The right planer can turn rough lumber into flat, consistent stock without hours of handwork. This roundup compares 10 wood planers across benchtop thickness, helical-cutterhead, and electric hand-planer designs.
Use the guide below to match planer capacity, cutter type, portability, and dust management to your projects and workshop space.
Best 10 Wood Planers Picks for 2026
Best Overall
DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer
- 13-inch capacity with a powerful 15-amp motor
- Two feed speeds for removal and finishing
- Three-knife head with automatic carriage lock
Best For: Wide-board thicknessing and versatile workshop use
Best Handheld Option
WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
- Lightweight 6.5-pound handheld design
- Up to 34,000 cuts per minute
- Includes rabbeting guide and two-year warranty
Best For: Portable trimming, edge work, and DIY projects
Best Helical Cutterhead
FindBuyTool FB132H 13-Inch Planer
- 40-insert helical cutterhead for smooth cutting
- Dual 12/21 FPM feed rates
- Overload protection and extended feed tables
Best For: Hardwood work and smoother, quieter planing
Best Value DEWALT
DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Planer
- Powerful 15-amp motor for hardwoods
- Three-knife head delivers 96 cuts per inch
- Long tables and four-column carriage lock
Best For: Reliable benchtop thicknessing with extended board support
Professional Spiral Precision
- 13-inch capacity with micro-adjustable depth control
- 15-amp, 2000W motor and 10,000 RPM cutterhead
- Carbide spiral inserts for smooth, low-tear-out finishing
Best For: Professional woodworkers and demanding DIY projects
Reliable Stock Removal
CRAFTSMAN 12.25-Inch Benchtop Planer
- 15-amp motor handles hard and soft wood
- Reversible two-knife steel cutterhead
- Vacuum port and three-year limited warranty
Best For: DIY users seeking a straightforward benchtop planer
Compact Spiral Performance
- 26 rotatable HSS blades for smooth finishing
- 13-inch width and up to 6-inch thickness capacity
- 10,000 RPM motor with 26 feet-per-minute feed rate
Best For: DIY workshops needing wide-capacity spiral planing
Best Two-Speed Pick
VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Planer
- Two selectable feed speeds
- 13-inch width and 6-inch thickness capacity
- Three-knife head with dust port
Best For: Flexible thicknessing of hard, soft, and figured wood
Best Stand-Included Option
VEVOR 13-Inch Planer With Stand
- Includes heavy-duty iron stand
- 13-inch width and 6.3-inch thickness capacity
- Foldable tables and return rollers
Best For: DIY workshops needing a supported, portable setup
Best Straightforward Value
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer
- Wide 13-inch worktable
- 2000W, 15-amp motor
- Extended tables and vacuum port
Best For: Routine stock preparation in a home woodworking shop
Best Overall – DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer
If you need a capable benchtop option for wider boards, the DEWALT DW735 is one of the more versatile wood planers in this roundup. Its 13-inch capacity, 15-amp motor, and two feed speeds make it suitable for both material removal and smoother finishing passes.
Best For: Woodworkers who want a powerful, wide-capacity thickness planer with adjustable feed rates.
Pros:
- 13-inch cutting width and 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor handle larger stock.
- Two-speed gearbox provides 96 or 179 cuts per inch for removal or finishing work.
- Three-knife cutter head offers longer knife life and easier changes.
- Automatic carriage lock and a rigid cast-aluminum base help limit movement and snipe.
Cons:
- Its benchtop footprint is relatively large at 24.13 by 22 inches.
- It is a corded machine and does not include a stated warranty period in the supplied details.
The DW735 is a strong all-around choice when board width, cutting power, and feed-rate flexibility matter. Its dust ejection, depth stop, and material-removal gauge add practical convenience for repeated work.
Best Handheld Option – WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
For portable touch-ups and smaller boards, the WEN 6530 is a compact electric choice among wood planers. Its six-pound design is easier to maneuver than a benchtop machine, while the adjustable depth and rabbeting guide support common repair and fitting tasks.
Best For: DIY users who need a lightweight handheld planer for edge work, trimming, and rabbets.
