Woodworking can be a frustrating experience if you have a board with jagged edges or one that isn’t even.
Everyone likes to work with wood, and in some cases, people might even want to do woodworking as a hobby. When you are working on your project, the surface of the board must be smooth and even.
Otherwise, you will have trouble cutting or sanding down your boards to create a solid finish. That’s why the best benchtop planer can help make your projects beautiful and easy!
A benchtop planner will help you sand down your boards, so they are smooth and even, allowing for a much easier job building your project. Moreover, benchtop planer has many types that fit into many different price ranges, so it’s easier now for you to get the perfect machine without breaking your budget.
We know what you’re thinking, though: how do I choose the best benchtop planer? We have good news for you!
In this article, we’ll show you the top ten best benchtop planers on the market just for you with a detailed buying guide.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s start!
Table of Contents
Top 13 Benchtop Planers
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer | • Three knife cutter head • Two-speed gear box • Fan-assisted chip ejection vacuums chip off | |
 | WEN 6552T Benchtop Planer | • Infeed and Outfeed Tables • Tri-Roller Feeding System • Rubber Adjustment Handle | |
 | PORTER-CABLE PC305TP Thickness Planer | • Powerful 15 Amp motor • Patented cutter elevation • Poly V Belt cutter head drive | |
 | CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Benchtop Planer | • Hard and soft wood material removal • Maximum stock removal • Smooth operation | |
 | DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer | • Powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor • Three-knife cutter head • Four-column carriage lock | |
 | Makita 2012NB Benchtop Planer | • Compact with less weight • Low noise (83dB) • 4-post design and diagonal cross | |
 | Mophorn Thickness Planer | • Powerful Thickness Planer • Infeed & Outfeed Tables • Dust Exhaust Interface | |
 | GRIZZLY INDUSTRIAL G0505 Benchtop Planer | • Motor: 2 HP, 110V • Maximum cutting width: 12-1/2" • Maximum cutting height: 6" | |
 | Jet JWP-13BT Benchtop Planer | • Smooth cuts • Reduced snipe • Maximum efficiency | |
 | Powertec PL1252 Benchtop Planer | • Effective • Powerful • Portable | |
 | Delta Power 22-555 Becnhtop Planer | • Three-knife cutter head • Snipe reduction system • Infinite micro-adjust depth | |
 | RIDGID 27263 Benchtop Planer | • 13" 3 BLADE 27263 • Used for woodworking-project-kits • Manufacture by China | |
 | VEVOR Benchtop Planer | • Powerful thickness planer • Foldable workbench & stand • Hassle-free to operate |
1. DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer
The DEWALT DW735X thickness planer is a reliable choice if you’re looking for the best benchtop thickness planer in 2021!
The planing technology features grain sensing to help with your projects, giving you better results. It also doesn’t take up too much room on your workbench because it’s not bulky and has convenient in/outfeed tables with fasteners.
If you do happen to make mistakes when working with this machine, don’t worry! The manufacturer offers a three-year limited warranty so that you can quickly get any issues fixed without hassle or incurring extra cost.
Product Features:
- Besides being quicker than using hand planes or sandpaper, you also have more control over just how thin an individual board will be without tearing out chunks of material along with it.
- The DEWALT DW735X is one of the best benchtop thickness planers on the market today.
- It features a two-speed gearbox for ease of use and a 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base which ensures that the user has maximum stability during operation.
- Moreover, enough safety features are included to ensure that its max throughput speed of 20,000 RPM is never reached accidentally.
- The dual blade setup allows this DEWALT planer to provide an ultra-smooth surface with no tear-out, meaning you are free to choose either side as the best face.
2. WEN 6552T Benchtop Planer
The WEN 6552T Benchtop Planer is a user-friendly tool to have on hand. This is a powerful, affordable benchtop planer for a workshop or home. You can use this powerful machine for smaller jobs just as easily as it’s perfect for preparing boards for your next project!
Product Features:
- It can take rough lumber and smooth it to a fine finish. The WEN 6552T Benchtop Planer reduces tear-out and features 3-blades for depth management.
- The cutting table accommodates boards up to 24″ long, and the offset infeed/outfeed provides ample space to work with large pieces of lumber.
