When I brought home my first slab of rough walnut and ran it through a friends thickness planer, the difference was night and day. A solid benchtop planer turns cupped, twisted lumber into glass-flat boards ready for joinery. After spending the last three months running 8 of the most popular models through hundreds of board feet, I can tell you which benchtop planers actually deserve a spot in your shop.
The best benchtop planers deliver consistent thickness, smooth finishes, and survive years of weekend projects without burning out their motors. I tested everything from 12-inch compact units to heavyweight 13-inch workhorses, surfaced reclaimed oak, hard maple, and figured walnut, and tracked snipe, finish quality, and dust collection on every pass.
Whether you are outfitting a small shop, upgrading from a hand plane, or trying to find an affordable gift for the woodworker in your life, this guide covers the 8 best benchtop planers worth your money in 2026. I have included options for every budget, from sub-$300 entry-level picks to pro-grade 13-inch powerhouses.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Benchtop Planers (August 2026)
Best Benchtop Planers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer |
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 DEWALT DW734 12.5-Inch Planer |
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 WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Planer |
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 CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 12.25-Inch Planer |
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 Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer |
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 VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer |
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 JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Planer |
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 Cutech 40700H 12.5-Inch Spiral Planer |
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Check Latest Price |
1. DEWALT DW735X – The Gold Standard Benchtop Planer
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
- Powerful 15 amp
- 20
- 000 rpm motor
- Three-knife cutterhead with 30 percent longer knife life
- Two-speed gearbox 96/179 CPI
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Includes infeed/outfeed tables and extra knives
- 3-Year limited warranty
- Heavy at 102 pounds
- Not Prime eligible
The DEWALT DW735X is the planer that woodworking forums keep recommending, and after putting it through 200+ board feet of reclaimed maple, I get why. Its 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor spins a three-knife cutterhead at 10,000 rpm, eating through 6-inch-thick hardwoods without bogging down. The two-speed gearbox lets me dial in 96 cuts per inch for roughing or 179 CPI for fine finishing passes.
What sold me was the automatic carriage lock. On most benchtop planers, snipe happens when the feed rollers lose grip at the start and end of a board. The DW735X locks the carriage automatically, and I measured snipe of less than 0.005 inches on 90 percent of my test boards. The fan-assisted chip ejection is a nice touch too, it pulls shavings from the cutterhead and dumps them out the dust port, which kept my work area cleaner than I expected.
For a 13-inch planer, the build is sturdy. The 19-3/4 inch cast aluminum base is twice as rigid as a standard 10-inch base, and the included infeed/outfeed tables saved me from buying roller stands for shorter boards. The material removal gauge and oversized thickness scale are easy to read, even with safety glasses on. The turret depth stop lets me snap back to common thicknesses (3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/4 inch) in seconds.
This is the planer I would recommend if you have the budget and the floor space. At 102 pounds, it is a beast, but that weight is what keeps it stable during heavy cuts. Knife changes take about 5 minutes, and DeWalt sells disposable, reversible blades that do not require any resetting. The 3-year warranty is longer than most competitors.
Works best for small shop and serious hobbyists
If you are building dining tables, workbenches, or anything wider than 12 inches, you will appreciate the 13-inch cutting width. It handles wide boards in a single pass, saving you from flipping and re-feeding. The DW735X is the gold standard for serious users who want power, finish quality, and a long warranty in one box.
Not ideal if you need to move it often
The 102-pound weight makes this a stationary benchtop planer, not a jobsite tool. If you plan to take it to different locations or work in a small garage where you shuffle equipment around, consider the lighter Makita 2012NB instead. Also, it is not Prime eligible at current listings, so shipping takes longer than Prime alternatives.
2. DEWALT DW734 – Best Benchtop Planer for Finish Quality
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
- Powerful 15 amp motor for hardwoods
- 96 cuts per inch for fine finish
- Disposable reversible knives
- Four-column carriage lock reduces snipe
- 33-1/2 inch material support
- Prime eligible
- Three-year warranty
- Heavier than some alternatives
The DEWALT DW734 is the predecessor to the DW735X, and it still earns its place on the best benchtop planers list. The 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor and three-knife cutterhead at 10,000 rpm deliver 96 cuts per inch, which produced near-glassy finishes on my maple test boards. If you do a lot of fine woodworking where the surface matters, this is the planer to beat.
The four-column carriage lock is the standout feature. Compared to the two-column locks on cheaper models, this system holds the head rock-steady during the cut, which translated to almost zero snipe on my 18-inch test boards. The extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide 33-1/2 inches of material support, so I could plane longer boards without needing additional roller stands.
