Quick Comparison Table
How to Select the Best Benchtop Planer?
Knowing which benchtop wood planer is going to suit your needs perfectly can be a battle. Not only does it have to fit perfectly in an area of your workshop or tool shed, but it needs to handle the jobs you need to complete.
Therefore, when the time comes to open the wallet and find the best benchtop planer for the money, you might need to do a little research. Our buying guide can help. We’ve reviewed 10 top-rated portable wood planers that you can buy online.
Each offer various features, and all have different specifications. In order to make the right decision, it will pay to read through the pros and cons of each product, in comparison to the cost and feature list. This will ensure you end up with a thickness planer machine or standard benchtop wood planer that meets your exact needs.
Work Type
Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, a benchtop wood planer could be the answer you’ve been searching for. However, you still need to be sure. What are you looking to do? Why do you believe a benchtop wood planer is a good option?
If you’re looking to smooth rough lumber, clean up roughly sawn edges or reclaim previously discarded or old boards, it’s the perfect tool for the job.
Safety
There’s no doubt that benchtop wood planers are exceptionally convenient machines. Not only do they save you many hours of labor on the handle of a manual planer, but they are reasonably affordable to purchase as well. However, more power means you open the door to reduced levels of safety. The planer knives/blades move at a rapid pace, and it’s important you maintain a level of care.
You can read the safety guidelines within your manufacturer’s manual, or you can take note of our additional tips below:
- Wear ear, eye and face protection at all times.
- Never wear loose clothing as this can become caught in the knives.
- Keep your hands away from the blades when the machine is in use.
- Never attempt to move the machine when it’s in use.
- Ensure the machine is switched off before you plug it in.
- Unplug the planer when it’s not in use.
- Keep a clear workspace to reduce the risk of tripping or falling while using the planer.
Efficiency
When it comes to your need for efficiency in woodworking, the outline of the project you’re working on becomes important. While all benchtop planers aim to be efficient for certain tasks, not all of them will be for your tasks. Therefore, it’s important that you think about the dimensions of the wood you will be planing, and the wood type itself.
Some benchtop planers aren’t capable of planing raw wood, while others won’t handle certain thicknesses or widths of wood. Failure to take note of these points can mean you end up purchasing a surface planer that’s not fit for purpose.
Features
The most important features to be aware of on a benchtop planer relate to its capacity. If you don’t take note of those features, the benchtop planer may not work for you. Many have a width capacity of around 12-13 inches.
This means that it will only take wood of that width or less. The depth capacity is equally as important. This relates to the ability of the knives to plane down to a certain depth on the workpiece. For many, this is around ⅛-inch maximum depth.
When it comes to the length of the material you’re looking to plane, both your workspace and your benchtop or surface planer play a part. The planer needs to be able to fit the wood on the infeed and outfeed table, but you also need to have enough room on either side of this area within your workshop. If you don’t have space at the exit point of the planer, you won’t be able to plane any wood of any significant length.
The cutter head speed, while less important, is still vital for productivity. Generally, the motor will run at a speed of around 10,000 to 20,000 RPM, but the cutter head speed will be less. An average two or three-knife cutter head will run at around 10,000 RPM. This enables you to plane with accuracy and speed at the same time.
A dust hood, while not a huge concern for many woodworkers, is still a nice feature to have. It enables you to hook the dust chute onto a shop vacuum or standing dust collector to save mess in your workshop. It also adds an additional element of safety.
Maintenance
Maintenance on a benchtop planer is similar to most electric planers. While upkeep is not difficult, it’s vital to the longevity of any power tool.
You should:
- Keep all engine parts well-lubricated.
- Always check cords and cables to ensure they’re in good condition.
- Sharpen blades and knives, or replace when necessary.
- Replace the cutting edge and check it has no nicks or chips.
- Tighten loose bolts – bolts can work themselves free with frequent use.
Budget
The cost of a benchtop planer will always vary, depending on the brand, model or manufacturer you choose to purchase. In fact, you could easily spend between $200 and $800.
One point to note, however, is that it’s important to purchase a planer based on how well it suits your requirements, not your budget. Going for a cheaper planer that doesn’t quite suit your needs will end up costing you more.
10 Best Benchtop Wood Planers Reviews
1
DeWALT DW734-2
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It’s heavy-duty and suitable for use with deep cuts and hardwood.
- It has a powerful 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor.
- It has three knives that work effectively to make 96 cuts per minute.