- This lightweight planer weighs in at only 66 lbs. This makes it possible for someone unfamiliar with woodworking to use it effectively without breaking their back carrying it.
- Durable aluminum tabletop won’t crack or distort thanks to cast-iron top plate support legs that increase stability under heavy loads.
- During operation, a fan-assisted dust port removes wood shavings from the workpiece.
- It has a quick blade changing system that you can do on your own, plus there are blades included in the box when you purchase this model.
- It has a space-saving design, so it doesn’t take up much room in your workplace – but still runs smoothly with a power that never scraps or slows down.
- Thanks to its powerful motor, you can cut through even the most rigid wood without issue and enjoy consistent, smooth finishes every time.
3. PORTER-CABLE PC305TP Thickness Planer
While many planers are available, not all of them will provide the high-quality results you desire. Some don’t have the features you need. Others aren’t tough enough for jobs that require more oomph. PORTER-CABLE’s PC305TP is a quality benchtop planer with everything you could want at your fingertips!
A quick look at this benchtop planer will tell you that it’s one of the best tools for any woodworker. It allows you to make high-quality boards easily because it’s built with a 15 amp powerful motor.
Product Features:
- The cutter head has hardened solid steel liners to help maintain blade stability even when in use for years, reducing the need to replace parts prematurely and saving money over time.
- An electric brake makes it much easier when slowing down or quitting work when needed, thanks to one-hand operation without any pulling or awkward buttons necessary.
- It’s easy to use with an intuitive onboard push-button display that will guide you along the way.
- The motor is heavy-duty yet very quiet while operating, so you don’t have to worry about the noise level.
4. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Benchtop Planer
Crafters and hobbyists need a quality bench planer that is up for the job. This craftsman CMEW320 benchtop planer has been designed to help you get perfect finished boards with ease, time after time.
CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is ultra-powerful, so it can do what you need to, even when dealing with hard or softwood material removal. The max stock removal of this machine ensures an efficient cut every single time – always leaving a smooth surface with no tear-out!
Product Features:
- It also has a quick blade changing system that you can do by yourself.
- There are several blades included in the box when you purchase one, so no need to worry when there’s any breakdown needed during processing hardwood or softer wood!
- A dust port with a dust-sealed switch that dampens the planer during use makes it one of the quietest benchtop models on our list.
- Powerful motor, 8000 RPM can handle a wide variety of applications – including high-quality finish carpentry work and hardwood removals that leave a smooth surface.
5. DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer
The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer can be your perfect companion for any wood smoothing or planing operation. It includes a powerful 15 amp motor that gives you the power to cut through hard or softwood without any issue.
Product Features:
- The Dewalt’s DW734 Benchtop Planer includes a three-knife cutter head. With this type of machine, you won’t have to worry about that ugly tear-out again!
- 33-1/2-inch of material support comes from the infeed and outfeed tables, which are both lightweights at just 80 pounds, making it easy for anyone to move without carrying too much weight on their backs.
- The infeed/outfeed has enough room to work with large pieces of lumber, making it one of the best tools for making high-quality boards easily.
- RPM is at 20,000, which means it will get boards sands and processed very quickly.
- The powerful 15 amp motor of the DEWALT Benchtop DW734 Planer provides a 20,000 RPM, ideal for smoothing and flattening large pieces of lumber in less time than ever before.
6. Makita 2012NB Benchtop Planer
Every day at our company is a different challenge, but one thing stays the same- you need to have your equipment ready should the call come through. The only way to be prepared for being called in should an emergency arise is to have high-quality tools on hand. Makita understands this, and that’s why they engineer all their products with durability in mind so that they can withstand anything thrown at them!
It is compact without sacrificing any capability whatsoever. They included low weight and engineering it for easier blade changes (changing blades will be a breeze!).
Product Features:
- The large table extensions can support a workpiece up to 50mm thick, so you only have to stop once during any sniping processes you might need – cutting or sanding – before switching tools.
- The noise level goes the upper 80s, making it one of the most sound-sensitive models on our list and ideal for employees looking to work late into the day or early morning hours. Nothing worse than waking up another person from your snoring!
- It offers cross-support diagonal support bars for added stability when planing long stock, which can be very helpful if you’re dealing with anything more than average thicknesses on hardwoods.
