Ever stared at a rough piece of lumber and wished you could magically smooth it out? That’s where a bench planer comes in, turning jagged edges into sleek, ready-to-use surfaces. But if you’re new to woodworking, picking the right bench planer can feel like navigating a maze. So many brands, so many features – it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin!
You want your projects to look great, and a good planer is key. But the wrong one can lead to frustration, wasted money, and disappointing results. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ll break down what makes a bench planer great and what you need to consider before you buy.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll cover the essential features, help you understand different types, and give you the confidence to choose a planer that’s perfect for your workshop. Let’s get started and discover the bench planer that will make your woodworking dreams a reality.
Our Top 5 Bench Planer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEWALT Thickness Planer | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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CRAFTSMAN Planer | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Benchtop Planer | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Bench Planer Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.8/10
The DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X) is a powerful tool that helps you make wood perfectly flat and smooth. It’s built to handle tough jobs and make woodworking easier for you.
What We Like:
- The strong 15 amp motor spins at 20,000 RPM, letting you take big chunks out of wide wood pieces quickly.
- It has a three-knife cutter head that lasts 30% longer and makes changing knives a breeze.
- A two-speed gearbox lets you choose how fast the wood moves through, so you get the best cut every time.
- Fan-assisted chip ejection blows wood shavings away, keeping your workspace cleaner.
- The sturdy 19-3/4 inch cast aluminum base is much stronger than smaller bases.
- An automatic carriage lock stops the wood from moving, preventing “snipe” marks without you having to do anything.
- A material removal gauge and a big thickness scale help you make every cut just right.
- The extra-large turret depth-stop lets you easily go back to your favorite wood thicknesses.
- It comes with infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of knives, so you’re ready to go.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup takes a little time.
- While powerful, it can be quite noisy during operation.
This DEWALT Thickness Planer is a top-notch tool for any woodworker. It offers excellent power and helpful features that make woodworking projects more enjoyable and efficient.
2. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 9.4/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320) is a powerful tool designed to help woodworkers achieve smooth, flat surfaces on their projects. Its robust 15 Amp motor tackles both hard and soft woods with ease, making it a versatile addition to any workshop. This benchtop planer is built for efficiency and durability, helping you get more done with less effort.
What We Like:
- The 15 Amp motor delivers plenty of power for removing material from both hard and soft woods.
- A poly-v cutterhead drive helps you remove the most material possible in each pass.
- The two-knife, quick-change, solid steel cutter head runs smoothly on ball bearings for a long life.
- Double-edged, reversible knives made of high carbon steel last a long time.
- A built-in vacuum port lets you connect a dust collector for a cleaner workspace.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, it’s a benchtop model, meaning it’s best suited for smaller to medium-sized projects.
- The quick-change knife system, while convenient, might require a bit of practice for first-time users.
Overall, the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 planer offers impressive performance for its size and price point. It’s a solid choice for hobbyists and DIYers looking to upgrade their woodworking capabilities.
3. DEWALT Benchtop Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of rough lumber? The DEWALT DW734 benchtop planer is here to help. This powerful tool smooths out wood surfaces with ease. Its strong motor and sharp knives make quick work of even tough hardwoods. You can get a super smooth finish on your projects. This planer makes woodworking projects look professional.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor packs a punch, easily cutting through hardwoods.
- Its 3-knife cutter head delivers an incredibly smooth finish with 96 cuts per inch.
- Disposable, reversible knives last longer and are simple to change.
- The four-column lock greatly reduces snipe, giving you cleaner edges.
- Long infeed and outfeed tables offer plenty of support for your wood.
- The material removal gauge and large thickness scale help you make precise cuts.
- A turret depth stop lets you quickly return to your favorite settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a corded tool, so you’ll need to be near an outlet.
- Some users may find the noise level to be a bit high.
The DEWALT DW734 is a fantastic tool for anyone serious about woodworking. It delivers professional results and makes your projects shine.
4. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.9/10
The WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer in Black is a powerful tool for any woodworker. It helps you smooth out rough lumber and get your wood to the perfect thickness. This planer can handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide, making it versatile for many projects.
What We Like:
- It has a strong 15-amp motor that creates 20,000 cuts every minute.
- The feed rate is a quick 26 feet per minute, so you can plane wood fast.
- It comes with two sharp, reversible 12.5-inch SK5 blades (model BP122K).
- You can adjust the cutting depth from 0 to 1/8 of an inch with each pass.
- It planes boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the dust collection could be more efficient.
- Occasional users might wish for a slightly more intuitive depth adjustment system.
This WEN planer offers a great balance of power and precision for home workshops. It’s a solid choice for achieving smooth, consistent results on your woodworking projects.
5. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.3/10
The WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer is a powerful tool for woodworkers. It helps you make wood smooth and flat. You can use it for many projects around your workshop.
What We Like:
- The spiral cutterhead has 26 sharp blades. These blades are staggered and can be turned. This gives you a super smooth finish on your wood.