- The knives are both disposable and reversible.
- The infeed and outfeed tables are extra long to provide support for 33.5 inches of support.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty.
Cons:
- The blades dull quickly.
- It requires a fair amount of tinkering with to get it to run efficiently.
- Some components appear to be poorly made.
What’s included
- DeWALT electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- 3-year warranty.
Specs
- Weight: 80 pounds.
- Dimensions: 24 x 17 x 21 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: 1/8-inch maximum cut depth, 6-inch depth capacity and 12.5-inch width capacity.
- Warranty: 3-year warranty.
FAQ
QWhat voltage is it? A110 volts.
QHow many RPM can the cutting head produce? A10,000 RPM.
Overview
DeWALT is a manufacturer that is well-known for quality power tools. This benchtop planer is no exception to the rule. While many people have had problems with the durability of it, most are happy with the performance and power on offer.
It can make 96 cuts per minute, offers a width and depth that’s on par with other planers on the market, and is well-priced as well. It’s clear to see it’s one of the best benchtop wood planers for the money.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read DeWALT DW734-2 benchtop wood planer reviews.
2
DeWALT DW735X
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- You can buy it with or without a stand.
- It has a powerful 15-amp motor.
- It has a powerful cutterhead speed.
- It can handle large cuts on wide material.
- You can change the feed speed to optimize cuts.
- It comes with an extra set of knives.
- It comes with a three-year warranty.
Cons:
- It’s on the higher end of the price scale.
- The blades dull very quickly.
What’s included
- DeWALT electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- 3-year warranty.
- Extra set of knives.
Specs
- Weight: 105 pounds.
- Dimensions: 24 x 22 x 18 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: ⅛-inch deep cut, 6-inch depth capacity and 13-inch width capacity.
- Warranty: 3-year warranty.
FAQ
QWhat is the voltage cycle? A60hz.
QWhat is the lowest depth of board it can handle? A⅛-inch deep.
Overview
If you require power, versatility and durability, this planer is worthy of your attention. It’s clear to see you do pay a little more for quality, but you can expect the best results with this planer.
It can plane a variety of woods – both hard and soft – and it even comes with a stand. The infeed and outfeed trays are wide, and the cutting capacity is better in comparison to several other planers on the market.
The blades dull quickly, but they are reversible and replaceable. If you’re looking for quality, this planer might be a good option for you.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read DeWALT DW735X benchtop wood planer reviews.
3
Cutech 40200H-CT
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It has a powerful 15-amp motor.
- It comes with an extra large infeed and outfeed table.
- It has a snipe lock when many of them don’t.
- It has a built-in dust port.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty.
Cons:
- It’s noisy in comparison to other planers for sale.
- It’s quite expensive.
What’s included
- Cutech electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- 2-year warranty.
Specs
- Weight: 88 pounds.
- Dimensions: 26 x 16 x 23 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: 13-inch width capacity.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
FAQ
QAre the blades made of carbide? ANo, but you can purchase these separately.
QWhat are the dimensions of the cutting inserts? AApproximately 0.55 inches.
Overview
If you’re looking for a spiral cutter head planer that ticks all the boxes for a job well done, this is a good option. Not only is setup a breeze, but it runs faultlessly, producing good results at the end. It’s priced a little higher on the market, but many people are impressed by its durability and power.
It also has a 13-inch width cutting capacity which adds an extra element of convenience to the user. While it’s not top-rated on the market, it’s still a viable option if you’re in the market for a reliable planer.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Cutech 40200H-CT benchtop wood planer reviews.
4
WEN 6550
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It has a granite table to enable wood to flow smoothly over it.
- It can produce 18,800 cuts per minute with a 26 feet per minute feed rate.
- The depth can be adjusted from between 0 to 3/32 inches.
- It has a fan-assisted dust port to remove sawdust.
- It’s exceptionally affordable.
- It has a cast iron base for stability and durability.
- The infeed and outfeed trays are foldable.
Cons:
- It’s very noisy in comparison to other models on the market.
- It has plastic gears instead of metal gears that break more often.
- While it can plane wood that’s 12.5 inches wide, the table isn’t even on either side of the center so you can’t get a straight plane.
What’s included
- WEN electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- 2-year warranty.
Specs
- Weight: 79 pounds.
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 24 x 19 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide.
- Warranty: 2-year warranty.
FAQ
QHow thin can it plane? ADown to ⅛-inch.
