10 Best Thickness Planers 2025 in the United States

The WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer offers several notable features that make it a reliable tool for woodworking enthusiasts. Its spiral cutterhead, equipped with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades, ensures a clean and smooth finish on your wood pieces. This planer can handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide, making it quite versatile for different woodworking projects.

The 15-amp motor is powerful, delivering 10,000 RPM and supporting a feed rate of 26 feet per minute, which allows for efficient and quick material processing. The onboard material removal gauge is a helpful feature, providing clear information about the cutting depth with each pass, aiding in precision and control during operation.

However, the planer weighs 36.74 kilograms, which might limit its portability for some users. Additionally, it operates at one speed, which may not be ideal for all types of wood or cutting needs. Despite these drawbacks, the WEN PL1326 is a solid choice for those who need a dependable and efficient benchtop thickness planer, particularly if you value a smooth finish and robust cutting power.

The Powermatic 22-Inch Planer, featuring a helical cutterhead with 125 four-sided carbide knife inserts, is designed for professionals and serious woodworking enthusiasts who require precision and efficiency. With a cutting width of 22 inches and a maximum cutting depth of 0.19 inches, it is capable of handling larger workpieces with ease. The 7.5 HP motor ensures ample power for tough jobs, while the adjustable bed rollers and roller bearing-mounted feed rollers contribute to smooth operation and better feeding of both rough and finished materials.

One of the standout features is the effective dust collection system, which includes a 5-inch dust chute that helps keep your workspace clean. This is particularly beneficial for those who prioritize a tidy environment while working on larger projects. The all-cast iron construction provides durability and stability, ensuring that the table remains flat and sturdy during use.

However, the Powermatic 201HH isn't without its challenges. Weighing in at 1430 pounds, it is not easily portable, which can be a drawback for users who need to move their tools frequently. Additionally, it requires a 230V power source, which may limit accessibility in some workshops. The size and weight also mean that it occupies a significant amount of floor space, making it less ideal for smaller work areas.

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (model DW734) is a robust and reliable tool ideal for those working with hardwoods. Its powerful 15-amp motor can handle larger and deeper cuts with a cutting width of 12.5 inches and a depth of 0.13 inches, making it suitable for a variety of woodworking tasks. The three-knife cutter head, with a cutter-head speed of 10,000 rpm, ensures a fine finish, delivering 96 cuts per inch. This setup also allows for the knives to be easily reversible and disposable, prolonging their life and simplifying maintenance.

The four-column carriage lock is a notable feature that helps reduce the snipe by stabilizing the movement of the cutter head. Additionally, the long infeed and outfeed tables provide substantial material support, enhancing the ease of operation. The material removal gauge and large thickness scale contribute to the accuracy of cuts, ensuring consistent results. The turret depth stop is a convenient feature for quickly returning to frequently used depths.

On the downside, the tool weighs around 36.29 kilograms (79.8 pounds), which limits its portability compared to other models in the market. Furthermore, while it includes a dust hood, some users might find the dust collection system less effective, requiring additional cleanup. Despite these minor drawbacks, the DW734's strengths in power, precision, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any serious woodworker's toolkit.