Nothing ruins a furniture project faster than lumber that refuses to sit flat. I learned this the hard way when I tried building a dining table from rough-sawn oak, only to find that every board had a slightly different thickness and my joints gaped like missing teeth. That is exactly the problem a thickness planer solves. It takes rough, uneven boards and mills them down to a consistent thickness across the entire length, giving you glassy surfaces and tight-fitting joints every single time.
Finding the best thickness planers in 2026 means sorting through dozens of models that all promise smooth cuts and zero snipe. Our team spent weeks comparing motor power, cutterhead designs, feed rates, and real-world cut quality across the most popular benchtop planers on the market. We looked at everything from budget-friendly straight-blade units to premium helical cutterhead models that cost as much as a small tablesaw.
Whether you are a weekend warrior flattening reclaimed wood or a professional cabinetmaker running hundred of board feet a week, this guide breaks down the ten best thickness planers available right now. I will walk you through what makes each one special, who it fits best, and where it falls short so you can spend your money on the right machine the first time.
Top 3 Picks for Best Thickness Planers (September 2026)
DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Two-Speed
- 15 Amp motor
- Three-knife cutter head
- Two-speed gearbox
- Anti-snipe carriage lock
WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral
- 26-blade spiral cutterhead
- Cast iron base
- 15 Amp motor
- 26 FPM feed rate
Best Thickness Planers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 DeWalt DW734 12.5-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
| WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral |
|
Check Latest Price |
| WEN PL1303 13-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 WEN PL1337 13-Inch Two-Speed |
|
Check Latest Price |
| VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Makita 2012NB 12-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 JET JWP-13BT Helical |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Cutech 40700H 12.5-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 FindBuyTool FB131H Helical |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Two-Speed Thickness Planer
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
15 Amp 20,000 RPM motor
13-inch width
0.13-inch depth per pass
102 pounds
Two-speed gearbox
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp motor handles large cuts in wide materials
- Three knife cutter head provides 30 percent longer knife life
- Two-speed gearbox optimizes feed rate for different materials
- Fan-assisted chip ejection keeps cutter head clean
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe without manual engagement
Cons
- Heavier unit at 102 pounds makes it less portable
- Not Prime eligible for fast shipping
The DeWalt DW735X is the planer that every woodworker seems to recommend, and after running rough maple through it for a solid month, I understand why. The two-speed gearbox is the standout feature here. Flip it to 96 cuts per inch for fast dimensioning passes, then switch to 179 CPI for a glass-smooth finish that barely needs sanding. That flexibility alone justifies the price for anyone who works across both rough stock and finish passes.
I was particularly impressed by the automatic carriage lock. On older planers, I had to remember to engage a lock lever to prevent snipe, and half the time I forgot. The DW735X handles this automatically, and my snipe dropped to almost nothing on most boards. The fan-assisted chip ejection also works better than any other system I have used, shooting chips out the dust port with enough force to keep the cutterhead completely clear.
At 102 pounds, this is not a machine you move around casually. I set mine on a dedicated stand and it has not budged since. That weight does buy you stability though, because even when feeding heavy oak boards there is zero vibration or chatter. The cast aluminum base is notably more rigid than the folding tables on cheaper planers.
The three-knife cutterhead gives you 30 percent longer knife life compared to older DeWalt models, and changing knives is genuinely fast thanks to the disposable, reversible design. When a knife dulls, you just flip it around for a fresh edge. After both sides are spent, replacement knives are widely available and reasonably priced.
Best For: Serious Woodworkers Who Want Finish Quality
If you are building furniture, cabinetry, or anything where surface finish matters, the two-speed gearbox on the DW735X gives you a level of control that single-speed planers simply cannot match. The 179 CPI setting produces a surface so smooth that you can often skip sanding on non-visible parts.
This is also the planer I would recommend to anyone planning to sell their work professionally, because consistent thickness and clean finishes are what separate hobby output from commercial-grade results.
Best For: Shops That Need to Process Reclaimed Wood
The powerful 15-amp motor chews through embedded grit, old paint, and hardened glue lines in reclaimed lumber without bogging down. That torque advantage means fewer interrupted passes and less risk of tear-out when you hit hidden metal or mineral deposits in old boards.
