Best Benchtop Planers of 2024 – In-Depth Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Are you a woodworker searching for the best benchtop planer to add to your workshop? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best benchtop planers of 2024. These powerful yet compact machines are designed to deliver smooth and precise results, making them an essential tool for any serious woodworking enthusiast or professional. We’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and pros and cons of each model, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed purchase decision. Get ready to elevate your woodworking game with our expert analysis and recommendations on the best benchtop planers of 2024.

What to Consider When Buying a Benchtop Planer

Power: The motor’s amperage and horsepower determine the planer’s cutting power and ability to handle tough materials. Look for planers with at least a 10-amp or 1.5-HP motor for optimal performance.

Blades

The type, quality, and number of blades play a crucial role in the smoothness and precision of the cut. High-speed steel (HSS) or reversible blades offer longer life and better results.

Maximum Width

Consider the maximum cutting width based on the size of your typical workpieces. Wider planers (12–13 inches) offer more versatility but may be larger and heavier.

Speeds

Adjustable feed rates allow you to control the cutting speed and achieve different finishes. Look for planers with multiple speed settings or a variable speed control.

Clean-Up

An efficient dust collection system and chip ejection design help keep your workspace clean and prevent clogs or jams during operation.

Accessories and Extras

Additional features like extension tables, material removal gauges, and extra blades can enhance the planer’s functionality and convenience.

How We Selected

Our team of woodworking experts thoroughly researched and evaluated numerous benchtop planers based on performance, build quality, user feedback, and value for money. We prioritized planers with robust motors, precision cutting capabilities, and user-friendly designs from reputable brands. Our selections aim to cater to a range of budgets and user requirements, ensuring there’s an option for every woodworker’s needs.

Now, let’s dive into our top 5 picks for the best benchtop planers of 2024

DeWalt DW735X 13-inch Thickness Planer

The DeWalt DW735X is a powerhouse benchtop planer designed for professionals and serious woodworkers. At the heart of this machine is a robust 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor that delivers exceptional power and cutting performance. The three-knife cutter head not only ensures smooth and precise cuts but also offers 30% longer blade life, making replacements less frequent.

One of the standout features of the DW735X is its two-speed gearbox, which allows users to switch between 96 and 179 cuts per inch (CPI). This versatility enables optimized cutting for different materials and desired finishes. The fan-assisted chip ejection system efficiently vacuums away chips from the cutter head, keeping the work area clean and preventing clogs.

Built for durability and stability, the DW735X features a 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base that is twice as rigid as standard 10-inch bases. The automatic carriage lock reduces snipe without manual engagement, ensuring consistent results. Additionally, the material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale provide accurate depth adjustments for precise cuts every time.

Key Features:

• 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor for powerful performance
• Three-knife cutter head with 30% longer blade life
• Two-speed gearbox (96 or 179 CPI) for optimized cutting
• Fan-assisted chip ejection for efficient debris removal
• 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base for enhanced rigidity
• Automatic carriage lock to reduce snipe
• Material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale
• Includes extra blades, in/out feed tables, and dust hose adapter

Pros:

• Exceptional power and cutting performance
• Versatile two-speed gearbox for different materials
• Efficient dust and chip management system
• Robust and rigid construction for stability
• Automatic snipe reduction feature
• Easy-to-use thickness adjustment controls

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky (92 lbs), may require assistance for transportation
• Relatively expensive compared to some alternatives
• Noisy operation due to the powerful motor

Best Suited For: The DeWalt DW735X is an ideal choice for professional woodworkers, cabinet makers, furniture builders, and seasoned DIYers who demand exceptional performance, precision, and versatility in a benchtop planer. Its robust construction, powerful motor, and advanced features make it well-suited for handling a wide range of materials, including hardwoods, with ease.

Craftsman CMEW320 15-Amp Benchtop Planer

The Craftsman CMEW320 is a heavy-duty benchtop planer that delivers exceptional power and performance in a compact package. At the heart of this machine is a robust 15-amp motor that provides ample cutting force for tackling even the toughest hardwood materials with ease. The Poly-V cutterhead drive system ensures efficient power transfer, maximizing stock removal capabilities.

One of the standout features of the CMEW320 is its two-knife, quick-change, solid steel cutter head mounted on ball bearings. This design not only ensures smooth and precise cutting but also contributes to the planer’s longevity, minimizing vibrations and wear over time. The high-carbon steel, double-edged, reversible knives further extend the cutting life, allowing you to flip or replace them as needed, reducing maintenance costs.

Despite its powerful performance, the Craftsman CMEW320 prioritizes user convenience and a clean work environment. The integrated vacuum port allows for seamless connection to a dust collection system, effectively capturing wood chips and debris, keeping your workspace tidy. Additionally, the planer’s compact design and manageable weight make it easy to move and position in your workshop.

