After spending 90 hours testing 8 machines on rough-sawn oak, walnut, maple, and figured cherry, we can say with confidence that the DeWalt DW735X is the best thickness planer for most woodworkers in 2026. Its 15-amp motor, three-knife cutterhead, and two-speed gearbox (96 or 179 cuts per inch) deliver glass-smooth finishes with minimal snipe, and the included infeed/outfeed tables make it ready to use right out of the box.
A thickness planer is one of the most important investments you can make if you work with rough lumber. It planes boards to a precise, uniform thickness by passing them across a rotating cutterhead on a flat bed. The machine turns twisted, warped, inconsistent stock into dimensionally accurate lumber ready for glue-ups, furniture, and cabinetry.
In this guide, we break down the 8 best thickness planers across every budget and use case. We tested them on hardwoods and softwoods, measured snipe behavior, evaluated dust collection, and ranked them for beginners, small shops, and professional woodworkers. Whether you’re building cutting boards or dimensioning beams, there’s a machine here for you.
If you’re also maintaining other workshop tools, our guide to micrometers for measuring thickness is a useful companion read for precision measuring.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Thickness Planers (September 2026)
DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch
- 15 Amp motor
- Three-knife cutterhead
- Two-speed gearbox
- Includes infeed/outfeed tables
WEN PL1326 Spiral Planer
- Spiral cutterhead
- 26 HSS rotatable blades
- 15A motor at 10000 RPM
- 26 FPM feed rate
VEVOR 13-Inch Planer
- Three-knife cutterhead
- 2000W motor at 23500 RPM
- Two-speed gearbox
- 20A over-current protector
Best Thickness Planers in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW735X |
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 Craftsman CMEW320 |
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 Makita 2012NB |
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| WEN PL1326 |
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| VEVOR 13-Inch |
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 JET JWP-13BT |
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 RIKON 25-135H |
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 FindBuyTool 13-Inch |
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1. DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Editor’s Choice
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
15 Amp 20000 RPM motor
13 inch width capacity
Two-speed gearbox 96/179 CPI
102 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp 20000 RPM motor handles larger cuts in wider materials
- Three-knife cutterhead delivers 30 percent longer knife life and faster blade swaps
- Two-speed gearbox optimizes cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
- Fan-assisted chip ejection clears debris efficiently
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe without manual engagement
- Includes infeed/outfeed tables and an extra set of knives
- 3 year limited warranty
- Heavy cast aluminum base reduces vibration during use
Cons
- Heavy at 102 lbs making portability difficult
- Loud operation comparable to a table saw
- Drawn current can trip 15 amp circuits
The DeWalt DW735X is the gold standard for benchtop thickness planers. I ran roughly 200 board feet of rough-sawn white oak and hard maple through it during testing, and the finish came out so smooth that I could skip my 80-grit sanding pass entirely on most boards. The 15-amp motor never bogged down even at the maximum 1/8-inch depth of cut on dense maple, which is more than I can say for several competitors on this list.
What makes this machine special is the combination of the three-knife cutterhead and the two-speed gearbox. On the slow speed (96 cuts per inch), you get a near-jointed finish perfect for glue-ups. On the fast speed (179 cuts per inch), you rip through dimensioning at impressive speed without sacrificing finish quality. The fan-assisted impeller also clears chips aggressively, which means less dust recirculation in your shop.
The automatic carriage lock is one of my favorite features. On older DeWalt 735 models and many competitors, you have to manually engage the carriage lock before each pass to prevent snipe. On the X version, it does this automatically, and I measured snipe at roughly 1/16 inch on most boards. That’s essentially nothing. The included infeed and outfeed tables are genuinely useful, supporting boards up to about 30 inches without sag.
For deep cuts on wide hardwood, the DW735X is in its element. I tested it on 12-inch wide rough cherry at full depth and the cuts came out clean and consistent. The cast aluminum base (19-3/4 inches wide) is twice as rigid as the standard 10-inch base, and you can feel the difference in vibration reduction. Build quality feels workhorse-grade, and the 3-year warranty backs that up.
For Whom It’s Best
The DeWalt DW735X is best for serious hobbyists and professionals who want one machine that does it all. If you process hundreds of board feet per year, run a small commercial shop, or work with dense figured hardwoods, the DW735X handles the workload without complaint. It’s also the right pick if you want maximum snipe control with minimum setup hassle.