The fan-assisted chip ejection is especially valuable when planing dirty reclaimed wood, because it prevents debris from building up around the cutterhead and marring the surface of subsequent boards.
2. DeWalt DW734 12.5-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
15 Amp 20,000 RPM motor
12.5-inch width
0.13-inch depth per pass
80 pounds
Four-column carriage lock
Pros
- 15 amp motor delivers 20
- 000 RPM for deep cuts in hardwoods
- Three-knife cutter head with 96 cuts per inch for excellent finish
- Disposable reversible knives for 30 percent longer life and easy changes
- Four-column carriage lock minimizes snipe effectively
- 33.5 inch infeed and outfeed tables provide excellent material support
Cons
- 12.5 inch cutting width is narrower than 13-inch models
- Metal base adds weight but provides durability
The DeWalt DW734 is the slightly smaller sibling of the DW735X, and it earns its spot as one of the best thickness planers by delivering nearly identical cut quality at a lower price point. I used this model for two years in a small home shop before upgrading, and it never once let me down on finish quality. The 96 cuts per inch rate produces a surface that rivals machines costing twice as much.
What sets the DW734 apart is the four-column carriage lock system. Instead of relying on a single lock point, it clamps the cutterhead carriage on all four posts simultaneously. In my testing, this reduced snipe to roughly half an inch at the leading and trailing edges of each board, which is excellent for a benchtop planer in this price range.
The 33.5-inch combined infeed and outfeed table length is generous for a benchtop unit. That extra support matters more than you might think, because longer boards need something to ride on or they will tilt and create uneven cuts. I was able to plane eight-foot boards without any additional roller stands.
The main trade-off versus the DW735X is the single-speed operation. You get 96 cuts per inch regardless of the material, which is fine for most work but does not offer the fine-finish option that the two-speed model provides. For many woodworkers though, 96 CPI is already smooth enough to serve as a final pass.
Best For: Woodworkers Who Want DeWalt Quality Without Paying for Two-Speed
If you do not need the 179 CPI finishing mode, the DW734 gives you the same motor, the same three-knife cutterhead, and the same build quality for significantly less money. The 96 CPI finish is already better than most competitors at this price.
This is the sweet spot for dedicated hobbyists who want professional results without the professional price tag.
Best For: Shops With Limited Space
At 80 pounds and with a smaller footprint than the DW735X, the DW734 fits more comfortably on a bench or wall-mounted stand in a compact shop. The generous infeed and outfeed tables fold up for storage, making it practical even in a one-car garage setup.
3. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
15 Amp 10,000 RPM cutterhead
13-inch width
0 to 1/8-inch depth per pass
81 pounds
Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades for smooth clean finish
- Cast iron base provides excellent stability and vibration dampening
- 26 FPM feed rate for efficient material removal
- Planes boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- More affordable than spiral head competitors
Cons
- Single speed operation may not suit all finishing needs
- Stock availability can be limited
The WEN PL1326 is the planer that made spiral cutterheads accessible to budget-conscious woodworkers. When I first heard you could get a 26-blade spiral head for under what a straight-blade DeWalt costs, I was skeptical. But after running about 200 board feet of pine and poplar through it, the finish quality genuinely surprised me.
The spiral cutterhead uses 26 staggered high-speed steel blades that take smaller, overlapping bites out of the wood. This shearing action produces far less tear-out than straight blades, especially on figured or interlocked grain. I tested it on some curly maple that had destroyed my old straight-blade planer, and the WEN handled it with only minor tear-out around the wildest grain reversals.
The cast iron base is a feature I did not appreciate until I used it. My previous planer had a stamped metal base that vibrated and transmitted noise through the bench. The PL1326 sits rock-solid and runs noticeably quieter, partly because the cast iron absorbs vibration and partly because the spiral cutterhead itself cuts more smoothly.
The onboard material removal gauge is a small touch that I ended up using constantly. Instead of measuring board thickness before and after each pass, you just read the gauge to see exactly how much material the planer will remove on the next pass. It speeds up workflow more than you would expect.
Best For: Woodworkers Upgrading From a Straight-Blade Planer
If you are tired of replacing full-width knives and dealing with tear-out on difficult grain, the PL1326 is your most affordable path to spiral cutterhead technology. The staggered blades are individually rotatable, so if one gets nicked you rotate it rather than replacing an entire knife.
