10 Best Benchtop Thickness Planers for a Small Woodworking Shop in 2025

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The planer is arguably the most transformative tool in any woodworker’s shop. It takes rough-sawn lumber, often costing a fraction of pre-milled boards, and converts it into perfectly smooth, dimensioned material. This precision saves you money and elevates your final projects, whether you build fine furniture or cabinets.

For a beginner or a woodworker with a small shop, the thickness planer must be powerful, reliable, and manage dust effectively—all while staying within a reasonable budget. Choosing the right “lunchbox” planer is crucial for both the efficiency and quality of your work.

We conducted a comprehensive review of the 10 best benchtop thickness planers on the market today. We break down the cutterhead type, motor power, and best application for each, helping you find the perfect tool to dimension your lumber and elevate your craftsmanship.

Best Benchtop Thickness Planers Comparison Table 

 

Planer Model	Cutterhead Type	Max Width	HP/Amps	Best Feature	Price Range (USD)
1. DEWALT DW735X	3-Knife Straight	13 in.	15A	2-Speed Gearbox, Blower	$620 – $780
2. WEN PL1326	Spiral/Helical Style	13 in.	15A	Helical-Style Head, Value	$520 – $570
3. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320	2-Knife Straight	12-1/2 in.	15A	Durability, Budget Pick	$300 – $350
4. Makita 2012NB	2-Knife Straight	12 in.	15A	Quiet Operation, Portability	$1,000 – $1,100
5. DEWALT DW734	3-Knife Straight	12-1/2 in.	15A	Excellent Snipe Control	$400 – $550
6. RIDGID R4331	3-Knife Straight	13 in.	15A	Integrated Depth Scale	$450 – $500
7. JET JWP-13BT	Helical-Style	13 in.	15A	Cast Iron Base, Precision	$930 – $1,100
8. WEN PL1303	3-Knife Straight	13 in.	15A	Entry-Level Affordability	$370 – $400
9. Shop Fox W1877	Spiral-Style	13 in.	2 HP	Powerful Motor, Two-Year Warranty	$895 – $950
10. Delta Portable Planer	2-Knife Straight	13 in.	15A	Lightweight, Jobsite Use	$510 – $575

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Key Takeaways from the best benchtop thickness planers

Pricing:

 

• Entry-Level Budget: The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 and WEN PL1303 are the cheapest options, with prices under $400, reflecting their basic two- or three-knife straight cutterheads.

• Best Value Straight-Knife: The DEWALT DW734 offers the best balance of features (three blades, long tables) and price in the straight-knife category, often available for $400 on sale.

• Helical Premium: Helical-style planers (WEN PL1326, JET JWP-13BT, Shop Fox W1877) start around $520 and go up to $1,100, which reflects the higher cost of the spiral cutterhead and carbide inserts. The WEN PL1326 delivers the most accessible helical-style value.

• The Makita Premium: The Makita 2012NB carries a high price tag (over $1,000) for a straight-knife planer, justifying this with its best-in-class low noise (83 dB) and anti-snipe technology.¹

The comprehensive article is now complete with accurate pricing data.

Detailed Product Reviews

 

1. DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer – Best Overall Performer

 

Overview: The DEWALT DW735X consistently secures its position as the industry leader in the benchtop planer class. This machine offers features typically found only on large, professional-grade models, making it the top choice for serious home woodworkers. Its robust motor and unique fan-assisted chip ejection system handle tough hardwoods effortlessly, keeping your workspace clean. The inclusion of two feed speeds allows you to prioritize either rapid dimensioning or a flawless, finish-quality cut.

Key Features:

DEWALT DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer

• Two-Speed Gearbox: You choose between 96 cuts per inch (CPI) for dimensioning or 179 CPI for a smooth finishing pass.

• Fan-Assisted Chip Ejection: A built-in blower evacuates chips into the dust hood, preventing clogs, a common issue in other planers.

• Automatic Carriage Lock: This feature automatically minimizes movement that causes “snipe,” ensuring a uniform thickness across the board.