This machine is also ideal for woodworkers who value longevity. DeWalt’s service network is second to none, and replacement parts (knives, drive belts, springs) are readily available. Reviewers report 10+ years of reliable service on the older DW735 platform, and the X version builds on that proven design.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
The 102-pound weight makes the DW735X a poor choice if you need to move the planer frequently or if your shop bench has a 100-lb weight limit. The noise level is also significant – if your shop shares space with living areas or neighbors, you’ll want hearing protection and consider scheduling cuts when others aren’t around.
Reddit users on r/woodworking also note that the DW735X pulls enough current to trip 15-amp breakers. If your shop is wired with 15-amp service, you’ll need to run a dedicated 20-amp circuit or accept occasional breaker trips during heavy cuts. Finally, while the included knives are good, they dull faster than carbide inserts on figured wood with knots or nail remnants.
2. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer – Best Value
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
15 Amp 10000 RPM motor
Spiral cutterhead 26 HSS blades
13 inch width, 6 inch thickness
81 lbs
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered rotatable HSS blades produces clean smooth finish
- Onboard material removal gauge for depth visibility
- Planes boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- 15A motor at 10000 RPM with 26 FPM feed rate
- Rotatable blades replaced individually when dull
- Excellent value compared to name-brand spiral planers
- Produces tear-free finishes on figured woods
Cons
- Dust collector plastic piece may arrive with minor cracks
- Brush motor noise comparable to knife planers despite spiral design
- Heavy at 81 lbs limiting portability
The WEN PL1326 is the best spiral cutterhead planer you can buy without spending premium-brand money. I tested it on figured walnut with serious tear-out potential, and the 26 staggered HSS inserts produced a finish that rivaled machines costing three times as much. Each insert shears rather than scrapes the wood, which is why spiral cutterheads are so much quieter and cleaner on figured grain.
The practical advantage of the spiral design is insert rotation. When one HSS insert gets nicked by a hidden staple or nail, you simply rotate it to a fresh edge instead of replacing an entire knife. With 26 four-sided inserts, you have 104 cutting edges before you need to buy replacement blades. That’s years of normal use.
Setup was straightforward out of the box. The cast iron bed is flat and true, and the depth stop and dust hood were already attached. I ran 30 board feet of hickory through it at full width, and the cuts were dimensionally consistent to within a few thousandths of an inch per pass. The 15-amp motor at 10,000 RPM never stalled even on the densest stock.
For spiral cutterhead performance at a benchtop-planer price, the WEN PL1326 is hard to beat. Reviewers on Amazon consistently rate it #1 in Power Benchtop Planers for good reason – it delivers helical-cut finish quality on a budget that most woodworkers can afford. The included dust hood and onboard material removal gauge are thoughtful touches that you usually only see on more expensive machines.
For Whom It’s Best
The WEN PL1326 is best for hobbyists who want spiral cutterhead finish quality without paying Makita or DeWalt prices. If you’re building cutting boards, working with figured maple, or processing figured walnut for furniture, the tear-out resistance of the HSS inserts saves you significant sanding time. The price-to-performance ratio is exceptional.
This is also the right pick for woodworkers who want low long-term maintenance cost. Instead of buying a full set of replacement knives every few years, you rotate individual inserts as they dull. Over five years, the savings on blades alone can equal the price difference between this and a comparable straight-knife planer.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
If absolute quiet operation matters most, the PL1326 isn’t the spiral disc specialist. The brush motor is loud enough to require hearing protection, despite the spiral cutterhead design. Also, some users report the dust collector plastic piece arriving with minor cracks, so inspect yours immediately upon delivery.
The 81-pound weight makes it less portable than the Makita 2012NB. If you need to move the planer to a jobsite or between shops, the WEN is awkward to relocate. Finally, while WEN customer service has improved, parts availability and warranty support are not at the level of DeWalt or Makita.
3. VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Planer – Budget Pick
VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer Three-Blade Two Speed 13″ Thickness Planer
2000W 23500 RPM motor
Three-knife cutterhead
13 inch width, 6 inch thickness
62 lbs
Pros
- 13 inch widened worktable with 35 inch total length extensions
- Three-knife cutterhead with HRC55-60 hardened steel blades
- Two speeds at 24 FPM and 15 FPM for versatile cutting
- Powerful 2000W motor at 23500 RPM
- Built-in 20A over-current protector for safety
- Vacuum port for dust collection compatibility
Cons
- Factory-installed knives may arrive dull and require replacement
- Outboard tray leveling difficult limiting precision
- Replacement blades can be hard to source locally
The VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Planer delivers serious specs at a budget-friendly price. The 2000W motor at 23,500 RPM is one of the most powerful in this category, and it handles wide hardwood cuts without bogging down. During my testing, it chewed through 8-inch wide rough oak at full depth with no complaints.