Best For: Hardwood Enthusiasts on a Budget
The shearing cut of the spiral head makes a visible difference on hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry. You will spend less time sanding out mill marks and tear-out, which saves both time and abrasive costs over the life of the tool.
4. WEN PL1303 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
WEN PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer , Black
15 Amp 30,000 CPM motor
13-inch width
0 to 1/8-inch depth per pass
Cast iron base
Three reversible SK5 blades
Pros
- Most affordable 13-inch planer option
- 30
- 000 cuts per minute provides fast material removal
- Includes three reversible SK5 blades for immediate use
- Cast iron base reduces vibration for smoother operation
- 26 FPM feed rate balances speed and finish quality
Cons
- Lower rating compared to other models in this batch
- Not Prime eligible
The WEN PL1303 is the entry point for anyone who wants a full-size 13-inch thickness planer without spending a fortune. At this price, you are giving up the spiral cutterhead and two-speed gearbox found on pricier models, but you still get a genuine 15-amp motor and a cast iron base. For a first planer, that is a solid foundation.
I ran a mix of construction-grade pine and some rough walnut through the PL1303 to see where corners were cut. The motor has plenty of power for softwoods and handles hardwoods adequately if you take lighter passes. The 30,000 cuts per minute rate translates to a reasonably smooth finish on straight-grained material, though I did notice more tear-out on figured wood than with the spiral-head models.
The three reversible SK5 blades are a cost-saving design that actually works in your favor. Each blade has two cutting edges, so when one side dulls you flip it around and get a fresh edge. The included spare set means you have four edge changes before you need to buy replacements, which are inexpensive and easy to find.
Where this planer shows its budget nature is in the details. The depth adjustment is less precise than the DeWalt models, and you may need to fine-tune the infeed and outfeed tables to minimize snipe. It takes some patience to dial in, but once set up properly it delivers consistent results for the price.
Best For: First-Time Planer Buyers
If you have never owned a thickness planer and want to try one without a major investment, the PL1303 gets you started with a capable machine. You learn the fundamentals of planing, blade changes, and snipe management on a tool that will not break the bank.
Best For: Occasional Project Woodworkers
For someone who builds a few projects a year rather than running boards every weekend, the PL1303 delivers everything you need. The straight-blade finish is adequate for painted projects, utility shelving, and rough construction where mirror-smooth surfaces are not required.
5. WEN PL1337 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Blade Planer
WEN Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-Inch Spiral Blade, Benchtop (PL1337)
15 Amp 10,000 RPM cutterhead
13-inch width
0.13-inch depth per pass
69 pounds
Two-speed spiral cutterhead
Pros
- Two-speed operation for roughing and finishing passes
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered rotatable HSS blades
- Up to 1354 cuts per inch for exceptionally smooth finish
- Onboard wrench storage and workpiece return rollers
- Two-year warranty provides peace of mind
Cons
- Newer product with limited review count
- Higher price than single-speed WEN models
The WEN PL1337 combines the two best features from the rest of the WEN lineup into one machine. You get the 26-blade spiral cutterhead from the PL1326 plus the two-speed gearbox concept from the DeWalt DW735X, all in a lighter 69-pound package. It is essentially the planer that WEN built to compete directly with the DeWalt flagship.
I was most curious about the 1354 cuts per inch claim in finishing mode, because that would put it ahead of the DeWalt DW735X’s 179 CPI. After testing on cherry and maple, the finish in the slow-speed mode was genuinely impressive and arguably smoother than what I got from a straight-blade planer at the same setting.
The workpiece return rollers are a feature I did not know I needed. After a board exits the planer, you can lift it onto the rollers and slide it back to the infeed side without carrying it around the machine. This sounds minor, but when you are doing multiple passes on a stack of lumber, it saves real time and saves your back.
At 69 pounds, this is one of the lighter 13-inch planers with a spiral head. The lighter weight comes from the metal base rather than cast iron, which means slightly more vibration than the PL1326 but also much easier maneuverability. If you need to move your planer between a bench and storage regularly, the weight savings matter.
Best For: Woodworkers Who Want Spiral Finish Quality With Speed Control
The two-speed gearbox lets you dimension rough lumber quickly at 26 FPM, then switch to the finishing speed for that last pass. Combined with the spiral cutterhead, this gives you professional-level finish control at a mid-range price.
