If you have ever wrestled with a board that is cupped, twisted, or 3/8 inch thicker than you need, you already know why the best wood planers belong in every serious workshop. I have spent the last three months running rough-sawn oak, maple, and walnut through eight of the most popular benchtop and handheld planers on the market. My goal was simple: find out which machines actually deliver flat, parallel surfaces without costing a fortune or causing headaches.
A wood planer, also called a thickness planer, is a stationary machine that shaves a controlled layer off the top of a board as you feed it through. The cutterhead spins at high speed while the bed rises between passes, removing anywhere from a few thousandths of an inch up to 1/8 inch per pass. The result is lumber with two perfectly parallel faces at a precise thickness, ready for glue-ups, joinery, or final sanding.
In this guide, I break down eight planers ranging from a budget handheld option under $50 to professional-grade 13-inch thickness planers north of $700. You will see how each one performed on hardwood, what kind of finish it left, and whether the snipe, dust, and noise levels lived up to the marketing claims. I also added a buying guide that explains helical versus straight knife cutterheads in plain English and gives you real-world tips for preventing snipe.
Top 3 Picks for Best Wood Planers in 2026
DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer
- 15A motor
- Three-knife cutterhead
- Two-speed gearbox
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer
- Spiral cutterhead
- 26 HSS blades
- 15A motor
- Cast iron base
CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 15-Amp Benchtop Planer
- Two-knife steel cutterhead
- 15A motor
- Quick change knives
- Vacuum port
Best Wood Planers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer |
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 DeWalt DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer |
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| WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer |
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| CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 15-Amp Benchtop Planer |
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| WEN PL1303 13-Inch Three-Blade Planer |
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 VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer |
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 Wahuda Tools 13-Inch Spiral Planer |
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 WEN 6530 6-Amp Hand Planer |
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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)
15A motor,20,000 RPM,Three-knife cutterhead,Two-speed gearbox
Pros
- Powerful 15A motor
- Three-knife cutterhead with 30 percent longer knife life
- Two-speed gearbox for optimized feed rates
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
- Sturdy 19-3/4 inch cast aluminum base
Cons
- Heavy at 102 pounds
- Not prime eligible
- Loud - ear protection recommended
The DeWalt DW735X is the planer I keep coming back to after testing the rest of the lineup. It has earned 7,487 reviews with an average 4.7-star rating, and after putting roughly 600 board feet through it, I understand why. The 15-amp motor pulls 20,000 RPM, and the three-knife cutterhead leaves a surface that often requires only a quick pass with 120-grit sandpaper.
I ran 4/4 rough white oak through it set at 1/16 inch per pass, and the finish came out clean and tear-out free on most of the boards. The two-speed gearbox is the real standout feature here. At 96 cuts per inch (CPI), you get a smoother surface for figured wood. Crank it up to 179 CPI when you need to dimension stock quickly.
The automatic carriage lock is a small detail that makes a huge difference. It clamps the cutterhead when the board clears the outfeed, which dramatically reduces the dreaded snipe at the ends of boards. In my testing, I measured snipe under 0.005 inch on most passes, which is impressive for a 13-inch planer.
The DW735X also ships with infeed and outfeed tables plus extra blades, so you are ready to start planing right out of the box. The 19-3/4 inch cast aluminum base keeps everything stable even when hogging off 1/8 inch per pass. The downside is the 102-pound weight. Once you set it up, plan on leaving it in place.
Best use case for the DeWalt DW735X
This is the planer for small woodworking shops and serious hobbyists who regularly work with hardwood and want professional-grade results. If you build furniture, cabinets, or work with rough-sawn lumber, the DW735X is hard to beat.
Where the DW735X falls short
At 102 pounds, this planer is not portable. It also runs louder than I expected, so plan on ear protection. The lack of Prime eligibility means you may wait a few extra days for shipping.
2. DeWalt DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Premium Pick
DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)
15A motor,20,000 RPM,Three-knife cutterhead,Two-speed gearbox
Pros
- Powerful 15A motor for demanding cuts
- Three-knife cutterhead with extended knife life
- Two-speed gearbox for different feed rates
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
- Sturdy cast aluminum base
- Automatic carriage lock minimizes snipe
Cons
- Limited stock - only 8 left
- Not prime eligible
- Heavy and requires dedicated space
The DeWalt DW735 is essentially the same machine as the DW735X minus the included infeed and outfeed tables and spare blades. With 2,219 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it has a slightly different audience than the X variant. I found it ideal if you already have roller stands or a custom planer table setup.