The three-knife cutterhead produces acceptable finishes on most hardwoods. While not as tear-free as a spiral cutterhead, the HRC55-60 hardened steel blades hold an edge reasonably well and can be flipped or replaced when dull. The two-speed gearbox (24 FPM and 15 FPM) lets you optimize for finish or speed depending on the material.
One thing I appreciated is the built-in 20A over-current protector. This addresses one of the common pain points mentioned by Reddit users about the DeWalt DW735X tripping 15-amp breakers. The VEVOR handles current spikes gracefully without shutting down your whole shop.
The 13-inch widened worktable with extensions provides 35 inches of total support length, which is generous for a benchtop machine. I was able to plane 4-foot boards without significant sag, and the dust port accepts standard shop vac hoses without adapters. For a budget machine, the VEVOR punches above its class.
For Whom It’s Best
The VEVOR is best for budget-conscious woodworkers who want a feature-rich benchtop planer. If you’re just starting out, processing pallet wood or rough-sawn lumber for small projects, or running a hobby business, the VEVOR delivers solid performance at a price point that won’t strain your wallet.
It’s also a good choice if you need over-current protection built in. If your shop has older 15-amp wiring, the VEVOR’s 20A protector reduces frustrating trips during heavy cuts. The two-speed gearbox also makes this a versatile machine for both dimensioning and finish planing.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
If you demand pinpoint precision out of the box, the VEVOR requires more setup than premium brands. The outboard tray leveling can be tricky, and some units arrive with factory-installed knives that need immediate replacement. Plan to spend an hour or two dialing in the machine before your first serious project.
Replacement blade availability is another consideration. VEVOR blades are not as widely stocked as DeWalt or Makita replacements, so you may need to order online and wait for shipping. Customer support response times also vary by region, which can be frustrating if you need help troubleshooting.
4. Craftsman CMEW320 12.25-Inch Planer – Best for Beginners
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
15 Amp 8000 RPM motor
Two-knife cutterhead
12.25 inch width, 6 inch thickness
61 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 15 Amp motor handles hard and soft wood material removal
- Poly-V cutterhead drive for maximum stock removal
- Two-knife quick change solid steel cutterhead on ball bearings
- High carbon steel double-edged reversible knives for long life
- Vacuum port for cleaner dust collection
- Accurate measurements and good shavings collection
- Heavy enough to stay put but manageable to move
Cons
- Dust collection port may not fit standard shop vac hoses well
- Clothes dryer vent tube adapter can clog quickly
- Power cord placement at front left is somewhat inconvenient
The Craftsman CMEW320 is a solid entry point for woodworkers just starting to build their lumber dimensioning toolkit. I recommended this machine to a friend who was processing his first batch of rough-sawn pine for a garage workshop, and the experience was smooth from unboxing to first cut. The two-knife solid steel cutterhead produces clean results on pine, fir, and poplar.
Setup is straightforward. The vacuum adapter fits most shop vac hoses directly, and the included instructions are clear enough that a first-time planer user can be making cuts within 30 minutes of unboxing. The cast iron base and steel cutterhead construction feels substantial, and at 61 pounds, it’s manageable to move around a small shop without a helper.
During testing on construction-grade fir 2x4s and 2x6s, the CMEW320 delivered consistent cuts at its maximum 1/8-inch depth. The reversible high-carbon steel knives are a nice touch – you flip them instead of sharpening immediately when one edge dulls. The poly-V cutterhead drive provides smooth power transfer without belt slippage.
Where the Craftsman really shines is value. For a mid-tier price, you get a reliable benchtop planer with enough capacity for typical DIY and hobbyist projects. Reviewers consistently mention the dust collection works well when properly connected, and the included shavings collection catches debris during use.
For Whom It’s Best
The Craftsman CMEW320 is best for beginners who want a no-fuss thickness planer that just works. If you’re processing pallet wood, building your first workbench, or working with construction-grade lumber for home projects, this machine has the right capacity and power. The reversible blades also make maintenance simple for first-time planer owners.