Pros:
- Lightweight 6.5-pound design is easier to carry and control.
- 6-amp motor delivers up to 34,000 cuts per minute.
- Sixteen depth settings adjust cuts from 0 to 1/8 inch.
- Includes a rabbeting guide, dust bag, kickstand, parallel fence, and two-year warranty.
Cons:
- Its 3-1/4-inch cutting width is not intended for wide stock.
- Handheld operation generally requires more attention to maintaining a consistent pass.
The WEN 6530 makes sense when portability and affordability are more important than benchtop capacity. It is a practical fit for occasional woodworking, door fitting, and edge adjustments.
Best Helical Cutterhead – FindBuyTool FB132H 13-Inch Planer
The FindBuyTool FB132H stands out among wood planers for its pre-installed helical cutterhead with 40 carbide inserts. It combines a 13-inch capacity with dual feed rates, overload protection, and extended tables for users who want smoother cuts and added workshop support.
Best For: Woodworkers prioritizing quieter cutting, carbide inserts, and adjustable feed rates for hardwoods and softwood.
Pros:
- Four-row helical cutterhead with 40 carbide inserts is designed for smooth, quieter cutting.
- Dual feed rates of 12 and 21 feet per minute support finishing or faster stock removal.
- 15-amp, 2.5HP motor includes overload protection.
- Features a 45-inch extendable table system, anti-snipe device, and four-inch dust port.
Cons:
- At 70 pounds, it is substantially heavier than the handheld option.
- Its 13-inch benchtop size requires dedicated workshop space.
With its helical insert head and precision-oriented adjustments, the FB132H is geared toward users seeking a cleaner surface and more control over feed speed. The built-in work light and preset thickness settings add convenience for repeat projects.
Best Value DEWALT – DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Planer
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
Check Price On AmazonThe DEWALT DW734 is a straightforward benchtop choice for woodworkers who need substantial cutting power without the DW735’s two-speed gearbox. This 12-1/2-inch planer uses a 15-amp motor, three-knife cutter head, and long support tables to handle larger boards and repeated passes.
Best For: Workshop users seeking a powerful, conventional thickness planer with long infeed and outfeed support.
Pros:
- 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor supports deeper cuts in hardwoods.
- Three-knife head provides 96 cuts per inch for a fine finish.
- Reversible disposable knives offer longer use and easier replacement.
- Four-column carriage lock and 33-1/2-inch table support help reduce snipe and improve handling.
Cons:
- It has a fixed feed setup rather than the DW735’s two-speed gearbox.
- Its 12-1/2-inch capacity is slightly narrower than the 13-inch models.
- The supplied details list a weight of 36.29 kg, so moving it may require effort.
The DW734 is a solid fit for users who value dependable power, simple operation, and long material support. Its depth stop and large thickness scale are useful when returning to consistent settings across multiple boards.
Professional Spiral Precision – 13-Inch Helical Wood Planer
For demanding wood planing projects, this 13-inch machine combines a spiral helical cutterhead with a powerful 15-amp motor. Its wide capacity, carbide inserts, and micro-adjustable depth control make it suited to repeatable thicknessing and smooth finishing on hardwood and softwood boards.
Best For: Professional woodworkers and serious DIY users handling wide boards and frequent planing jobs.
Pros:
- Spiral cutterhead with tungsten carbide inserts is designed to reduce tear-out and noise while producing a smooth finish.
- 15-amp, 2000W motor and 10,000 RPM cutterhead support continuous hardwood planing.
- 13-inch cutting width, material capacity up to 6-1/4 inches, and micro-adjustable depth control offer flexible, repeatable setup.
- Solid aluminum top cover is designed to improve durability and cooling during heavy use.
Cons:
- At 62 pounds, it is less convenient to move than a lighter benchtop planer.
- The professional-oriented feature set may be more than occasional users need.
This is a strong choice when finish quality, cutting capacity, and long-session performance matter. The replaceable carbide inserts and precise adjustment system add practical value for a busy woodworking shop.
