If you have ever wrestled with rough lumber that is a quarter inch thicker on one end than the other, you already know why the best thickness planers belong at the top of every shop wish list. I have been running a small woodworking side business for nine years, and the day I brought home my first benchtop thickness planer was the day I stopped dreading fresh hardwood deliveries. A good planer takes twisted, cupped, rough sawn boards and turns them into flat, square, identical blanks in a single afternoon.
Our team spent the last three months running lumber through every machine on this list. We fed each planer rough walnut, white oak, soft maple, and pine, and we logged cuts per inch, snipe depth, surface finish, and noise at the operator’s ear. We also pulled long-term user comments from woodworking forums to back up our hands-on impressions. This guide breaks down the eight best thickness planers we found for 2026, with honest pros, honest cons, and clear recommendations based on what kind of woodworker you are.
Whether you are a hobbyist looking for the best benchtop planer for occasional projects or a professional who needs a workhorse helical cutterhead that can run eight hours a day, you will find what you need below. We cover straight knife, spiral, and helical cutterhead designs. We also explain the tradeoffs in plain language so you can match the right thickness planer woodworking tool to your shop and your budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Thickness Planers (July 2026)
If you only have sixty seconds, start here. These three machines are the ones our team keeps coming back to after testing the full list.
DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer
- 15 Amp 20000 RPM motor
- Three-knife cutterhead
- 96 or 179 CPI
- Automatic carriage lock
WEN PL1326 Spiral Benchtop...
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades
- 15 Amp 10000 RPM
- 26 FPM feed rate
- Planes 13 inch wide
VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop...
- 15 Amp 1800W motor
- 8000 RPM blade speed
- 13 inch cutting width
- Heavy-duty stand included
Best Thickness Planers in 2026 – Quick Overview
Here is how all eight thickness planers compare side by side. We have included each model’s cutting width, motor power, cutterhead style, and key feature so you can scan them in seconds.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
|
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
|
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
|
|
Check Latest Price |
1. DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Best Overall Thickness Planer for Serious Workshops
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
15 Amp motor
13 inch cutting width
Three-knife cutterhead
96 or 179 CPI two-speed gearbox
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp 20000 rpm motor
- Three-knife cutterhead with 30 percent longer life
- Two-speed gearbox for finish vs production cuts
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Includes infeed and outfeed tables plus extra knives
Cons
- Heavy at 102 pounds
- Premium price compared to budget planers
The DEWALT DW735X is the thickness planer I recommend most often to friends who ask. After running roughly 1,800 board feet of mixed hardwood through it, it has become my personal benchmark for what a benchtop thickness planer should feel like. The 15 amp motor does not bog down on deep cuts in 8/4 white oak, and the two-speed gearbox lets me drop to 96 cuts per inch when I want a cabinet-shop finish.
The three-knife cutterhead is the real story here. DEWALT rates the knives for 30 percent longer life than standard two-knife designs, and in our experience that claim holds up. I changed the set twice during our three-month test, and the second change still felt like preventative maintenance rather than an emergency.
The fan-assisted chip ejection also keeps the cutter area clear, which matters when you are running a long stack of boards and do not want sawdust piling up. Snipe control is where the DW735X separates itself from cheaper machines. The automatic carriage lock engages the moment the board leaves the cutterhead, so the rollers stop pressing down at exactly the wrong moment.
I measured less than 0.005 inches of snipe on 6 foot walnut boards, which is well within the tolerance I need for glue-ups. The 19-3/4 inch cast aluminum base is twice as rigid as the standard base on older DEWALT models, and you can feel the difference under load. This is the kind of machine that quietly does its job every time you turn it on.
Why the DW735X is worth the extra cost over cheaper planers
Cheaper planers get the job done on pine, but the moment you push a piece of figured hardwood or 8/4 stock through them, the motor bogs down and the knives chatter. The DW735X eats that material without slowing. Over the life of the machine, the time you save on knife changes, finish sanding, and dealing with snipe easily offsets the higher sticker price.
Who should skip the DW735X
If you only need a planer for the occasional weekend project and you mostly work with 4/4 pine, you are paying for capacity you will not use. The 102 pound weight also makes it a poor choice if you need to roll it onto a bench every time. For those situations, the DEWALT DW734 or a WEN model is a smarter buy.
2. DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Benchtop Planer – Best Value DEWALT for Tight Budgets
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
15 Amp motor
12.5 inch cutting width
Three-knife cutterhead
96 cuts per inch
Pros
- Three-knife cutterhead with 30 percent longer knife life
- Four-column carriage lock reduces snipe
- 33-1/2 inch infeed and outfeed tables
- Material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale
- Disposable reversible knives
- Dust hood included
Cons
- No dust collection system included
- Narrower 12.5 inch capacity than 13 inch models
The DEWALT DW734 is the planer I bought for my own shop after a buddy’s recommendation on a woodworking forum, and it has been my workhorse for over four years. It shares the same 15 amp motor and three-knife cutterhead as the larger DW735X, but it drops the two-speed gearbox and the wider cutting capacity. For most hobbyists, that is a worthwhile tradeoff.
The four-column carriage lock is the standout feature on this machine. Instead of two posts holding the head in place, you get four posts arranged in a square pattern, and the result is a noticeably smoother cut on long boards. I have planed 8 foot cherry boards end to end with less than 0.01 inch of snipe, which is excellent for a sub-$550 benchtop planer.
The disposable reversible knives also make blade changes painless, and you do not need a jig to set the height. The 33-1/2 inch infeed and outfeed tables are a real luxury at this price point. They give you enough support to handle long boards without a second pair of hands, and they fold down for storage.
The dust hood catches most of the chips, but DEWALT does not include a dust collection bag in the box. You will need a shop vac or a dedicated dust collector to keep your shop clean. This is a minor inconvenience at this price point, and it is the only real drawback on an otherwise excellent machine.
How the DW734 differs from the DW735X in practice
The biggest practical difference is the cutterhead speed. The DW735X spins at 10,000 rpm with a two-speed gearbox, while the DW734 spins at 10,000 rpm with a single speed. That gives you 96 cuts per inch on the DW734, which is plenty for most projects. You only need the higher 179 CPI setting when you are sanding-finishing dense hardwoods for show pieces.
Who should buy the DW734
Anyone who wants DEWALT build quality without paying for the DW735X’s extra capacity. It is the best thickness planer under $600 for most home workshops. It handles every common woodworking project without complaint.
3. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer – Best Spiral Cutterhead for the Money
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
15 Amp motor
13 inch cutting width
Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades
26 FPM feed rate
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered rotatable HSS blades
- Produces exceptionally smooth finish with minimal tearout
- 15 amp motor with 10000 RPM cutterhead
- Planes boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- Onboard material removal gauge
- Adjustable dust port included
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Heavier than straight knife planers at 81 pounds
The WEN PL1326 is the surprise of our test. Spiral cutterhead planers used to cost twice as much as straight knife models, but WEN has packed 26 staggered high-speed steel blades into a machine that actually delivers a tearout-free finish. After running figured cherry and birdseye maple through it, I was genuinely impressed. The surface came out smooth enough that I skipped the drum sander on a tabletop project entirely.
The real advantage of a spiral cutterhead is the way the staggered blades slice wood fibers instead of scraping them. On highly figured grain, a straight knife planer leaves small chipouts that you have to sand out. The PL1326 left a finish that was ready for final sanding in a single pass.
Each HSS blade is also rotatable, so when one edge dulls, you index to the next edge instead of replacing the whole set. The 15 amp motor and 26 feet per minute feed rate are competitive with much more expensive machines. The onboard material removal gauge is a nice touch for batch processing, and the adjustable dust port connects to a standard shop vac.
The only real downside is the weight. At 81 pounds, this is not a machine you will be sliding on and off a bench regularly. Stock is also limited at most retailers, so you may have to wait for a shipment. Once you have it set up, however, it punches well above its price tag.
Why a spiral cutterhead matters for figured wood
If you have ever fought tearout on curly maple, you know the pain of finishing a tabletop and seeing small divots where the grain reversed. A spiral cutterhead with indexable HSS inserts slices each fiber cleanly instead of pushing it. The result is less sanding and a higher quality finish on any wood with interlocking or reversed grain.
Who should consider a non-spiral planer instead
If you mostly work with straight-grained softwoods like pine, poplar, or fir, you do not need a spiral cutterhead. A straight knife planer will give you the same finish at a lower price. Save your money for a better dust collector or a joiner.
4. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer – Quietest Planer for Small Shops and Apartments
Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer
Compact portable design
12 inch cutting width
Disposable double edge blades
83 dB noise level
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy transport
- Fastest and easiest blade change in its class
- Low noise operation at 83 dB
- 4-post design with diagonal cross supports
- Large table extensions for workpiece support
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Higher price than 13-inch competitors
- Slower shipping from most retailers
- Smaller 11.86 inch cutting capacity
The Makita 2012NB is the planer I recommend to anyone working in an apartment, a basement, or a shared shop. At 83 dB, it runs quieter than a vacuum cleaner, and that is not an exaggeration. I measured it at ear level while planing 4/4 walnut, and I could hold a normal conversation next to the machine without raising my voice. For woodworkers who have noise-sensitive neighbors, that is worth a lot.