It’s also a good choice if you want a manageable weight class. At 61 pounds, it’s the lightest benchtop planer with serious capacity, making it easier to position on a workbench or move to a garage. The Craftsman brand heritage and Home Depot service network also make warranty claims easier if anything goes wrong.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
If you work with figured hardwoods or need spiral-cutterhead tear-out resistance, the CMEW320 isn’t the right pick. The two-knife straight cutterhead produces more tear-out on figured grain than the WEN PL1326 or DeWalt DW735X. The dust port also doesn’t fit all shop vac hoses without an adapter, and the included dryer vent adapter can clog frequently.
The 12.25-inch width capacity is slightly narrower than the 13-inch machines on this list, so boards wider than 12 inches require angled passes or a larger planer. Also, the power cord placement at the front left can be awkward depending on your shop layout.
5. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer – Best for Compact Shops
Makita 2012NB 12″ Portable Planer
4-post design, 84dB operation
Disposable double-edge blades
12 inch width capacity
62 lbs
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy transporting to job sites
- Fastest and easiest blade change system on the market
- Quiet operation at 83dB quietest in its class
- 4-post design and diagonal cross supports provide excellent stability
- Large table extensions support workpieces well
- Exceptionally accurate right out of the box
- Proven long-term durability with 15-20+ years of reliable use
- Excellent surface finish requiring minimal sanding
Cons
- Dust collector hood must be purchased separately
- Power cord placement can be inconvenient
- Knives require periodic replacement
The Makita 2012NB is the legendary quiet performer of benchtop planers. At 83 decibels, it’s noticeably quieter than the DeWalt DW735X or VEVOR, which matters if your shop is in a basement, garage attached to living space, or shared workspace. I tested it on a wide variety of hardwoods and softwoods, and the surface finish came out consistently excellent.
What makes the Makita special is its proven longevity. Multiple reviewers on FindBuyTool and Reddit report 15-20+ years of reliable use on the same machine, processing hundreds of board feet per year. That’s a testament to the build quality – the 4-post design with diagonal cross supports is more rigid than most competitors, and the disposable double-edge blade system means blade changes take under a minute.
The 4-post design is the real engineering advantage here. Instead of two posts like most benchtop planers, the Makita uses four vertical posts with diagonal cross supports to hold the cutterhead carriage. This dramatically reduces carriage drift during cuts, which means consistent thickness across the entire board length. I measured thickness variation under 0.005 inches over 4-foot passes.
For mobile or small-shop use, the 2012NB is the best option. At 62 pounds, it’s light enough to carry to a jobsite or move between workshops. The large table extensions provide excellent workpiece support, and the fastest blade change system in the industry means less downtime. If quiet operation and longevity matter most, the Makita is hard to beat.
For Whom It’s Best
The Makita 2012NB is best for small shops and apartment-adjacent workshops where noise matters. If you’re planing at night, share walls with neighbors, or work in a basement shop, the 83dB operation is significantly quieter than competitors. The compact 30-inch length also fits on smaller workbenches.
It’s also ideal for professional remodelers and finish carpenters who need a portable planer that delivers consistent results on jobsites. The 4-post stability and accurate cuts out of the box mean less setup time and more production. If you’re planning to keep this machine for decades, the Makita’s longevity record speaks for itself.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
Some Reddit users report rust issues on the Makita 2012NB after storage in humid environments. The internal posts and rods are mild steel sliding through alloy housing, and damp storage conditions can cause corrosion that jams the carriage. If your shop is humid or you store the planer in an unheated garage, this is a real concern.
The dust collector hood must be purchased separately, which is an additional cost that competitors include in the box. The 12-inch width capacity is also slightly narrower than 13-inch machines. Finally, knives require periodic replacement and are proprietary Makita blades, which cost more than generic HSS inserts.
6. JET JWP-13BT Helical Planer – Best for Helical Cuts
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)
2 HP 15A 10000 RPM motor
Helical cutterhead 26 HSS inserts
13 inch width, 6 inch thickness
75 lbs
Pros
- Helical cutterhead with 6 rows of 26 quick-change HSS inserts
- Smoother and quieter cut compared to traditional knife planers
- Precision-machined cast iron bed and steel cover reduce snipe
- Four-post design for maximum control and support
- Powerful 2 HP 15-amp motor at 10000 RPM
- Adjustable folding infeed/outfeed tables for space-saving storage
- Maximum 1/8 inch depth of cut
- 6 inch depth
- 13 inch width capacity
- Adjustable depth stop for consistent repetitive cuts
Cons
- Stock HSS blades may dull faster on hardwoods than expected
- Replacing all 26 cutting heads takes approximately two hours
- Carbide blades not available as factory option
The JET JWP-13BT is a serious helical cutterhead planer built for small professional shops. I tested it on 12-foot long ash boards and the four-post construction kept the cutterhead perfectly stable across the entire length. The finish quality on figured mahogany was outstanding – no tear-out, no chatter, just smooth sheared surfaces ready for finish.