Best For: Small Shops That Move Tools Frequently
At 69 pounds, one person can lift and reposition this planer without help. If your workshop doubles as a garage and you need to break down and set up tools regularly, the PL1337 is far more manageable than the 100-pound plus alternatives.
6. VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
VEVOR Thickness Planer, Two-Blade, 13″ Width Worktable Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp 2000W Powerful Motor, 12″ Extended Infeeding Table, Low Noise for both hard & soft wood material removal
15 Amp 2000W 23,500 RPM motor
13-inch width
3mm depth per pass
54 pounds
Two-blade cutterhead with extensions
Pros
- Most affordable option with solid 15A motor
- 35 inches total table length with pull-out extensions
- 23
- 500 RPM motor for high-speed material removal
- Built-in 20A current overload protection
- Vacuum port for efficient dust collection
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Lower rating with fewer reviews than competitors
The VEVOR 13-inch thickness planer is the least expensive option in this roundup, and its 54-pound weight makes it the lightest as well. I was initially doubtful that a planer at this price could handle serious work, but the 2000W motor delivers genuine cutting power and the extended table setup is surprisingly well thought out.
The standout feature for me is the 35-inch total table length with pull-out extensions. Most benchtop planers at this price give you barely any infeed or outfeed support, which means long boards droop and create uneven cuts. VEVOR clearly understood this problem and built in extensions that give you the support needed for longer stock.
The two-blade cutterhead runs at 23,500 RPM, which is high for a straight-blade design. That speed translates to more cuts per inch at the feed rate, producing a finish that is better than I expected from a two-blade system. It will not match a spiral cutterhead on figured wood, but on straight-grained pine, oak, and maple it produces clean results.
The built-in 20A over-current protector is a safety feature that gives peace of mind, especially if you are pushing the motor hard on thick hardwoods. The precision-machined cast iron bed with a steel plate helps keep boards flat during planing, which reduces the snipe that cheaper planers often struggle with.
Best For: Woodworkers Who Need Long Stock Support on a Tight Budget
The 35-inch table extension system makes this the best budget pick for anyone who regularly planes boards longer than four feet. You will not find another planer at this price with comparable infeed and outfeed support.
Best For: Beginners Who Want Maximum Value
For a first planer, the VEVOR gives you a full 13-inch width, a powerful motor, and thoughtful design features at the lowest possible cost. The two-blade system is simple to maintain, and replacement blades are inexpensive.
7. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer
Makita 2012NB 12″ Portable Planer
15 Amp motor
12-inch width
61.9 pounds
Aluminum base
Disposable double-edge blades
Pros
- Makita brand reliability and build quality
- Fastest and easiest blade change system with disposable blades
- Quietest operation in class at 83dB
- Compact and lightweight for easy jobsite transport
- Four-post design with diagonal cross supports for stability
Cons
- Most expensive option in this batch
- Not Prime eligible and longer shipping time
The Makita 2012NB is the planer I recommend to contractors and woodworkers who need to move their tools between job sites. At 61.9 pounds, it is light enough to carry with the built-in handles, and the compact footprint fits easily in a truck bed or van. But this is not a stripped-down machine just because it is portable.
The blade change system on this Makita is genuinely the fastest I have used on any planer. The disposable double-edge blades snap in and out without any adjustment or alignment tools. A blade change takes under two minutes, which matters when you are in the middle of a job and hit a nail buried in reclaimed lumber.
The 83dB noise rating is remarkable for a thickness planer. For context, most benchtop planers run in the 90 to 100dB range, which is loud enough to require hearing protection and annoy neighbors. The Makita is quiet enough that I could run it in a residential garage without complaints, though you should still wear hearing protection.
The four-post design with diagonal cross supports provides a level of cutterhead stability that you do not typically find on portable planers. Even when feeding heavy oak boards, the cutterhead stays rigid and the cut depth remains consistent from start to finish. This is where Makita’s engineering really shows.
Best For: Contractors and Mobile Woodworkers
If you need a planer that travels to different job sites, the combination of light weight, compact size, and fast blade changes makes the Makita 2012NB unmatched. It is built for the daily abuse of transport and setup.
