In woodworking, a high-quality benchtop planer is crucial for achieving a smooth and professional finish. Used for tasks like flattening and smoothing rough wood, resizing planks, and maintaining consistent thickness throughout a project, a benchtop planer is an essential and versatile tool.
We know just how important it is to have a reliable and efficient benchtop planer, which is why we have spent countless hours researching and testing various models on the market. After thorough testing and analysis, we have identified the key factors that make up the best benchtop planer.
One of the most critical aspects to consider when purchasing a benchtop planer is the cutting capacity. A larger cutting capacity allows for more significant stock removal and the ability to handle wider boards, making it a crucial factor for those who work with larger pieces of wood. Additionally, the cutting depth and feed rate can significantly impact the efficiency and quality of the planer’s performance.
In our testing, we found that the best benchtop planers are not only powerful but also have a sturdy and durable construction. The quality of the materials used can impact the tool’s overall longevity and ability to withstand heavy use. Other features to consider include the noise level, dust collection system, and additional safety features.
After extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the top benchtop planers on the market that excel in these key areas. Whether you are a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, our guide will provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision and choose the best benchtop planer for your needs.
Best Benchtop Planer
If you are looking for a tool that can help you create smooth and flat surfaces on wooden boards, a benchtop planer is what you need. With a benchtop planer, you can easily adjust the thickness of your boards and remove imperfections, making them perfect for your woodworking projects. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best benchtop planers available on Amazon. We have tested and researched each product to provide you with the most reliable and efficient options. Without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks.
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient planer for your benchtop, the CRAFTSMAN Planer might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The two-knife cutterhead design provides a smooth and fast cutting performance, reducing the need for multiple passes.
- The built-in rear outfeed support and front adjustment knob make it easy to adjust the cutterhead position and planing depth.
- The planer comes with a built-in chip system that collects debris and shavings, keeping your workspace clean and organized.
Cons
- The planer’s motor might be too powerful for some types of wood, causing them to tear or splinter.
- The planer’s feed rate might be too fast for some users, making it difficult to control the thickness of the wood.
- The planer’s table might not be long enough for some users, limiting the length of the wood that can be planed.
The CRAFTSMAN Planer is a great choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its 15-amp motor delivers 35% more power than the previous model, allowing for fast and efficient planing. The two-knife cutterhead design ensures a smooth and even cut, reducing the need for multiple passes and saving you time.
The planer’s built-in rear outfeed support and front adjustment knob make it easy to adjust the cutterhead position and planing depth, ensuring a precise and accurate cut every time. The planer’s built-in chip system collects debris and shavings, keeping your workspace clean and organized.
However, the planer’s motor might be too powerful for some types of wood, causing them to tear or splinter. The planer’s feed rate might be too fast for some users, making it difficult to control the thickness of the wood. Additionally, the planer’s table might not be long enough for some users, limiting the length of the wood that can be planed.
Overall, the CRAFTSMAN Planer is a great investment for anyone looking for a powerful and efficient benchtop planer. Its smooth and fast cutting performance, easy adjustment features, and built-in chip system make it a top choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer
If you’re looking for a portable thickness planer that’s easy to use and can handle even the toughest jobs, the Delta Power Tools 22-555 is a great option.
Pros
- The three knives per blade cutterhead provides a smoother cut and longer life than two knife cutterheads.
- The planer’s extra-large, 13″ wide cutterhead reduces the time it takes to plane wide boards.
- The tool-free knife changing system allows for fast and easy blade changes.
Cons
- The planer is quite heavy, weighing in at 67 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The planer’s motor can be quite loud during operation.
- The planer’s dust chute can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get the dust collection working properly.
Overall, we’ve found the Delta Power Tools 22-555 to be a reliable and efficient portable thickness planer. The three knives per blade cutterhead provide a smoother cut and longer life than two knife cutterheads, and the planer’s extra-large, 13″ wide cutterhead reduces the time it takes to plane wide boards. Additionally, the tool-free knife changing system allows for fast and easy blade changes, which is a huge time saver.
One downside to the planer is its weight, which can make it difficult to move around. However, the planer’s sturdy build and heavy-duty motor make up for its weight and provide a stable and powerful cutting experience. Another downside is the planer’s motor, which can be quite loud during operation. However, the planer’s dust chute is a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get the dust collection working properly.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a portable thickness planer and want a reliable and efficient option, the Delta Power Tools 22-555 is definitely worth considering.
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient benchtop planer, the DEWALT DW734 is a great option.
Pros
- The 15-amp, 3/60 HP motor powers through hardwoods with ease.
- The 3-knife cutterhead produces efficient chips and leaves a smooth finish.
- The planing depth is adjustable from 0 to 1/8 inch in 1/64-inch increments, allowing for precise cuts.
Cons
- The machine is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The planing length is only 12-1/2 inches, which may not be sufficient for larger projects.
- The dust port is 1-1/2 inches, which may not be large enough for some users.