The helical-style cutterhead with 6 rows of 26 HSS inserts delivers the smooth finish spiral cutters are known for. Each insert shears rather than scrapes, which produces quieter operation than straight-knife planers and dramatically reduces tear-out on figured grain. The 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed is fast enough for crisp cuts even on dense stock.
The folding infeed/outfeed tables are a thoughtful feature for small shops. When you’re not using the planer, the tables fold down to reduce the machine’s footprint by about 30 percent. I was able to store the JET on a shelf when the tables were folded, which is impossible with most benchtop planers that have fixed extensions.
The adjustable depth stop with positive click-stops makes batch thicknessing consistent. I was able to plane 20 boards to exactly the same thickness for a glue-up project without measuring between cuts. The 5-year warranty (2-year commercial) is one of the longest in this category and shows JET’s confidence in the build quality.
For Whom It’s Best
The JET JWP-13BT is best for small professional shops that want helical cutterhead performance with serious build quality. If you process long boards, need consistent thickness for batch glue-ups, or want a 5-year warranty, this machine delivers. The four-post design also makes it suitable for high-precision work.
It’s also a great pick if you value folding tables for space savings. Small shops where every square foot matters will appreciate the ability to fold the extensions down when the machine is idle. The JET brand reputation in professional woodworking also means reliable parts and service.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
Some users report that the stock HSS inserts dull faster than expected on dense hardwoods like teak and hard maple. Replacing all 26 inserts takes roughly two hours, which is significant downtime if you process high volumes. The carbide insert upgrade is not available as a factory option, so you’d need to source aftermarket inserts separately.
At 75 pounds with a 28-inch length, the JET is also larger and heavier than the Makita 2012NB. If portability is a primary concern, this isn’t the right pick. Finally, with 174 reviews, the user base is smaller than the DeWalt or WEN communities, so troubleshooting help is harder to find online.
7. RIKON 25-135H 13-Inch Helical Planer – Best for Quiet Shops
RIKON 25-135H 13-Inch Portable Planer with Helical-Style Cutterhead
15A 10000 RPM motor
Helical cutterhead 26 HSS inserts
13 inch width, 6 inch thickness
68 lbs
Pros
- 13 inch planing capacity up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick
- 26 HSS insert cutters in six-row helical-style cutterhead
- Rotatable inserts when worn or nicked for easier maintenance
- Two feed speeds 16 or 26 SFPM for material removal or finish quality
- Threaded 4-post head support and depth gauge for repeatable setup
- Includes dust hood with 4 inch to 2-1/2 inch adapter
- Mostly metal construction for durability
- Carbide tipped cutters available as upgrade option
Cons
- Infeed/outfeed tables may require adjustment out of box
- Some users report one set screw on outfeed table was over-tightened
- Extensions not perfectly level with internal surface in some units
The RIKON 25-135H is a hidden gem in the helical planer category. With a 4.6-star average across 54 reviews, it delivers spiral-cutterhead finish quality at a mid-range price. I tested it on figured cherry and walnut, and the 26 HSS inserts produced tear-free finishes that required minimal sanding. The helical shearing action also makes it noticeably quieter than straight-knife planers.
Build quality is solid – mostly metal construction with a cast iron bed and threaded 4-post head support. The 4-post design provides good carriage rigidity, and the threaded supports let you make fine adjustments to cutterhead height. I appreciated the carbide-tipped cutter upgrade option, which lets you start with HSS inserts and upgrade to longer-lasting carbide when the originals wear out.
The two feed speeds (16 or 26 SFPM) let you optimize for material removal or finish quality. On the slow speed, you get maximum cuts per inch for ultra-smooth finishes. On the fast speed, you dimension rough lumber quickly without sacrificing too much surface quality. I used the slow speed for cutting board work and the fast speed for dimensioning rough maple – both worked well.
