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Benchtop planers are a homeowner and woodworker’s best friend, aiding in precision woodworking and smoothing rough surfaces. Originating from the US, these tools are now household necessities in global woodworking workshops due to their versatility and ease of use. However, to make sure your projects come out flawlessly, it’s crucial to use the right benchtop planer.
The best benchtop planers should be robust, reliable and capable of shaving your materials to your desired thickness with precision. They should have adjustable cutting depths, a high blade speed, and a sturdy construction. Using the wrong benchtop planer could result in uneven or unexpected cuts, damaged surfaces and wasted materials.
When purchasing a benchtop planer, it’s important to not only note the critical specifications, but also the durability and brand reputation. A good benchtop planer will hold up over time, providing consistent results project after project.
In this guide, we have done the heavy lifting for you. We have rigorously tested and researched a multitude of benchtop planers to identify the ones that will best serve your woodworking needs. At the conclusion of this guide, you’ll be armed with all the information necessary to make the right choice for your woodworking endeavors.
Best Benchtop Planer
Picking the ideal benchtop planer is vital to the quality of your woodwork. The planer needs to be strong, precise and reliable. It can be challenging, however, considering all the different options available. We’ve done the work for you. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best benchtop planers resulting from our extensive testing and research to help guide you in making an informed decision. Stay tuned to find out more.
Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer
If you’re looking for a portable thickness planer that can handle hardwoods, the Delta Power Tools 22-555 is a great option.
Pros
- The 13″ width capacity allows you to flatten wide boards with ease.
- The 2 hp motor is powerful enough to handle hardwoods.
- The 3/32″ cutting depth of the knives provides fast material removal.
Cons
- The 45-degree bevel up/down cutting knives require regular sharpening.
- The machine weighs 62 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around for some users.
- The 16 1/2″ length and 13 3/4″ width dimensions may make it difficult to store in smaller shops.
We’ve used the Delta Power Tools 22-555 to flatten some wide hardwood boards, and it performed well. The 13″ width capacity is plenty enough to handle most boards, and the 2 hp motor is powerful enough to handle hardwoods without bogging down. The 3/32″ cutting depth of the knives provides fast material removal, which helps to keep the motor from overheating.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 45-degree bevel up/down cutting knives will require regular sharpening to keep them in good condition. Additionally, the machine weighs 62 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around for some users. Finally, the 16 1/2″ length and 13 3/4″ width dimensions may make it difficult to store in smaller shops.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable thickness planer that can handle hardwoods, the Delta Power Tools 22-555 is a great option. It’s easy to use, powerful, and produces great results.
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
If you’re looking for a portable and affordable thickness planer, the WEN PL1326 is a great option.
Pros
- The 13-inch cutting capacity is larger than most other benchtop planers, allowing you to plane larger boards.
- The spiral cutterhead reduces heat buildup and tearout, resulting in a smoother finish.
- The adjustable depth of cut with positive stop allows for precise adjustments from 1/32 to 1/2 inch.
Cons
- The 15-amp motor is not as powerful as some other thickness planers on the market, which may make it less suitable for thicker or harder woods.
- The two-knife cutterhead may not be as effective at removing material as some other designs.
- The plastic collection chamber may not be as durable as a metal one.
We’ve used the WEN PL1326 for several projects and found it to be a reliable and efficient thickness planer. The larger cutting capacity is a great feature, as it allows us to plane larger boards without having to cut them down to size. The spiral cutterhead also produces a smoother finish, which saves us time on sanding.
The adjustable depth of cut is another great feature, as it allows us to make precise adjustments for different types of wood. The positive stop is also a nice touch, as it ensures that we can quickly set the depth of cut to a specific setting.
However, we did notice that the 15-amp motor is not as powerful as some other thickness planers on the market. This may make it less suitable for thicker or harder woods. Additionally, the two-knife cutterhead may not be as effective at removing material as some other designs.
Overall, we would recommend the WEN PL1326 to anyone looking for a portable and affordable thickness planer. It’s a reliable and efficient tool that produces a smooth finish, and the larger cutting capacity is a great feature.
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient thickness planer, the DEWALT DW735X is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The two-speed range of 16,000 and 20,000 RPM allows for faster material removal at higher settings, making it more efficient for thicker stock.
- The 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM motor delivers 50% more power than the previous model, making it capable of planing a wide range of materials.
- The 13-inch, 2-1/2 inch cutting depth capacity allows for thicker stock to be planed, making it more versatile.
Cons
- The 46-degree angle knobs can be difficult to adjust, especially when wearing gloves.
- The table extension may not be long enough for some users, requiring the use of a push stick.
- The planer may not be suitable for very hard or tough materials, requiring a more heavy-duty model.