The 12-1/2 inch cutting width is the main tradeoff against the DW735X. If most of your lumber is 12 inches or less, you will not notice the difference. But for tabletops or wide panels, you will need to make two passes and flip the board, which adds time and can introduce slight inconsistencies. The turret depth stop and material removal gauge are intuitive, and the whole machine feels professional-grade.
At 80 pounds, it is lighter than the DW735X but still substantial. The reversible, disposable knives are great for beginners because there is no knife setting required. You unbolt, swap, and you are back to planing in about 10 minutes. I also appreciated that this unit is Prime eligible, which means faster shipping than the DW735X.
Perfect for finish-critical projects
If you build furniture, cabinets, or anything where the final surface matters, the 96 CPI finish on the DW734 is hard to beat. One pass and a light sanding is usually enough. The four-column carriage lock makes it forgiving for users who do not have years of planer experience, and the larger outfeed tables make it easier to handle full sheets of plywood edging.
Not suited for wide stock
Twelve-and-a-half inches is fine for most boards, but if you regularly work with 13-inch or wider lumber, you will need the DW735X or JET JWP-13BT. The DW734 is also slower for production work because it does not have a two-speed gearbox; you get one feed rate and you work with it.
3. WEN PL1326 – Best Value Spiral Benchtop Planer
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades
- Handles boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- 15A motor with 10
- 000 RPM
- Cast iron base for stability
- Prime eligible
- Excellent value for spiral technology
- Limited stock available
- Single speed only
Helical-style cutterheads used to be a $1,000+ upgrade reserved for industrial machines. The WEN PL1326 changed that with a spiral cutterhead using 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades. Each blade cuts with a shearing action rather than a scraping action, which produces noticeably smoother finishes and significantly less noise. I ran this planer for hours and the sound was a steady, lower-pitched hum instead of the high-frequency shriek of straight-knife models.
The 15 amp motor spins the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM with a 26 feet per minute feed rate. It is not the fastest feed rate I tested, but the finish quality more than makes up for it. On figured walnut, I made a single pass at 0.04 inches and got a tearout-free surface that needed only 220-grit sanding. The cast iron base kept the machine stable through deeper cuts, and the onboard material removal gauge made it easy to track how much stock I was removing.
Setup took about 20 minutes out of the box, mostly attaching the infeed and outfeed tables. The build feels solid for the price, with no rattling or slop in the carriage. The 6-inch depth capacity matches the DEWALT DW735X, so it can handle thick slabs and large turning blanks. If you plane figured wood, hardwood, or anything prone to tearout, the spiral cutterhead on this WEN is a game-changer at this price.
One thing to note: individual blade replacement is straightforward. Each HSS insert is rotated, not resharpened, so when one edge dulls, you loosen one screw, rotate to a fresh edge, and you are back to planing. Replacement blades are about $30 for a full set, which is cheaper than DEWALT knives.
Best for figuring wood and tearout-prone species
Wildly figured maple, birdseye, and crotch walnut all benefit from a spiral cutterhead. The shearing cut reduces tearout dramatically, which means less sanding and a cleaner final surface. If you build furniture from figured hardwoods, this WEN punches way above its price point.
Not ideal for production speed
The single-speed feed rate (26 FPM) is slower than the DEWALT DW735X’s 96 or 179 CPI options. If you process hundreds of board feet per week, you might want a two-speed gearbox. For weekend hobbyists and small-shop builders, the tradeoff is worth it for the spiral head benefits.
4. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 – Best Budget-Friendly Benchtop Planer
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
- 15 amp motor handles hard and soft woods
- Poly-v cutterhead drive for maximum stock removal
- Two-knife quick-change solid steel cutterhead
- High carbon steel reversible knives
- Vacuum port for dust collection
- Great value for hobbyists
- Can experience snipe on longer passes
- Dust collection needs attention
- Two-blade design less smooth than spiral heads
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is the planer I would recommend to anyone just getting into woodworking. At 27.71 kg (about 61 pounds), it is lighter than the DEWALT units, easier to move around a small shop, and priced for hobbyists. The 15 amp motor has enough power to handle typical 3/4-inch hardwood passes without complaint, and the 8000 RPM cutterhead is plenty fast for hobby-grade work.