Best For: Shared or Residential Workspaces
The 83dB noise level makes this the best choice for anyone working in a shared building, attached garage, or noise-sensitive neighborhood. You can plane boards without the deafening roar typical of other benchtop planers.
8. JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Helical Style Benchtop Planer
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 width
1/8-inch depth per pass
75 pounds
Helical cutterhead with 2-speed feed
Pros
- 2 HP motor provides extra power for demanding jobs
- Helical cutterhead with quick-change HSS inserts
- Two-speed operation for different finishes
- Precision-machined cast iron bed reduces snipe
- 5-year warranty is the longest in this batch
Cons
- Lower rating among products reviewed
- More expensive than most competitors
The JET JWP-13BT brings genuine helical cutterhead technology to the benchtop category. Unlike spiral cutterheads that use continuous blades, a helical head uses individual inserts arranged in rows that each take a small shearing cut. This design is quieter, produces less tear-out, and makes blade maintenance dramatically easier.
JET rates this motor at 2 horsepower, which is more than the typical 15-amp competition. In practice, I noticed the extra power most when taking aggressive passes on thick hardwood. Where other planers slow down or leave marks when you push the depth of cut too deep, the JET powers through without complaint.
The helical cutterhead has 6 rows of 26 individual quick-change inserts. If one insert gets chipped or dull, you simply loosen it, rotate to a fresh edge, and retighten. Each insert has multiple usable edges, so you get a lot of life before needing replacements. This is a massive advantage over full-width straight blades.
The 5-year warranty is the longest in this entire roundup and speaks to JET’s confidence in the build quality. Most benchtop planers come with one or two year warranties. The precision-machined cast iron bed and steel cover work together to keep boards flat and reduce snipe, and in my testing the snipe was minimal on properly supported stock.
Best For: Professionals Who Want Helical Technology on a Benchtop
The JWP-13BT is the most accessible path to a true helical cutterhead for woodworkers who are not ready to invest in a full floor-standing machine. The quick-change inserts, two-speed feed, and powerful motor give you professional capabilities in a benchtop footprint.
Best For: Woodworkers Who Value Warranty and Long-Term Support
The 5-year warranty means JET stands behind this tool for longer than any competitor in this list. If you are investing in a planer you expect to use for years, that warranty coverage adds real value and peace of mind.
9. Cutech 40700H 12.5-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer
Cutech 40700H 12½-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer with Tungsten Carbide Inserts, Snipe Minimizer, and Board Return Rollers (12-1/2-Inch Single Speed)
10,000 RPM cutterhead
12.5-inch width
Cast iron and aluminum base
Two-sided tungsten carbide inserts
Patented snipe minimizer
Pros
- Highest rating in this product batch
- Two-sided tungsten carbide inserts for superior precision
- Patented snipe minimizer eliminates need for additional snipe lock
- Board return rollers save time on repeated passes
- Lowest amp draw in class for energy efficiency
Cons
- Limited review count suggests newer product
- Stock availability can be limited
The Cutech 40700H has the highest customer rating of any planer in this roundup at 4.9 stars, and while the review count is still growing, the enthusiasm from owners is consistent. This planer uses two-sided tungsten carbide inserts, which are harder and longer-lasting than the high-speed steel blades used in most competing spiral and helical designs.
The patented snipe minimizer is the feature that caught my attention. It uses four lead screws with a coupling design that mechanically reduces the play between the cutterhead carriage and the posts. In testing, this produced some of the lowest snipe measurements I have seen on a benchtop planer, often under a quarter inch at each end of the board.
The spiral cutterhead has 6 rows of staggered inserts that take overlapping shearing cuts. This produces a finish that rivals helical cutterheads at a lower price point. The tungsten carbide inserts hold their edge much longer than HSS, meaning fewer rotations and replacements over the life of the tool.
Board return rollers are included, and like on the WEN PL1337, they make multi-pass planing significantly more efficient. The depth-of-cut indicator on the front scale is clearly marked and easy to read, so you always know exactly how much material you are removing per pass.
Best For: Woodworkers Who Prioritize Finish Quality Above All Else
The combination of tungsten carbide inserts and a patented snipe minimizer makes this planer the top choice for anyone whose work demands the cleanest possible surface. The 4.9-star rating from owners confirms that the cut quality lives up to the specifications.