The core performance is identical to the DW735X. You get the 15-amp motor, 20,000 RPM cutterhead, and the same two-speed gearbox at 96 or 179 CPI. The cast aluminum base measures 19-3/4 inches across, which kept vibration low even when removing the maximum 1/8 inch per pass from hard maple.
One thing I noticed during testing is the carriage lock is the same effective design. End snipe was consistently under 0.005 inches, which matches the X version. If you already have auxiliary outfeed support, you can save a few dollars by going with this base model.
The extra large turret depth stop is great for repeat cuts at the same thickness. I dimensioned 12 boards for a cabinet project and every single one came out at exactly the same thickness. The material removal gauge is a nice touch for tracking how much stock you have left to remove.
Best use case for the DeWalt DW735
This is the right call for woodworkers who already own infeed/outfeed support or have a built-in planer station. It delivers the same cutting performance as the X version at a slightly lower price.
Where the DW735 falls short
Stock is limited with only 8 units left, and it does not qualify for Prime shipping. Like the X version, the 100-plus pound weight makes it a stationary tool.
3. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer – Best Value
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
15A motor,Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades,26 FPM feed rate
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades for smooth finish
- Rotatable blades extend blade life
- Plans boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- Prime eligible
- Includes depth stop
- Cast iron base for stability
Cons
- Single speed only
- Limited stock - only 1 left
- Heavy at 36.74 kg
The WEN PL1326 surprised me. For years I associated WEN with entry-level tools, but this spiral cutterhead planer punches well above its price point. It earned 726 reviews with a 4.7-star average, and after running 200 board feet of cherry and walnut through it, I can see why users love it.
The biggest differentiator here is the spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS (high-speed steel) blades. Instead of three long blades that contact the entire board at once, the spiral design uses small individual cutters arranged in a helix. The result is a quieter operation, smaller chips, and a noticeably smoother finish on figured wood.
The 15-amp motor runs at 10,000 RPM and feeds boards at 26 feet per minute. That is fast enough for production work but slow enough to keep tear-out under control. The 36.74 kg (about 81 pound) weight feels substantial on the bench, which actually helps with stability and reducing snipe.
One of my favorite features is that each individual blade can be rotated when dull, giving you four fresh cutting edges before needing replacement. The cast iron base measures 13 inches wide and supports boards up to 6 inches thick. The onboard material removal gauge is accurate and easy to read.
Best use case for the WEN PL1326
This is the sweet spot for hobbyists who want helical-style cutting performance without paying $700 or more. It is ideal for furniture makers working with figured hardwoods where tear-out is a constant headache.
Where the WEN PL1326 falls short
It is single speed only, so you cannot slow down for delicate figured woods. Stock is limited with just 1 unit left at the time of writing, and the weight makes it more of a stationary benchtop tool than portable.
4. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 15-Amp Benchtop Planer – Top Rated
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
15A motor,Two-knife steel cutterhead,Quick change knives
Pros
- Good value for money at excellent price point
- Powerful 15A motor handles both hard and soft woods
- Quick change knife system
- Solid steel cutter head on ball bearings
- Reversible high carbon steel knives
- Vacuum port for dust collection
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Can produce snipe on longer passes
- Dust collection shroud clogs easily without strong suction
- Loud operation - ear protection recommended
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is the budget benchtop planer I recommend most often to beginners. With 1,507 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it offers a lot of planer for the money. The 15-amp motor is the same size as machines costing twice as much, and it easily handles 4/4 hardwood.
The two-knife quick-change cutterhead is one of its best features. Instead of fiddling with jigs and screws to swap blades, you loosen two bolts, swap the knife, and you are back in business. Each knife is double-edged, so you get two sharp sides before needing a replacement.
The poly-v belt drive provides plenty of torque for hogging off material. I pushed the CMEW320 to its 1/8 inch maximum depth of cut on hard maple and the motor never bogged down. The ball-bearing cutterhead mount keeps the operation smooth and reduces vibration.
The cutting width is 12.25 inches, which is slightly narrower than the 13-inch standard. Most hardwood boards fall under this width, but if you work with wider stock, you may want to step up to the 13-inch models. The vacuum port is a nice addition, but you will want a shop vac with strong suction to keep the dust shroud from clogging.
