Choosing among wood planers with two speeds is easier when you compare more than motor power. Cutterhead design, feed-rate control, cutting width, dust collection, and adjustment quality all affect the finish you can achieve.
This roundup compares 10 benchtop thickness planers, including two-speed models and closely related options, to help you match capacity and performance to your woodworking projects.
Best 10 Wood Planers with Two Speeds Picks for 2026
Best Overall
DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer
- 15-amp, 20,000 RPM motor for larger cuts
- Two feed speeds: 96 or 179 CPI
- Three-knife cutter head with fan-assisted chip ejection
Best For: Woodworkers needing a versatile two-speed planer for wider boards
Best Spiral-Cutter Alternative
- 26-blade spiral cutterhead with rotatable HSS blades
- 13-inch width and 6-inch thickness capacity
- Single 10,000 RPM speed with material-removal gauge
Best For: Users who want a spiral cutterhead instead of two feed speeds
Best Equipped
DEWALT DW735X Two-Speed Planer
- Two feed speeds provide 96 or 179 CPI
- Includes feed tables and an extra set of knives
- 13-inch capacity with automatic carriage lock
Best For: Buyers seeking a complete planer package with useful accessories
Best Helical Cutterhead
- 18 and 26 FPM selectable feed rates
- Helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change HSS inserts
- Cast iron bed with folding infeed and outfeed tables
Best For: Shop users wanting a sturdy two-speed planer with replaceable inserts
Best Value
WEN PL1252 12.5-Inch Benchtop Planer
- 12.5-inch cutting width and 6-inch thickness capacity
- 15-amp motor with 20,000 cuts per minute
- Includes two reversible SK5 blades
Best For: DIY woodworkers seeking a straightforward benchtop planer
Heavy-Duty Pick
13-Inch 2000W Benchtop Thickness Planer
- 13-inch capacity for wide boards
- 2000W all-copper motor with 10,000 RPM speed
- Overload protection and extra HSS blades
Best For: Demanding woodworking projects requiring broad capacity and motor protection
Best Two-Speed Model
WEN PL1337 13-Inch Spiral Planer
- Selectable 26 and 16 FPM feed rates
- 26-blade spiral HSS cutterhead
- 13-inch width and 6-inch thickness capacity
Best For: Users needing faster dimensioning and slower finish-oriented planing
Reliable Reversible-Knife Pick
- 15-amp motor for hard and soft wood
- Reversible two-knife steel cutterhead
- Vacuum port and three-year limited warranty
Best For: DIY users wanting straightforward benchtop thickness planing
Adjustable-Speed Wide-Cut Pick
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer
- 24 or 15 feet-per-minute feed speeds
- 13-inch table with 35-inch total support length
- Three-knife cutterhead and 2000W motor
Best For: Users needing flexible feed rates for speed or smoother finishes
Dual-Roller Precision Pick
VEVOR M1B-LS-3305 Two-Speed Planer
- Dual rollers support steady board feeding
- Two feed speeds with 1/8-inch depth steps
- 2-inch and 4-inch dust-hose compatibility
Best For: Workshop users prioritizing controlled feeding and dust management
Best Overall – DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer
For shoppers comparing wood planers with two speeds, the DEWALT DW735 combines a 13-inch capacity with a powerful 15-amp motor and selectable feed rates. Its three-knife cutter head, automatic carriage lock, and fan-assisted chip ejection make it a practical choice for regular stock preparation.
Best For: Woodworkers who want a capable two-speed benchtop planer for wider boards and repeatable thicknessing.
Pros:
- Two feed speeds deliver 96 or 179 cuts per inch for different finishing needs.
- Three-knife cutter head is designed for longer knife life and easier changes.
- Automatic carriage lock helps reduce movement that can cause snipe.
- Large aluminum base and folding tables support wider material.
Cons:
- It is a corded, full-size benchtop machine with a substantial footprint.
- Replacement knives may eventually be needed despite the extended knife life.
The DW735 is a strong all-around option when two feed settings, cutting capacity, and chip management matter more than compactness.