QIs it self-feeding? AYes.
Overview
For the weekend warrior who doesn’t require a heavy-duty or durable planer to get the job done, a WEN planer might tick all the boxes for you. It’s one of the most affordable models on the market, and has the ability to plane wood that’s 12.5 inches wide.
However, while it has the ability to cut that wide, users should be careful. The table tapers downwards on the outer edges of the center. This means that the outer edges of your workpiece won’t be planed the same as the middle section.
This can be offputting for some people, but if you’re aware of it, you can put steps in place to avoid it. Aside from this minor issue, this WEN planer is certainly a popular product. It’s aesthetically-pleasing, competitively priced, and represents good value for money.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read WEN 6550 benchtop wood planer reviews.
5
Makita 2012NB
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It comes with a lot of added extras.
- It runs quietly in comparison to other planers.
- It has a feed rate of 28 feet per minute.
- It’s suitable for finish woodworking.
- The depth stop is adjustable.
- The blades are easy to replace.
- It’s very lightweight and portable.
- There’s no risk of snipe.
- It’s priced well.
- It comes with a range of accessories.
Cons:
- Its warranty period is less than most other planers for sale.
- Some people noted that they had problems with it not being put together properly.
What’s included
- Makita electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- 1-year warranty.
- Blade set.
- Magnetic holders.
- Wrenches.
- Tool box.
Specs
- Weight: 62 pounds.
- Dimensions: 28 x 19 x 15.8 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: Planes up to 12 inches wide, ⅛-inch deep and 6-3/32 inches thick.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
FAQ
QDoes it have a spiral cutter head? ANo it’s for straight cuts.
QHow many blades does it use? A2 reversible blades.
Overview
If you don’t mind having to potentially make some adjustments before use, you might consider this Makita planer to complete your projects. It’s priced relatively well, and sits mid-range between other benchtop planers.
Its components are all well-made, and it doesn’t have any durability issues. The major bugbear for people appears to be the manufacturing of it. Some components weren’t put together well. Otherwise, it’s a solid, well-made planer that will complete a range of planing tasks with relative ease.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Makita 2012NB benchtop wood planer reviews.
6
PORTER-CABLE
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It’s lightweight.
- It’s smooth to operate.
- It isn’t very loud.
- It runs with two powerful knives.
- It has a rugged gearbox for better power transfer.
- It’s very affordable.
Cons:
- The blades dull very quickly.
- Dust gets jammed under the blade, resulting in it bending.
- The bolts rattle out easily.
- The cutterhead is poorly designed.
- The knife hold-down bar is poorly made.
What’s included
- PORTER-CABLE electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- 1-year warranty.
Specs
- Weight: 64.8 pounds.
- Dimensions: 23.2 x 15.2 x 17.7 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: 12 inches wide, 6 inches thick.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
FAQ
QHow big is the table? A12-⅛-inch x 26 inches.
QWhat is the cutterhead diameter? A2 inches.
Overview
If you’re looking to spend as little as possible and you don’t mind having to make repairs, set your sights on this Porter-Cable planer. While Porter-Cable won’t win any awards for the design or manufacturing of this planer, they certainly win points for the price tag. It’s affordable for many people, and with a little tinkering, could make a great weekend hobby tool.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read PORTER-CABLE benchtop wood planer reviews.
7
POWERTEC PL1251
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It doesn’t require a blade gauge.
- There is greater stability and accuracy with the four-column design.
- It has a return roller for long boards.
- It has carry handles to make it more portable.
- It has a spindle lock to make changing the blade a lot safer.
- It’s very affordable for a wide range of users.
Cons:
- The carriage is made of poor material.
- It’s poorly manufactured.
- It only comes with a 1-year warranty.
What’s included
- POWERTEC electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- 1-year warranty.
Specs
- Weight: 63.6 pounds.
- Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 14 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: 12.5 inches wide, 6 inches thick.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
FAQ
QHow many cuts can it make per minute? A18,800 cuts.
QDoes it have a dust collector port? AYes.
Overview
This POWERTEC planer has all the makings of a good product, but it doesn’t seem to impress many people. It’s priced very affordably, has great features to make short work of planing, but falls short on the manufacturing front.
It’s constructed using low-quality materials, and certainly doesn’t stack up against other models and brands. It has potential but it’s not winning any prizes.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read POWERTEC PL1251 benchtop wood planer reviews.