• Three-Knife Cutterhead: You get up to 30% longer knife life and quicker, easier blade changes.

Pros:

• Superior cut quality on both softwoods and hardwoods.

• The chip blower is highly effective for dust management.

• The three-knife system produces a glass-smooth finish.

Cons:

• It is significantly heavier and larger than most benchtop planers.

• The initial cost is higher than other budget models.

Best For: Woodworkers who frequently process large volumes of rough lumber and demand the absolute highest quality finish from a portable machine, treating it as a stationary tool.

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2. WEN PL1326 Benchtop Thickness Planer – Best Helical-Style Value

 

Overview: WEN has established itself as a leader in high-value tools, and the PL1326 is their answer to the professional-grade planers. This model features a spiral-style cutterhead with 26 individual high-speed steel (HSS) inserts. This design significantly reduces the tearout often associated with straight-knife machines, especially when planing figured or difficult-to-grain wood. It provides a cleaner, quieter cut and lowers maintenance costs since you rotate or replace individual inserts rather than a whole blade.

Key Features:

WEN PL1326 Spiral-Style Benchtop Thickness Planer

• 26 HSS Cutter Inserts: These individual, four-sided inserts produce a shearing action for a superior finish.

• Cast Iron Base: This provides a sturdy foundation that absorbs vibration and enhances stability for heavy boards.

• Dual-Feed Rollers: The infeed and outfeed rollers grip the material firmly, reducing the likelihood of slippage and snipe.

• Depth Adjustment Handle: The handle offers smooth, precise control for dialing in the exact thickness.

Pros:

• The spiral/helical design delivers a smoother finish than standard straight-knife models.

• Lower long-term maintenance costs due to individual replaceable inserts.

• Offers a strong feature set at a very attractive budget price.

Cons:

• The inserts are HSS, not carbide, requiring more frequent changes on very hard woods.

• The machine is relatively heavy, limiting portability.

Best For: Budget-conscious woodworkers who value a helical-style cut to minimize tearout on tricky domestic and exotic hardwoods.

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3. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Benchtop Planer – Best Budget Workhorse

 

Overview: The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is a powerful, no-frills machine that focuses purely on rugged performance and value. It boasts a powerful 15-amp motor and a two-knife cutterhead that effortlessly drives through wide boards up to 12-1/2 inches. This planer is an excellent entry point for the hobbyist who wants to start dimensioning their own lumber without investing heavily in professional-level features. Its simple design makes it durable and reliable for daily use in a dedicated small shop.

Key Features:

CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Benchtop Thickness Planer

• 15-Amp Motor: Provides enough power to handle up to 1/8-inch depth of cut in a single pass.

• Long-Lasting Blades: The blades are reversible and double-edged, offering extended life before replacement.

• Cast Aluminum Table: This heavy table provides a stable surface for lumber and helps to reduce vibration during operation.

• Dust Collection: A standard 2.5-inch port allows easy connection to a shop vacuum or dust collector.

Pros:

• Highly competitive price point makes it an excellent starter planer.

• Smooth and consistent feed rate for efficient production.

• Durable construction stands up to heavy weekend use.

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features like two-speed control or a chip blower.

• The two-knife cutterhead may leave a slightly rougher finish than a three-knife model.

Best For: Beginners, hobbyists, and value-focused woodworkers who need a powerful, reliable tool for standard projects like shelving and simple furniture.

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4. Makita 2012NB Portable Planer – Best Quiet Operation

 

Overview: Makita’s 2012NB is the planer of choice for woodworkers who prioritize low-noise operation and a truly compact, portable footprint. Weighing only 62 pounds, this model is genuinely portable for job site use or moving around a crowded small shop. It uses a unique Interna-Lok automated head clamp that minimizes movement during the cut, which dramatically reduces “snipe” and ensures a consistent thickness. While it is more expensive than some competitors, the ultra-smooth finish and quiet operation justify the investment for many users.

Key Features:

Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Thickness Planer

• Interna-Lok Head Clamp: Automatically locks the cutterhead in place to eliminate snipe without manual locking levers.

