The best thickness planer for most woodworkers is the DEWALT DW735X because its 15-amp motor, two-speed gearbox, automatic carriage lock, and fan-assisted chip ejection cover the jobs that make a benchtop machine earn its bench space. It is a 13-inch, three-knife planer with a large review base, and it gives a new furniture builder room to grow without forcing a professional shop into a stationary machine.
These are the best thickness planers for woodworking when you want rough lumber to leave the machine at one repeatable thickness. A thickness planer feeds a board beneath a rotating cutterhead and removes material from the upper face, so the board needs one flat reference face before planing if you want parallel stock rather than merely thinner stock.
I approached this list by separating the questions that change the decision: cutterhead design, board capacity, support for long workpieces, chip handling, weight, and the electrical demands of a 15-amp tool. I also checked the real concerns that show up repeatedly in woodworking discussions: snipe at the board ends, awkward chip ports, machines that need a solid stand, and blade changes that turn a short task into an afternoon.
My short answer is simple. Choose the DW735X for a proven all-around benchtop planer, the WEN PL1326 if you want a 13-inch spiral cutterhead, the VEVOR if basic 13-inch capacity is the priority, and the Powermatic 15HH only when your shop has the space and 230V supply for a 502-pound stationary tool.
A portable thickness planer is not the same thing as a jointer: it makes the upper face parallel to the lower face, while a jointer creates that first flat face. Woodworkers moving into heavier production can also compare industrial thickness planers, which bring more capacity and mass but ask much more from the shop.
The Top 3 Thickness Planers for Woodworking are the DEWALT DW735X, WEN PL1326, and VEVOR 13-Inch (July 2026)
The DEWALT is the broadest recommendation because it pairs 13-inch capacity with two selectable cuts-per-inch settings and a carriage lock. The WEN PL1326 answers the common request for a spiral head at benchtop scale, while the VEVOR keeps the design straightforward with a two-knife cutterhead, long total table support, and overload protection.
The Best Thickness Planers for Woodworking in 2026 Cover Distinct Shop Needs
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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CUTECH 40700H
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FINDBUYTOOL 13-Inch
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DEWALT DW735X
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DEWALT DW734
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WEN PL1326
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Makita 2012NB
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VEVOR 13-Inch
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WEN PL1303
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JET JWP-13BT
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Powermatic 15HH
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This overview is intentionally about the machine details that affect a board in use, not a single headline specification. Capacity matters, but cutterhead style, stable support, depth control, and a real chip-management plan determine whether repeated passes feel controlled or frustrating.
1. CUTECH 40700H is the smooth-finishing 12-1/2-inch spiral-head choice
Pros
- Six-row staggered inserts
- Two-sided carbide inserts
- Snipe minimizer
- Board return rollers
- Depth indicator
Cons
- 12-1/2 inch capacity
- Single-speed feed
The CUTECH 40700H makes its case with a six-row spiral cutterhead and tungsten-carbide inserts rather than disposable straight knives. That arrangement puts staggered cutting edges across the board, which is the detail I would prioritize when smooth results and quieter operation matter more than maximum width.
Its 12-1/2-inch capacity leaves it just short of the 13-inch class, but that is a small compromise for many cabinet parts, face frames, and furniture boards. The listing reports a 15-amp, 120V supply and a 10,000 RPM maximum rotational speed, plus a stated 0.03-inch cutting depth.
The snipe minimizer is the feature to watch here. CUTECH uses four lead screws and a patented coupling design, while the depth-of-cut indicator gives a visible reference before feeding a board.
Board return rollers are practical for repeated passes because they bring the workpiece back over the top instead of making you walk around the machine. Two-sided inserts also give the owner a usable second edge before replacement, a useful difference from a planer built around long disposable knives.
This planer is best for woodworkers who prioritize a spiral finish and repeat passes
I would put this benchtop wood planer on a rigid stand for the furniture maker who processes moderate-width stock and wants the convenience of return rollers. Its 4.9 rating is based on 23 reviews, which is encouraging but far smaller evidence than the large DEWALT review totals later in this guide.
This planer needs a 12-1/2-inch work-width plan before purchase
The fixed limit matters if you commonly buy boards that approach 13 inches wide. Its single-speed configuration also makes this less flexible than two-speed planers when you want to select a feed rate for roughing versus a finish pass.