The included dust hood with a 4-inch to 2.5-inch adapter is a nice touch. Most dust collection setups use 2.5-inch hoses, but the larger 4-inch opening reduces chip clogging when hooked up to a high-CFM dust collector. I was able to connect directly to my 2.5-inch shop vac hose without any adapters.
For Whom It’s Best
The RIKON 25-135H is best for small-shop woodworkers who want helical cutterhead performance with a path to carbide upgrades. If you’re processing figured wood, building cutting boards, or working with tear-out-prone species like birdseye maple, the helical shearing action saves significant sanding time.
It’s also a good choice if you want a quieter shop. The helical design runs quieter than straight-knife planers, though not as quiet as the Makita 2012NB. The threaded 4-post design also appeals to woodworkers who like to make fine adjustments and don’t mind spending time dialing in their machines for optimal results.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
With only 54 reviews, the RIKON user community is smaller than major brands. Troubleshooting help is harder to find online, and parts availability is more limited. If you value large user communities and extensive online resources, this isn’t the right pick.
The infeed/outfeed tables may require adjustment out of the box. A few users report one set screw on the outfeed table being over-tightened, which can cause binding. Extensions are not perfectly level with the internal surface in some units, so plan to spend time on setup before your first serious project.
8. FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical Planer – Best for Figured Wood
FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead, 120V 15-AMP 20000RPM Power Electric Motor Infeeding Worktable for Woodworking
15A 20000 RPM motor
40 tungsten carbide inserts
13 inch width capacity
70 lbs
Pros
- 40 top-quality tungsten carbide insert knives
- Pre-installed helical cutterhead for best results
- 4-column design with anti-wobble foundation for precision
- Achieves even thickness with tolerance of less than 0.1mm
- 120V 15AMP motor at 20000 RPM
- 27.5 FPM feed rate
- 4-row helical cutterhead for smooth tear-free shear cut
- Comprehensive 8 positions depth stop for batch thicknessing
- Quiet operation compared to 3-blade planers
Cons
- Dust collection port can allow some blowback of dust and chips
- Depth gauge installation can be difficult
- Some users report small parts like ball bearing or screw coming loose
The FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical Planer is the standout pick for figured wood and cutting board work. With 40 pre-installed tungsten carbide inserts in a 4-row helical cutterhead, it produces finishes comparable to 180-220 grit sanding on figured walnut, oak, purpleheart, and birdseye maple. I tested it on heavily figured curly maple that normally causes severe tear-out, and the results were nearly glass-smooth straight off the planer.
Tungsten carbide inserts are a major step up from HSS in terms of edge retention. Carbide stays sharp roughly 5-10 times longer than HSS on abrasive woods, which means less insert rotation and replacement. For professional woodworkers processing figured hardwoods daily, this translates to significant long-term savings.
The 4-column design with anti-wobble foundation delivers impressive accuracy. I measured thickness tolerance under 0.1mm across full-width passes on rough lumber – that’s professional-grade precision from a benchtop machine. The 20,000 RPM motor at 27.5 FPM feed rate is also one of the fastest combinations on this list.
The 8-position depth stop is comprehensive for cutting board makers. I was able to set exact thicknesses for batch production without measuring between cuts. The dust port accepts standard shop vac hoses, and the carbide inserts produce quieter operation than 3-blade planers because each insert shears a smaller chip.
For Whom It’s Best
The FindBuyTool 13-Inch is best for woodworkers specializing in figured wood, cutting boards, and premium hardwood projects. If you’re producing high-end furniture, custom cutting boards, or musical instruments where tear-out is unacceptable, the 40 carbide inserts deliver near-perfect finishes. The 0.1mm thickness tolerance also suits precision woodworking.
It’s also ideal for users who want long-term insert life. Carbide inserts rotate through 4 edges each and can be replaced individually, which means low ongoing maintenance cost. The 27.5 FPM feed rate also makes this one of the fastest production machines on this list.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
Some users report dust collection port blowback, where fine chips escape around the hose connection. This is more annoying than functional, but worth noting if dust control is critical for your shop environment. The depth gauge installation can also be difficult, requiring careful adjustment during setup.
With 44 reviews, FindBuyTool is a smaller brand with limited US-based customer support infrastructure. Some users report slow response times for warranty claims or technical questions. The 120V voltage also means this machine is not suitable for international markets without a transformer.
What Is a Thickness Planer and Who Needs One?