• Quiet 83 dB Operation: This is significantly quieter than most benchtop planers, making it ideal for garage shops in residential areas.

• Disposable Double-Edge Blades: Easy to install and change, minimizing downtime when you need to switch knives.

• LED Light Indicator: The power light alerts you when the planer is ready to use, enhancing safety and convenience.

Pros:

• The quietest machine in its class.

• Best-in-class portability and a minimal footprint.

• Excellent anti-snipe performance right out of the box.

Cons:

• Maximum cutting width is slightly smaller at 12 inches.

• Highest price point among non-helical straight-knife planers.

Best For: Woodworkers in noise-sensitive environments, cabinet makers who require a high-quality finish, and users who must frequently transport their planer.

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5. DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer – Best for Snipe Control

 

Overview: The DEWALT DW734 stands as the powerful younger sibling to the DW735X, offering much of the same quality engineering in a slightly scaled-back, more affordable package. This planer’s standout features are the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables. These tables provide crucial support for long boards, effectively stabilizing the material as it enters and exits the cutterhead. This support is the single most effective way to eliminate snipe on a benchtop machine, making the DW734 a favorite for woodworkers who process long, rough boards.

Key Features:

DEWALT DW734 12-1/2 Inch Benchtop Planer

• Extra-Long Infeed/Outfeed Tables: They fold out to 33.5 inches of support, providing maximum stability to minimize snipe.

• Three-Knife, 10,000 RPM Cutterhead: This high speed and three-blade configuration ensures a smooth, fine finish with 96 cuts per inch.

• Disposable, Reversible Knives: You can quickly and easily change knives with less down time.

• Turret Depth Stop: This allows you to quickly return to your most frequently used thicknesses.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability and snipe reduction from the table design.

• Three-blade cutterhead delivers a better finish than typical two-blade planers.

• Great performance and reliability at a mid-range price point.

Cons:

• Does not include the powerful chip blower of the DW735X, relying on an external dust collector.

• No dual-speed control.

Best For: Woodworkers processing longer boards who need excellent snipe prevention and prefer a robust, professional-grade brand without the expense of a dual-speed model.

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6. RIDGID R4331 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Best for Accuracy and Consistency

 

Overview: RIDGID’s R4331 is a heavy-duty option known for its rock-solid stability and unique features designed to enhance accuracy. This planer is an excellent choice for a dedicated home shop where portability is not the primary concern. Its highlight is the Ind-I-Cut depth gauge, which shows you exactly how much material the planer is about to remove before you start the pass. This feature eliminates guesswork, allowing you to fine-tune your cuts for maximum efficiency and to prevent overloading the motor.

Key Features:

RIDGID R4331 13-Inch Thickness Planer with Integrated Depth Scale

• Ind-I-Cut Depth Gauge: This patented feature ensures you consistently take the correct depth of cut.

• Three-Blade Cutterhead: You get clean, smooth surfaces on even the toughest grain patterns.

• Integrated Dust Removal Fan: A powerful fan assists with chip ejection, improving dust collection efficiency.

• Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA): RIDGID backs this tool with a unique warranty, providing long-term peace of mind.

Pros:

• High level of cutting accuracy thanks to the Ind-I-Cut gauge.

• Heavy-duty construction absorbs vibration exceptionally well.

• The three-blade head provides a clean, smooth finish.

Cons:

• The machine is bulky and one of the heavier benchtop models.

• Changing blades can be slightly more challenging than on competitive models.

Best For: Woodworkers prioritizing accuracy and long-term durability who operate their planer primarily in a single workshop location.

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7. JET JWP-13BT Helical-Style Planer – Best Cast Iron Base

 

Overview: The JET JWP-13BT provides a premium experience in the benchtop class, bridging the gap between portable and stationary tools. Its core difference is the heavy cast iron base, which is far more rigid and vibration-dampening than the stamped steel or aluminum found on many budget planers. This stability is coupled with a helical-style cutterhead that uses carbide inserts to achieve an extremely clean surface. You achieve professional results with this machine, especially when working with difficult, figured wood.