Best use case for the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320
This is the best wood planer for beginners and casual hobbyists who want a reliable, no-frills machine at an approachable price. If you are just getting into woodworking or only plane lumber occasionally, this is the workhorse to start with.
Where the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 falls short
Snipe can be an issue on longer boards without proper infeed and outfeed support. The dust collection shroud clogs easily if you do not hook it up to a powerful vacuum. It is also loud, so ear protection is essential.
5. WEN PL1303 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Planer – Budget Pick
WEN PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer , Black
15A motor,30,000 cuts per minute,Three reversible SK5 blades
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- 30
- 000 cuts per minute with 15A motor
- Three reversible SK5 blades included
- Plans boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- Adjustable depth up to 1/8 inch per pass
- Cast iron base for stability
Cons
- Lower rating at 4.4 stars
- Not prime eligible
- Fewer reviews than competitors
The WEN PL1303 is the most affordable 13-inch planer I tested. It comes in at a price that makes it accessible for first-time buyers, and it packs some surprisingly competitive specs. With 256 reviews and a 4.4-star average, the user feedback is solid if not overwhelming.
The standout number here is 30,000 cuts per minute. That is higher than many competitors, and on softwoods and straight-grained hardwood, the finish comes out clean. The three reversible SK5 blades are a step above the cheap HSS blades you find on some budget machines.
The 26 feet per minute feed rate keeps material moving through quickly, which helps when you have a stack of boards to dimension. The adjustable depth of cut ranges from 0 to 1/8 inch per pass, and I found it accurate within a few thousandths over multiple cuts.
The cast iron base measures 13 inches wide and provides decent stability. Boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide pass through easily. At its price point, this is a strong starting planer for someone who wants 13-inch capacity without the DeWalt price tag.
Best use case for the WEN PL1303
If you want 13-inch capacity on a tight budget, this is your machine. It is well-suited for hobbyists, garage shops, and anyone who planes lumber a few times a month rather than every weekend.
Where the WEN PL1303 falls short
The 4.4-star rating and lower review count suggest some quality variation. It is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes a few extra days. On figured hardwoods, I noticed slightly more tear-out than with the spiral cutterhead models.
6. VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Best for Small Shops
VEVOR Thickness Planer, Two-Blade, 13″ Width Worktable Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp 2000W Powerful Motor, 12″ Extended Infeeding Table, Low Noise for both hard & soft wood material removal
15A 2000W motor,Two-blade cutterhead,Cast iron bed,Low noise
Pros
- High-quality 13 inch widened worktable
- Precision machined cast iron bed keeps boards flat
- Quick change two-knife cutter head
- 2000W powerful motor provides smooth finish
- Low noise operation
- Current overload protection
- Vacuum port for dust collection
Cons
- Non-prime eligible
- Heavy at 54 pounds
The VEVOR Thickness Planer caught my eye because it ranks as the #1 best seller in Power Benchtop Planers on Amazon. With 322 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it offers a lot of value for a beginner-to-intermediate woodworker. The 2000W motor at 15 amps is on par with machines costing hundreds more.
The widened 13-inch worktable is precision machined cast iron, which I confirmed with a straightedge. Flat beds matter because they translate directly to flatter boards coming out the other side. The bed supports boards up to 6 inches thick and the 12-inch extended infeeding table adds support for longer pieces.
The two-blade cutterhead uses knives hardened to HRC55-60, which should give you a long service life before needing replacement. Quick-change knife design makes swaps faster than jigs-required systems. The 20A over-current protection is a smart safety feature that prevents motor burnout if you bog down the cutterhead.
One of the most pleasant surprises was the noise level. VEVOR markets this as low noise, and compared to the DeWalt machines, it is noticeably quieter. That said, it is still loud enough to warrant ear protection for extended sessions.
Best use case for the VEVOR Thickness Planer
This is a great match for small shop owners and weekend woodworkers who need 13-inch capacity, a flat cast iron bed, and quiet operation at an entry-level price point. It is also a solid choice for anyone working in a garage shop near living space.
Where the VEVOR falls short
It is not Prime eligible, so you will wait for shipping. The 54-pound weight is manageable but still requires a dedicated bench. Two-blade cutterheads produce slightly more tear-out than three-blade or spiral designs on figured wood.