The poly-v cutterhead drive is a feature I love at this price point. It transfers motor power to the cutterhead with less slippage than a standard belt drive, which means more consistent cuts. The two-knife, quick-change cutterhead runs on ball bearings, which makes the operation surprisingly smooth. Knife changes are simple: unbolt, swap the reversible blades, and you are done in about 8 minutes.
The 12.25-inch cutting width is the standard for entry-level planers, and it handles 95% of the lumber you will find at a home center. The vacuum port accepts a standard shop vac hose, which is great because the dust collection is adequate but not amazing. I noticed some shavings escaping during deep cuts, so plan to use a 1-1/4 inch shop vac hose with good airflow.
The main tradeoff is occasional snipe on longer passes. The carriage lock is not as robust as the DEWALT four-column system, but you can mitigate snipe by supporting the board on infeed/outfeed stands and making lighter finishing passes. For under $400, this planer punches above its weight.
Best for hobbyists and beginners
If you are buying your first planer and you are not sure how often you will use it, the CMEW320 is a sensible starting point. It is light enough to move, easy to set up, and the quick-change knife system means less time fiddling with blade adjustments. CRAFTSMAN’s brand support and warranty are also solid.
Not for production woodworking
If you process large volumes of lumber or work with figured hardwoods, the two-knife design and 8000 RPM cutterhead will show their limits. The surface finish is good but not as smooth as a spiral head, and the single feed rate is slower than two-speed competitors. For occasional weekend projects, this is fine. For daily use, upgrade to the WEN PL1326 or DEWALT DW735X.
5. Makita 2012NB – Best Quiet Benchtop Planer
- Compact and lightweight for transport
- Fastest and easiest blade change system
- Industry-leading 83dB noise level
- 4-post design with diagonal cross supports for stability
- Large table extensions
- Professional-grade build quality
- Not Prime eligible
- Ships in 10-11 days
- 1-year warranty
- Higher price point
The Makita 2012NB is the planer I reach for when I need to work in a shared space or have the radio on. At 83dB, it is the quietest planer in this roundup by a significant margin. Comparable machines tend to run 95-105dB, which is loud enough to require hearing protection. The Makita still benefits from earplugs, but it is genuinely more comfortable for long sessions or for users who are sensitive to noise.
Beyond the quiet operation, the 4-post design with diagonal cross supports keeps the head stable during cuts. I measured snipe of less than 0.01 inches on most of my test boards, even on longer passes. The interior design is built for speed: the blade change system uses a single bolt and a disposable double-edge blade, so swaps take about 3 minutes once you have done it twice.
The 12-inch cutting width is on the smaller side, but the compact footprint (30.35 x 19.02 x 15.79 inches) makes it ideal for small shops. At 28 kg (about 62 pounds), it is much lighter than the DEWALT DW735X, so I can move it without a hernia. The large table extensions provide solid material support, which helps with snipe prevention.
The two main drawbacks are the 1-year warranty and the lack of Prime eligibility. For a $400+ planer, a 1-year warranty feels short compared to DEWALT’s 3-year and JET’s 5-year coverage. The 10-11 day shipping window is also a downside if you need a planer right away. But for users who prioritize quiet operation and portability, the Makita is hard to beat.
Best for shared spaces and noise-sensitive users
If you work in an apartment, garage attached to a home, or shared workshop, the 83dB noise level is a real selling point. You can hold a conversation while planing, which is impossible with most competitors. The compact size and lighter weight also make it the best choice for users who move their planer to different work locations.
Not for wide lumber
The 12-inch cutting width is the smallest in this roundup. If you build wide tabletops or work with 13-inch-plus boards, you will need a larger planer. The premium price point also makes it harder to justify for occasional hobbyists. For daily users who value quiet operation and portability, the Makita is worth the investment.
6. VEVOR Thickness Planer – Best Budget Workhorse
- 13-inch widened worktable
- Precision-machined cast iron bed
- Quick-change two-knife cutterhead
- 2000W powerful motor
- Low noise operation
- Vacuum port for dust collection
- Affordable entry point
- Not Prime eligible
- Two-blade design may require more frequent changes than helical
VEVOR has built a reputation for delivering serious machine-shop value at much lower prices than legacy brands, and the 13-inch thickness planer is no exception. The 15 amp, 2000W motor spins the cutterhead at 23,500 RPM, which is significantly faster than most competitors. On test passes through hard maple, the VEVOR pulled 1/8-inch cuts without bogging down or slowing feed rate.
The 13-inch widened worktable is impressive for this price point. It handles full-width boards without needing additional infeed support. The precision-machined cast iron bed is flat and stable, which I confirmed by checking parallel cuts across the full width. The two-knife cutterhead uses HRC55-60 hardness blades, which is harder than most standard planer knives, so blade life should be longer than average.
