Top Planers for Smooth Woodworking Projects
The DeWalt DW735X stands out as the top pick for serious woodworkers, offering a powerful 15-amp motor and a three-knife cutter head that delivers exceptionally smooth surfaces. Its main advantage is the integrated table extension and feed rollers for handling long boards, but its main limitation is the higher price point and the need for a dust collection system due to its powerful chip ejection.
A thickness planer is a game changer for any woodworker. It turns rough, uneven lumber into perfectly flat, smooth boards. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, choosing the right planer can save you time and frustration.
We compared the top models based on specifications, owner reports, and overall value. Here are our top picks for different needs and budgets.
How to pick the right one
Our top picks
DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Three-Knife Cutterhead Planer
A powerful and precise planer that is a favorite among professionals and serious hobbyists. It features a 15-amp motor and a three-knife cutterhead for smooth finishes. The DW735X includes a table extension and a spiral cutterhead option for even finer results.
Pros
- Powerful motor handles hardwoods easily
- Produces very smooth surfaces
- Includes extra knife set and table extension
Cons
- Heavy and not portable
- Requires a strong dust collector
DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Three-Knife Cutterhead Planer
A slightly smaller but still powerful planer that offers excellent value. It has a 15-amp motor and three-knife cutterhead, delivering smooth results. The DW734 is more affordable than the DW735X but still provides professional quality.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Compact design fits small shops
- Easy to change knives
Cons
- No depth adjustment dial (use cams)
- Not as powerful as DW735X
WEN 6550 13-Inch Thickness Planer
An affordable planer that does not compromise on performance. It features a 15-amp motor and a two-blade cutterhead. It is a great entry-level planer for hobbyists on a budget.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Handles most hardwoods
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Blades can dull quickly
- Chip ejection can clog without a dust collector
CRAFTSMAN 12.5-Amp 13-Inch Portable Planer
A reliable planer from Craftsman that offers a balance of power and portability. It has a 12.5-amp motor and a two-knife cutterhead. It is designed for easy movement around the shop.
Pros
- Lighter than some competitors
- Easy to use depth adjustment
- Good dust port
Cons
- Motor may struggle with very hard woods
- No built-in blades storage
Grizzly Industrial G0453ZX 13″ Planer with Helical Cutterhead
A high-end planer featuring a helical cutterhead with indexable carbide inserts. This design reduces tear-out and produces a glass-smooth finish. It is a stationary planer for serious workshops.
Pros
- Superb finish quality
- Carbide inserts last longer
- Quieter operation
Cons
- Requires 220V outlet
- More expensive
JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Benchtop Planer
A benchtop planer that delivers professional results in a compact footprint. It has a 15-amp motor and a three-knife cutterhead. The JET planer is known for its durable construction and accuracy.
Pros
- Accurate depth adjustments
- Sturdy build
- Easy to change knives
Cons
- Heavy for a benchtop model
- Dust hood could be better
Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Thickness Planer
A compact and portable planer from a trusted brand. It has a 15-amp motor and a two-blade cutterhead. It is ideal for small shops or job sites where space is limited.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Reliable motor
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Blade changes can be tricky
- Not as powerful as wider models
How they stack up
| # | Model | Motor | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Three-Knife Cutterhead Planer | 15-amp | Best Overall | 9.6 | Check price |
| 2 | DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Three-Knife Cutterhead Planer | 15-amp | Best Value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | WEN 6550 13-Inch Thickness Planer | 15-amp | Best Budget | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | CRAFTSMAN 12.5-Amp 13-Inch Portable Planer | 12.5-amp | Best for Portability | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Grizzly Industrial G0453ZX 13″ Planer with Helical Cutterhead | 2 HP, 220V | Best for Fine Finishes | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Benchtop Planer | 15-amp | Best Benchtop Design | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Thickness Planer | 15-amp | Best for Compact Shops | 8.2 | Check price |
Good to know
What is a thickness planer used for?
A thickness planer is used to reduce the thickness of a board and make its surface smooth and parallel to the opposite face. It is essential for creating consistent boards from rough lumber.
Can a planer be used to flatten a warped board?
No, a thickness planer does not flatten a board along its length. It only makes the two faces parallel. To flatten a board, you need a jointer first, then a planer.
How do I prevent snipe on a planer?
Snipe is a slight depression at the ends of the board. To minimize it, ensure the infeed and outfeed tables are level with the cutterhead. Use a planer with anti-snipe features or feed longer boards and trim the ends after planing.
What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A planer makes the board’s thickness consistent and the surfaces parallel, while a jointer flattens one face and squares one edge. They are often used together to produce straight, flat, and square lumber.
How often should I replace the blades?
It depends on the type of wood and how often you use the planer. If you notice burning, tear-out, or a rough finish, it is time to replace or rotate the blades. Carbide inserts last longer than high-speed steel knives.
Can I use a planer on end grain?
Technically yes, but it is dangerous and can cause severe tear-out. It is not recommended. Use a disc sander or a router for end grain work.
What is the maximum depth of cut?
Most benchtop planers have a maximum depth of cut of about 1/8 inch. Taking deeper cuts can strain the motor and produce poor results. It is better to take multiple shallow passes.
Do I need a special outlet for a planer?
Most 15-amp planers can plug into a standard 120V outlet. However, some heavy-duty planers, like the Grizzly G0453ZX, require a 220V outlet. Check the specifications before purchasing.
Final word
For most woodworkers, the DeWalt DW735X is the best all-around planer due to its power, finish quality, and extra features. If you are on a budget, the WEN 6550 offers excellent value for occasional use. For professionals who demand the finest finish and work with intricate grain, the Grizzly G0453ZX with helical cutterhead is the ultimate choice.