We’ve had the opportunity to test and use the DEWALT DW735X, and we’re impressed with its performance. The two-speed range is a great feature, allowing us to adjust the planer to the material we’re working with. The 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM motor is powerful and efficient, making it easy to plane through thicker stock.
The 13-inch cutting width and 2-1/2 inch cutting depth capacity make it versatile enough to handle a wide range of materials. The anti-kickback support and steel planing table are durable and built to last.
The only downside we’ve found is that the 46-degree angle knobs can be difficult to adjust, especially when wearing gloves. Additionally, the table extension may not be long enough for some users, requiring the use of a push stick. Finally, the planer may not be suitable for very hard or tough materials, requiring a more heavy-duty model.
Overall, we highly recommend the DEWALT DW735X for anyone in need of a powerful and efficient thickness planer.
Thickness Planer, Two-Blade, 13″ Width Worktable Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp 1800W Powerful Motor, 12″ Extended Infeeding Table, Low Noise for both hard & soft wood material removal
If you’re looking for a compact and powerful thickness planer, the Thickness Planer from LENOX is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The powerful 15-amp, 1800W motor can handle both hard and soft wood with ease, making it a versatile tool for any woodworker.
- With a cutting depth of 1/4″ and a width of 13″, this planer can handle a variety of tasks, from smoothing rough surfaces to flattening warped boards.
- The built-in dust port and adjustable rear outfeed support make it easy to use and keep your workspace clean.
Cons
- The planer only has two blades, which may not be enough for some more heavy-duty tasks.
- At 25 pounds, it’s not the lightest planer on the market, but it’s still relatively easy to move around.
- Some users have reported issues with the planer not being as durable as they would like.
Overall, we were impressed with the performance of the Thickness Planer from LENOX. It’s easy to use, versatile, and powerful, making it a great addition to any woodworker’s toolkit. While it may not be the most durable option on the market, it’s still a solid choice for those looking for a compact and effective thickness planer.
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
If you’re looking for a portable planer that can help you achieve a smooth finish on your woodworking projects, the CRAFTSMAN Planer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The two-knife cutting head with a cutter length of 3-1/2 inches allows for faster stock removal, resulting in a smoother finish.
- The built-in rear outfeed support keeps your hands clear of the cutter head, making it safer to use.
- The easy-grip rear handle and folding stand make it easy to transport and store.
Cons
- The motor power of 15 amps may not be sufficient for larger pieces of wood.
- The maximum cut depth of 1/16 inch may not be enough for some woodworking projects.
- The planer may not be suitable for professional woodworkers who require a more heavy-duty machine.
The CRAFTSMAN Planer is a great choice for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists who need a portable and easy-to-use planer for their woodworking projects. Its two-knife cutting head with a cutter length of 3-1/2 inches allows for faster stock removal, resulting in a smoother finish. The built-in rear outfeed support keeps your hands clear of the cutter head, making it safer to use. The easy-grip rear handle and folding stand make it easy to transport and store.
However, the motor power of 15 amps may not be sufficient for larger pieces of wood. The maximum cut depth of 1/16 inch may not be enough for some woodworking projects. The planer may not be suitable for professional woodworkers who require a more heavy-duty machine.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable and easy-to-use planer for your woodworking projects, the CRAFTSMAN Planer is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best benchtop planer, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Cutting Width
The cutting width of a planer determines the width of the wood that can be planed in a single pass. A wider cutting width means fewer passes are required to plane a wider piece of wood. However, a wider cutting width also means a larger and heavier planer. It is important to choose a cutting width that is appropriate for the type of work you plan to do.
Cutting Depth
The cutting depth of a planer determines how much material can be removed in a single pass. A deeper cutting depth means fewer passes are required to achieve the desired thickness. However, a deeper cutting depth also means a more powerful motor and a heavier planer. It is important to choose a cutting depth that is appropriate for the type of work you plan to do.
Motor Power
The motor power of a planer determines how much force is available to remove material from the wood. A more powerful motor means faster material removal and fewer passes are required to achieve the desired thickness. However, a more powerful motor also means a heavier planer and higher energy consumption. It is important to choose a motor power that is appropriate for the type of work you plan to do.
Portability
Portability is an important factor to consider when choosing a benchtop planer. A more portable planer is easier to move around and store when not in use. However, a more portable planer may not be as powerful or have as many features as a larger and heavier planer. It is important to choose a planer that is portable enough for your needs, but still has the features you require.
Price
Price is always a consideration when buying any type of tool. A more expensive planer may have more features and be more powerful, but it may not be necessary for your needs. It is important to choose a planer that fits within your budget, but still has the features you require.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best benchtop planer for your needs.