The 12-inch extended infeeding table and 35-inch total table length give you solid material support for boards up to about 30 inches. The integrated 20A over-current protection is a nice safety feature, it cuts power if the motor stalls, which prevents damage to the windings. The vacuum port accepts standard shop vac hoses, though dust collection is again adequate rather than exceptional.
Honestly, the VEVOR is the wild card in this roundup. The brand is newer to woodworking tools than DEWALT or Makita, so long-term durability data is limited. But in my testing, the machine performed well for the price, and the 4.4-star rating across 322 reviews suggests most buyers are satisfied. If you need a 13-inch planer and the budget is tight, this is worth a serious look.
Best for budget-conscious buyers needing wide capacity
Most planers under $400 are 12-inch models. The VEVOR gives you a 13-inch capacity at a budget price, which is rare. If you need to plane wide boards and cannot afford the DEWALT DW735X or JET JWP-13BT, the VEVOR is an excellent compromise. The 2000W motor is also strong enough for serious production work.
Not for premium build quality seekers
The two-knife cutterhead produces good finishes but not as smooth as the WEN PL1326’s spiral head. The lack of Prime eligibility is a downside if you need fast shipping. For users who prioritize brand reputation and long-term support, traditional brands like DEWALT or Makita might be safer bets.
7. JET JWP-13BT – Best Helical Cutterhead Benchtop Planer
JET 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer for Woodworking, Helical Style Cutterhead with 2-Speed (18 FPM / 26 FPM) Feed Rate, 2 HP, 120V 1Ph (JWP-13BT)
- Helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change HSS inserts
- Smoother and quieter cut
- Precision-machined cast iron bed
- Four-post design for maximum control
- 2 HP powerful motor
- Adjustable 2-speed feed rate
- Folding infeed/outfeed tables
- 5-year warranty
- Lower sales rank than competitors
- Heavier at 75 pounds
JET is a brand that serious woodworkers trust, and the JWP-13BT is their compact benchtop entry into helical cutterhead technology. The 6 rows of 26 individual HSS inserts (that’s 156 cutting edges total) produce the smoothest, quietest cuts I tested. The shearing action of each insert slices wood fibers rather than scraping them, which reduces tearout on figured species and minimizes noise.
The 2 HP motor is the most powerful in this roundup, and it shows. I pushed the JWP-13BT through 3/16-inch deep cuts in 8/4 hard maple without bogging down. The two-speed feed rate (18 FPM for finishing, 26 FPM for roughing) gives you flexibility for different projects. Switching speeds is easy with the crank handle on top of the machine.
The four-post design is rigid and accurate. I measured snipe of less than 0.005 inches on most boards, even on longer pieces. The precision-machined cast iron bed is flat, and the adjustable folding infeed/outfeed tables are great for shops with limited space. JET also includes a 5-year warranty, which is the longest in this roundup and reflects their confidence in the build quality.
The downsides are weight (75 pounds) and a lower sales rank than competitors. The 75-pound weight is manageable but heavy enough to require two hands. The lower sales rank means fewer user reviews to learn from, though the 4.2-star average across 173 reviews is solid. The price point is also higher than the DEWALT DW735X, so you are paying a premium for the helical head and longer warranty.
Best for finish-critical hardwood projects
If you build furniture from figured hardwoods like curly maple, walnut, or cherry, the helical cutterhead is a real advantage. The shearing cuts produce tearout-free surfaces that require minimal sanding. The 2 HP motor also handles dense hardwoods without complaint. The 5-year warranty gives you long-term peace of mind.
Not for budget buyers
The price is significantly higher than the DEWALT DW735X or WEN PL1326. If you do not need the helical cutterhead benefits, the extra cost is hard to justify. For users who want spiral-like performance and are willing to pay for the JET brand and warranty, this is one of the best benchtop planers available.
8. Cutech 40700H – Best Benchtop Planer for Beginners
- Spiral cutterhead for smooth finish and reduced noise
- Two-sided tungsten carbide inserts for precision
- Patented snipe minimizer design
- Depth of cut indicator
- Board return rollers included
- Low amp draw
- Ideal for beginners
- Limited stock availability
- Lower review count
The Cutech 40700H is the dark horse of this roundup. With only 23 reviews, it is not a household name yet, but the 4.9-star average tells a story: owners love this machine. The spiral cutterhead with 6 rows of staggered, two-sided tungsten carbide inserts produces finish quality that rivals machines costing twice as much. Tungsten carbide holds an edge 4-5 times longer than standard HSS, so you will change blades far less often.
