for both planing and jointing tasks. This machine can switch between these functions quickly without removing the fence, enhancing its versatility. The cutting depth of 0.13 inches allows for precise material removal, and the parallelogram design aids in accurate adjustments of the cut depth.

Additionally, the heavy-duty cast iron tables and one-piece steel stand add to its stability and accuracy, which is crucial for maintaining flatness and precision in woodworking projects. However, it's quite heavy at 453 pounds, making portability a challenge. It includes useful attachments like push blocks and a hex wrench. This planer/jointer is best suited for a stationary workshop environment rather than for users needing a portable solution.

The WEN Thickness Planer PL1337 is a solid choice for those needing a benchtop planer that handles medium-sized boards efficiently. It planes wood up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick, which suits many general woodworking tasks. Its powerful 15-amp motor spins the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM, providing the muscle needed for smooth, consistent cuts. A standout feature is the spiral cutterhead with 26 high-speed steel blades, arranged to ensure a clean finish with less tear-out compared to traditional straight blades.

The two-speed feed option lets you choose between faster dimensioning at 26 feet per minute or slower, finer finishing at 16 feet per minute, offering flexibility based on your project needs. Dust collection is thoughtfully addressed with dual port sizes (2-1/2 and 4 inches), which helps keep your workspace cleaner when connected to a dust system. Portability is reasonable for a machine of this type, weighing 69 pounds, so it can be moved if needed but isn’t something you’d carry around frequently.

The maximum cutting depth per pass is 0.13 inches, which is typical but might require multiple passes for thicker stock. Its size and weight mean it’s best suited for a workshop rather than a mobile jobsite. The included features like a depth stop, material removal gauge, and workpiece return rollers add convenience and precision to your work. With a strong 4.6-star rating from many users and a two-year warranty, this planer offers good value for hobbyists or small workshop owners looking for a reliable, easy-to-use thickness planer.