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Best Benchtop Planers

Makita 2012NB

Makita 2012NB

15 Amp 12 in. Corded Compact Portable Planer


Woodworking enthusiasts and professionals know the importance of a high-quality benchtop planer for achieving smooth, precise cuts and shaping lumber. With the market flooded with numerous options, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. We've researched and compiled a list of the 10 best benchtop planers for 2023, with detailed reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Top 10 Best Benchtop Planers of 2023:

1. DEWALT DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer

DEWALT DW735X

Pros:

  • Powerful 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor
  • Three-knife cutter head with 10,000 RPM
  • Two-speed gearbox for optimized feeds
  • Fan-assisted chip ejection
  • Extra set of knives and infeed/outfeed tables included

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

The DEWALT DW735X is a top-of-the-line benchtop planer, featuring a powerful 15-amp motor that can handle even the toughest hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head and 10,000 RPM allow for a clean and efficient cut. This planer's two-speed gearbox lets you optimize the feed rate for different wood species, while the fan-assisted chip ejection system keeps your workspace clean. The package includes an extra set of knives and infeed/outfeed tables for added value.

2. WEN 6552T Benchtop Thickness Planer

WEN 6552T

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • 15-amp motor with 25,500 cuts per minute
  • Three-blade design
  • Granite table for smooth operation

Cons:

  • Shorter infeed/outfeed tables
  • Not ideal for heavy-duty use

The WEN 6552T is an excellent option for hobbyists and woodworkers on a budget. The 15-amp motor and three-blade design provide a smooth, precise cut. The granite table ensures a flat surface for accurate results. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, the WEN 6552T is a great value for money.

3. Makita 2012NB Benchtop Planer

Makita 2012NB

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • 15-amp motor with 8,500 RPM
  • Interna-Lok automated head clamp
  • Quiet operation at 83dB

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Two-knife cutter head

The Makita 2012NB is a premium benchtop planer with a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and store. The 15-amp motor and 8,500 RPM offer efficient performance, while the Interna-Lok automated head clamp ensures minimal snipe. The planer's quiet operation is a bonus for those working in shared spaces.

4. PORTER-CABLE PC305TP Thickness Planer

PORTER-CABLE PC305TP

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • 15-amp motor
  • Two-knife, quick-change cutter head
  • Cutter elevation on four precision-ground columns

Cons:

  • No dust collection system
  • Snipe issues

The PORTER-CABLE PC305TP is a budget-friendly option with a 15-amp motor and two-knife cutter head. The quick-change feature makes knife replacement easy, while the cutter elevation on four precision-ground columns ensures stability. However, the lack of a dust collection system and snipe issues are notable drawbacks.

5. JET JWP-13BT Helical-Style Benchtop Planer

JET JWP-13BT

Pros:

  • Helical-style cutter head with 26 two-sided inserts
  • 15-amp motor
  • Four-column design for stability

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

The JET JWP-13BT is a professional-grade benchtop planer with a helical-style cutter head, featuring 26 two-sided inserts for a superior finish and increased durability. The 15-amp motor and four-column design ensure stable and efficient operation. While it is expensive and heavy, the JET JWP-13BT is an investment for serious woodworkers.

6. Grizzly Industrial G0505 Benchtop Planer

Grizzly Industrial G0505

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight
  • 12.5-inch width capacity
  • Two-knife cutter head
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Limited power for heavy-duty tasks
  • No dust collection system

The Grizzly Industrial G0505 is a compact and lightweight benchtop planer, perfect for small workshops. The 12.5-inch width capacity and two-knife cutter head provide satisfactory performance for basic woodworking tasks. Although it may struggle with heavy-duty tasks and lacks a dust collection system, the affordability of the G0505 makes it an attractive option for beginners.

7. Delta Power Tools 22-555 Benchtop Planer

Delta Power Tools 22-555

Pros:

  • 15-amp motor
  • Adjustable infeed and outfeed tables
  • Four-column design for stability
  • Reversible dust port

Cons:

  • Two-knife cutter head
  • Minor snipe issues

The Delta Power Tools 22-555 benchtop planer offers a 15-amp motor and adjustable infeed and outfeed tables for improved support. The four-column design ensures stability, while the reversible dust port makes it easy to connect to a dust collection system. Despite having a two-knife cutter head and some snipe issues, it is a solid option for woodworking enthusiasts.

8. RIKON 25-130H Benchtop Planer

RIKON 25-130H

Pros:

  • Helical-style cutter head with 26 two-sided inserts
  • 15-amp motor
  • Four-post design for stability
  • Easy blade change

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

The RIKON 25-130H benchtop planer is a high-quality option with a helical-style cutter head featuring 26 two-sided inserts for a superior finish and longer-lasting performance. The 15-amp motor and four-post design ensure stability and efficient operation. Although it is expensive and heavy, the RIKON 25-130H is a reliable choice for professionals.

9. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Benchtop Planer

CRAFTSMAN CMEW320

Pros:

  • 15-amp motor with 8,000 RPM
  • Two-knife, quick-change cutter head
  • Foldable infeed and outfeed tables
  • Built-in dust collection system

Cons:

  • Some snipe issues
  • Limited power for heavy-duty tasks

The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 benchtop planer is a versatile option with a 15-amp motor and 8,000 RPM, providing smooth, accurate cuts. The two-knife, quick-change cutter head ensures easy blade replacement, while the foldable infeed and outfeed tables save space when not in use. The built-in dust collection system is a convenient feature, but some snipe issues and limited power for heavy-duty tasks may not make it suitable for all users.

10. POWERTEC PL1252 Benchtop Planer

POWERTEC PL1252

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • 15-amp motor
  • Two-knife cutter head
  • Four-column design for stability

Cons:

  • No dust collection system
  • Limited power for heavy-duty tasks

The POWERTEC PL1252 is a budget-friendly benchtop planer with a 15-amp motor and two-knife cutter head for efficient cutting. The four-column design ensures stability during operation. However, its limited power for heavy-duty tasks and lack of a dust collection system may not make it the ideal choice for professional woodworkers.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a benchtop planer, consider the following key features:

  • Motor Power: A powerful motor ensures the planer can handle different wood types and thicknesses. Look for a planer with at least a 15-amp motor to handle hardwoods and larger projects.
  • Cutter Head Design: The cutter head determines the quality of the finish. Three-knife designs are more common, but helical cutter heads provide a smoother finish with less noise and vibration.
  • Depth Control and Stops: Adjustable depth stops allow you to set the desired thickness for your lumber, providing consistent results across multiple boards.
  • Table Size and Material: A sturdy table is essential for accurate planing. Look for a planer with a large, flat table made of durable materials like cast iron or granite.
  • Dust Collection: A built-in dust collection system makes cleanup easier and helps keep your workspace clean.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 10 benchtop planers listed here cater to a variety of budgets and woodworking needs. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this list provides an in-depth analysis of the best benchtop planers available in the market in 2023. Remember to consider your specific requirements and budget before making a decision.