Best Power Benchtop Planers in 2022

Last update: December 5, 2022

Are benchtop planers worth it?

A benchtop planer is a great tool for any woodworker, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. They’re relatively inexpensive, and they can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to planing lumber. If you’re on the fence about whether or not a benchtop planer is worth the investment, here are a few things to consider: 1. Time savings: A benchtop planer can save you a lot of time when it comes to planing lumber. If you’re working with

Are planer blades worth sharpening?

Are planer blades worth sharpening? Planer blades can become dull over time, making it difficult to produce smooth, even cuts. While it is possible to replace the blades, it can be costly. Sharpening the blades is a more economical option and can extend their life. There are a few things to consider when deciding if planer blades are worth sharpening. The first is the type of blades you have. If they are made from high-quality materials, they can be sharpened multiple times. However, if the blades are made from lower quality materials,

Can I use a planer instead of sanding?

A planer is a tool that can be used to remove material from a workpiece, making it thinner and smoother in the process. This can be an alternative to sanding, depending on the material and the desired outcome. Planing can be used on wood, metal, and plastic, among other materials. When deciding whether to use a planer or sanding, it is important to consider the thickness of the material, the desired outcome, and the type of planer available.

Can wood glue go through planer?

Wood glue is designed to adhere to wood surfaces, so it can go through a planer. However, it is important to note that wood glue is not as strong as other adhesives, so it may not hold up as well to the wear and tear of the planer.


WEN 6550T 15 Amp 12.5 in. Corded Benchtop Thickness Planer Review:


For a long time, I've wanted a bench-top planer but couldn't seem to find one that was acceptable and within my price range.During my Amazon search, I discovered the WEN 6550 for $219.42. Compared to comparable used planers listed on Craigslist, the pricing was lower.I bought one after reading the reviews on Amazon and other websites. I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived in two days instead of the five days I was told it would take (Prime membership).The box arrived undamaged and in fantastic condition. It should be mentioned that this item weights 73 lbs., making the total weight of the box with packing materials around 80 lbs.The gadget appeared to be properly wrapped utilizing molded foam blocks that were supported by a cardboard sleeve. The instructions are wedged between one of the cardboard sleeves and foam blocking, so use care when removing the packaging.You can find a plastic bag holding parts and three foam blocks that protect the blades and roller mechanism by flipping down the in-feed/out-feed tables.These goods are contained in the bag.Adjusting handle for depth Bolt with Lock Washer (to secure the handle)-Plug (covers the handle screw) (covers the handle screw)Magnets: 2 (used when changing blades)Hex wrench with a T-handleAdditionally, a dust chute needs to be set up.Just above where the dust chute is placed, there is an on-board storage compartment for the magnets and T-handle wrench.I discovered a little plastic box in addition to the bag of parts. I wasn't sure what it was for at first, but a close inspection of the components diagram in the handbook showed that it was a cover for the chain drive mechanism. It appears to have come out during shipping, but it was simply snapped back in.Three foam blocks are securely wedged. Install the depth adjustment handle using the included screwdriver and T-handle hex wrench before raising the roller-case to begin removing them.I discovered some sort of residue on the granite table after removing the blocks. Using a degreaser and glass cleaner, this was quickly removed.The blades are already in place and reversible, so they shouldn't need to be changed for a while.The dust chute, which has a left or right discharge orientation, was the second thing I installed. It is fastened to the planer with two thumb screws that have already been inserted.This is all that needs to be assembled.After attaching the dust chute to my shop vacuum, I searched through my scrap pile for the worst possible piece of wood.I put the board on the granite infeed table with the planer off and lowered the roller-head until it barely touched the wood. Then, I turned the handle fully backwards, which equals 1/16" of a turn.I ran the board through the planer and vacuum after turning them on. I slowly lowered the handle, passing the board through each time, until the blades made contact with the board. The board fed effortlessly and showed no signs of binding.I went through approximately four or five passes, lowering the roller-case by a half-turn each time (I was being too cautious). The outcome was a completely polished and spotless board with no snipe. The board's short length—roughly two feet—might have contributed to the lack of snipe.The infeed/outfeed tables can be independently adjusted, but up until now, I haven't needed to do so.The planer stayed remarkably steady. During testing, I did not clamp it down, but it never moved. This, I put down to the sturdy build and sturdy granite table.I later put pallet wood through a planer to get wood nice enough to use for gift boxes (which I did).I have been happy with this planer thus far. It appears to be well-built and works efficiently. It should have had a roller-head lock, in my opinion. Although I have not yet experienced any problems with the head movement, I would have appreciated the guarantee.The vacuum system performed flawlessly; however, because the suction container will fill up much more quickly with a planer than, say, a table saw, it is important to check it frequently.Not the finest manual is included. Although it is obviously a translation, it offers sufficient instructions for setting up and using the program. Because of this and the absence of a roller-head lock, I gave it a rating of 4.This planer is a good value for the home workshop due to the pricing and the 2-year warranty.