8
Grizzly G0505
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It’s affordable.
- It has a safety lock.
- It has thermal overload protection.
- It comes with a knife setting jig and wrench.
- It’s heavy-duty.
Cons:
- You can’t lock the cutter height.
- Many users note that they are poorly put together.
- It moves on the table while you’re planing.
- The blades are hard to change.
- The cord isn’t very long so you may need an extension cord.
What’s included
- Grizzly electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- Knife setting jig.
- Wrench.
- 2-year warranty.
Specs
- Weight: 78 pounds.
- Dimensions: 24 x 14 x 18 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: 12.5 inches wide, 6-inch cutting height, 3/32-inch cutting depth.
- Warranty: 2-year warranty.
FAQ
QHow many blades does it come with? A2.
QCan you lock the cutter height? ANo.
Overview
Grizzly has been a favorite with woodworkers for many years, but it seems the brand has let itself fall into disrepute with the quality of its latest planer. It appears well-built, and for the most part it is.
However, poor manufacturing practices in vital components has made it less than satisfactory for both professionals and weekend warriors. Parts fail easily, the blades are not easy to replace, and you can’t lock the cutter height either.
It’s also too light, and won’t stay in place while you’re planing. If these issues were sorted, it would be a good planer. At this time, it’s not one of the best benchtop planers for the money.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Grizzly G0505 benchtop wood planer reviews.
9
Delta 22-555
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It has a powerful motor, enabling this machine to be used as both a professional or hobbyist tool.
- It’s durable and well-made.
- It has a quick-change knife system with dual-edge disposable knives.
- The infeed and outfeed tables are adjustable.
- It has a reversible dust port to collect chips on either the left or right hand side.
- It’s affordable.
Cons:
- The gearbox is known to fail prematurely.
- The feed rollers don’t work very well.
- The screws vibrate loose very easily.
- It isn’t manufactured very well.
What’s included
- Delta electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- 5-year warranty.
Specs
- Weight: 58 pounds.
- Dimensions: 25 x 17 x 21 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: 3/32 inches.
- Warranty: 5-year warranty.
FAQ
QIs it chain or belt-driven? ABelt-driven.
QWhat is the voltage? A120 volts.
Overview
Even though it comes with a 5-year warranty and is affordable to buy, that’s where many of the benefits end. While many customers are happy with this Delta planer, so many are not.
It’s clear to see there are some manufacturing issues that are causing problems for both hobbyists and professionals. The screws can come loose easily, other vital components break or fall apart, and the warranty process isn’t straightforward.
If you’re handy with a wrench and don’t mind making changes, it’s a good buy, otherwise it’s probably a product not suitable for most.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Delta 22-555 benchtop wood planer reviews.
10
RIKON 25-130
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The blades are easy to change.
- It’s good for planing a fine, smooth finish on hard or soft wood.
- It has a powerful motor.
- It comes with a 5-year warranty.
Cons:
- It’s very expensive to buy.
- It’s noisy.
What’s included
- RIKON electric-powered benchtop wood planer.
- 5-year warranty.
Specs
- Weight: 77 pounds.
- Dimensions: 34.2 x 26.5 x 17.2 inches.
- Power Source: Electric-powered, corded.
- Motor Size: 15-amp motor.
- Planing Capacity: 13-inch width, 6-inch thickness, ⅛-inch depth.
- Warranty: 5-year warranty.
FAQ
QDoes it come with a dust collector? AYes.
QAre the cutter heads reversible? AYes.
Overview
Most buyers of a RIKON benchtop wood planer are going to be very happy. It’s durable, lightweight, well-built and doesn’t have any manufacturing faults. Its only true problem is its price tag.
It is a little overpriced for what it is, but it comes with a five-year warranty. All in all, it’s a reliable and durable wood planer, and that’s all most people ask for.
Reviews
Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read RIKON 25-130 benchtop wood planer reviews.
Where to Buy Benchtop Wood Planer Saw?
When you’re in the market for new woodworking tools, such as a benchtop planer, there are many places you can purchase them from. Many hardware stores stock them, as do places like Home Depot.
However, when money’s tight or you’re looking for a bargain, the internet becomes the next best thing. Not only can compare different models on websites such as Amazon.com but when you buy online, you’re more likely to get the best deal.
Leading Benchtop Wood Planer Brands and Manufacturers
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- DeWALT
- Makita
- WEN
- Cutech
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