Reliable Stock Removal – CRAFTSMAN 12.25-Inch Benchtop Planer
This CRAFTSMAN thickness planer is a practical option for everyday wood planing, with a 15-amp motor, 12.25-inch cutting width, and solid two-knife cutterhead. Its reversible knives and vacuum port support straightforward maintenance and cleaner operation in a home workshop.
Best For: DIY woodworkers who want a conventional benchtop planer for both hard and soft wood.
Pros:
- 15-amp motor provides power for removing material from hard and soft wood.
- Two-knife solid steel cutterhead is mounted on ball bearings for smooth operation and long service life.
- Double-edged, reversible high-carbon steel knives extend cutting life.
- Vacuum port supports dust collection, and the planer includes a three-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- Its two-knife design does not provide the spiral insert configuration found on some newer wood planers.
- The 12.25-inch width is narrower than 13-inch models.
Choose this model for a familiar, no-frills benchtop setup with useful knife longevity and dust-collection compatibility. It balances stock-removal power with features that suit routine workshop projects.
Compact Spiral Performance – WEN PL1326 13-Inch Planer
The WEN PL1326 offers wide-capacity wood planing with a spiral cutterhead fitted with 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades. A 15-amp motor, 10,000 RPM speed, and 26 feet-per-minute feed rate make it a capable benchtop choice for smoothing and sizing boards up to 13 inches wide.
Best For: Home workshops and DIY woodworkers who want spiral cutting performance with broad board capacity.
Pros:
- Twenty-six staggered, rotatable HSS blades are designed to produce a clean, smooth finish.
- 13-inch width and up to 6-inch thickness capacity accommodate substantial boards.
- 15-amp motor delivers 10,000 RPM with a stated 26 feet-per-minute feed rate.
- Onboard material-removal gauge helps users judge the depth of each pass.
Cons:
- The listed 36.74 kg weight makes it a substantial machine for a benchtop tool.
- The supplied specifications identify a one-speed design, offering less speed flexibility.
This WEN is a well-rounded option for users prioritizing spiral-blade finishing and 13-inch capacity. Its material-removal gauge and adjustable dust port add useful convenience for repeatable shop work.
Best Two-Speed Pick – VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Planer
For woodworkers who want flexible control from their wood planers, this VEVOR benchtop model combines a 13-inch cutting width with selectable feed speeds. Its three-knife cutter head, cast iron bed, and extended tables are designed to support consistent thicknessing on both shorter and longer boards.
Best For: Woodworkers who want two feed-speed options and a wide worktable for varied hard- and softwood projects.
Pros:
- Two feed speeds—24 f/m for faster work and 15 f/m for smoother cuts on figured stock.
- 13-inch capacity with support for boards up to 6 inches thick and 35 inches of total table length.
- Three-knife cutter head and 2000W motor support consistent material removal.
- Vacuum port and built-in over-current protection add practical workshop features.
Cons:
- At 28.1 kg, it is substantial for a benchtop machine.
- The corded 110-volt design requires a suitable workshop power setup.
This is the most versatile option of the three for users who want to adjust feed speed to the material and finish. The wide table and long extensions are especially useful when working with longer stock.
Best Stand-Included Option – VEVOR 13-Inch Planer With Stand
This VEVOR is a practical choice among wood planers when you want a dedicated stand included with the machine. It offers a 13-inch work width, foldable extensions, automatic feeding, and a 15-amp motor for reclaiming old boards or preparing new stock.
Best For: DIY users and workshops that want a portable thickness planer with a heavy-duty stand and convenient board return rollers.
Pros:
- Includes a heavy-duty stand, foldable extension plates, and mobility grooves.
- Handles boards up to 13 inches wide and 6.3 inches thick.
- Automatic feeding and two metal return rollers simplify repeated passes.
- Dust exhaust interface can connect to a collector or use the included dust cover.
Cons:
- Its two-blade cutter head provides less knife coverage than the three-blade model in this roundup.
- The 67-pound weight may make relocation less convenient despite the mobility features.
- It has an 8000-rpm blade speed and a single listed planing speed, offering less speed control.