Best Spiral-Cutter Alternative – WEN PL1326 13-Inch Planer
The WEN PL1326 is not one of the wood planers with two speeds—it uses a single 10,000 RPM setting—but its spiral cutterhead offers a useful alternative. Twenty-six staggered, rotatable HSS blades are designed to produce a smooth finish while the 13-inch capacity handles common benchtop planning tasks.
Best For: Woodworkers who prefer a spiral cutterhead and do not need selectable feed speeds.
Pros:
- Spiral cutterhead uses 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades.
- 13-inch width and 6-inch thickness capacity suit a broad range of boards.
- Onboard material-removal gauge helps show the cutting depth of each pass.
- Adjustable dust port is included.
Cons:
- It has a one-speed design rather than selectable feed rates.
- The supplied notes do not specify a warranty or additional feed tables.
Choose the PL1326 if cutterhead design and smooth stock preparation are higher priorities than the two-speed feature in this roundup.
Best Equipped – DEWALT DW735X Two-Speed Planer
The DEWALT DW735X is a well-equipped choice among wood planers with two speeds, pairing the DW735 platform with infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of knives. Its 13-inch capacity, 15-amp motor, and selectable 96 or 179 CPI feed rates support both faster stock removal and finer passes.
Best For: Buyers who want a ready-to-use two-speed planer with included tables, spare knives, and a stated three-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Two-speed gearbox provides 96 or 179 cuts per inch.
- Includes infeed and outfeed tables plus an extra set of knives.
- Three-knife cutter head and fan-assisted ejection support productive planning.
- Automatic carriage lock and turret depth stop aid repeatable work.
Cons:
- At 102 pounds, it is relatively heavy for a benchtop planer.
- Its 13-inch width may not suit extra-wide stock.
The DW735X is particularly appealing when the bundled tables and spare knives justify choosing a more complete package over the base model.
Best Helical Cutterhead – JET JWP-13BT Two-Speed Planer
The JET JWP-13BT stands out among wood planers with two speeds by combining an 18 or 26 feet-per-minute feed rate with a helical-style cutterhead. Its six rows of 26 individual HSS inserts, cast iron bed, and folding tables are aimed at controlled, quieter stock preparation in a compact shop setup.
Best For: Woodworkers who want two feed rates, individual replaceable inserts, and a sturdy cast iron support system.
Pros:
- Two feed rates—18 and 26 FPM—support different planning priorities.
- Helical-style cutterhead has 26 quick-change HSS inserts across six rows.
- Cast iron bed and four-post design help support board control.
- Folding tables save space when the planer is stored.
Cons:
- Its maximum depth of cut is 1/8 inch.
- The 75-pound machine is still substantial for a benchtop tool.
- Individual inserts require replacement when cutting edges are worn or damaged.
The JET is a compelling fit for users who value a helical-style cutterhead and sturdy construction alongside adjustable feed speed.
Best Value – WEN PL1252 12.5-Inch Benchtop Planer
If you want wood planers with two speeds but prefer a straightforward, budget-conscious benchtop model, the WEN PL1252 offers a 15-amp motor, a 12.5-inch cutting width, and a 26 feet-per-minute feed rate. It is designed for dimensioning boards up to 6 inches thick.
Best For: DIY woodworkers who need a basic benchtop planer for sizing moderately wide boards.
Pros:
- Handles boards up to 12.5 inches wide and 6 inches thick.
- 15-amp motor delivers up to 20,000 cuts per minute.
- Includes two reversible SK5 blades.
- Depth can be adjusted from 0 to 1/8 inch per pass.
Cons:
- Uses a single 26 FPM feed rate rather than selectable speeds.
- Its 12.5-inch capacity is narrower than the 13-inch models in this roundup.
The PL1252 is a practical choice when capacity and basic thickness-planing performance matter more than two-speed operation or spiral cutting technology.