- It has a special gauge. This gauge shows you how much wood it cuts off with each pass. This helps you control your cuts.
- You can plane boards up to 6 inches thick. It can also handle boards 13 inches wide. This is great for many different sizes of wood.
- The strong 15A motor spins at 10,000 RPM. It feeds wood at 26 feet per minute. This means it cuts quickly and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a benchtop planer, it can be a bit heavy for some to move around easily.
- The noise level can be quite high, so ear protection is definitely needed.
This planer offers excellent performance for its price point. It’s a solid choice for hobbyists and serious woodworkers alike.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Bench Planer
A bench planer is a fantastic tool for woodworkers. It helps you make rough lumber smooth and flat. This guide will help you pick the right one for your projects.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a bench planer, several features stand out.
Motor Power
A stronger motor means the planer can handle harder woods. It also helps it cut faster. Look for at least 10 amps for most home workshop tasks. More power is always good for tougher jobs.
Cutting Width (or Depth of Cut)
This is how wide a piece of wood the planer can handle in one pass. A 12-inch width is common and works for many projects. If you plan to work with wider boards, you’ll need a wider planer.
Number of Knives
Most bench planers have two knives. Some have three. More knives can give you a smoother finish. They also wear out slower.
Chip Ejection System
This system blows wood chips away as you plane. A good system keeps the knives clear. It also makes cleanup easier. Some planers have a dust port for a shop vacuum.
Depth Adjustment Mechanism
You need to adjust how much wood the planer removes. A smooth and easy-to-use adjustment knob is important. Some planers have a crank handle. Others have a lever.
Feed Rate
This is how fast the wood moves through the planer. A faster feed rate means you can plane more wood quickly. Some planers offer multiple feed rates.
Important Materials
The materials used in a bench planer affect its durability and performance.
Cast Iron Base and Body
A solid cast iron base and body make the planer heavier. This reduces vibration. It also keeps the tool stable. Stability is key for accurate planing.
Steel Knives
The knives are the part that cuts the wood. High-speed steel (HSS) knives are common. They are sharp and durable. Some planers offer carbide knives. These last longer and stay sharp longer.
Aluminum Cutter Head
The cutter head holds the knives. An aluminum cutter head is lighter. It can help reduce vibration. Some higher-end models use steel cutter heads for more strength.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a bench planer better or worse.
Vibration Reduction
A planer that vibrates a lot will not produce smooth results. Good design and heavy materials help reduce vibration. Rubber feet can also help absorb shock.
Noise Level
Planers can be noisy. Some are quieter than others. If noise is a concern, look for models that advertise lower decibel ratings.
Ease of Setup and Maintenance
How easy is it to set up the planer? Can you change the knives easily? A user-friendly design saves you time and frustration.
Dust Collection
Good dust collection is crucial. It keeps your workspace clean. It also protects your lungs. A planer with a dedicated dust port is a big plus.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use a bench planer matters.
Beginners
For beginners, a simple, user-friendly model is best. Look for clear instructions. Easy depth adjustment is helpful. Practice on scrap wood first.
Hobbyists and DIYers
These users often need a versatile planer. It should handle various wood types and project sizes. Features like dust collection and a good motor are important.
Professional Woodworkers
Professionals need powerful, durable planers. They often look for wider cutting widths. Precision and consistency are key. Higher-end models with more features are common.
Bench planers are used to flatten and smooth rough lumber. They make wood ready for furniture making, cabinets, and other woodworking projects. They can also be used to create perfectly matched boards for glue-ups.
Bench Planer FAQs
Q: What is the main purpose of a bench planer?
A: The main purpose of a bench planer is to make rough wood smooth and flat. It also helps to make wood pieces the same thickness.
Q: How wide of a board can a bench planer handle?
A: This varies by model. Most bench planers can handle boards up to 12 inches wide. Some larger ones can take wider boards.
Q: Do I need a dust collection system for my bench planer?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended. Dust collection keeps your workspace clean and is better for your health.
Q: How often do I need to change the knives?
A: This depends on how much you use the planer and the type of wood you plane. You will know it’s time when the finish is no longer smooth.
Q: Can a bench planer make wood perfectly straight?
A: A bench planer can make one face of a board flat and parallel to the other. However, it won’t make a warped board perfectly straight on its own. You might need other tools for that.
Q: What is the difference between a bench planer and a thickness planer?
A: They are the same thing! Bench planer is another name for a thickness planer.
Q: Is a bench planer safe to use?
A: Like any power tool, a bench planer requires caution. Always follow safety instructions. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Q: Can I plane plywood with a bench planer?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Plywood can cause tear-out and damage the knives. It’s best to use a bench planer for solid wood.
Q: What is the most important feature to look for?
A: For most users, motor power and cutting width are very important. These two features determine what kind of jobs the planer can handle.
Q: How do I maintain my bench planer?
A: Keep the planer clean. Make sure the knives are sharp. Lubricate moving parts as recommended in the manual.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.