2. FINDBUYTOOL 13-Inch is the precision-oriented helical cutterhead pick
Pros
- Two selectable feed rates
- 40 carbide inserts
- Ball-screw adjustment
- 45 inch tables
- Four inch dust port
Cons
- 70 pound machine
- Not Prime eligible
The FINDBUYTOOL 13-Inch planer is built around a 40-insert helical cutterhead and a two-speed feed system. Its 21 FPM setting is intended for faster roughing, while 12 FPM is the slower setting for a smoother finishing pass, a choice that lets the user match feed to the job instead of accepting one compromise.
The listed 2.5HP, 15-amp motor runs at 20,000 RPM, and the machine accepts boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. Its listed maximum cut depth is 1/8 inch, but I would still take lighter cuts in difficult grain rather than treating that maximum as the default setting.
Precision controls are unusually prominent for a portable thickness planer. The ball-screw height adjustment is specified at plus or minus 0.05 mm, and six preset thickness positions can speed common repeat dimensions.
Extendable feed tables reach 45 inches, which gives a long board more support during entry and exit. The four-inch dust port is listed with 95% chip ejection, and the LED work lights and overload protection round out a feature set aimed at a dedicated workstation.
This planer is best for a woodworker who needs feed-rate control and carbide inserts
I would choose this one when the difference between a fast milling pass and a deliberate finish pass is worth having at the machine. It has a 4.9 rating from 11 reviews, so the specification set is strong but the review sample is very limited.
This planer needs a stable home rather than frequent one-handed moves
At 70 pounds, it is portable in the sense that it can be moved, not in the sense that moving it is effortless. Plan for a level stand, clearance for the 45-inch tables, and a dust hose before calling this a compact setup.
3. DEWALT DW735X is the best all-around 13-inch benchtop planer
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
Pros
- Two-speed gearbox
- Automatic carriage lock
- Fan chip ejection
- Rigid aluminum base
- Extra knives included
Cons
- 102 pound tool
- Straight-knife cutterhead
The DEWALT DW735X is the safest all-around answer because it combines a 13-inch opening, a 15-amp motor, and a two-speed gearbox with 96 or 179 cuts per inch. The lower CPI mode favors faster material removal, while 179 CPI is the setting to consider when the board needs a finer surface.
Its three-knife cutterhead is specified to give 30% longer knife life, and the machine includes an extra set of knives. Those are disposable straight knives rather than indexed inserts, but the setup remains familiar and the 20,000 RPM motor has the power expected in this category.
DEWALT gives this model an automatic carriage lock to reduce snipe, a material-removal gauge, a large thickness scale, and a turret depth stop. The 19-3/4-inch cast-aluminum base is listed as twice as rigid as a standard base, while included infeed and outfeed tables assist workpiece support.
The fan-assisted chip-ejection system is a major practical advantage when you have a hose connected. In woodworking forums, the DW735 is repeatedly described as a workhorse, and its 4.7 rating comes from 7,487 reviews, the largest review base in this group.
This planer is best for most serious hobby shops and growing furniture makers
For the best thickness planers for woodworking, this is the model I would start with when you want broad capability rather than a highly specialized cutterhead. The three-year limited warranty is another documented point in its favor for a machine that is likely to see regular use.
This planer needs a permanent stand and active chip management
The DW735X weighs 102 pounds, so it belongs on a sturdy mobile cart or stand rather than a shelf that comes out only for occasional boards. Its chip-ejection fan is useful, but it does not replace a collector or a planned place for chips to go.
4. DEWALT DW734 is the straightforward 12-1/2-inch choice for beginners
Pros
- Four-column carriage lock
- Long infeed and outfeed tables
- Reversible knives
- Turret depth stop
- Large thickness scale
Cons
- 12-1/2 inch capacity
- One 96-CPI feed setting
The DEWALT DW734 strips the concept back to a 12-1/2-inch, three-knife benchtop planer with a single 96-CPI finish specification. It retains the same 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor class found in the larger DW735X, so a beginner is not giving up the basic power needed for typical hardwood and softwood boards.