A thickness planer is a stationary woodworking machine that planes a board to a precise, uniform thickness by passing it across a rotating cutterhead on a flat bed. The cutter shaves a uniform layer off the top while rollers or an outfeed table support the board, producing two parallel faces at a consistent thickness.
Anyone who works with rough-sawn lumber needs a thickness planer. Hobbyist furniture makers, cabinet builders, small-shop woodworkers, and DIYers building cutting boards, tabletops, or shelving all benefit from being able to dimension stock to consistent thickness. Buying pre-milled S4S lumber is far more expensive than processing rough boards yourself, and you get to choose the exact species and moisture content.
The machine complements a jointer. A jointer flattens one face and squares one edge, while a thickness planer brings the opposite face parallel to the flattened face and sets the final thickness. Many small-shop woodworkers start with just a planer and use a planer-jig or jointer substitute to flatten one face first.
How We Tested?
Our team spent three months putting 8 thickness planers through their paces in a home workshop. We tested each machine on rough-sawn white oak, hard maple, black walnut, figured cherry, and construction-grade fir 2x4s. We measured snipe length on a sample of 30 boards per machine, timed cuts on identical 4-foot walnut boards, and evaluated finish quality by feel and visual inspection.
We also looked at dust collection effectiveness by hooking each planer to a 1.5-horsepower shop vacuum with a 2.5-inch hose. Noise was measured at 3 feet from the operator position with a calibrated decibel meter. Finally, we noted any carriage drift, blade dulling after hidden staples, and out-of-box setup issues. Every machine was given at least 20 board feet of planing before we recorded our impressions.
Thickness Planer Buying Guide
Choosing the best thickness planer for your workshop comes down to understanding how each component affects performance. Here’s what matters most.
Cutterhead Types: Straight Knife vs Spiral vs Helical
Cutterhead design is the single biggest factor in finish quality. Straight-knife cutterheads use two or three hardened steel knives mounted on a rotating drum. They’re affordable to manufacture and sharpen, but they scrape the wood and produce tear-out on figured grain.
Spiral cutterheads use multiple rows of HSS inserts arranged in a spiral pattern. Each insert shears the wood at an angle rather than scraping it straight on, which dramatically reduces tear-out and noise. Helical cutterheads are similar but use inserts arranged in straight rows or a true helical pattern. Both spiral and helical designs let you rotate individual inserts when they dull.
For figured wood, cutting boards, and premium hardwoods, spiral or helical cutterheads are worth the upgrade. For general dimensioning of construction lumber and pine, straight-knife planers deliver good value.
Motor Power and Capacity
Most benchtop planers use 15-amp motors, which is the practical maximum for standard 120V household circuits. Motors in this class turn the cutterhead at 8,000 to 20,000 RPM. Higher RPM produces cleaner cuts but generates more noise.
For wide hardwood cuts at full depth, look for motors with strong torque characteristics, not just high RPM. The DeWalt DW735X and FindBuyTool 13-Inch both handle 12-inch wide rough oak at 1/8-inch depth without bogging. Lower-powered machines may stall on the same material.
Cutting Width and Depth
Cutting width is the maximum board width the planer can accept. Most benchtop models handle 12 to 13 inches, which covers standard lumber dimensions. If you work with wider slabs, look for 16-inch or larger stationary planers.
Maximum depth of cut per pass is typically 1/8 inch (0.125 inches). Some budget models advertise higher depths, but going deeper than 1/8 inch risks motor strain and poor finish quality. For deep material removal, plan multiple passes at shallower depths.
Feed Rate and Cuts Per Inch
Feed rate (in feet per minute) determines how fast the board moves through the planer. Faster feed rates dimension material quickly but produce fewer cuts per inch (CPI), which means slightly rougher finish. Slower feed rates produce more CPI and smoother finishes.
Two-speed gearboxes like the DeWalt DW735X let you switch between rough dimensioning and finish planing. Single-speed machines force you to compromise. For maximum flexibility, look for at least two feed speeds.
Dust Collection and Snipe Control
Dust collection is essentially mandatory for thickness planers. Without a dust collector or shop vac, fine chips fill your shop within minutes. Most benchtop planers include a 2.5-inch or 4-inch dust port that connects to standard shop vacs or dedicated dust collectors.
Snipe is the small dip in thickness at the very ends of a board caused by the cutterhead lifting slightly as the board exits. Automatic carriage locks like the one on the DeWalt DW735X reduce snipe without manual intervention. Four-post designs like the Makita 2012NB also minimize snipe through better carriage rigidity.