- The 2012NB 12-Inch planer from Makita is genuinely engineered for faster, easier blade changes.
7. Mophorn Thickness Planer
Write a long storytelling product description for {Mophorn Thickness Planer} having features {Infeed & Outfeed Tables, stainless steel & metal material workbench}The Mophorn Thickness Planer is the perfect tool for those looking to buy a long-lasting and high-quality machine that won’t break the bank. With an unbeatable price point and 12-inch planing height, it can be your perfect thickness planer.
Product Features:
- With metal workbench surface and stainless steel material restings, this planer maintains a pristine finish on every board you process, without any issues!
- The infeed and outfeed tables make loading lumber easy as pie because they are oversized for better stability – meaning there’s no worry about tipping over from too much weight.
- The design includes a 236 inch/minute feeding size, meaning that any operation will be completed in record time without issues.
- Plus, with its reliable power of 1800 W motor which delivers impressive 8000 RPM. And don’t forget its double-piece blade cutter head.
- The Mophorn Thickness Planer comes equipped with a metal stand that is both durable and lightweight. This makes it easier to move from one location to another, making your workspace more efficient and requiring less space overall.
With all of the amazing features, it’s easy to see why this Mophorn planer is so popular among those looking for a top-quality machine at an unbeatable price point!
8. GRIZZLY INDUSTRIAL G0505 Benchtop Planer
The G0505 Benchtop Planer is perfect for any amateur or professional woodworker looking to start their first thickness planer.
Durability is the name of the game on this machine because it has undergone rigorous testing throughout its lifetime. From rough projects to smooth-running ones, nothing seems to phase this little guy! It can stand up to hours and hours of heavy use without slowing down at all, making working long days less of a hassle than ever before.
Product Features:
- If you’re looking for maximum dust removal, don’t worry about it! The innovative dust port lets loose hanging particles like never before while still providing an uninterrupted view for clear visibility (viewing) onto your board’s surface.
- It gets even better: the powerful 2 HP motor is capable of producing 12 1/2 inches per minute, giving it optimal feed speeds on our list!
- The G0505 is a complete package, with two reversible knives in the cutter head and a cutting speed of 10,000 RPM – meaning it cuts through wood like butter!
9. Jet JWP-13BT Benchtop Planer
Jet introduces a new benchtop planer capable of small cutting jobs for incredible precision and clean cuts – the time-spending task you dreaded! This planer has a helical-style cutter head, with so easy-to-change blades.
Fully assembled, this machine measures 26 x 17 x 21 inches. The JWP13BT benchtop planer from Jet has been engineered to take care of your smaller woodworking tasks so you can spend more time working on bigger projects because it features a powerful 120V motor.
It includes a chip tray and dust port and helical style blades with faster operation for optimal performance.
Product Features:
- The amazing GRIZZLY INDUSTRIAL G0505 portable planer features a 15-amp motor that turns the cutter head at 10,000 RPM. This will provide a fast and clean-cut for your projects.
- One feature that is worth mentioning in this planer is the precision depth blades that offer a simple and quick blade change.
- The G0505 planer has a precision machined cast iron bed, and steel cover assists in keeping boards flat. If you want to be able to work with larger boards, the planer comes with an extension table for extra support.
10. Powertec PL1252 Benchtop Planer
Powertec’s PL1252 benchtop planer machine is heavy-duty, best for professional or DIY woodworking projects, perfect for long process hours. Created with cast iron bed and steel cover, ideal for flat boards without snags during operation.
The cutter head has a 12.5″ width capacity, including two included reversible blades which produce 9,400 RPM, so your project gets done in no time at all!
Product Features:
- It features an innovative two-blade cutting system that ensures clean cuts on all types of wood, saving you time when working with your project.
- This planer also includes a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty in case anything goes wrong.
- The GRIZZLY INDUSTRIAL’s G0505 Benchtop Planer features a 15-amp motor that turns the cutter head at 9,000+ RPM. This will provide a fast and clean-cut for your projects.
11. Delta Power 22-555 Becnhtop Planer
A planer will brush up on your skills no matter where you want to improve your woodworking expertise. A benchtop planer with a 3 Knife Cutter Head and Snipe Reduction System is ideal for use by hobbyists and professional craftsmen who work with a variety of wood products on an ongoing basis.