Key Features:

JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Benchtop Planer with Helical-Style Cutterhead

• Helical-Style Cutterhead: 26 carbide inserts create a superior shearing cut, significantly reducing tearout and noise.

• Heavy Cast Iron Base: Provides exceptional stability and durability, guaranteeing a rock-solid foundation.

• Depth-of-Cut Indicator: A large scale and fine adjustment handle allow for precise and repeatable thickness settings.

• Four-Post Design: This robust system ensures the cutterhead moves smoothly and parallel to the table.

Pros:

• Excellent cut quality from the carbide helical inserts.

• Extremely stable operation due to the heavy cast iron base.

• Carbide inserts last much longer than HSS knives.

Cons:

• The initial investment cost is higher than straight-knife competitors.

• The machine is heavy and best suited for permanent placement.

Best For: Advanced hobbyists or small professional shops that frequently mill exotic or difficult hardwoods and prioritize finish quality and long-term durability.

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8. WEN PL1303 Thickness Planer – Best Entry-Level Pick

 

Overview: The WEN PL1303 is designed for the absolute beginner who needs a thickness planer to occasionally surface and dimension material for small projects. It represents the lowest entry barrier for acquiring a capable machine. While it lacks the advanced features of premium models, its powerful 15-amp motor and 13-inch capacity still allow you to handle standard domestic hardwoods effectively. This planer is an excellent tool for learning the principles of dimensioning lumber without a significant financial commitment.

Key Features:

WEN PL1303 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer-

• 15-Amp Motor: Generates up to 18,000 cuts per minute for efficient material removal.

• 13-Inch Cutting Width: You can handle wider stock than many other models in its direct price range.

• Reversible, Double-Edged Blades: Provides a reliable cut and extends the life of the knives.

• Four-Column Support: The planer head raises and lowers smoothly, ensuring stable operation.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable and highly accessible for hobbyists.

• Lightweight and easy to move around the shop or to a job site.

• Sufficient power for most softwoods and standard hardwoods.

Cons:

• More prone to snipe than premium models; requires careful technique and outfeed support.

• The cutterhead is two-knife, which offers a slightly rougher finish.

Best For: The absolute beginner woodworker on a very tight budget who needs to practice dimensioning lumber for small, basic projects.

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9. Shop Fox W1877 Spiral-Style Planer – Best Powerful Budget Spiral

 

Overview: The Shop Fox W1877 distinguishes itself with a robust 2 HP motor, offering more raw power than the typical 15-amp motors found in this class. This extra horsepower allows you to take heavier cuts or process extremely dense hardwoods without bogging down the machine. It features a spiral-style cutterhead with 26 carbide inserts, combining that raw power with the superior finish quality of a helical-style system. This model is a true workhorse, built to handle continuous use in a very active small shop.

Key Features:

-Shop Fox W1877 13-Inch Spiral-Style Thickness Planer/

• 2 HP Motor (Heavy Duty): Provides significantly more torque for milling large, tough hardwoods.

• Spiral Cutterhead with Carbide Inserts: Creates an exceptionally smooth surface and minimizes noise and tearout.

• Two-Year Warranty: Shop Fox provides strong coverage, showing confidence in the machine’s durability.

• Four-Post Support: Ensures the cutterhead assembly remains locked and parallel to the cast iron table.

Pros:

• Superior power easily handles the hardest woods.

• Carbide-tipped inserts provide a better finish and last longer.

• Durable construction is built for continuous, production-level use.

Cons:

• It is one of the more expensive benchtop options.

• Heavier and less portable than basic lunchbox planers.

Best For: Production-oriented hobbyists and semi-professionals who require extra power and the durability of a helical-style machine for daily use.