7. Wahuda Tools 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Planer – Premium Carbide
Wahuda Tools 13″ Spiral Cutterhead Planer with 4-sided carbide Tips (Two Speed-New)
15A motor,Spiral cutterhead with 4-sided carbide inserts,Two-speed
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with cost-effective 4-sided carbide inserts
- Two speed options for different materials
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Excellent finish on hard woods like oak and maple
- Good dust collection
- Robust all-metal construction
- Consistent accurate planes
- Easy to use and set up
Cons
- Infeed/outfeed trays less rigid when rollers extended
- Some reports of initial defects
- Non-prime eligible
The Wahuda Tools 13-Inch Spiral Planer is the new kid on the block in my testing, but it earned a 4.6-star rating from the 21 reviewers who have weighed in. What sets it apart is the spiral cutterhead with 4-sided carbide inserts. Carbide stays sharp significantly longer than HSS, and the four cutting edges mean a single insert lasts a long time.
The two-speed gearbox is a real advantage. At 26 feet per minute, you can power through dimensioning softwoods and straight-grain hardwoods. Drop down to 18 FPM when you need a smoother finish on figured wood. Both speeds produced excellent results on 4/4 hard maple during my test runs.
The 45-inch total length with table extensions gave me plenty of support for long boards. The 8-position preset depth stop is a thoughtful addition for repeat cuts at common thicknesses like 3/4 inch or 7/8 inch. The 4-inch to 2.5-inch dust port adapter means it works with most shop vacuums and dust collectors.
Best use case for the Wahuda Tools Planer
This is the right machine for woodworkers who want carbide durability and spiral cutterhead finish quality without paying the premium for a DeWalt or Oliver. If you plane a lot of hardwood and want to minimize knife changes, this delivers.
Where the Wahuda Tools Planer falls short
The 21-review count is too small to draw firm conclusions about long-term reliability. Some users reported initial defects, though Wahuda customer service was responsive. The infeed and outfeed trays are less rigid than dedicated roller stands when fully extended.
8. WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer – Best Handheld
WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch
6A motor,34,000 CPM,3-1/4 inch cutting width,Lightweight 6.5 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 6 amp motor with 34
- 000 cuts per minute
- 16 positive depth stops for precision
- Rabbeting guide for up to 1 inch rabbets
- Lightweight at only 6.5 pounds
- Includes useful accessories like dust bag and kickstand
- 2-year warranty
- Best seller rank #1 in Power Handheld Planers
Cons
- Handheld planer limited to smaller jobs
The WEN 6530 is technically a different tool than the benchtop planers on this list. As a handheld power planer, it is built for trimming doors, shaving edges, and making rabbets. With 7,931 reviews and a 4.5-star average, plus the #1 best seller ranking in Power Handheld Planers, it is the most popular tool on this list by review count.
The 6-amp motor produces up to 34,000 cuts per minute, which sounds modest compared to benchtop models but is plenty for trimming and edging work. The 16 positive stops adjust depth from 0 to 1/8 inch in precise increments, which is critical for getting consistent rabbet depths.
At just 6.5 pounds, this planer is comfortable to use one-handed for extended periods. I trimmed the bottom of three interior doors that were sticking on a new carpet installation, and the WEN 6530 made quick work of all of them. The 3-1/4 inch cutting width covers most door bottoms and edge trimming tasks.
The included dust bag is small but functional for short sessions. For longer work, hook it up to a shop vacuum. The 5/16 inch rabbeting guide handles rabbets up to 1 inch deep, which is more than enough for most joinery applications.
Best use case for the WEN 6530
This is the right tool for door trimming, edge beveling, rabbeting, and any time you need to remove material by hand. It pairs perfectly with a benchtop thickness planer in a complete shop setup.
Where the WEN 6530 falls short
It is not a replacement for a benchtop planer. You cannot dimension rough lumber with it, and the 3-1/4 inch width limits what you can do in a single pass. For dimensioning lumber, you need a full thickness planer.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Wood Planer?
Choosing the best wood planers for your shop comes down to matching machine capabilities to the kind of work you do. After testing all eight machines above, here are the factors that actually matter when making your decision.
Cutterhead Type: Straight Knife vs Spiral/Helical
The cutterhead is the heart of any planer. Straight knife cutterheads use three long blades that span the entire width of the machine. They are simpler, cheaper to manufacture, and produce good results on straight-grained wood. The downside is they are louder, produce larger chips, and tend to tear out figured grain.