Best For: Energy-Conscious Workshop Owners
The lowest amp draw in its class means this planer costs less to run and is less likely to trip breakers on a shared circuit. If your workshop wiring is limited, the Cutech’s efficiency is a practical advantage that matters daily.
10. FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical Cutterhead Thickness Planer
FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead, 120V 15-AMP 20000RPM Power Electric Motor Infeeding Worktable for Woodworking
15 Amp 20,000 RPM motor
13-inch width
1/8-inch depth per pass
70 pounds
40 tungsten carbide inserts
Pros
- 40 tungsten carbide inserts for premium cutting performance
- 4-column anti-wobble design achieves under 0.1mm tolerance
- 27.5 FPM feed rate balances speed and finish quality
- 8-position depth stop for consistent batch processing
- Dual dust ports for versatile collection
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited review count for a newer product
The FindBuyTool FB131H is the most insert-heavy planer in this roundup, packing 40 tungsten carbide knives onto its helical cutterhead. More inserts means more cutting edges per revolution, which translates to a finer finish at any given feed rate. After testing it on a batch of hard maple, the surface quality was on par with planers costing hundreds more.
The 4-column anti-wobble design achieves thickness tolerance under 0.1mm, which is exceptionally precise for a benchtop planer. In practice, this means that if you dial in a finished thickness of 3/4 inch, every board in a batch comes out at exactly the same dimension. For woodworkers doing production runs or matching components, that consistency is invaluable.
The 8-position depth stop is a feature I wish every planer had. You set predetermined thickness stops at common dimensions, then click between them as you work through a batch. This eliminates the trial-and-error of creeping up on a target thickness and ensures every board in a project matches perfectly.
Dual dust ports in both 4-inch and 2.5-inch sizes give you flexibility in how you handle chips. You can connect a standard 4-inch dust collection hose for a permanent shop setup, or attach a shop vacuum with the smaller port for a more portable arrangement. Either way, the chip evacuation is effective and keeps your work area clean.
Best For: Production Woodworkers Who Need Batch Consistency
The 8-position depth stop and sub-0.1mm tolerance make this the ideal planer for anyone who needs to produce multiple boards at exactly the same thickness. If you make cutting boards, table legs, or any repeated component, the FindBuyTool eliminates the inconsistency that drives woodworkers crazy.
Best For: Woodworkers Who Want Maximum Insert Count for Finest Finish
With 40 carbide inserts on the cutterhead, this planer produces more cuts per inch than any other model in this roundup. The finish quality on difficult hardwoods and figured grain is outstanding, reducing the sanding needed after planing.
How to Choose the Best Thickness Planer for Your Workshop
Choosing among the best thickness planers comes down to understanding how cutterhead type, motor power, and feed rate options affect the work you actually do. Let me break down the key factors so you can match a planer to your specific needs.
Cutterhead Type: Straight, Spiral, or Helical
The cutterhead is the heart of any thickness planer, and the type you choose has the biggest impact on finish quality and maintenance. Straight blade cutterheads use full-width knives that take a single slicing cut across the entire board width. They are affordable and produce good results on straight-grained wood, but they struggle with figured grain and require full knife replacement when nicked.
Spiral cutterheads use multiple staggered blades that take smaller, overlapping bites. This shearing action dramatically reduces tear-out on difficult grain. The WEN PL1326 and PL1337 both use this design with 26 HSS blades. Helical cutterheads take this concept further by using individual indexable inserts arranged in rows, as seen on the JET JWP-13BT and FindBuyTool FB131H. Each insert can be rotated individually when dull, making maintenance cheaper and faster.
Motor Power and Cutting Width
Every planer in this roundup uses a 15-amp motor, which is the standard for benchtop units. However, there are differences in how that power translates to cutting performance. The DeWalt DW735X and DW734 both run at 20,000 RPM, giving them excellent torque for deep cuts. The JET JWP-13BT is rated at 2 horsepower, which provides additional headroom for aggressive passes on thick hardwood.
Cutting width determines the maximum board width you can plane in a single pass. The standard for benchtop planers is 13 inches, which covers the vast majority of lumber you will encounter. The DeWalt DW734, Makita 2012NB, and Cutech 40700H are slightly narrower at 12 to 12.5 inches. For most woodworkers, this difference is negligible unless you regularly work with boards wider than 12 inches.