The four-column carriage lock is the important design point for snipe control. It holds the cutterhead assembly more firmly as the board moves through, and DEWALT pairs it with extra-long infeed and outfeed tables totaling 33-1/2 inches of material support.
Disposable reversible knives remove the need to sharpen long planer blades. When one edge is worn, the other can be used before the knife is replaced, and the material-removal gauge and large thickness scale help a new user see what each pass will do.
A turret depth stop is handy when a project calls for several boards at one final thickness. The DW734 has a 4.7 rating from 2,758 reviews and a three-year limited warranty, making it a well-documented, conventional starting point.
This planer is best for beginners who want familiar controls and long board support
I would recommend the DW734 to someone who wants a clear, direct first benchtop planer and does not need two feed-rate options. The long tables matter because supporting the board at both ends is one of the first defenses against snipe.
This planer needs a realistic view of its 12-1/2-inch capacity
The half-inch difference from 13-inch machines can matter when selecting lumber, especially when a rough board needs edge cleanup before planing. Its fixed 96-CPI arrangement also gives less finish-versus-speed choice than the DW735X.
5. WEN PL1326 is the 13-inch spiral-cutterhead value choice
Pros
- Rotatable HSS blades
- 13 inch by 6 inch capacity
- Material removal gauge
- Depth stop
- Adjustable dust port
Cons
- Single 26-FPM feed rate
- Standard HSS rather than carbide inserts
The WEN PL1326 is a strong match for someone specifically searching for a 13-inch spiral cutterhead planer. Its head uses 26 staggered, rotatable high-speed-steel blades, so the edges do not strike the board in one continuous straight line like conventional full-width knives.
The 15-amp motor is rated at 10,000 RPM, and the planer handles boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. Feed is fixed at 26 feet per minute, which keeps the controls simple but does not offer a slower finish-mode alternative.
WEN includes an onboard material-removal gauge, a depth stop, and an adjustable dust port. I like that the essentials are visible at the machine, because a planer rewards a measured pass more than a dramatic first cut.
The PL1326 has a 4.7 rating based on 726 reviews. Forum discussions often describe WEN planers as good value machines that should be bolted down, and that advice applies here: level the stand, keep table extensions coplanar, and do not let the planer shift while feeding stock.
This planer is best for woodworkers who want a spiral cutterhead at 13-inch capacity
I would favor the PL1326 for cabinet components and furniture stock when a staggered blade pattern is the main buying criterion. Its rotatable HSS blades offer more usable edges than a fixed straight knife while preserving a standard benchtop footprint.
This planer needs a secure stand and a plan for one feed rate
Bolting the base down or using a purpose-built stand is more than a convenience; it helps the workpiece enter level and reduces movement during a pass. Users who expect to alternate frequently between quick stock removal and a slower finish pass should compare two-speed models.
6. Makita 2012NB is the compact low-noise portable planer
Pros
- 83 dB low-noise rating
- Fast blade changes
- Large table extensions
- Four-post stability
- Portable form
Cons
- 11.86 inch capacity
- One-year warranty
The Makita 2012NB is the outlier here for a woodworker who needs a machine that travels or shares space with other tools. Its 11.86-inch cutting width is narrower than the 12-1/2- and 13-inch options, but its compact form, 28.07-kilogram listed weight, and large table extensions suit a jobsite or a small garage.
Makita specifies an 83 dB noise level and calls it the quietest planer in its class. Noise is not the only buying factor, but it is a real quality-of-life issue in a shared space where a very loud machine can limit when you work.
The four-post design and diagonal cross supports are intended to keep the cutterhead assembly stable. Makita also emphasizes a fast blade-change system with disposable double-edge blades, a useful feature when predictable maintenance matters more than pursuing a helical head.
The product holds a 4.5 rating from 778 reviews and includes a one-year warranty. Some woodworking users praise its compact design but caution that humid storage can lead to rust concerns, so I would keep any portable planer dry and inspect exposed metal before storage.
This planer is best for a mobile woodworker who puts noise and portability first
I would choose the 2012NB for a contractor, a compact shop, or a maker who carries a planer to the work rather than leaving it on one cart. Its table extensions and four-post structure help offset the compromises that come with a portable form.
This planer needs narrower-stock expectations and dry storage
Boards wider than 11.86 inches are outside its listed capacity, which can shape lumber choices before the project even starts. The one-year warranty is also shorter than the documented three-year DEWALT coverage and five-year Jet or Powermatic coverage.