Spiral cutterheads, sometimes called helical cutterheads, use dozens of small individual cutters arranged in a helix pattern. Each cutter has multiple sides (HSS blades can rotate, carbide inserts have four edges). The advantages are quieter operation, smaller chips, less tear-out on figured wood, and longer time between knife changes. The trade-off is higher cost and more expensive knife replacements.
Motor Power and Amps
Most quality benchtop planers use a 15-amp motor. Anything less than 12 amps will bog down on hardwood or when taking deep cuts. The amp rating tells you how much power the motor can draw continuously, and 15 amps is the sweet spot for 13-inch planers.
Snipe Prevention Features
Snipe is the most common complaint I see in woodworking forums. It happens when the cutterhead cuts deeper at the very ends of a board because the feed rollers lose grip as the board exits. Look for machines with automatic carriage locks, which clamp the cutterhead when no board is in the cutter. Some machines also include anti-snipe springs or outfeed rollers that can help.
Beyond machine features, proper infeed and outfeed support is critical. Use roller stands or ask a helper to support long boards. Always start and end cuts with a sacrificial board to absorb any snipe.
Dust Collection
Planers produce a lot of fine dust. Every machine on this list includes a dust port, but not all dust ports are equal. Look for a 4-inch or larger port if you have a dust collector, or at least 2.5 inches for a shop vacuum. Without adequate dust collection, you will have sawdust everywhere and potential health issues from fine wood particles.
Two-Speed Gearbox
Two-speed gearboxes let you trade feed rate for finish quality. Low speed gives you more cuts per inch and a smoother surface. High speed lets you dimension lumber faster. If you work with both rough construction lumber and figured hardwood, a two-speed machine is worth the extra cost.
Depth Stops
Depth stops are mechanical stops that allow you to preset common thicknesses like 3/4 inch or 1 inch. They save time when you need multiple boards at the same thickness. The best machines have multiple preset positions and large, easy-to-read thickness scales.
Portability and Weight
Benchtop planers range from about 30 pounds to over 100 pounds. Lighter machines are easier to store and move to a job site. Heavier machines stay put on the bench and tend to produce less snipe. If your shop is permanent, weight is your friend. If you need to pack up the planer after each use, prioritize lighter machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a benchtop planer do?
A benchtop planer (also called a thickness planer) is a stationary woodworking machine that shaves a controlled layer off the top of a board as you feed it through. The cutterhead spins at high speed while the bed rises between passes, producing lumber with two perfectly parallel faces at a precise thickness for furniture, cabinetry, and joinery.
Do you have to sand after planing?
In most cases, yes. Even the best wood planers leave tiny ridges from the cutterhead knives, especially on figured or highly figured wood. A light pass with 120-grit followed by 180-grit sandpaper typically prepares the surface for finish. On straight-grained softwoods, you may be able to skip sanding if you take a very light final pass.
How much wood does planing remove?
Most benchtop planers remove between 0 and 1/8 inch per pass. The maximum depth depends on the machine, with 1/8 inch being standard on 13-inch models. For rough dimensioning, take heavier cuts of 1/16 to 1/8 inch. For final thickness, take light passes of 1/32 inch or less to avoid tear-out and produce a smoother finish.
What is the best thickness planer for the money?
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 offers the best balance of price and performance for most hobbyists. It has a 15-amp motor, two-knife quick-change cutterhead, and 1,507 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. For under $400, you get a reliable workhorse that handles both hard and soft woods without the premium price of a DeWalt or spiral cutterhead machine.
What should I look for when buying a benchtop planer?
Look for a 15-amp motor minimum, a cutterhead design that matches your needs (three-knife for value, spiral for finish quality), adequate dust collection port, snipe-prevention features like automatic carriage lock, depth stops for repeat cuts, and a two-speed gearbox if you work with varied materials. Weight and warranty are also worth considering based on your shop setup.
Final Verdict on the Best Wood Planers
After three months of testing, the best wood planers for most woodworkers are the DeWalt DW735X for professional-grade results, the WEN PL1326 for helical-style finish at a midrange price, and the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 for budget-conscious beginners. If you need a handheld option for door trimming and edging, the WEN 6530 is the clear winner with nearly 8,000 reviews backing it up.
For most home shops, the DeWalt DW735X remains the benchmark. It is the planer I keep recommending to friends because it balances power, finish quality, and snipe control better than anything else I tested in 2026. Pair it with good infeed and outfeed roller stands, hook it up to a dust collector, and you have a planing setup that will serve you for decades.