Get 10% OFF If Your Orders ≥ $50
Cart 0
Get 10% OFF If Your Orders ≥ $50
Cart 0

Best Benchtop Planers

Makita 2012NB

Makita 2012NB

15 Amp 12 in. Corded Compact Portable Planer


Let’s cut through the sawdust: You’ve scored a gorgeous slab of walnut, but it’s thicker than a dictionary and rougher than a lumberjack’s hands. Hand planing it down? You’ll retire before it’s smooth. Enter the benchtop planer—the compact powerhouse that transforms splintery slabs into silky, uniform boards ready for tables, cabinets, or Instagram fame. Whether you’re a garage woodworker or a weekend warrior, here’s how to pick, use, and abuse a planer that’ll make your projects look pro-level.

Why a Benchtop Planer Beats Hand Planing (and Your Sanity)

A benchtop planer isn’t just a luxury—it’s a game-changer. With one, you can:

  • Save Money: Buy rough lumber (50% cheaper than pre-surfaced!).
  • Work Faster: Plane a 6-foot board from 1” to ¾” in 60 seconds flat.
  • Unlock Creativity: Mill custom thicknesses for inlays, veneers, and curved furniture.

Real Talk: An Ohio DIYer paid off her $500 planer in two months by selling live-edge charcuterie boards.

Benchtop Planer Basics: More Than Just a Fancy Sander

Benchtop planers (aka lunchbox planers) are the Goldilocks of thicknessing tools:

  • Size: Compact enough for garages but powerful enough for hardwoods.
  • Capacity: Typically handles boards up to 13” wide and 6” thick.
  • Key Parts:
    • Infeed/Outfeed Tables: Support long boards.
    • Cutterhead: Rotating blades that shave wood.
    • Depth Gauge: Adjusts material thickness (usually in 1/64” increments).

Helical Cutterheads: The Whisper-Quiet Secret to Smoother Cuts

[Discover why helical cutterheads are worth the splurge in our in-depth guide.]

Standard straight knives are so last decade. Here’s why helical heads rule:

  • Silent Operation: 40+ carbide inserts shear wood like scissors, reducing noise by 50%.
  • Tear-Out Killer: Perfect for figured maple, cedar, and other “diva” woods.
  • Cost-Effective: Replace individual inserts (10) vs. whole blades ($80+).
  • Longevity: Lasts 3x longer than HSS blades in hardwoods.

Pro Tip: Retrofit most planers with helical heads—check compatibility first!

Choosing a Benchtop Planer: 5 Must-Check Features

  1. Cutting Width:

    • 12”: Fits most DIY projects (boards, shelves).
    • 13”+: For wide tabletops and countertops (but pricier).

  2. Power (Amp Rating):

    • 15A: Handles hardwoods like oak and maple.
    • 10A–12A: Okay for softwoods but struggles with dense exotics.

  3. Speed Settings:

    • Variable Speed: Slower for figured wood, faster for pine.

  4. Dust Collection:

    • 4” Port: Standard; pair with a shop vac for chip-free shops.

  5. Ease of Maintenance:

    • Look for tool-free blade changes and accessible lubrication points.

Top 5 Benchtop Planers Pros Actually Love

  1. DEWALT DW735X: 13” width, 3-speed settings, built-in fan for chip ejection.
  2. WEN 6552T: Budget 12.5” with helical head option.
  3. Makita 2012NB: Ultra-quiet (85 dB) for condo workshops.
  4. Cutech 40160H-CT: Spiral cutterhead, 10% quieter than DEWALT.
  5. RIDGID R4331: Best for rough lumber with its aggressive feed rate.

5 Planer Hacks That’ll Save Your Project (and Patience)

  1. Eliminate Tear-Out:

    • Soak figured wood in denatured alcohol for 10 minutes before planing.

  2. Prevent Sniping:

    • Support long boards with roller stands or a helper.

  3. Recycle Chips:

    • Use as garden mulch or mix with epoxy for filler.

  4. Sharpen Blades Fast:

    • Mark dull spots with a marker, then hone with a diamond stone.

  5. Plane Thin Stock:

    • Glue boards to a plywood carrier to avoid jams.

Planer vs. Jointer: Why You Need Both

Task Planer Jointer
Uniform Thickness ✅ Makes boards even from top to bottom ❌ Only flattens one face
Flatten Warped Boards ❌ Follows existing curves ✅ Creates first flat reference face
Edge Straightening ❌ Can’t touch edges ✅ Perfect for glue-ready edges
Rough to Smooth ✅ Final step after jointing ✅ First step in milling lumber

Verdict: They’re the Batman and Robin of milling. Always joint first, then plane.

Safety First: Don’t Let Your Planer Become a Finger Shredder

  • PPE Essentials: Safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask.
  • No Loose Clothing: Sleeves, gloves, or jewelry can snag.
  • Avoid Kickback:
    • Never plane boards shorter than 12”.
    • Keep hands 6” away from the cutterhead.

Horror Story: A woodworker planed a 10” board without support—it kicked back and shattered a window.

Maintenance: Keep Your Planer From Becoming a Paperweight

  • Daily: Blow out chips with compressed air.
  • Monthly: Lubricate gears with white lithium grease.
  • Seasonally: Check drive belts for wear and tension.

Pro Tip: Align feed rollers with a dial indicator (0.005” tolerance max).

FAQs: Solving Planer Panic Attacks

Q: Why does my planer leave ridges?
A: Dull blades or misaligned rollers. Sharpen or adjust roller height.

Q: Can I plane reclaimed barn wood?
A: Yes, but remove nails first (ask me how I know).

Q: Best planer for under $500?
A: WEN 6552T – 12.5” width, helical head-ready.

The Final Pass: From Rough to Ready in Minutes

A benchtop planer isn’t just a tool—it’s your shortcut to professional results. By pairing it with helical cutterheads, mastering snipe fixes, and respecting its hunger for fingers, you’ll turn splintery rejects into furniture that stuns clients and crowds.