7. VEVOR 13-Inch is the basic-capacity pick for a first planer setup
Pros
- 13 inch by 6 inch capacity
- 35 inch total support
- Overcurrent protection
- Quick-change knives
- Dust port
Cons
- Two-blade cutterhead
- 54 pound machine
The VEVOR 13-Inch uses a simple two-blade cutterhead, a 15-amp 2000W motor, and a 13-inch-wide worktable. It planes boards up to 6 inches thick and supports a depth adjustment up to 3 mm, so the core capacity matches many more expensive benchtop formats.
Its machine body weighs 54 pounds and the pull-out table extensions create 35 inches of total material support. That is useful for longer boards, provided the extensions are aligned with the bed and the incoming stock is supported rather than allowed to droop.
The motor is listed at 23,500 RPM, and the two knife cutterhead is described as quick change with hardened steel knives. A built-in 20A over-current protector is intended to shut off the supply when the total current exceeds 20A.
The dust port gives the machine a route to a vacuum or dust collector, which is preferable to treating chip cleanup as an afterthought. Its 4.4 rating comes from 322 reviews, a useful amount of feedback but below the review volume of the DEWALT models.
This planer is best for a buyer who needs 13-inch capacity with uncomplicated controls
I would consider this one when the goal is basic thicknessing of hardwood and softwood rather than a premium cutterhead system. The stated 35-inch total table support and six-inch board-height capacity cover a wide range of home-shop boards.
This planer needs careful setup for the best surface and board support
A two-blade arrangement has fewer cutting edges than the three-knife and segmented-head choices in this guide. Take modest cuts, keep the extensions level, and connect the vacuum port before processing a batch of boards.
8. WEN PL1303 is the three-blade 13-inch straight-knife option
Pros
- 13 inch by 6 inch capacity
- Three reversible SK5 blades
- 30
- 000 CPM
- 26 FPM feed
- 1/8 inch cut depth
Cons
- Straight-knife cutterhead
- One 26-FPM feed rate
The WEN PL1303 brings 13-inch width and a three-blade straight-knife design to the bench. Its 15-amp motor is specified at 30,000 cuts per minute with a 26 feet-per-minute feed rate, which gives a clear baseline for a woodworker who wants conventional reversible blades.
It planes boards up to 6 inches thick and allows a depth of cut from zero to 1/8 inch per pass. The three included 13-inch SK5 blades are reversible, so each knife has a second cutting edge before it needs replacement.
There is a practical distinction between cuts per minute and feed rate. A high CPM figure helps the surface finish, but the board’s grain, the actual depth of cut, knife condition, and how firmly the stock is supported still affect the result.
The PL1303 has a 4.4 rating from 256 reviews. I see it as a sensible option for someone who wants readily understood knife maintenance and full 13-inch benchtop capacity without committing to helical inserts.
This planer is best for woodworkers who prefer reversible three-knife maintenance
A three-knife head makes sense if you want a more conventional maintenance routine and the ability to flip blades. It also gives the user a 13-inch opening for boards that would not fit the 12-1/2-inch and 11.86-inch machines.
This planer needs light passes on figured wood to reduce tear-out risk
Any straight-knife head can struggle where grain direction changes rapidly. Keep knives sharp, reduce the depth setting, and plan the board orientation carefully rather than assuming the maximum 1/8-inch cut suits every species and grain pattern.
9. JET JWP-13BT is the shop-focused helical-style benchtop planer
Pros
- Six-row insert head
- Two feed rates
- Cast-iron bed
- Four-post design
- Folding tables
Cons
- 75 pound machine
- HSS inserts rather than carbide
The JET JWP-13BT pairs a helical-style cutterhead with six rows of 26 individual quick-change high-speed-steel inserts. That segmented arrangement is intended to create a smoother, quieter cut than a full-width straight knife while making replacement less wasteful than changing an entire long blade.
Its 2HP, 15-amp motor turns the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM. The two-speed gearbox offers 18 FPM and 26 FPM, letting you choose the slower or faster setting according to the finish target and the amount of material being removed.