Heavy-Duty Pick – 13-Inch 2000W Benchtop Thickness Planer
For shoppers comparing wood planers with two speeds, this 13-inch model stands out for its high-powered 2000W all-copper motor, overload protection, and broad board capacity. Its 10,000 RPM cutterhead is intended for both hardwoods and softwoods.
Best For: Woodworkers who prioritize a wide capacity, sturdy construction, and motor protection for demanding projects.
Pros:
- 13-inch cutting width with a stated height range up to 6.3 inches.
- 15-amp, 2000W all-copper motor provides 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed.
- Includes four HSS blades in total, including two extras.
- Overload protection helps safeguard the motor during heavy loads.
Cons:
- The supplied specifications describe one 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed rather than two selectable feed speeds.
- At 60 pounds, it is relatively substantial for a benchtop planer.
This model makes the most sense for a shop that values capacity and heavy-duty features. However, buyers specifically seeking two-speed feed control should verify the operating modes before purchasing.
Best Two-Speed Model – WEN PL1337 13-Inch Spiral Planer
The WEN PL1337 is the clearest match for shoppers looking for wood planers with two speeds. Its selectable 26 FPM feed rate supports quick dimensioning, while the 16 FPM setting is designed for smoother finishing work.
Best For: Woodworkers who want to switch between faster stock removal and a slower finish-oriented feed rate.
Pros:
- Two feed speeds: 26 FPM for dimensioning and 16 FPM for finishing.
- Spiral cutterhead uses 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades.
- Handles boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick.
- Includes dust-port options, a depth stop, material-removal gauge, and workpiece return rollers.
Cons:
- At 69 pounds, it is heavier than the other listed benchtop models.
- The 15-amp motor is rated at 10,000 cutterhead rotations per minute, lower than the PL1252’s listed rotational speed.
With genuine two-speed operation and a spiral cutterhead, the PL1337 is the strongest fit for users who want both efficient dimensioning and more controlled finishing in one planer.
Reliable Reversible-Knife Pick – CRAFTSMAN CMEW320
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is a straightforward benchtop option for shoppers comparing wood planers with two speeds, although this model uses a single feed speed. Its 15-amp motor, 12.25-inch cutting width, and solid steel two-knife cutterhead are suited to routine thickness-planing work on hard or soft wood.
Best For: DIY woodworkers who prioritize a durable cutterhead, reversible knives, and a built-in dust-collection port.
Pros:
- 15-amp motor supports material removal in hard and soft wood.
- Reversible, double-edged carbon-steel knives extend cutting life.
- Ball-bearing-mounted solid steel cutterhead is designed for smooth operation.
- Vacuum port helps manage chips and debris.
Cons:
- It does not provide the two feed speeds offered by the VEVOR models in this roundup.
- Its 12.25-inch cutting width is narrower than the 13-inch alternatives.
The CMEW320 makes sense when dependable basic planing and easier knife replacement matter more than variable feed-rate control. Its three-year limited warranty is an additional consideration for buyers seeking a familiar, practical benchtop planer.
Adjustable-Speed Wide-Cut Pick – VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer
For shoppers specifically seeking wood planers with two speeds, this VEVOR benchtop planer offers selectable feed rates of 24 feet per minute for faster stock removal or 15 feet per minute for a smoother finish. Its 13-inch table, three-knife cutterhead, and 2000W motor provide a broad setup for both hard and soft wood.
Best For: Woodworkers who want to switch between faster thicknessing and slower, finish-oriented feeding.
Pros:
- Two feed speeds help match the cut to the material and desired finish.
- 13-inch worktable handles boards up to 6 inches thick and includes extensions.
- Three-knife cutterhead is hardened for durability and consistent operation.
- Material-removal gauge and large thickness scale support repeatable adjustments.
Cons:
- At about 28.1 kg, it is a substantial benchtop machine to move.
- The listed 110-volt corded design requires a suitable power source.
This model stands out when feed-rate flexibility is more important than compactness. The cast-iron bed, extended support surface, overload protection, and vacuum port make it a feature-rich choice for longer boards and varied planing tasks.