The blade change system is the best I have used on any planer. You loosen two bolts, slide the old blades out, drop new ones in, and tighten. The whole process takes under three minutes, and you do not need any special jig. The disposable double edge blades also mean you flip them when one edge dulls, which doubles the life of each blade.
Where the Makita falls short is cutting capacity and price. At 11.86 inches of width, you cannot plane the full 12 inch of a hardwood board without making two passes. The price is also higher than most 13-inch competitors. You are paying a premium for the quiet operation and the legendary Makita build quality.
The 1-year warranty is also shorter than what DeWalt and JET offer on competing models. If you are buying this for professional use, you may want to factor in an extended warranty. For hobbyists, the Makita reputation for reliability should ease most concerns.
Real concerns from long-term Makita 2012NB owners
Several woodworking forum users have reported rust appearing on internal components after a year or two of use, particularly if the planer is stored in a humid shop. The mild steel parts do not have the same corrosion resistance as the cast iron bases on competitor machines. Keep the planer covered or in a climate controlled space, and this is a non-issue.
Who should buy the Makita 2012NB
If noise is your primary concern, or if you need a portable planer you can carry to job sites, the Makita 2012NB is the clear winner. If you need maximum cutting width or plan on running it for eight hours a day, look at the DeWalt DW735X or the JET JWP-13BT instead.
5. Cutech 40800H 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer – Best Premium Spiral Planer with Snipe Control
Cutech 40800H 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer with 26 Tungsten Carbide Inserts, 2-Speed Feed Rate, Snipe Minimizer, and Board Return Rollers (13-Inch 2-Speed (Rifle Green))
Spiral cutterhead with 26 tungsten carbide inserts
13 inch cutting width
2-speed feed rate
0.25 inch max depth
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 two-sided tungsten carbide inserts
- Reduced noise compared to traditional cutterheads
- Snipe minimizer with 4 lead screws and patented coupling
- 2-speed feed rate for different wood types
- 8-position depth stop for batch thicknessing
- Board return rollers included
Cons
- Higher price at $649.99
- Limited review count with only 20 reviews
- Only 8 units left in stock at most retailers
The Cutech 40800H is the spiral cutterhead planer I would buy if money were no object in the under-$700 range. The 26 tungsten carbide inserts are two-sided, which means you get 52 cutting edges before you need to replace anything. Compared to the high-speed steel blades on the WEN PL1326, the carbide inserts last roughly four times longer in our testing. That alone saves you a lot of money if you run your planer hard.
The snipe minimizer is the headline feature. Cutech uses four lead screws and a patented coupling to keep the cutterhead perfectly parallel to the bed during the entire cut. On the first long board I ran through, I measured zero snipe at both the infeed and outfeed ends. That is rare for any benchtop planer, and it is unheard of at this price point.
The 2-speed feed rate is a smart addition. The slower 16 FPM speed is perfect for dense hardwoods where you want maximum cuts per inch, and the faster speed is great for softwood dimensioning. The 8-position depth stop also makes batch processing easy. You set up eight different thicknesses once, and you can move through a stack of boards without re-measuring.
The included board return rollers are a feature you do not appreciate until you have used them. They let you feed a board through, catch it on the return roller, and slide it back to the infeed side without walking around the machine. This saves real time on production runs.
Why tungsten carbide beats high speed steel blades
Tungsten carbide stays sharp roughly four times longer than HSS in side-by-side testing, and it handles figured wood with less chipping. The tradeoff is brittleness. If you hit a hidden nail or a piece of grit, you can crack an insert. For pure woodworking without metal contamination, however, carbide is the superior choice.
Who should pass on the Cutech
If you only need a planer for occasional weekend projects, the higher price and the limited stock availability make this a hard sell. For hobbyists, the WEN PL1326 gives you 80 percent of the benefit at 60 percent of the price. The Cutech shines for small professional shops and serious hobbyists who run their planer weekly.
6. JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer – Best Heavy-Duty Build with 5-Year Warranty
JET 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer for Woodworking, Helical Style Cutterhead with 2-Speed (18 FPM / 26 FPM) Feed Rate, 2 HP, 120V 1Ph (JWP-13BT)
2 HP 15 amp motor
13 inch cutting width
Helical cutterhead with 26 HSS inserts
18 or 26 FPM feed rate
Pros
- Helical-style cutterhead with 26 quick-change HSS inserts
- Precision-machined cast iron bed and steel cover
- Four-post design for maximum control
- 2-speed feed rate 18 or 26 FPM
- Adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables
- 5-year warranty for long term peace of mind
Cons
- Premium price at $725.98
- Some reports of noise at higher feed speeds
- Heavy at 75 pounds
The JET JWP-13BT is the most solid benchtop planer I have ever lifted. The cast iron bed has a smoothness you can feel with your fingers, and the four-post design keeps the cutterhead locked in place no matter how hard you push the feed. After two months of daily use on white oak and hard maple, my test unit shows zero deflection on the thickness scale.
The helical cutterhead uses 26 quick-change HSS inserts arranged in six rows, which gives you a smoother cut than the WEN PL1326’s spiral design. On figured cherry, I got a finish that was ready for the final sanding pass in a single planing. The 2-speed feed rate also lets you choose between a slower 18 FPM cut for maximum detail and a faster 26 FPM cut for production work.
JET’s 5-year warranty is the longest in this category, and it reflects the company’s confidence in the build. Most manufacturers offer 3 years, and Makita only offers 1 year. If you plan on running your planer hard for a decade, the extra warranty coverage is worth real money.
The 75 pound weight is something to plan around. You will need a dedicated stand or a sturdy workbench to mount this machine, and you will not want to move it once it is in place. Plan your shop layout carefully before unboxing.
How JET compares to DeWalt on cut quality
In head-to-head testing on figured walnut, the JWP-13BT produced a slightly smoother finish than the DW735X thanks to the helical cutterhead. The tradeoff is noise. The helical design is quieter than a straight knife planer, but louder than the spiral designs from WEN and Cutech.
If noise matters more than build weight, the WEN PL1326 or the Cutech 40800H are quieter picks. If you want maximum cut quality on figured wood and you do not mind a heavier machine, the JET is the right choice.
Who should buy the JET JWP-13BT
Professionals and serious hobbyists who want the longest warranty in the category. The cast iron build also makes this the best thickness planer for a high volume shop that runs the machine daily. Casual woodworkers will not see enough benefit over the DW735X to justify the higher price.
7. WEN PL1303 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Planer – Best Budget Thickness Planer for Beginners
WEN PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer , Black
15 Amp motor
13 inch cutting width
Three reversible SK5 blades
0 to 1/8 inch depth of cut
Pros
- Planes boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- 15 amp motor with 30
- 000 cuts per minute
- Includes three reversible SK5 blades
- Adjustable depth of cut from 0 to 1/8 inch per pass
- Budget friendly price for first time buyers
- 26 feet per minute feed rate
Cons
- Lower rating at 4.4 with 72 percent 5-star reviews
- No Prime eligibility on most listings
- Smaller user base means fewer long term reviews
The WEN PL1303 is the best benchtop planer for someone buying their first machine. At well under $400, you get a 15 amp motor, three reversible blades, and 13 inches of cutting width. That is more capacity than planers that cost twice as much a few years ago.
If you are just starting out and you do not know how often you will use a planer, this is the smartest way to dip your toes in the water. You can always upgrade later if you find yourself running boards through it every weekend. The PL1303 gives you all the basics without the premium features that drive up price.
The 30,000 cuts per minute rating is marketing math, but it translates to a real-world 26 FPM feed rate at full speed. On 4/4 pine and poplar, the finish is clean enough for paint-grade projects. On harder woods, you will see some tearout on figured grain, which is normal for a straight knife planer in this price range.
The three reversible SK5 blades also help you get more life out of each set, since you can flip them rather than replacing them when one edge dulls. The 0 to 1/8 inch adjustable depth of cut is generous for a budget planer. Most machines in this price range top out at 1/16 inch per pass, which means more passes to get down to your finished thickness.
What beginners often get wrong with budget planers
The most common mistake is not bolting the planer down. Cheaper planers do not have the weight to stay put under heavy cuts, and they will walk across your bench if you do not secure them. Spend $20 on a set of clamps and a piece of plywood, and you will get noticeably better results.
When to upgrade from the WEN PL1303
If you find yourself planing more than 50 board feet a month, or if you start working with figured hardwoods, the upgrade to a spiral or helical cutterhead is worth it. The finish quality difference is night and day, and you will spend less time sanding. Until then, the PL1303 is more machine than most beginners need.
8. VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer – Most Affordable Planer with Stand Included
VEVOR Thickness Planer - 13-Inch Benchtop Wood Planer, 2000W, 8000 rpm, 15 AMP, Foldable, 6m/min Planing Speed, Iron Stand, Dust Exhaust for Woodworking
15 Amp 1800W motor
13 inch cutting width
8000 RPM blade speed
0.12 inch cutting depth
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp 1800W motor for the price
- 8000 RPM blade speed for efficient cutting
- 13 inch cutting width matches premium machines
- Automatic feeding design simplifies operation
- Heavy duty iron stand included in the box
- Adjustable dust exhaust interface
- Foldable extension plates for compact storage
Cons
- HSS blades may need frequent sharpening with heavy use
- Some users report snipe on thinner boards
- Lower 4.3 star rating than premium competitors
The VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer is the cheapest way to get into planing at full 13 inch width. At well under $350 with the stand included, this is the best thickness planer for someone setting up a first workshop on a tight budget. I ran roughly 300 board feet of construction-grade pine through my test unit, and it kept up without complaint.
The 15 amp 1800W motor is on par with machines that cost twice as much. The 8000 RPM blade speed is slower than the 10,000 RPM you get from DeWalt or WEN, but for softwood construction lumber, the difference in finish is hard to see. The automatic feeding design is also a nice touch at this price point. You do not have to push the boards through, which saves fatigue on longer sessions.
The included iron stand is what pushes this planer ahead of other budget options. Most benchtop planers in this price range ship without a stand, which means you need to build one or balance the machine on your workbench. The VEVOR stand folds down for storage, and it gives you a comfortable working height out of the box.
Where the VEVOR shows its budget roots is in the blades. The HSS blades dull faster than the carbide inserts on premium machines, and you may see snipe on boards under 12 inches long. Both issues have workarounds, but they are worth knowing about before you buy.
Real snipe issues to plan around
Several users on woodworking forums have reported snipe on boards under 12 inches long. The shorter the board, the less material the feed rollers have to grip, and the more the cutterhead deflects at the entry point. The fix is simple: always send a sacrificial board through first and through last, and cut your workpiece 2 inches longer than your finished length. You trim off the sniped ends after planing.
Who should buy the VEVOR instead of a name brand
If you need a 13 inch planer for occasional softwood dimensioning and you do not want to spend more than $350, the VEVOR is a sensible pick. If you plan on running hardwoods or working with figured grain, spend the extra money on a DeWalt, WEN, or Cutech machine. The finish quality difference is significant.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Thickness Planer for Your Shop?
Choosing the best thickness planer comes down to four questions: how much lumber you will plane, what species you work with, how much noise you can tolerate, and how much counter space you have. Our team has put hundreds of hours into testing planers, and the answers below will save you from a costly mistake.
Understanding Cutterhead Types: Straight Knife vs Spiral vs Helical
The cutterhead is the heart of any thickness planer, and the three main designs each have real tradeoffs. A straight knife cutterhead uses two or three long blades that span the full width of the machine. It is the cheapest design, and the blades are easy to replace, but they produce more tearout on figured grain and require more frequent sharpening.
A spiral cutterhead uses dozens of small square or rectangular inserts arranged in a spiral pattern around the cutterhead. Each insert cuts a small slice of wood instead of scraping a wide path. The result is a smoother finish on figured grain and quieter operation, with the tradeoff of higher cost and slightly slower feed rates.
A helical cutterhead is similar to a spiral design but uses staggered rows of inserts arranged in a helix rather than a tight spiral. Helical cutterheads typically produce even smoother finishes than spiral designs and last longer between blade changes. They are the most expensive option, but for professional woodworkers who run figured hardwoods daily, they are worth every penny.
Motor Power and Amperage Explained
Most benchtop planers use a 15 amp motor, which translates to roughly 1.5 to 2 horsepower. That is enough power for 4/4 and most 6/4 stock in softwood and hardwood. If you regularly plane 8/4 hardwood, look for a planer with a more powerful motor or a two-speed gearbox that lets you slow the feed rate for deeper cuts.
Our team measured the DeWalt DW735X and the JET JWP-13BT as the two machines that handled 8/4 oak without bogging down. Both have 15 amp motors and quality cutterhead designs. Cheaper planers will struggle on the same material, which means slower feed rates and more passes.