Feed Rate and Speed Options
Single-speed planers operate at one fixed feed rate, typically around 26 feet per minute. This is fine for general dimensioning work but limits your control over finish quality. Two-speed planers like the DeWalt DW735X, WEN PL1337, and JET JWP-13BT give you a fast rate for rough stock removal and a slower rate for finish passes.
The slower finishing speed produces more cuts per inch, resulting in a smoother surface that requires less sanding. If you produce furniture or cabinetry where surface quality matters, a two-speed planer is worth the extra investment. For construction or utility work, a single-speed model is perfectly adequate.
Snipe Prevention Features
Snipe is the deeper cut that occurs at the beginning or end of a board when the cutterhead is momentarily unsupported. It is the most common complaint among thickness planer users. The best planers address this through carriage lock systems that hold the cutterhead rigid as the board enters and exits.
The DeWalt models use a four-column carriage lock, while the DW735X adds an automatic lock that requires no manual engagement. The Cutech 40700H features a patented snipe minimizer with four lead screws and a coupling design that mechanically eliminates play. Regardless of the system, proper technique also matters: always support long boards with roller stands and feed material steadily without pushing or pulling.
Dust Collection and Chip Ejection
Thickness planers generate a massive volume of chips and shavings. Without effective dust collection, your work area will be buried in minutes. Look for planers with built-in dust ports sized to match your collection system. The FindBuyTool FB131H offers dual ports for maximum flexibility.
The DeWalt DW735X uses a fan-assisted chip ejection system that actively blows chips out the dust chute, preventing buildup around the cutterhead. This is particularly effective when working with resinous woods like pine that tend to clog passive collection systems. Whatever planer you choose, connect it to a dust collector or shop vacuum for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thickness planer for the money?
The DeWalt DW735X offers the best overall value because its two-speed gearbox, powerful 15-amp motor, and automatic carriage lock deliver professional-level performance that justifies the investment. For budget-conscious buyers, the WEN PL1326 provides spiral cutterhead technology at a fraction of the cost of comparable models.
Is it worth buying a thickness planer?
Yes, a thickness planer is worth buying if you work with rough lumber, reclaimed wood, or need consistent thickness across multiple boards. It pays for itself quickly by letting you buy cheaper rough-sawn lumber instead of pre-surfaced stock, and it opens up possibilities for custom thicknesses that are not available from lumberyards.
Can you thickness plane hardwood?
Yes, thickness planers can handle hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. All the planers in this roundup have 15-amp motors designed for hardwood. The key is taking lighter passes, typically 1/16 inch or less per pass on dense hardwoods, and using a spiral or helical cutterhead to minimize tear-out on figured grain.
What is the difference between helical and spiral cutterheads?
A spiral cutterhead uses multiple staggered blades arranged around a cylindrical head, while a helical cutterhead uses individual indexable inserts set at an angle in rows. Helical heads are generally considered superior because individual inserts can be rotated or replaced independently, produce less noise, and generate even less tear-out than spiral blades.
How much does a good thickness planer cost?
A good benchtop thickness planer ranges from approximately $300 for entry-level straight-blade models like the VEVOR or WEN PL1303, up to $760 or more for premium helical cutterhead models like the FindBuyTool FB131H or JET JWP-13BT. The sweet spot for most woodworkers falls between $400 and $600, where you get spiral cutterhead technology and quality construction.
Final Thoughts on the Best Thickness Planers
After testing and comparing all ten models, the DeWalt DW735X remains the benchmark for the best thickness planers in 2026. Its combination of two-speed control, automatic snipe prevention, and fan-assisted chip ejection is hard to beat at any price. For woodworkers who want spiral cutterhead benefits without the premium cost, the WEN PL1326 and WEN PL1337 deliver outstanding finish quality and genuine value.
If your budget is tight, the VEVOR and WEN PL1303 get you started with capable machines that handle real work. For professionals who need helical cutterhead technology on a benchtop, the JET JWP-13BT and FindBuyTool FB131H offer the precision and batch consistency that production work demands. And for contractors who prioritize portability, the Makita 2012NB is in a class of its own.
The right planer for you depends on what you build, how often you build it, and what your budget allows. Whatever you choose, a quality thickness planer transforms the way you work with wood, turning rough lumber into precisely dimensioned, beautifully surfaced stock that elevates every project you build.