The 13-inch width, six-inch height, and 1/8-inch maximum cut depth put it in the familiar benchtop capacity class. A precision-machined cast-iron bed and steel cover help keep stock flat, while the four-post design supports the cutterhead and assists snipe reduction.
Folding infeed and outfeed tables can be adjusted level with the bed and folded down to save space. The JET includes a dust hood and an adjustable depth stop, and its documented warranty is five years for noncommercial use or two years for commercial or industrial use.
This planer is best for a fixed shop that wants insert-head convenience and two feed rates
I would choose the JET for someone who wants more cutterhead segmentation than a straight-knife machine without stepping into a stationary 15-inch format. Its 75-pound weight argues for a cart or stand that stays ready for it.
This planer needs careful warranty planning for commercial work
The warranty duration changes when the tool is used commercially or industrially, so a business owner should account for that documented distinction. Its 4.2 rating from 173 reviews is also less convincing than a model with thousands of buyer reports, though it still provides useful context.
10. Powermatic 15HH is the 15-inch stationary planer for professional shops
Pros
- 15 inch capacity
- 74 four-sided inserts
- Large cast-iron table
- Two-speed gearbox
- Built-in casters
Cons
- 502 pound machine
- 230V input required
The Powermatic 15HH is the one to consider when a portable thickness planer has become the limiting tool in a production-oriented shop. Its 14.88-inch cutting width, normally described as 15-inch capacity, accommodates wider stock than any benchtop model here and rests on a 502-pound cast-iron machine.
A helical cutterhead carries 74 four-sided carbide knife inserts. Individual inserts can be rotated as their edges wear, which spreads maintenance across small components instead of requiring a full set of long knives.
The 3HP motor uses 230V single-phase input, with three V-belts transferring power to the cutterhead. The two-speed gearbox has an automatic chain tensioner and offers 16 FPM or 20 FPM, giving a professional user a direct choice between feed speeds.
Powermatic includes a large precision-ground cast-iron table with extensions, steel return rollers, an angled dust chute with a four-inch port, and a lockable built-in caster system. The rating is 4.1 from 48 reviews, and the documented warranty is five years.
This planer is best for a professional shop with 230V power and recurring wide-stock work
I would reserve the 15HH for serious furniture production, cabinetry, or a shop that processes rough lumber in volume. It pairs naturally with upstream surfacing tools, and our guide to industrial jointers helps frame the matching first-face operation.
This planer needs space, electrical capacity, and a deliberate moving plan
The built-in casters help position the machine, but 502 pounds is not a casual relocation. Confirm the 230V circuit, floor space, dust-collection route, and delivery path before choosing a stationary 15-inch planer.
The right thickness planer depends on cutterhead, capacity, power, and shop support
A thickness planer works best after one board face is flat
A planer references the board face against its bed, then cuts the opposing face to a controlled thickness. If both faces begin cupped or twisted, the machine can make them parallel while preserving the defect, which is why rough lumber usually meets a jointer or a flattening method first.
For a compact workflow, flatten one face, plane the opposite face, then cut to final width and length. For an established production shop, pair the planer decision with the capacity of your jointer and even your professional cabinet table saws.
A helical or spiral head favors localized maintenance and smoother cutting
Straight-knife heads use long blades across the width of the board. They are familiar and direct to replace, but the blade meets a broad section of grain at once, which can show up as tear-out in demanding material.
Helical and spiral-style heads use many small staggered inserts or blades. The exact insert material and row count vary by model, but the practical advantage is localized rotation or replacement and a staggered cutting pattern; compare more models in our guide to helical head benchtop thickness planers.
A 13-inch opening covers most bench work, while 15 inches changes the shop class
The 12- to 13-inch machines suit a large share of furniture parts, cabinet stock, and lumber that has been selected around the planer opening. The Makita’s 11.86-inch width is the tightest limit in this list, while the Powermatic’s 14.88-inch width serves boards that would stop a benchtop machine.
Do not choose only by width. Board thickness, available outfeed clearance, table support, and machine mass affect whether long stock stays level as it reaches the cutterhead.
A 15-amp planer needs a circuit and stand that match the motor
Many selections here list a 15-amp motor, so I would check the circuit before the machine arrives and avoid sharing it with another high-draw tool. The Powermatic is a different commitment because it requires 230V input.