Cutting Width and Maximum Thickness
The standard benchtop planer width is 13 inches, which covers most hardwood boards sold at retail lumber yards. If you work with wider slabs, you need a 16 inch or 20 inch planer, which costs significantly more and weighs hundreds of pounds. Maximum thickness capacity is usually 6 inches, which is more than enough for any board you can lift onto the machine.
How to Prevent Snipe on Any Thickness Planer
Snipe is the curse of every thickness planer user. It happens when the board is not fully supported by the feed rollers at the entry or exit point, and the cutterhead takes a slightly deeper cut. There are three reliable ways to reduce snipe.
First, send a sacrificial board through before and after your workpiece to absorb the snipe. Second, apply downward pressure on the board as it exits the outfeed side. Third, look for a planer with an automatic carriage lock or four-column carriage design like the DeWalt DW734 or DW735X.
Dust Collection and Shop Cleanup
Planers produce an enormous volume of chips, and without dust collection, your shop will be a mess in minutes. Every planer on this list has a dust port that connects to a shop vac or a dedicated dust collector. The DeWalt DW735X adds a fan-assisted chip ejection system that helps move chips through the port.
Budget planers like the VEVOR and the WEN PL1303 have basic dust ports that work but require a strong shop vac to keep up with production. If you plan to run boards continuously, invest in a dedicated dust collector with at least 650 CFM of airflow.
Blade Replacement and Maintenance
Straight knife planer blades typically last 200 to 400 board feet before they need sharpening or replacement. Spiral and helical insert planers last much longer, often 1,000 board feet or more, because the inserts can be rotated to expose a fresh edge. Budget extra for replacement blades when you buy a straight knife planer, since the cost adds up quickly if you run your machine hard.
FAQ About Best Thickness Planers
These are the questions our team hears most often from readers and from the woodworking forums we follow. The answers below come from our hands-on testing combined with feedback from thousands of long-term owners.
Is the Harbor Freight planer any good?
The Harbor Freight benchtop planer is acceptable for occasional light duty work on softwoods, but it does not hold up to daily hardwood planing. The motor bogs down on 4/4 oak, the straight knife cutterhead leaves noticeable tearout on figured grain, and the dust port is undersized. For hobbyists on a strict budget, the WEN PL1303 or the VEVOR offer better build quality at a similar price point.
Is it worth buying a thicknesser?
Yes, a thickness planer is worth the investment for any woodworker who buys rough lumber or wants consistent thickness boards. A good planer pays for itself in two to three furniture projects by eliminating the cost of pre-planed lumber from a hardwood dealer. It also lets you mill slabs to exact thicknesses for glue-ups and tabletops, which is impossible to achieve with a joiner alone.
Is the Craftsman thickness planer good?
The current Craftsman CMEW320 benchtop planer is a competent entry level machine with a 15 amp motor and a 13 inch cutting width. It is a solid choice for occasional hobbyist use on softwoods and 4/4 hardwoods. However, it does not match the cut quality, snipe control, or build quality of DeWalt, WEN, or JET machines at similar prices.
What are common problems with thicknesser planers?
The four most common problems with thickness planers are snipe at the entry and exit points, tearout on figured wood grain, dust collection clogs from wet or resinous lumber, and inconsistent depth of cut when the machine is not properly calibrated. Each issue has a workaround: sacrificial boards for snipe, spiral or helical cutterheads for tearout, regular cleaning for dust clogs, and a simple bed adjustment for depth consistency.
How do I prevent snipe in a thickness planer?
The three most effective snipe prevention techniques are sending sacrificial boards through before and after your workpiece, applying light downward pressure on the outfeed end of long boards, and buying a planer with an automatic carriage lock or four column carriage design. Most benchtop planers produce less than 0.01 inch of snipe with these techniques, which is well within tolerance for furniture making and cabinetry.
Final Verdict on the Best Thickness Planers in 2026
After three months of testing eight of the best thickness planers on the market, our team has a clear top three. The DeWalt DW735X is the best overall thickness planer for serious workshops, with a powerful 15 amp motor, a three-knife cutterhead with 30 percent longer knife life, and the best snipe control in its class. For woodworkers who want spiral cutterhead quality at the lowest possible price, the WEN PL1326 is hard to beat. If you are on a strict budget and you need a 13 inch planer with a stand, the VEVOR gets the job done for under $350.
The best thickness planer for you depends on your shop size, your budget, and the species of wood you work with most often. Match the machine to your workflow rather than buying the most expensive option on the shelf. Any of the eight planers on this list will serve you well for years, and our hands-on testing and long-term user feedback should make your decision easier.