Bosch 12V Max Planer (Bare Tool) GHO12V-08N Review:


I've been looking for this tool for a very long time, but no one has ever produced it. This tiny guy is really excellent, much more maneuverable than a corded or 18v power planer, which is hefty and clunky. As a finish carpenter, there aren't many times when a tool has made me feel this satisfied; my most recent instance was when I first had access to a multi-tool/vibratory saw. It was a game changer, I realized. Need to scribe a blind valence to a concrete ceiling or a base to a floor? The Bosch GHO12V-08N is a game-changer. BOOM GHO12V-08N, make two beveling passes to create a landing bevel of about a quarter inch. Then, dial this thing out to its maximum depth and roll it in and out of the landing bevel to scribe the entirety of the wacky floor in one or two passes after creating the 1/4 bevel landing. There is no need to rear bevel stock through a table saw because this device can back bevel and scribe simultaneously. To make door casings flat and to run a base next to them, must drywall be cut? No more risky table saw cuts to remove 3/16 on a tiny piece with the BOOM GHO12V-08N. Set the base piece on a soft rubber mat, and, you guessed it, BOOM GHO12V-08N, you're done. This device produces PERFECT scribes without the need for additional belt sanding. You will still need to use a jigsaw for larger scribes in order to remove material that is at least 1/2 inch thick. With the GHO12V-08N, you may remove material with greater accuracy and speed while creating a lovely back bevel. One GHO12V-08N is the only component of the kit I suggest. One Bosch SKC120-102 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Starter Kit, with a charger and a 2.0 Ah battery. A SINGLE Bosch 12V Max Li-Ion 6.0 Ah Battery GBA12V60 This top-heavy instrument is nearly completely counterbalanced by the 6 ah battery, however it is still relatively light weight over the long term. One Bosch L-BOXX-2 stackable tool storage case, measuring 6 inches by 14 inches by 17.5 inches. ONE Bosch Foam-201 Pre-Cut Foam Insert 136 for use with L-Boxx2, a component of the Click and Go Mobile Transport System, and of course, you're a pro and you don't seem like a slob. Bring out your sharpy and fillet knife and let everyone know what a tool nerd you are. I added a 1/2 layer of foam to the top of my box and secured it with contact cement as well; perhaps I need assistance. Get this tool if you're a good carpenter who is used to doing things correctly every time. My tool is presently at the job site, but I would take a picture. If I have the chance, I might submit a few pictures to show the full nerdery (with foam).



Mophorn Thickness Planer 12.5 inch Thickness Planer Woodworking 1800W Double Cutter Benchtop Thickness Planer With Stand Heavy Duty Dust Exhaust for Woodworking Review:


The assembly instructions were missing, for starters. I have no prior experience with planers. My kid and I were able to determine where everything went. I have to confess that it was a teaching moment. I've only had this planer for a week, but so far it's performed admirably. The tool has been performing well in response to our requests. The only other drawback we identified with this tool was that the plastic knob used to raise and lower the blade fell off after a few uses. At the home improvement store, I found a replacement. (This is constructed of wood)



13" JET Helical Style Bench Top Planer, Jwp-13Bt Review:


As usual, I'll offer a brief summary before expanding a little bit for anyone who might want additional information below.In a nutshell, this seems like it will be an excellent fit for you if you don't have a lot of space and want to get a decent robust planer. I've been using mine for about two weeks, and overall, I must say that I'm really happy. The amount of snipe I still receive on my boards surprises me, but I haven't made any improvements yet. The general level of finish quality on this machine is very outstanding. The resulting boards require almost no sanding when I run wood through it.Additional Information -My Dewalt was starting to have problems and was actually catching/ejecting boards, so I bought this. I attempted to repair it but failed. After considering my alternatives, I came across this small planer and decided to give it a try because it is made by Jet and already has helical head blades inserted when you open the box. Additionally, I had read that compared to some of the other machines, this one's maintenance should be quite simple (Dewalt). I didn't want to buy this because I wanted to spend more money, but I did. I am incredibly happy so far, for the most part.1) It typically operates more quietly than the Dewalt did. Although it is quieter, it still isn't loud enough to be used without hearing protection.2) Compared to my old planer, the boards have a lot superior polish when they are finished. In fact, there have been a number of times when I have used the planed boards out of this with nothing more than a fast sanding.3) The positive stop system used here is fantastic. It eliminates any uncertainty in board preparation. As a result, if you are working on a project and know that you want your boards to be 3/8" thick, you can easily set the positive stop for that thickness and then work your boards down to it. The majority of finer planers have it, while less expensive models frequently lack it.4) This unit's dust collection is quite impressive. My little wall-mounted dust collection device is connected to mine by a 4" hose, and it works flawlessly. Very little is ever thrown out of the front or back. extremely tidy operation.5) It is compact. Its size is practically identical to that of my old Dewalt lunchbox planer. When not in use, I can quickly tuck mine back beneath my mitre station because it is fixed to a portable cart. It has been functioning flawlessly and folds up nicely.In conclusion, you could be better off choosing a larger planer if you have a lot of space and extra money to spend. Like virtually every other manufacturer, Jet provides a number of larger alternatives. However, this is an excellent alternative if you run a smaller store and require your inventory to be portable. I constructed a little movable cart, as I mentioned earlier, and fastened this device to it. In this role, it performs flawlessly.



DEWALT Benchtop Planer, Single Speed, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch (DW734) Review:


After 15 years, my Powermatic planer needs to be serviced, so in the few weeks it will be down, I chose to fill in with this, which would also be useful for site work. 200 board feet of white oak and roughly 300 board feet of hard maple needed to be milled.First, the positive. The boards have an amazing finish. 30,000 cuts per minute accomplish that. Second, very few shavings were not gathered after I connected the dust hood to my 2 horsepower cyclone dust collector. Worked flawlessly. Additionally, I included minimal to no snipe and rolling tables for the infeed and outfeed.The not so good is now. I can go from 4/4 to 13/16" thickness with my Powermatic in 5 passes. It requires 15 to 20 passes to complete the hard maple, and even then, the operation is significantly slowed down by the breaker blowing every 10 to 15 minutes (it is plug into a dedicated 20 amp circuit). A board with a bow or warp will put more load on the engine, frequently blowing the fuse. This afternoon, instead of getting through 200 bf in 3 hours, I only did approximately 50.other problems. Do check the fold outs for the infeed and outfeed. Mine weren't level, but they were simple to adjust. Second, it was pointed out by others that the screw used to secure the height control knob was too short. Mine is likewise short; on my subsequent trip to the lumber yard, I will get a longer bolt.Overall, I think it's a great buy for $400. My milling of very hard wood has revealed its limitations. It will be an excellent tool for site work done away from the shop, in my opinion. As a tool for production, it does not take the role of large machinery.



Cutech 40200H-CT 13" Spiral Cutterhead Planer - Professional Model Review:


Let me begin by mentioning that I ultimately decided to buy this item from Cutech since it was $55 less there than it was on Amazon. I've worked with and been around woodworking tools like planers for a long time, and I've had a variety of various brands over the years. This planer is replacing a Dewalt 735 that I now own. I had intended to upgrade the 735 with the helical blades but ended up finding this one by accident—I'm so pleased I did. The price of this model is comparable to upgrading to the 735. When I initially came across this, I tried to do some research on it, but it was difficult because there aren't many reviews online, and even fewer people (at least in my region) really own this. One guy I spoke with claimed to have "seen" it in a demo and believed it to be a "excellent" machine for the money. Normally, I would have raced away, but for some reason, I didn't. When I finally called Cutech, a very knowledgeable salesman answered the phone. Believe it or not, he wasn't as interested in "making the sale" as he was in explaining the features and the benefits and drawbacks of this model compared to what I already had (the biggest drawback, in his opinion, was the lack of two speeds, which wasn't a deal breaker for me). This "sales" encounter was wonderful. I was also considering the Jet 12" jointer/planer combo (about $2K), but I was delighted to learn that Cutech also sells a 6" bench jointer (around $300 with the same spiral/almost helical blade arrangement). This week, I placed an order for the jointer and the planer, for a total of about $950, including shipping and other fees. I ordered both things and they both came with normal delivery two business days later.Now for the review's meat: With the exception of washing some light oil off the cutter heads and waxing the table, setup for the planer consisted of attaching the dust collection attachment and spinning handle to the depth control wheel. It everything took less than 15 minutes. Similar to the jointer, but with a few additional components to mount (fence system - not at all difficult) As soon as it was opened, everything worked perfectly!The planer is simple to use; simply put the board to the planing head, drop the head, choose how much to remove, lock the anti-snipe lock, and press the board in. I only ran a few passes at a 1/8th or better, between 100 and 150 feet of both soft and hard wood 12/4 (4 or 6" width) rough lumber, and about 25 feet of green 6" planks, but the machine kept wanting more. There was no bogging down, and the wood came out the other end baby bottom smooth. Only 1 board (perhaps the first one through) had even a faint suggestion of snipe on one end, but it was extremely small and might simply have been a fault in the wood. Although I wouldn't advise it, you could probably get away without using hearing protection because the device is QUIET in comparison to the Dewalt. However, I DO NOT RECOMMEND doing this!Chip evacuation: I ran the first few boards through the unit WITHOUT the DC hooked up to test how well it would work; the unit was blowing the waste out 8–10 feet and completely clearing the port that the DC would hook up to; after finishing those first boards, I took off the DC port and could find only a trace of material everywhere (the floor was a mess, though!).I heartily suggest this product to anyone looking for a truly great planer!



Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp Review:


I compared this to the two DeWalts, but I decided to go with this one after reading negative reviews of the larger DeWalt and learning from a friend's experience with poor quality and short blade life. I enjoy that I can square up almost everything if I need to, even though everything is perfectly aligned when it leaves the factory. I took a blade out to see how difficult it would be. It was really a simple process. I started with running mild wood, added some Michigan Hard Maple, and then what I think of as a genuine test: figured Padauk. came out flawless. I discovered that the best approach to reduce snipe is to remain square to the table, feed it quickly at first by pushing, and then slightly elevate the last few inches as it emerges from the other end. was able to practically eradicate snipe in this manner. For thinner boards, it has also been discovered that running at a small slant seems to feed and eliminate snipe nicely. That you can run boards as short as 5 1/8" is good "I also tested it with a few brief pieces, and it was successful. Backorder issues with the optional ejection chute were mentioned in earlier threads. They must have addressed that because I received the chute two days before the planer. The chute is an uncommon size, but adaptors for it are available at Wood Smith shops, or you can make one like I did by turning an adaptor out of a piece of ABS plumbing tubing on your metal lathe. To close the tiny gap, you may alternatively use a couple wraps of tape or sticky-back velcro. Despite the fact that I only use mine for short runs, I designed mine to fit a large Rigid shop vac. Running larger board feet will cause you to quickly fill the vacuum. I just let it blow on the floor and cleaned it up afterwards for that. These devices do produce a lot of material, perhaps three times the volume of the board once it has been fluffed. Another really positive aspect is that it isn't as loud as the other songs I've heard. similar volume to what my skill noticed. even unnecessary to wear hearing protection. It has two blades and only one speed. There is no reason, in my opinion, to use three blades. It has a glass-smooth surface. And adding another blade would only increase running costs. The blade seems to last a long time, which the DeWalt reviews claimed was a significant issue with that particular tool. And I've heard that anything wider than 6 inches is useless for the two-speed DeWalt "on hard wood, making it essentially a one-speed. If I had known the product's long-term dependability, I would have rated it five stars, but based on the evaluations I've read, it should be fine. The Makita is genuinely a portable tool, whereas the huge DeWalt's 98# indicated it would be a fixed tool. Lastly, it is pretty light, which was something I was worried about. I utilized a larger Stanley folding work vice/stand as a stand. Things does a good job of holding it and allows for an easily transportable configuration. It is mostly used by me to plan hard woods for fine furniture, cabinets, and stock for scroll work.



WEN 6552T 13 in. 15 Amp 3-Blade Benchtop Corded Thickness Planer Review:


You need Adobe Flash Player to view this video.First thickness planer I've ever bought or used, install Flash Player. It was operating flawlessly until it launched a board across the room. I'm not sure if it was a product flaw or user error. Excellently, Wen/Great Lakes Technologies supplied replacement parts right away.



Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer Review:


This machine is wonderful. It offers everything one may want at a bargain price. It's unbeatable for a tiny shop when planning is not a regular occurrence. It is much bigger than expected; in fact, it is bigger than the majority of more powerful, expensive planers. It is quite sturdily constructed. Because Lexan is so durable and the housing is also rust-proof, you'd never know the outside housing is made of tough plastic rather than metal.The interior is as sturdy as a rock. It is a four-post type, and the cutterhead-feeder mechanisms have almost little play because of how robust and tightly the castings are made. Although there are only two blades, they are fairly priced (average $40 pair for Delta Brand, less for third party brands), the blade changes are incredibly easy, the necessary equipment are provided and kept in the machine. There are 18,800 cuts per minute at 9400 RPM from the head.I put it to the test using soft pine first, then regular American walnut, each at 1/16 "cutting (one full revolution of the handle). There were almost no planer marks and no snipe, and the motor did not slow down. There were roughly 6 sections "2' long and 1' wide. Then, expecting a motor overload and freeze, I attempted the same with white rock maple. The motor barely slowed down but did not stall. I put it to the test by attempting Purpleheart (with a respirator mask, which you MUST wear when making dust with this wood). The hardest wood that is currently available is this. At 1/16, the motor strained too much for my taste "cuts, so I decreased the cut to 1/32 (half a handle turn). Again, there was no sniping, nor was there any slowdown.With 13 "The occasional user in a home or hobby shop won't find a better machine elsewhere at this price point. It has blades, an incredibly quick cut, an efficient dust collection (I just attached it directly to my Shop Vac), and NO snipe at all. I adore it.I make a ton of tiny fretworked boxes, and I'm tired of having to purchase exotic materials in 1/4-inch thicknesses. Now, for half the price, I can buy 3/4-thickness materials, rip them with my bandsaw, and easily plane them to 1/4 or thicker.Pros: I had flawless outcomes down to 1/8" accuracy "did not continue to try)- reversible blades, allowing you two very sharp shots with the same set; - sturdy, tight construction of the 4-post cutterhead assembly/support columns; - EXTREMELY appealing pricing- Five year warranty (although you must ship it in at your own expense if you live outside of a large city's driving radius).- Ideal for hobbyists or small businesses.The motor may be more potent, as a drawback. The in/out feed rate is totally adequate and reliable, although a motor with a bigger capacity would be more beneficial for hardwoods.- The stream only has one speed. Even though it is a speed compromise between the two speeds seen on more expensive machines, two straight (not spiral cut) blades may accomplish astonishing things at this speed.Since these functionalities are only available on machines costing two times as much, these "cons" of this machine are really not relevant. This is a great deal. You can read about a "chain drive's" benefits (e.g, "Steelex" brand). Refuse to believe that. Although I haven't glanced at the parts sheet, it appears that this machine features a direct (geared) drive and a motor overload reset button. It will carry out your request.This is a SMALL SHOP planer; it was not created for daily, 8-hour use in commercial cabinet shops. With that in mind, I'd do it again in a heartbeat and suggest it even more quickly.Follow-up: I've now planed eight 8' x 6' sheets on all four surfaces "square wooden posts (32 8-foot x 6-inch surfaces). It was easy, aside from the hassle of rigging feed tables in and out. There are no symptoms of strain or blade dulling. I'm continually amazed by this machine's value for money as I use it more and more.


Can you plane wood against the grain?

Yes, you can plane wood against the grain, but it's not recommended. When you plane against the grain, the wood fibers can tear and leave a rough surface. It's best to plane with the grain whenever possible.

Do I need a joiner if I have a planer?

There's no definitive answer to this question - it depends on the specific project you're working on. If you're planning on creating large, flat surfaces (like a table top), then you'll definitely need a joiner. However, if you're only working on smaller pieces, a planer may be all you need. It really comes down to personal preference and the project you're working on.

Does a planer leave wood smooth?

A planer leaves wood smooth by taking off thin layers of wood until the desired level of smoothness is achieved. The thicker the layer that is removed, the more work the planer has to do, and the longer it will take.

How do I flatten my surface without a planer?

There are a few ways that you can flatten your surface without a planer. One way is to use a hand sander. Another way is to use a belt sander.

How thick of wood can go through a planer?

Most wood planers can accommodate wood that is up to 6 inches thick. However, there are some industrial-grade wood planers that can accommodate wood that is up to 12 inches thick.

Is a portable planer worth it?

A portable planer is a small, handheld tool that is used to plane, or shave, wood. They are often used by carpenters and woodworkers to create a smooth, level surface on a piece of wood. Portable planers are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. They are a worthwhile investment for anyone who works with wood regularly. A portable planer can save a lot of time and effort, and it is much easier to use than a traditional hand plane.