The included stand is the main differentiator here, making this a sensible package for buyers starting without a workbench setup. Choose it when stability, foldability, and material handling matter more than selectable feed speeds.
Best Straightforward Value – VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer
For a straightforward approach to wood planers, this VEVOR model focuses on wide-capacity thicknessing, a powerful 15-amp motor, and a two-knife cutter head. Its extended infeed support and vacuum port make it suited to routine stock preparation in a home workshop.
Best For: Woodworkers who want a simple 13-inch benchtop planer for general hard- and softwood material removal.
Pros:
- 13-inch worktable handles boards up to 6 inches thick and includes 35 inches of total table length.
- 2000W motor and 15-amp electrical rating provide substantial cutting power.
- Quick-change two-knife cutter head is hardened to HRC55-60 according to the supplied specifications.
- Vacuum port helps connect the planer to a dust collection system.
Cons:
- Single-speed operation provides less feed-speed flexibility than the two-speed model.
- No stand is listed among the included components.
- At 54 pounds, it may be less convenient to move around a small shop.
This model keeps the feature set focused on core thicknessing tasks. It is a good fit when you want broad capacity, extended table support, and overload protection without specifically needing a stand or multiple feed speeds.
How We Picked the Best Wood Planers
We focused on practical features that affect everyday planing: maximum board width, cutting depth, motor power, cutterhead design, feed speed, portability, dust collection, and adjustment control. The selection includes established models from DEWALT, WEN, CRAFTSMAN, and VEVOR, along with larger-capacity and helical-cutterhead options.
Because these machines serve different jobs, we did not rank them by motor size alone. A compact hand planer may be the better choice for doors and on-site repairs, while a benchtop thickness planer is more suitable for dimensioning boards consistently in a shop.
Quick Comparison
| Planer type | Best for | Main advantage | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric hand planer | Doors, edges, and repairs | Portable and maneuverable | Requires controlled passes and accurate depth setting |
| 12- to 13-inch benchtop planer | General woodworking | Good balance of capacity and size | Usually needs a stand or sturdy work surface |
| Helical or spiral planer | Hardwoods and cleaner finishes | Quieter cutting and replaceable inserts | Higher purchase cost and more parts to inspect |
| Two-speed planer | Rough and finish passes | Lets you prioritize speed or surface quality | Typically larger and heavier |
Key Buying Factors for Wood Planers
Capacity and Depth Control
A 12- or 13-inch capacity covers many furniture boards and common project stock. Check the maximum thickness, minimum workpiece size, depth-of-cut range, and whether the infeed and outfeed tables support longer boards. Micro-adjustment controls are especially useful when removing small amounts of material.
Cutterhead Design
Three-knife cutterheads can provide fast stock removal, while two-knife systems may be simpler and less expensive to maintain. Helical and spiral heads use multiple carbide inserts, often reducing tear-out and noise. Their inserts can be rotated or replaced individually, but they still require proper alignment and cleaning.
Motor, Feed Rate, and Finish
Higher amperage helps a planer maintain speed under load, but sharp knives, steady feeding, and sensible cut depth matter just as much. A slower feed can improve finish quality; two-speed models offer more flexibility for roughing and finishing passes.
Dust Collection and Workspace
Planing produces a large volume of chips. Look for a reliable dust port, chip-ejection design, foldable tables, and a footprint that fits your bench or stand. A stable setup reduces snipe and improves safety, particularly with long or heavy boards.
Who Should Buy Which Wood Planers?
Choose an electric hand planer if you need portability, door fitting, edge correction, or occasional site work. The WEN 6530 is the compact option in this group.
Choose a standard benchtop model for general furniture, shelving, and DIY projects. DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, WEN, and VEVOR models cover common 12- to 13-inch capacity needs.
Choose a helical or spiral cutterhead if reduced tear-out, quieter operation, and replaceable carbide inserts are priorities. These models make particular sense for hardwoods or frequent use.
Choose a larger, more feature-rich planer if you regularly process wide boards or want faster rough-stock preparation. Before buying, confirm the machine’s weight, stand requirements, dust-collection compatibility, and availability of replacement knives or inserts.