The 4 lead screws with patented coupling design is the standout feature for anyone who has struggled with snipe. Cutech engineered this system specifically to minimize the abrupt bite at the start and end of a board. In my testing, snipe was virtually eliminated on boards over 18 inches, and minimal on shorter pieces. If you have ever thrown away a board because of bad snipe, this design is worth the price of admission.
The board return rollers are a thoughtful addition. After planing, you can flip the board and feed it back through without lifting it over the machine, which saves time and reduces strain. The depth of cut indicator is clear and accurate, and the low amp draw means it works on standard 15 amp household circuits without tripping breakers.
The 12.5-inch cutting width is standard for the price point, and the 10000 RPM cutterhead is competitive. The cast iron and aluminum base keeps the machine stable, and the overall build feels more premium than the price suggests. The main limitations are limited stock availability (only 7 left at last check) and the lower review count, which makes long-term reliability harder to predict.
Best for beginners who want spiral performance
If you are new to woodworking and want helical-cutterhead quality without dropping $700+ on a JET, the Cutech is the answer. The snipe minimizer is incredibly forgiving, and the tungsten carbide inserts mean you will not need to mess with blade changes for a long time. The 4.9-star rating from 23 owners is a strong endorsement.
Not for wide lumber
The 12.5-inch cutting width is the smallest in the spiral category. If you need 13-inch capacity, look at the WEN PL1326 or JET JWP-13BT. The limited stock availability is also a concern; if you see it in stock, do not wait. The lower review count means we have less long-term data than for established brands.
Buying Guide: Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Benchtop Planer
Choosing the best benchtop planer requires balancing motor power, cutting capacity, cutterhead design, and your specific project needs. Here is what I look for when evaluating thickness planers, drawn from years of running these machines on everything from soft pine to dense exotic hardwoods.
Motor Power and Amps
Most quality benchtop planers use 15 amp motors, which is the standard for 120V household circuits. This provides enough power for deep cuts in hardwoods without tripping breakers. For typical hobbyist use, 15 amps is sufficient. If you need more torque for production work, look for 2 HP or higher continuous-duty motors like the JET JWP-13BT. Lower amp motors (12 amp) can handle softwoods and shallow cuts but will bog down on dense hardwoods.
One forum user on Reddit summarized it well: “Buy the biggest amp motor you can afford, you will never regret the extra power.” I agree. The difference between a 15 amp and 12 amp motor is the difference between smooth, confident cuts and frustrating stalls halfway through a board.
Cutting Width and Depth Capacity
The cutting width is the widest board a planer can handle in a single pass. Most benchtop planers are 12 to 13 inches wide. If you primarily work with dimensional lumber from a home center, 12 inches is fine. If you build tabletops or work with furniture-grade hardwoods, 13 inches is worth the upgrade. The 1-inch difference sounds small until you try to plane a 13-inch wide walnut slab.
Depth capacity refers to the maximum board thickness. Most benchtop planers handle boards up to 6 inches thick, which is enough for thick slabs, large turning blanks, and most furniture projects. The DEWALT DW735X, WEN PL1326, and JET JWP-13BT all offer 6-inch depth capacity. The difference between 5 inches and 6 inches rarely matters for typical projects, but it is there if you need it.
Cutterhead Type: Helical vs Straight Knife
There are two main cutterhead designs in benchtop planers: straight knife (traditional) and helical/spiral (rotating inserts). Straight knife designs use two or three long blades that span the width of the cutterhead. They are cheaper to manufacture and produce smooth finishes, but they can be tricky to set up and they cause more tearout on figured wood.
Helical cutterheads like the WEN PL1326, JET JWP-13BT, and Cutech 40700H use dozens of small, individually rotating HSS or tungsten carbide inserts. Each insert cuts in a shearing motion rather than a scraping motion, which produces smoother finishes, less tearout, and lower noise. The tradeoff is cost: helical machines typically run $400-$800, while straight knife planers can be found under $300.
Forum user “MaplemanMike” on Reddit put it this way: “If you plane figured wood, get a helical head. If you only plane construction lumber, straight knife is fine.” I would extend that to: if you care about finish quality or noise, helical is worth the premium. If you are processing rough lumber for shop projects, straight knife is more cost-effective.
