The Planer you buy must match your task requirements. For instance, one cannot expect a hand planer to rip through a thick piece of plywood. That's like forcing a block into a circular opening. It's both time-consuming and unsafe because accidents will likely occur. So rather than settling for a tool that just won't cut it – why not choose something more powerful instead?
Benchtop planers are the perfect option for seasoned woodworkers. The added strength and stability are ideal for use on larger workpieces. Its bulkiness, which might aggravate some consumers, is actually a double-edged sword. Yes, it certainly takes up quite a lot of space on your worktable, but also provides stability to eliminate errors almost completely. Thus, the quality of results produced is unlike any other.
Today, in an attempt to guide potential buyers through this industry, we’ll be identifying what the best benchtop models on the market are, as well as enumerating each one’s pros, cons, and best features. We invite all those who are interested to continue reading and take this journey with us. With so many options available, it’s always best to carefully dissect every choice before coming up with an answer. That’s the only way an informed decision can be made.
Benchtop Planer Comparison Table
Benchtop planer | features | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Dewalt DW734 Benchtop Thickness Planer | - Employs a three-knife cutterhead that’s able to deliver 10,000-RPM of speed at a 96-cuts-per-inch rate; blades are long-lasting - Includes a three-year limited warranty package that includes parts replacement, labor, and even a 30-day money-back guarantee | 4.3/5.0 | |
2. Makita 2012NB 12-inch Planer | - Constructed with a four-post design and diagonal cross supports minimizes shaking and otherwise increases stability considerably - Is the quietest model on the market, producing only 83-dB of noise when used; it is perfect for indoor use or confined spaced | 3.0/5.0 | |
3. WEN 6552T Benchtop Cordless Thickness Planer | - Built for a wide variety of applications, thanks to a motor that supplies 25,000-RPM at a 26-feeds-per-minute rate - Comes with a wider dust port that’s also fan-assisted so cleaning up is done at a faster rate | 5.0/5.0 | |
4. Powertec PL1251 Benchtop Thickness Planer | - Equipped with a durable base and strong motor, perfect for the unenviable task of repurposing old wood - Comes with side-mounted carrying handles, which makes transferring the tool easy and hassle-free | 4.2/5.0 | |
5. Cutech 40700H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer | - 24 two-sided spiral HSS cutting tips move to efficiently remove excess wood and create an extremely fine finish - Boasts of an improved dust collection system, thanks to two ports found on opposite sides that help facilitate removal of dust and other residue | 3.2/5.0 |
Benchtop Planer Reviews
1. Dewalt DW734 Benchtop Planer
One of the most popular options around is the Dewalt DW734 Benchtop Planer, and for good reason too. Not only is it affordable, but also incredibly easy to carry around. Now, the only question that begs to be asked is this – Can an ergonomically designed and affordably priced power tool be considered the best benchtop planer today? Let’s take a closer look to find out.
Well for starters, the Dewalt DW734 is also equipped with a powerful 15-AMP single-speed motor that produces speeds of 20,000-RPM. It pairs perfectly with a three-knife cutter-head that delivers 10,000-RPM at a 96-cuts-per-inch rate. And while these aren’t exactly top marks, it’s still strong enough to rip through hardwoods with relative ease and minimal issues. The only downside is it only comes with a single-speed setting.
Another key quality we’ve deemed valuable is the larger cutting capacity. Standard benchtop models are usually built for workpieces up to 20 or 25-inches, but the Dewalt DW734‘s extra large infeed and outfeed tables provide as much as 33.5-inches of material support. Tasks such as furniture production, repairs, and construction projects can be accomplished in half the time it usually takes. This efficiency is the main reason for its success and has been a trademark of Dewalt ever since the very beginning.
Now, all these features might give off an impression that the Dewalt DW734 Benchtop Planer is extremely complicated to control; this couldn’t be more false. Constructed with a four-column carriage and an extra-large thickness scale, this device remains steadfast throughout each work session. The simple knife setup likewise ensures easy attachment and replacement everytime they need replacement. Thankfully, this won’t be done too often since the blades are equipped with a 30-percent more life capacity.
Needless to say, the Dewalt DW734 Benchtop Planer is a wonderful device to invest in, even for beginners. Its reliable and functional features, not to mention a 3-year limited warranty package and 30-day money-back guarantee, should be able to satisfy most users’ expectations, whether they’re just starting out or experienced in this craft.
Pros
Cons
2. Makita 2012NB 12-inch Planer
Never underestimate the positive effect that peace and quiet have when working. Aside from relaxing you, it also helps the creative ideas flow much better. As a result, you’re able to concentrate more on the tasks that need to get done.
Among the top benchtop planers available today, it produces the least amount of noise at just 83-dB. Users who often work at night, in cramped spaces, or around children must take note of the Makita 2012NB 12-inch Planer‘s unique selling point. Still, its 15-AMP delivers sufficient power of 8,500-RPM, making this tool better suited for DIY projects or simple repairs at home. Contractors in need of something more formidable should look elsewhere because it won’t provide the amount of cutting strength your tasks require.
The Makita 2012NB, though, more than makes up for this lack of power by offering customers with a perfect balance of user-friendliness and functionality. Much like most benchtop planers, this tool is constructed with a 4-post design and diagonal cross supports for improved overall stability. And because the Makita 2012NB is built very compactly, it can be easily transported. Gone are the days when you’ll need to lug it around or find space in your car when moving it from one jobsite to another.
In terms of price, we're certainly not surprised that the 2012NB model costs so much, or at least more than the average entry-level alternative. Although spending between $700 and $800 won’t seem so extravagant once you consider the amount of time you save, comfort it brings, and a comprehensive one-year warranty package. Nevertheless, we wouldn’t dare recommend this to a person that’s not serious about woodworking, and this includes casual or otherwise fair-weather fans.
All in all, our team finds the Makita 2012NB 12-inch Planer caught between a rock and a hard place. Owning one undeniably won’t come cheap, yet it’s also not strong for heavy-duty work. Thus, its main target audience will have to be professionals or specialists whose assignments include furniture making, cabinet production, and the like. If you by any chance fall under this category, then the Makita 2012NB could be the best benchtop planer for your needs.Pros
Cons
3. WEN 6552T Benchtop Cordless Thickness Planer
When people begin looking for a benchtop planer, WEN is often at the top of their list. This brand, which was founded by Nick Anton way back in 1951, has built a strong reputation for providing quality and dependable power tools to consumers all over the world. And one of its most prized creations is the 6552T Benchtop Cordless Thickness Planer model. Let’s see why, shall we?
After seeing it for the first time, you’ll probably notice its trademark orange and black color composition. There’s no question it will most definitely catch your eye. But just a word of caution – this tool delivers so much more than just good looks. Controls like the crank handle and depth gauge aren’t just strategically located, but also help reduce errors when cutting. Adjusting the height, for instance, puts this device in positions where you feel most comfortable, thus enhancing the quality of your work.
The WEN 6552T is fairly formidable, too, capable of supplying 25,500-cuts-per-minute at a 26-feeds-per-minute rate. This powerful engine pairs perfectly with the tool’s three-blade design to make quick work of wooden boards. Moreover, its tri-roller feeding system facilitates the smooth movement of workpieces through the machine so that no part gets snagged.
Buyers who are working with a strict budget have generally found success with WEN products. Despite their affordable price, you will almost never see them cut corners when it comes to quality. Models like the 6552T Benchtop Cordless Thickness Plane