Dual-Roller Precision Pick – VEVOR M1B-LS-3305 Two-Speed Planer
The VEVOR M1B-LS-3305 combines two feed speeds with a 13-inch worktable and dual-roller feeding system. For buyers comparing wood planers with two speeds, it offers a practical balance of hardwood-capable power, controlled depth adjustments, and dust-hose compatibility for workshop use.
Best For: Woodworkers who want stable board feeding, two feed-rate choices, and compatibility with either 2-inch or 4-inch dust hoses.
Pros:
- Dual rollers are designed to reduce vibration and alignment issues during feeding.
- Two feed speeds support either efficiency or more controlled planing.
- 2000W motor is specified for hardwoods such as oak and maple.
- Accepts both 2-inch and 4-inch dust hoses for flexible chip collection.
Cons:
- The product is corded and does not offer cordless operation.
- Its 58.4-pound weight may make frequent repositioning less convenient.
- The supplied notes do not specify the actual feed-rate values.
This VEVOR is a strong fit for buyers who value controlled feeding and workshop cleanliness. Its three-blade setup, large 13-inch table, and 1/8-inch depth-control steps make it oriented toward repeatable results rather than bare-bones portability.
How We Picked the Best Wood Planers with Two Speeds
We focused on benchtop thickness planers suited to common shop and jobsite work. The comparison considers maximum board width, motor output, cutterhead design, number of blades, feed-rate options, portability, depth-adjustment features, and the practical support provided by each brand. We also separated true two-speed planers from models that offer similar capacity but a fixed feed rate, so the differences are clear.
A strong planer should remove stock consistently without excessive snipe, leave a reasonably smooth surface, and provide adjustments that are easy to repeat. Reviews and specifications should still be checked for current package contents, warranty terms, and replacement-knife availability before purchase.
Quick Comparison
- Best-known all-around capacity: DEWALT’s 13-inch two-speed platforms are appealing for larger boards and established jobsite support.
- Best for helical-style cutting: The JET model uses a helical-style cutterhead and selectable feed rates for finish-focused work.
- Best budget-oriented choices: WEN, CRAFTSMAN, and VEVOR offer several lower-cost benchtop options with varying blade and feed-rate designs.
- Best for compact stock: A 12- to 12.5-inch planer can be easier to store while still handling many furniture and trim projects.
Key Buying Factors for Wood Planers with Two Speeds
Width and Depth Capacity
A 13-inch capacity gives you more flexibility for tabletops, doors, and wide panels, while smaller machines can save space and money. Check both the maximum width and the minimum and maximum stock thickness. Confirm that the infeed and outfeed tables provide enough support for long boards.
Feed-Rate Control
Two speeds let you choose faster stock removal for rough lumber or a slower pass for improved surface quality. The exact feed rates matter more than the label, so compare the stated feet-per-minute figures. A slower setting does not eliminate the need for light cuts and properly supported material.
Cutterhead and Blade Design
Three-knife systems can offer efficient cutting and longer intervals between changes, while helical or spiral-style heads may reduce tear-out and noise depending on the wood and insert condition. Replacement blades or inserts should be easy to find and reasonably priced.
Motor, Dust Control, and Usability
Amperage and RPM are useful specifications, but overload protection, chip ejection, dust-collection compatibility, and a stable thickness scale often matter more in daily use. Look for positive table locks, accessible height adjustment, and a design that can be secured safely to a bench.
Who Should Buy Which Wood Planers with Two Speeds?
Choose a 13-inch two-speed model if you regularly dimension wide hardwood, want more control over finishing passes, or need a versatile shop planer. Choose a helical-style machine if reducing tear-out and maintaining a smoother finish are priorities. A 12- or 12.5-inch model is a practical fit for smaller workshops, occasional furniture building, and users who value easier storage.
For frequent professional use, prioritize durable construction, reliable depth adjustment, replacement-cutter availability, and manufacturer support over the lowest purchase price. For occasional DIY work, a simpler benchtop planer with adequate capacity and overload protection may provide the better overall value.