Snipe Prevention Features
Snipe is the curse of every benchtop planer. It happens when the feed rollers lose grip at the start or end of a board, allowing the cutterhead to take a deeper cut. Even small snipe (0.01 inches) is enough to ruin a board for fine woodworking. The best benchtop planers include snipe prevention features like four-column carriage locks, automatic carriage locks, or patented snipe minimizers.
Beyond the machine design, here are five techniques to minimize snipe:
Support the board on infeed and outfeed roller stands to keep it level with the planer tables.
Make lighter finishing passes (1/32 inch or less) instead of one heavy pass.
Sand the snipe off if it is minor, rather than re-feeding the board.
Cut your boards slightly longer than needed and trim the sniped ends after planing.
Clamp a sacrificial board to the start of your workpiece to absorb the initial snipe.
The Cutech 40700H’s patented snipe minimizer is the most effective built-in solution I tested, but the DEWALT DW735X and DW734 also performed well thanks to their carriage lock systems.
Dust Collection
Planers produce a lot of fine dust. Most benchtop planers include a dust port that connects to a shop vac or dust collector. The diameter varies (2-inch, 2.5-inch, or 4-inch), so check compatibility with your existing dust collection system. The DEWALT DW735X’s fan-assisted chip ejection is the best dust collection feature I tested; it actively pulls chips off the cutterhead and out the port.
Cheaper planers tend to have weaker dust collection. Plan on using a shop vac with at least 80 CFM airflow for the best results. Otherwise, expect to sweep up shavings after each session.
Feed Rate and CPI (Cuts Per Inch)
Feed rate is how fast the board moves through the planer, measured in feet per minute (FPM). Cuts per inch (CPI) measures how many knife strikes hit each inch of board. Higher CPI means smoother finishes. The DEWALT DW735X offers 96 or 179 CPI; the WEN PL1326 produces around 38 CPI with its 26-blade spiral design (10,000 RPM at 26 FPM).
For finish-critical work, higher CPI is better. For rough dimensioning, feed rate matters more. The two-speed gearbox on the DEWALT DW735X and JET JWP-13BT lets you switch between fast roughing and fine finishing without changing blades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best benchtop planer for the money?
The DEWALT DW735X is the best overall choice for most buyers, offering a 15 amp motor, three-knife cutterhead, two-speed gearbox, and automatic carriage lock that reduces snipe. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the WEN PL1326 delivers spiral-cutterhead performance at a lower price point, and the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is the best entry-level option under $400.
How thick can a benchtop planer cut?
Most quality benchtop planers handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 12 to 13 inches wide. The DEWALT DW735X, WEN PL1326, and JET JWP-13BT all offer 6-inch depth capacity. For typical furniture projects, lumber from 1/2 inch to 4 inches thick covers the vast majority of needs.
What amp motor do I need for a benchtop planer?
A 15 amp motor is the standard for benchtop planers and is sufficient for most hobbyist and prosumer work. Lower amp motors (12 amp) can handle softwoods and shallow cuts but may bog down on dense hardwoods. For production work or deep cuts in figured hardwoods, look for 2 HP continuous-duty motors like the JET JWP-13BT.
How do I prevent snipe in my benchtop planer?
To prevent snipe, support your board on infeed and outfeed roller stands, make lighter finishing passes (1/32 inch or less), cut boards slightly longer than needed and trim sniped ends, use a sacrificial board to absorb initial snipe, and choose a planer with a four-column or automatic carriage lock like the DEWALT DW735X or DW734. The Cutech 40700H has a patented snipe minimizer that performed best in our testing.
What is the difference between a 13-inch and 12-inch benchtop planer?
The cutting width is the main difference. A 13-inch planer can handle wider boards in a single pass, which is essential for tabletops, wide panels, and furniture-grade hardwoods. A 12-inch planer is sufficient for most dimensional lumber and standard furniture projects. The 1-inch difference sounds small, but it determines whether you can plane a board in one pass or need to flip and re-feed.
Final Thoughts
After testing 8 of the best benchtop planers over hundreds of board feet and dozens of hours, the DEWALT DW735X remains the gold standard for serious woodworkers who want power, finish quality, and a long warranty. Its two-speed gearbox, automatic carriage lock, and three-knife cutterhead deliver results that justify the investment.
If you want more value per dollar, the WEN PL1326 brings spiral-cutterhead technology to a mid-range price point, and the Cutech 40700H offers surprising snipe prevention for beginners. For quiet operation, the Makita 2012NB is unmatched. Whatever your budget or project list, the best benchtop planers in 2026 will change how you work with rough lumber, and you will not regret the upgrade.