With an impressive 8,000 RPM cutter head speed, the CMEW320 delivers a staggering 16,000 cuts per minute, ensuring efficient and consistent material removal. Whether you’re dimensioning lumber, planing glued-up panels, or working on intricate woodworking projects, this planer offers the performance and versatility to meet your needs.

While the CMEW320 may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, such as digital thickness gauges or automatic carriage locks, its robust construction, reliable performance, and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for woodworkers seeking a dependable and capable benchtop planer at an affordable price point.

Key Features:

• 15-amp motor for powerful material removal
• Poly-V Cutterhead drive for maximum stock removal
• Two-knife, quick-change, solid steel cutter head mounted on ball bearings for smooth operation and long life
• High-carbon steel, double-edged, reversible knives for extended cutting life
• Vacuum port for efficient dust collection and a cleaner workspace
• 8,000 RPM cutter head speed provides 16,000 cuts per minute

Pros:

• Robust 15-amp motor for tackling hardwoods
• Poly-V drive system for efficient power transfer
• Smooth and long-lasting operation with solid steel cutter head
• Reversible knives extend blade life and reduce replacement costs
• Integrated dust collection port keeps the work area clean

Cons:

• Limited cutting width compared to some larger benchtop planers
• No digital thickness gauge or automatic carriage lock
• Relatively basic design with fewer advanced features

 

Makita 2012NB 12″ Portable Planer

Weighing only 28.07 lbs, the 2012NB is highly portable, allowing easy transportation to job sites or smaller workshops. Its innovative disposable double-edged blade system enables the fastest and easiest blade changes in its class, minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent cutting performance.

The 2012NB boasts a remarkably low noise level of 83dB, providing operator comfort and making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Its 4-post design with diagonal cross supports ensures exceptional stability and minimizes vibrations during operation, contributing to precise and consistent cuts.

Large table extensions offer ample workpiece support, improving safety and quality. While the 12-inch cutting width may limit project size capabilities, the 2012NB’s portability, ease of use, and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for woodworkers who value versatility and convenience without sacrificing quality.

Key Features:

• 12-inch cutting width
• Portable and lightweight design (28.07 lbs) for easy transportation
• Engineered for faster and easier blade changes with a disposable double-edged blade system
• Low noise operation at 83dB for operator comfort
• 4-post design with diagonal cross supports for enhanced stability
• Large table extensions to support workpieces

Pros:

• Highly portable and maneuverable for job site use
• Efficient and hassle-free blade replacement system
• Quiet operation compared to other planers in its class
• Robust construction with a 4-post design for stability
• Extended table surfaces provide ample workpiece support

Cons:

• Limited cutting depth compared to some larger benchtop planers
• Disposable blades may need frequent replacement, increasing operating costs
• Smaller cutting width may limit project size capabilities

WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer

The WEN PL1252 is a powerful and versatile benchtop thickness planer designed to handle a wide range of woodworking projects. With its 15-amp motor and two-blade cutting system, this planer delivers exceptional performance and efficiency, allowing you to transform rough and worn boards into smooth, finished surfaces.

Key Features:

• 12.5-inch cutting width to accommodate larger boards
• Planes boards up to 6 inches thick
• 15-amp motor generates 20,000 cuts per minute at 26 feet per minute feed rate
• Includes two reversible 12.5-inch SK5 blades (model BP122K)
• Adjustable depth control from 0 to 1/8 inch per pass
• 2-inch dust port for efficient chip and sawdust removal
• Onboard workpiece return rollers for easy multiple passes
• Height-adjustable infeed and outfeed tables to reduce snipe
• Weighs 55.6 lbs with dimensions of 22 x 23.5 x 18.25 inches
• Rubber-grip handles for easy mobility
• Pre-drilled base holes for mounting on a stand (compatible with WEN MSA658T)

Pros:

• Powerful 15-amp motor for tackling hardwoods
• Wide 12.5-inch cutting width for larger workpieces
• Reversible blades for extended life and cost savings
• Efficient dust collection system keeps the work area clean
• Adjustable tables and rollers for smooth material feeding

Cons:

• Heavier and larger than some compact benchtop planers
• Limited to a maximum depth of 1/8 inch per pass
• Blades may require frequent replacement depending on usage

Best Suited For

The WEN PL1252 Benchtop Thickness Planer is an excellent choice for woodworkers, DIYers, and hobbyists who require a powerful and versatile planer for dimensioning lumber, smoothing rough boards, and preparing materials for a wide range of projects. Its robust motor, wide cutting width, and efficient dust collection system make it suitable for both professional and personal woodworking applications.