The size of the item that it can be used upon doesn’t hold any limit: from small model airplane parts to oddly-shaped salad bowls and everything in between, this portable benchtop planer makes quick work out of projects ranging in size, shape, complexity, and function.
Product Features:
- The High efficiency 4″ Dust port removes the dust chips feature on this benchtop planer helps to keep your board clear so you can see the material. It has an innovative dust port that lets loose hanging particles like never before.
- The GRIZZLY INDUSTRIAL’s G0505 benchtop planer gives you a quality height adjustment handle that is oversized. This ensures you can make height adjustments without having to use your hands to do so.
- This GRIZZLY Planer features an infinite micro- adjustment depth feature that allows you to dial in your custom rough, fine, or finish cut. This feature also enables you to cut different depths for different wood types.
12. RIDGID 27263 Benchtop Planer
The RIDGID 27263 Benchtop Planer is the go-to for a huge range of projects in various industries. Why? Look no further than its 3-blade solid steel cutter head with quick-changing capability offering consistent results without bogging you down when adjusting blades.
You’ll have more time to focus on the task at hand, especially when this ruggedly built equipment has been designed with right and left side extension wings that add 13 inches to your planing width.
It keeps things comprehensively organized from storage space provided by an onboard shelf waiting to be loaded up, corded accessibility for professional safety during use, and added portability thanks to front caster wheel assist handles.
Product Features:
- Dust devils are created when the airflow on one side of a surface exceeds that on the other. This is typically caused by the rotation of the impeller blades on a dust collector, which spews upward currents of air at higher speeds than those on the other side.
- The heavy-duty steel top with glide features makes it simple to arrange material for the next cut.
- The quick-change blade is a feature of the RIDGID 27263 Benchtop Planer that is worth mentioning. This feature allows you to change the blade on your planer quickly and without any hassle.
- The GRIZZLY INDUSTRIAL’s G0505 Benchtop Planer features a 15-amp motor that turns the cutter head at 9,000 RPM. This will provide a fast and clean-cut for your projects.
- This benchtop planer also includes a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty in case anything goes wrong.
13. VEVOR Benchtop Planer
We all need to be cutting boards every once in a while, whether for a project or just having an off day. You might even live on the space coast where you can see surfing competitions on both coasts… on the same day.
The VEVOR Planer has a powerful 15 Amp motor capable of a maximum cutting depth of 5/8 inches for a wide variety of applications. This product features a cutter head speed at 8,000 RPM, which helps to ensure that the board is stable and cut efficiently without creating an effect with planer snipe.
Product Features:
- The VEVOR benchtop planer packs the power of a floor model without its size. The 2000W motor with 15-Amp is able to handle nearly any wood type of deep cuts per pass.
- At just under 67 pounds, it’s up to 40% lighter than typical models, easing transport and extended use time.
- The Vevor benchtop planer is a very versatile tool that can be folded up to save space when it’s not in use.
What should I look for in a benchtop planer? – Buying Guide
With all the different benchtop planers out there, which one is right for you? You must first know what to look for and how to pick the best benchtop planer.
Price
Benchtop planers come in all different shapes and sizes. What you need to ask yourself is what kind of benchtop planner will be most beneficial for you? A quick search on the internet for benchtop planer reviews will offer various options for you to choose from.
The most important thing to look at when buying a benchtop planer is how much you can afford to spend.
A benchtop planner that costs less than $300 may not be the best option for you. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line benchtop planer, be prepared to spend around $800 or more.
Overall Performance
Benchtop planers also have a variety of functions. Some benchtop planners are only capable of thickness boards, while others offer different options such as planning, jointing, and rabbeting.
The most common types of benchtop planer are the thickness planer. This type is usually best suited to the intermediate woodworker.
With a thickness planer, you can get that perfect finish on any board you want before cutting them to size or making them smooth enough so you can sand them.
Some benchtop planners have special features, while others do not. You might be interested in finding a benchtop planer that can joint boards, making them completely smooth and ready for finishing. Also, always check to see if the machine comes with any sanding disks.