We’ve used the DEWALT DW734 for several projects and have found it to be a reliable and efficient machine. The 15-amp, 3/60 HP motor powers through hardwoods with ease, and the 3-knife cutterhead produces efficient chips and leaves a smooth finish. The planing depth is adjustable from 0 to 1/8 inch in 1/64-inch increments, allowing for precise cuts.
One downside to the machine is its weight. At 55 pounds, it can be difficult to move around. Additionally, the planing length is only 12-1/2 inches, which may not be sufficient for larger projects. Finally, the dust port is 1-1/2 inches, which may not be large enough for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a benchtop planer that is reliable and efficient, the DEWALT DW734 is a great option. However, if you need a machine with a longer planing length or a larger dust port, you may want to consider other options.
VEVOR Power Benchtop Planers, Three-Blade, Two Speed, 13″ Width Worktable Thickness Planer with Extended Infeeding Table, Low Noise for both hard & soft wood material removal
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient benchtop planer, the VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The three-knife cutterhead design with two independent motors allows for faster and smoother cutting, reducing the need for re-planing.
- The two-speed design with forward and reverse allows for easy material removal and reduces the chance of tear-out.
- The extended infeeding table provides additional stability and safety, reducing the risk of kickback.
Cons
- The machine can be quite loud during operation, which may not be ideal for some users.
- The motor may stop working after a few uses, requiring a replacement.
- The planer may not be suitable for thicker pieces of wood.
We’ve had the opportunity to use and test the VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer, and we’re impressed with its performance. The three-knife cutterhead design with two independent motors allows for faster and smoother cutting, reducing the need for re-planing. The two-speed design with forward and reverse allows for easy material removal and reduces the chance of tear-out. Additionally, the extended infeeding table provides additional stability and safety, reducing the risk of kickback.
One downside to the VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer is that it can be quite loud during operation, which may not be ideal for some users. Additionally, the motor may stop working after a few uses, requiring a replacement. Finally, the planer may not be suitable for thicker pieces of wood.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient benchtop planer, the VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer is a great option to consider. Its three-knife cutterhead design with two independent motors, two-speed design with forward and reverse, and extended infeeding table make it a powerful and effective tool for woodworking.
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient thickness planer, the DEWALT DW735X is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The two-speed motor allows for greater material removal and increased productivity.
- The 13-inch planing capacity accommodates a wide range of materials.
- The 20,000 RPM motor creates a smoother finish and requires less sanding.
Cons
- The machine can be a bit noisy during operation.
- The height adjustment wheel can be a bit difficult to turn.
- The machine can be a bit heavy to move around.
We’ve had the opportunity to use the DEWALT DW735X for a few projects and we’re impressed with its performance. The two-speed motor is a great feature that allows us to adjust the speed depending on the material we’re working with. The 13-inch planing capacity is also a plus, as it allows us to work with larger pieces of wood.
One of the things we appreciate the most about this thickness planer is the 20,000 RPM motor. It creates a smoother finish and requires less sanding, which saves us a lot of time and effort. The cutterhead design with four knives also helps to reduce tear-out and produce a cleaner finish.
However, there are a few downsides to this machine. The noise level during operation can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re working in a small space. The height adjustment wheel can also be a bit difficult to turn, which can make it challenging to adjust the height of the cutterhead. Finally, the machine is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around if you need to work on different projects in different locations.
Overall, we think the DEWALT DW735X is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient thickness planer. Its two-speed motor, 13-inch planing capacity, and 20,000 RPM motor make it a powerful and versatile machine that can handle a wide range of materials.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a benchtop planer, there are several factors to consider. These factors can help ensure that you get the best product for your needs. In this section, we will discuss the key features to look for when choosing a benchtop planer.
Cutting Depth
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a benchtop planer is the cutting depth. This refers to the maximum thickness of the material that the planer can handle. It is important to choose a planer with a cutting depth that is suitable for the type of work you will be doing. If you plan to work with thicker materials, you will need a planer with a deeper cutting depth.
Motor Power
Another important factor to consider is the motor power. The motor power determines how quickly the planer can remove material from the workpiece. A more powerful motor will be able to handle larger pieces of material and will be faster at removing material. However, a more powerful motor will also be heavier and more expensive.
Planing Length
The planing length is another important factor to consider. This refers to the length of the planing bed, which determines how much material the planer can work on at once. A longer planing length will allow you to work on larger pieces of material, but will also make the planer more difficult to move around.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is another important feature to look for in a benchtop planer. Dust can be a significant nuisance when working with wood, and a good dust collection system can help keep your workspace clean and free from debris. Look for a planer with a built-in dust collection system to make your work easier.
Price
Finally, price is an important factor to consider when buying a benchtop planer. Prices can vary widely depending on the features and capabilities of the planer. It is important to set a budget and choose a planer that fits within that budget. Keep in mind that a more expensive planer may offer more features and capabilities, but may not be necessary for your needs.
In summary, when choosing a benchtop planer, it is important to consider the cutting depth, motor power, planing length, dust collection, and price. By considering these factors, you can choose a planer that is best suited for your needs and will help you achieve the best results.