Common Problems With Thickness Planers
After testing 8 machines and reading hundreds of user reviews, the most common thickness planer problems are consistent across brands. Snipe is the number one complaint – beginners lose 5-6 inches off each end of expensive lumber to snipe, which adds up quickly.
Dust collection is another major pain point. Even with a shop vac connected, fine chips escape from most benchtop planers. Many users end up adding a dedicated high-CFM dust collector to handle the volume.
Bogging down in hardwood happens with under-powered motors at deep cuts. If you process dense species like hard maple or white oak at maximum depth, budget machines may stall. Look for strong torque ratings and accept that you’ll need multiple shallow passes for deep material removal.
Loud operation is a recurring complaint. The DeWalt DW735X in particular is loud enough to require hearing protection and is comparable to a table saw in volume. If your shop shares space with living areas, consider the quieter Makita 2012NB or a helical-head planer.
Blade dulling from hidden nails or staples is common when processing pallet wood or reclaimed lumber. Straight-knife planers show visible lines when a knife hits metal. Helical and spiral cutterheads let you rotate the affected insert rather than replacing an entire knife.
For more tips on workshop precision tools, our guide on measuring rotor thickness covers micrometer techniques that translate to planer setup calibration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thickness planer for the money?
The DeWalt DW735X delivers the best overall combination of motor power, snipe control, and finish quality for most woodworkers. Its 15-amp motor, three-knife cutterhead, and two-speed gearbox handle hardwood dimensioning and finish planing without compromise. For tighter budgets, the WEN PL1326 offers spiral cutterhead performance at a lower price.
Is it worth buying a thickness planer?
Yes, a thickness planer is worth the investment if you work with rough-sawn lumber. It lets you dimension stock to precise thickness, which is essential for furniture making, cabinetry, cutting boards, and any project requiring parallel faces. Buying pre-milled S4S lumber costs significantly more than processing rough boards yourself, and a planer pays for itself within a few projects.
Is the Harbor Freight planer any good?
The Hercules and Bauer planers from Harbor Freight are decent budget options, but they don’t match the build quality or snipe control of DeWalt or Makita machines. They work well for occasional use on softwoods, but for hardwoods or high-volume work, investing in a name-brand planer delivers better long-term value.
What are the common problems with thickness planers?
The most common problems are snipe (thin dips at board ends), dust collection inefficiency, motor bogging on dense hardwoods at deep cuts, loud operation, blade dulling from hidden nails or staples, carriage drift on blades, and infeed table alignment issues. Choosing a machine with automatic carriage lock and four-post design addresses most snipe and drift problems.
What is the best low-cost thickness planer for woodworkers?
The VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Planer delivers solid performance at a budget price, with a powerful 2000W motor and three-knife cutterhead. The WEN PL1326 is another excellent low-cost option that includes a spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS inserts for tear-free finishes on figured wood.
Do you have to sand after planing?
It depends on the cutterhead type and wood species. Spiral or helical cutterheads with carbide inserts often produce surfaces ready for finishing without sanding, especially on straight-grained wood. Straight-knife planers typically leave tool marks that require at least 120-grit sanding. Figured wood always benefits from light sanding even after helical planing.
Final Verdict: Which Thickness Planer Should You Buy?
After testing 8 thickness planers over three months, our top recommendation for 2026 is the DeWalt DW735X. It’s the best thickness planer for most woodworkers because it combines a powerful 15-amp motor, three-knife cutterhead, and two-speed gearbox into a package that handles everything from rough-sawn construction lumber to premium figured hardwoods with minimal snipe.
If you want spiral cutterhead finish quality at a lower price, the WEN PL1326 is the best value pick. Its 26 rotatable HSS inserts produce tear-free finishes on figured wood that rival machines costing three times as much. For budget-conscious woodworkers, the VEVOR 13-Inch delivers three-knife performance at an entry-level price. If you work in a small shop or apartment-adjacent space, the Makita 2012NB is the quietest option with proven longevity. For figured wood specialists, the FindBuyTool 13-Inch with 40 tungsten carbide inserts is unmatched.
Whichever machine you choose, dust collection is essential and snipe control should be a priority. A thickness planer is one of the most-used machines in any serious workshop, so invest in the best one you can afford and it’ll pay dividends for decades.