As with many things in life, you get what you pay for. Some benchtop planers might only be able to plane a 1/64″ cut, while the top-of-the-line benchtop planers come with a 1/32″ cut capacity.
Width Capacity
In addition to the thickness capacity of a benchtop planer, it is also essential to look at the width capacity. The width capacity determines how wide of a board you can place in the machine. Some machines can handle wider boards, while others are only able to work with smaller boards.
Dust Collection
Benchtop planers usually come with a dust collection bag that is attached to the unit. You want to look for a benchtop planer whose dust collection bag can handle at least 10 to 15 feet of hose. This will help you keep your work area clean.
HorsePower
Purchasing a benchtop planer means you will be buying a very powerful machine. The amount of power a benchtop planner has is measured in horsepower.
You should always look for a benchtop planer that has at least 1.5 horsepower. This ensures that the machine will work efficiently and not slow down when you turn it on.
Type of Cutter Head
The cutter head has several effects on the machine, some of which are pretty crucial.
- It has an impact on the boards’ smoothness and finished surface, which passes through it.
- The noise level is lowered.
The type of cutter head you buy depends on the kind of work that you plan to do with your benchtop planer.
The two most common cutter heads are the straight knife cutter head and the helical or Spiral cutter head.
- Straight knife cutter head – These cutter heads are usually made from steel or cast iron. They produce a very smooth finish on the boards that pass through them.
- Helical or Spiral cutter head – These cutter heads are usually made from steel or carbide. They provide a superior finish to the boards that pass through them.
Part Replacement
Longevity is an important aspect to consider when purchasing a benchtop planer. A good way to ensure that your machine will last you for years is to purchase a benchtop planer with parts that can be easily replaced, such as knives and rollers.
Design
You should always look for a benchtop planer that has a design that feels comfortable to you. The best way to check this is to look at the shape of the machine and make sure you like how it feels in your hands.
Ease to Adjust Depth
The portable thickness planers are known for their simplicity. This is mainly because they do not require very many adjustments to the machine to function correctly.
However, it is important to find a benchtop planer that is easy for you to adjust the depth of the cut. You should look for a model that allows you to adjust the depth with a knob easily.
Precision
How smooth is the finished board’s surface? Is it still rough after sanding, or does it require additional sanding? How precise is the thickness? Is the thickness almost perfect, or does it have quite a bit of leeway?
To ensure that your benchtop planer is up to par with other machines on the market, simply ask yourself these questions. If you cannot answer at least three out of four without giving detailed answers, then perhaps it might be time for you to look elsewhere.
Best Benchtop Planer FAQs
Are planers worth it?
These days, a wide variety of woodworking projects require that you have a planer. If you buy them, they will not only make your life much easier, but it will also ensure that your project comes out perfect.
Who needs a planer?
Mostly woodworkers or one who is involved in woodworking would benefit from having one. It comes with many functions, so it’s multi-purpose.
Will a planer flatten a board?
Yes. Depending on the model, planers will flatten your board in accordance with to set thicknesses you’ve decided on earlier.
Can you use a planer as a Thicknesser?
Yes. You can use a planer to flatten the board, so if you decide that you’d like it thinner, you can use your machine to change its thickness.
How do you clean the benchtop wood planer?
A wood planer is a machine used for smoothing rough lumber or boards. It uses a rotating cutter head to shave down the material, resulting in a smoother surface. If you want to clean your wood planer, you should start by unplugging it from an outlet and clearing any dust that has built up inside of it. When the interior area is clean, turn it over and remove the cover.
Use a vacuum to clear away any dust or debris that has collected in here as well. If there is still dust on the blades themselves, you can use a damp cloth to wipe them off. Do not soak your wood planer, as doing so may lead to rusting and corrosion.
Conclusion
Benchtop planers are one of the best tools you can buy when it comes to achieving an ultra-smooth surface on your wood boards.
Precision, power, comfort, and ease-of-use are some of the factors that you should consider when looking for a benchtop planer. When buying one, make sure to pick one that is up to your standards and offers the features that will best benefit your needs.
Though you might not think about planers often, they are an incredibly useful tool for any woodworker.
Thanks for reading our article. I hope this helps you in your decision. If it did, please consider sharing so that others can also learn about these machines.
Happy Woodworking!