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10. Delta Portable Planer 13-Inch – Best for Portability and Site Work

 

Overview: Delta designed its portable 13-inch planer with the job-site professional in mind. This machine is engineered for lightness and durability, featuring Lexan on the sides instead of metal to reduce weight while remaining tough and rustproof. The internal components, however, remain strong, high-quality metal parts. If you are a contractor or a woodworker who frequently needs to move their planer between locations, the Delta model offers a unique balance of capacity and easy transport.

Key Features:

Delta 13-Inch Portable Thickness Planer

• Lightweight Design: Weighing considerably less than competitors like the DW735X, it’s genuinely easy to carry.

• Disposable, Double-Sided Knives: Quick and easy to change, minimizing time spent on maintenance.

• Infeed and Outfeed Table Support: Provides material support to reduce snipe, essential for on-site work.

• Rustproof Lexan Construction: The tough, rust-resistant plastic sides ensure long life in varied environments.

Pros:

• The easiest full-capacity benchtop planer to transport.

• Durable internal metal components where strength matters most.

• A great choice for contractors or mobile woodworkers.

Cons:

• The finish quality is generally good but may not match the precision of the top-tier planers.

• The minimalist design offers fewer features than other planers in its price bracket.

Best For: Mobile woodworkers, contractors, and anyone who needs a reliable, full-capacity planer that is lightweight and easy to carry to the work site.

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Buying Guide for best benchtop thickness planers: How to Choose the Best Benchtop Thickness Planers

 

A thickness planer is an investment that unlocks incredible potential in your woodworking shop. You gain the ability to buy cheaper rough lumber and dimension it yourself, giving you full control over the final thickness, flatness, and smoothness of your material.

To make an informed choice, you must look beyond the price tag and understand the core features that affect a planer’s performance in a small shop.

1: Cutterhead Design: The Key to Finish Quality

 

The cutterhead houses the blades (or knives) that actually shave the wood. The type of cutterhead directly dictates the quality of the finish, the noise level, and the maintenance cost.

• Straight-Knife (HSS): This is the most common and affordable type. It uses two or three long, straight high-speed steel (HSS) blades that span the entire width of the cutterhead.

  • Pros: You enjoy a lower initial purchase cost, and blade changes are straightforward.

  • Cons: These blades create more noise and are more prone to “tearout,” especially on figured grain. If you hit a nail or chip one knife, you must replace or flip the entire set.

• Spiral/Helical-Style (Carbide): This premium design uses dozens of small, square or rectangular carbide inserts mounted in a spiral pattern.

  • Pros: The inserts produce a superior, quieter shearing cut that minimizes tearout. You can rotate or replace individual inserts, saving significant money and time on maintenance.

  • Cons: You pay a much higher upfront cost for these machines.

Recommendation: If your budget allows, choose a spiral or helical-style cutterhead (like the WEN PL1326 or JET JWP-13BT). If budget is critical, select a straight-knife planer with three blades (like the DEWALT DW735X or DW734), as three knives produce a smoother cut than two.

2: Power and Capacity: Amps, Width, and Depth

 

• Motor Amperage: Most benchtop planers feature a 15-amp motor, which typically handles hardwoods up to 13 inches wide effectively. Avoid anything less than 15 amps if you plan to mill dense wood like maple or oak.

• Cutting Width: Most benchtop models offer 12.5-inch or 13-inch capacity. You should match this to the widest material you plan to process regularly.

• Depth of Cut: The maximum recommended depth of cut is typically 1/8 inch per pass. To prevent bogging down the machine and increase blade life, you should typically take shallower passes of 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch.

3: Battling Snipe: Support and Stabilization

 

“Snipe” is the most common and frustrating issue in benchtop planers. It refers to the small dip in thickness at the very beginning and end of a board caused by the board tipping as the feed rollers engage and disengage.

• Infeed/Outfeed Tables: You must select a planer with long, sturdy support tables, such as the ones on the DEWALT DW734. The longer the tables, the better they stabilize the material.

• Cutterhead Lock: The machine must include a mechanism to lock the cutterhead assembly in place. Look for an automatic carriage lock (like the DW735X) or a manual lock to minimize movement.

• Shop Technique: You must also employ good technique by supporting the ends of the boards with rollers or outfeed stands while you push and pull the material through the planer.