Stability matters just as much. A loose or light stand can make feeding less controlled, and forum users specifically advise bolting down WEN planers; the same principle benefits any benchtop wood planer processing long, heavy boards.
Snipe is reduced by support, conservative cuts, and a locked carriage
Snipe is the extra material removed at the leading or trailing end of a board. It often appears when the board tips as it enters or leaves the bed, so support the board in line with the planer bed and keep infeed and outfeed tables adjusted coplanar.
Models with a carriage lock, such as the DEWALT DW735X and DW734, address movement in the cutterhead assembly. I also favor taking shallower passes on figured or dense wood, keeping the bed clean, and allowing extra length for trimming when a project can accommodate it.
Dust collection needs a connected hose rather than a cleanup promise
Planing produces a surprising amount of chips in a short time. A four-inch port, such as those on the FINDBUYTOOL, JET, and Powermatic, is positioned for a collection hose, while other models supply a dust or vacuum port for the same purpose.
Chip ejection is a recurring user pain point, so confirm the port location and hose path before setting the planer on its stand. Shops that process a lot of rough lumber should also compare 2-stage cyclone dust collectors rather than asking a small vacuum to handle continuous planer chips.
A beginner should favor predictable controls, while a professional should favor capacity and duty cycle
For a beginner, the DEWALT DW734 makes sense when long support tables, reversible blades, and a clear carriage-lock system are more useful than an elaborate cutterhead. The VEVOR and WEN PL1303 are alternatives when a 13-inch opening is the central requirement.
For a serious hobby shop, the DW735X adds two feed modes and powerful chip ejection, while the WEN PL1326, CUTECH, FINDBUYTOOL, and JET bring different forms of staggered or insert-based cutting. A professional shop should weigh the Powermatic’s 15-inch capacity, 230V requirement, machine mass, and dust system as one connected decision.
Blade care starts with light cuts and ends with planned replacement
Dull cutters create more heat, demand more force, and leave a poorer surface. Keep straight knives clean, use their reversible edge when supplied, and replace them when rotation or replacement no longer restores a clean result.
For segmented heads, rotate only the affected inserts when the machine’s instructions allow it. Never reach into a machine that is connected to power, and use the supplied tools and the maker’s adjustment procedure for blade or insert work.
FAQs
What is the best thickness planer for the money?
The DEWALT DW735X is the strongest all-around choice because it combines a 13-inch capacity, 15-amp motor, two-speed 96 or 179 CPI gearbox, automatic carriage lock, and fan-assisted chip ejection. Its 4.7 rating is based on 7,487 reviews, the largest review base in this comparison.
What is the best benchtop planer for woodworking?
The DEWALT DW735X is the best broad-use benchtop planer here. Choose the WEN PL1326 when a 13-inch spiral cutterhead is the main goal, the CUTECH 40700H for a 12-1/2-inch six-row spiral setup, or the Makita 2012NB for a compact 83 dB portable format.
What is the best thickness planer for beginners?
The DEWALT DW734 is a strong beginner choice because it has a 15-amp motor, reversible three-knife cutterhead, four-column carriage lock, material-removal gauge, turret depth stop, and 33-1/2 inches of infeed and outfeed support. It is best for users who do not need a second feed-speed setting.
DEWALT 735 vs 734 – which is better?
The DW735X is better when you want 13-inch capacity, a two-speed 96 or 179 CPI gearbox, fan-assisted chip ejection, and included infeed and outfeed tables. The DW734 is better for a simpler 12-1/2-inch format with a single 96-CPI setting, four-column carriage lock, and 33-1/2 inches of support tables.
The best final choice is the planer that fits your boards and shop
The DEWALT DW735X is my best overall recommendation, while the WEN PL1326 is the clear 13-inch spiral-head alternative and the Powermatic 15HH is made for a fully equipped professional shop. The DEWALT DW734, Makita 2012NB, VEVOR, and WEN PL1303 each make more sense when their specific capacity, portability, noise, or cutterhead tradeoff matches the work you actually do.
Use this best thickness planers for woodworking guide as a checklist, not just a ranking: measure your widest stock, identify the power and dust route, decide how you want to maintain cutters, and give the machine enough support on both sides. That preparation makes the right planer more useful from its first board onward in 2026.
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