Benchtop thickness planers are essential for achieving flat, even boards in small workshops. This guide highlights top models that balance power, cut quality, and ease of use. Each option handles common materials and includes features that help finish long projects with consistent results. Use the buying guide to compare cutter heads, speeds, table sizes, and dust management to find the right match for your workflow.
| Product | Brand | Cutting Width | Max Stock Thickness | Cutter Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN PL1326 Spiral Benchtop Planer | WEN | 13 inches | 6 inches | Spiral cutterhead |
| WEN PL1303 13-Inch Planer | WEN | 13 inches | 6 inches | Three-blade |
| DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer | DEWALT | 13 inches | 6 inches | Three-knife |
| DEWALT DW734 Planer | DEWALT | 12.5 inches | 6 inches | Three-knife |
| CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Planer | CRAFTSMAN | 15 inches (approx.) | Unknown | Two-knife solid steel |
Below are five options that represent strong value and dependable performance for hobbyist to mid-range shop setups. Each entry includes a direct link to the product page for quick reference and a snapshot of what makes it suitable for benchtop work.
WEN PL1303 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Planer
The WEN PL1303 uses a 15-amp motor to power three reversible SK5 blades, delivering up to 30,000 cuts per minute at a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. The three-blade setup emphasizes fast knife changes and consistent stock removal, making it a strong entry for precise bevels and thickness uniformity in standard lumber.
Key considerations: blade life, ease of blade reversal, and how the 26 fpm feed rate influences finish quality on hardwoods versus softwoods. This model is well-suited for projects that require rapid planing with dependable removal rates on typical stock.
WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer
The Spiral PL1326 features a cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades that rotate for a smooth, clean finish. An onboard material removal gauge helps monitor depth per pass, and it handles boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. This model excels in producing precise, tear-out-free surfaces on varying wood species, with predictable results across multiple passes.
Key considerations: the spiral head’s durability, how the gauge informs pass depth, and whether your projects benefit from reduced tear-out on difficult grains. It’s a strong choice for finish-focused planing with consistent results.
DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer
The DW735X combines a 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor with a three-knife cutter head for robust material removal and finish quality. Its two-speed gearing lets users optimize cuts per inch (CPI) at 96 or 179 CPI depending on wood type and desired surface smoothness. The model provides longer knife life, quicker knife changes, and strong overall performance for benchtop woodworking.
Key considerations: the two-speed option and how CPI choices align with project goals. Suitable for users needing reliable power and consistent surface finishes on mid- to larger-dimension boards.
DEWALT DW734 Planer
The DW734 offers a 12.5-inch width and a three-knife cutter head delivering solid finishes. It supports robust cutting with a 15-amp, high-speed motor and a user-friendly setup ideal for shop use. A ergonomic design and reliable performance make it a top choice for hobbyists tackling mid-sized boards and hardwoods.
Key considerations: how the 12.5-inch width fits typical stock and whether the model’s size aligns with your shop footprint. It’s a dependable option when you need consistent results with moderate stock thicknesses.
CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Planer
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 uses a two-knife solid steel cutter head to provide smooth operation and long life. The planer targets both hard and soft woods with dependable stock removal and simple blade changes. Its 15-amp motor supports efficient planing for a range of shop projects, offering a compact option with solid performance for everyday use.
Key considerations: two-knife design versus three-knife options and how blade life compares in your typical material mix. This model offers a straightforward, durable solution for consistent thicknessing tasks.
Buying Guide
Power and cutting performance: Look for motor amperage around 15 amps and a cutter-head design that suits your workflow. Spiral or helical heads generally deliver smoother finishes and longer blade life, but may come with higher replacement blade costs.
Cutting width and maximum stock: Most benchtop planers handle 12–13 inch widths and up to 6 inches of stock thickness. If you work with larger boards, consider models offering 15-inch width or extensions, and verify whether your workspace can accommodate the footprint.
Finish quality and creep: Cutterhead design, feed rate, and CPI (cuts per inch) influence surface quality. Planers with two- or three-knife heads balance ease of blade changes and surface finish. For fine work, a spiral head can reduce tear-out in difficult grains.
Table and support features: A stable infeed/outfeed bed helps keep stock flat during planning. Some models include adjustable tables or pull-out extensions for longer stock. Built-in depth gauges simplify monitoring each pass.
Maintenance and safety: Check for easy-access blade changes, dust collection compatibility, and overload protection. A robust electrical system and good guards contribute to safe, reliable operation in a busy shop.
Price-to-performance balance: While premium models offer smoother finishes and longer blade life, solid mid-range choices provide reliable results at a lower upfront cost. Align your pick with your typical stock types, project size, and available shop space.