4: Dust and Convenience Features

 

• Dust Ejection: Planing generates an enormous volume of chips. You should choose a planer with an efficient dust collection port, preferably one with a chip-assisting blower (like the DW735X), to prevent clogs and keep your shop clean.

• Feed Speeds: Higher-end models offer dual feed speeds. You use the fast speed for dimensioning rough stock and the slow speed for a final, mirror-smooth finishing pass.

• Depth Scales: You should look for clear, easily readable depth scales or even digital readouts for precise, repeatable measurements.

Final Action: For the serious home shop, invest in the DEWALT DW735X. If you primarily mill hardwoods and want the best finish on a budget, choose a model with a helical-style cutterhead like the WEN PL1326.

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Well-Explained FAQs on Best Benchtop Thickness Planers

 

1. What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?

A jointer creates a flat face and a square edge on rough lumber. You must always use a jointer first to ensure one perfectly flat reference face. A planer then makes the second face parallel to the first face. You must use both tools to dimension rough lumber correctly, ensuring the board is square and of uniform thickness.

2. Do I need to sand after using a thickness planer?

You will almost always need to sand after planing, but the amount of sanding you must perform depends on the quality of the planer and your technique. A high-quality three-knife or helical planer, run at a slow feed speed, leaves a surface that only requires minimal sanding, usually starting at 180 or 220 grit. You should typically avoid extensive sanding after planing.

3. How can I prevent “snipe” when using my benchtop planer?

You can prevent snipe in three ways. First, you must use long infeed and outfeed roller stands to support the board, keeping it level with the planer bed. Second, you should lock the cutterhead carriage before starting a cut (if your machine has a manual lock). Third, you can cut the board a few inches longer than needed and remove the sniped ends after planing.

4. What does “cuts per inch (CPI)” mean, and why does it matter?

Cuts per inch (CPI) measures the number of times a blade edge strikes the wood surface for every inch of travel. A higher CPI indicates a smoother finish. For example, a setting of 179 CPI (like on the DW735X) gives you a mirror finish for final passes, while 96 CPI is faster but leaves a slightly rougher surface, making it ideal for the initial dimensioning passes.

5. Are helical cutterheads worth the extra cost for a small shop?

For woodworkers who frequently mill hardwoods like figured maple, cherry, or oak, the helical head is absolutely worth the investment. It dramatically reduces tearout (grain reversal) and noise, and the carbide inserts last much longer than HSS knives. You will quickly save money on replacement blades and sanding time.

6. What is the maximum thickness of wood I can put through a benchtop planer?

The maximum thickness for most standard benchtop planers is 6 inches. The minimum thickness you can safely plane is typically around 1/8 of an inch, although planing material that thin often requires a special sled or support board to prevent breaking.

7. How often do I need to replace the blades on a thickness planer?

The frequency depends entirely on the type of wood and the amount of use. When you notice dull-looking cuts, burn marks, or tearout on clear-grained wood, you must replace the blades. Carbide helical inserts typically last 10 to 20 times longer than HSS straight knives.

8. Can I use a benchtop planer to flatten a twist or cup in a board?

No. You must not use a thickness planer to flatten twisted or cupped boards. The planer works by making one face parallel to the other. If you feed in a warped board, the planer will simply make a second face parallel to the first warped face. You must use a jointer or a router sled to flatten one face first.

9. How do I maintain my thickness planer?

You must clean the feed rollers and the table surface regularly with mineral spirits to remove pitch and dust build-up. You should also apply a coat of dry-film lubricant (like Boeshield T-9) to the table to ensure the wood slides smoothly. Finally, check your dust collection connection before every use to prevent clogs.

10. Do I need a mobile base for a benchtop planer?

For models like the heavy DEWALT DW735X or the JET JWP-13BT, you absolutely need a mobile base if you operate a small shop and need to store the machine when not in use. A high-quality mobile base allows you to easily move the 80–100 pound machine without lifting it, helping you maximize your floor space.