A Thickness Planer, otherwise known as a thicknesser, is a practical tool that offers several advantages. Its ability to level wooden boards and create a smooth polished finish is crucial in upholding the overall quality of your work. As such, this is a clear necessity for both fair-weather and seasoned woodworkers.
But with so many different models on the market, choosing one that fits your needs isn’t exactly easy. That is why we’ve compiled a list of the 6 best Thickness planers money can buy. Hopefully, this can help eliminate some bad eggs and point you in the right direction. If you’re currently in the process of buying tools for a project, then you’ve certainly come to the right place.
Thickness Planer Comparison Table
Thickness planer | features | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Dewalt DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer | - Powered by a 15-AMP motor that comes with two pre-install speed settings to fit any task requirement - Includes a 3-year limited warranty package on top of an already exceptional after-sales service experience | 4.3/5.0 | |
2. Makita 2012NB with Interna-Lock Automated Head Clamp | - Weighs just 62-lbs, making it an ideal choices for operators who are always on the go - Its four-post design and pre-installed LED light help ensure optimal working conditions at all times | 3.0/5.0 | |
3. WEN 6550T Corded Benchtop Thickness Planer | - Emits up to 18,000-RPM of cutting speed at a 26-feeds-per-minute rate, which is great for all types of jobs - A heavy-duty granite table offers a flat service that doesn’t damage easily; it is resistant against scratches | 4.4/5.0 | |
4. Powertec PL1251 Benchtop Thickness Planer | - A superb two-blade cutting system can cut through all types – and thicknesses – or hardwood with minimal with little to no issues - Its 2-horsepower motor can deliver up to 18,800-cuts-per-minute and as much as 9,400-RPM of speed so tasks are accomplished at a faster rate | 4.9/5.0 | |
5. Delta Power Tools 22-555 Portable Thickness Planer | - Extendable infeed and outfeed tables allow users to level large workpieces without any issue - Bolstered by five year of limited warranty that solidifies the brand’s reputation as a customer-first company | 3.2/5.0 | |
6. Cutech 40-200H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer (Professional Edition) | - Deliberately designed to minimize shaking and provide steadiness on any task you partake in - The dust chutes are strategically placed so you can reach any and all dust particles found on your workspace | 4.2/5.0 |
Thickness Planer Reviews
1. Dewalt DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer
The Dewalt DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer is an impressive power tool equipped with a wide range of functions. At its center is a 15-AMP, 20,000-RPM motor that produces a maximum cutter speed of 10,000-RPM. This added power makes it perfectly built for creating insertions in wider types of materials. Users can likewise choose from its two pre-installed speed functions of 96 and 179-CPI respectively.
Another aspect we absolutely adore is this planer’s cutting quality. Its three-knife cutterhead blade lasts 30-percent longer than ordinary accessories, thus preserving your initial investment. This sharpness gives you better control over the accuracy and even allows cuts of as deep as 6-inches.
All in all, we’d recommend the Dewalt DW735X only to serious woodworkers looking for an upgrade. An average retail price of $450 might seem a tad steep but worry not because its overall advantages clearly outweigh this potential risk. It certainly offers a lot with helping turn your ideas into a reality.
Pros
Cons
2. Makita 2012NB with Interna-Lock Automated Head Clamp
Have you ever had to lug around a thickness planer that was needed on several different construction sites? Well, you can kiss those days bye-bye because the Makita 2012NB with Interna-Lock Automated Head Clamp offers consumers a quick and compact option that doesn’t skimp on quality.
Weighing just 62-lbs, this tool is very easy to transport from one place to another. Users can simply hold it up by the sides or place it inside any average-sized carrying case. The Makita 2012NB perfectly suits woodworkers who are constantly on the go but won't require anything that’s too complicated. Nevertheless, its 15-AMP motor, with a maximum no-load speed of 8,500-RPM, should still muster up enough strength for producing wood products like cabinets, small furniture items, and staircases.
Priced at just slightly above $600, the Makita 2012NB with Interna-Lock Automated Head Clamp isn’t your average everyday entry-level option. But its advantages have certainly proved invaluable, further solidifying its reputation as a must for any project.
Pros
Cons
3. WEN 6550T Corded Benchtop Thickness Planer
Dressed in a very noticeable black and orange color pattern, the WEN 6550T is perhaps the most stylish thickness planer model available today. However, a closer look will show that this mid-level model is more than just a pretty face. It is powered by a 15-AMP motor, which produces a maximum speed of 18,000-RPM at a rate of approximately 26-feeds-per-minute. Only the Powertec PL1251 Benchtop Thickness Planer rivals it in terms of value-for-money efficiency.
Moreover, the WEN 6550T Corded Benchtop Thickness Planer is likewise assembled using only the toughest materials available. Its tabletop is made from heavy-duty granite, which remains perfectly straight even when placed under intense heat. Its cast-iron foundation likewise reduces any unnecessary shaking, so you aren’t easily disturbed while working.
Beginners and newbie woodworkers are the primary target audience of this tool. The WEN 6550T is very affordable and looks cool, too, not to mention it equipped with a ton of practical functions. Take a closer look at it if you want something effective, yet won’t punch a hole in your wallet.
