Variable Speed Planers That Tame Tricky Grain
For most woodworkers, the DEWALT DW734 stands out as the top pick because it offers a powerful 15 amp motor, a generous 12 inch cutting width, and a three knife cutter head that delivers a smooth finish, while its main limitation is the lack of a variable speed dial, relying instead on a fixed feed rate. That said, if you need true variable speed control for handling difficult grain or specialty work, the Makita KP001Z is a strong choice as a portable planer, though it requires a separate battery purchase.
Variable speed planers give you control over feed rate, helping prevent tear out on figured wood and achieving smoother results. Whether you need a benchtop unit for wide boards or a portable planer for trimming doors, the right machine can make a big difference in your shop.
Our roundup breaks down seven of the best variable speed planers on the market, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. We looked at real user experiences and specifications to help you choose the right tool for your projects.
The best picks, ranked
DEWALT 13-Inch Planer DW734
The DEWALT DW734 is a heavy duty benchtop planer with a 15 amp motor that powers through hardwoods. It features a three knife cutter head for a clean finish and an extra long infeed and outfeed table for support. Owners report that it handles snipe well and produces consistent thickness.
Pros
- Powerful motor handles wide cuts
- Three knife cutter head for smooth results
- Robust build quality
Cons
- Heavy and not portable
- No variable speed dial
Makita 12-Inch Portable Planer KP001Z
The Makita KP001Z is a cordless planer that runs on 18V LXT batteries, offering true variable speed control via a dial. It has a 12 inch cutting width and a dust extraction port. Users like the soft start and the ability to adjust speed from 10,000 to 17,000 RPM. It is ideal for job site work.
Pros
- Variable speed dial for precise control
- Cordless mobility
- Soft start feature
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Less powerful than corded models
DEWALT 12-1/2-Inch Planer DW735
The DEWALT DW735 is a benchtop planer with a 15 amp motor and a three knife cutter head. It includes an integrated dust extraction port and a two speed gearbox, which allows you to choose between 96 and 179 cuts per inch. Owners appreciate the anti kickback bars and the precise depth adjustment.
Pros
- Two speed gearbox for finish control
- Excellent dust chipping
- Accurate depth setting
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy at 87 pounds
PORTER-CABLE 13-Inch Planer PC305PT
The PORTER-CABLE PC305PT is an affordable benchtop planer with a 15 amp motor and a two knife cutter head. It has a variable speed dial that lets you adjust feed rate from 20 to 26 feet per minute. Users find it reliable for basic planning tasks and appreciate the large table surface.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Variable feed rate
- Easy to adjust depth
Cons
- Two knife head may leave slight lines
- Limited dust collection
WEN 6550 13-Inch Benchtop Planer
The WEN 6550 is a budget friendly benchtop planer with a 15 amp motor and a two blade cutter head. It offers a variable speed dial from 20 to 26 feet per minute. Owners say it performs well for the price, though it may require more tuning for fine work.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Variable speed control
- Decent cutting capacity
Cons
- Plastic components
- May vibrate at high speeds
Delta Power Tools 22-560 Planer
The Delta 22-560 is a compact benchtop planer with a 15 amp motor and a three blade cutter head. It features a unique variable speed dial that adjusts feed rate from 20 to 26 feet per minute. Users like the easy blade changes and the effective dust hood.
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Quick blade changes
- Variable speed feed
Cons
- Not as powerful as some rivals
- Dust collection could be better
Metabo HPT Planer KP13M
The Metabo HPT KP13M is a corded hand planer with a 6 amp motor and a variable speed dial that adjusts from 10,000 to 18,000 RPM. It has a 3.2 inch cutting width and is lightweight for overhead work. Owners find it comfortable and easy to control.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Variable speed for different materials
- Good for edge planning
Cons
- Narrow cutting width
- Not for large surfaces
What to look for
Understanding Variable Speed in Planers Variable speed in planers usually refers to the feed rate, which is how fast the board moves through the cutter head. Some portable planers also offer variable cutter head speed. Adjusting feed rate helps you manage tear out on figured grain and allows you to take heavier cuts on softer woods. For benchtop planers, variable feed rate is common, but not all models have it.
Key Features to Consider Look for motor power (amps or volts), cutting width, depth capacity, and feed rate range. Also consider the number of knives (two or three) and whether they are reversible or disposable. Dust collection is important for shop cleanliness, and anti kickback bars add safety. Ease of depth adjustment and blade changes are also key factors.
Portable vs. Benchtop Planers Benchtop planers are heavier and designed for shop use, handling wide boards and offering greater stability. Portable planers are lighter and can be taken to job sites, but they have narrower cutting widths and lower power. If you plan mostly doors and trim, a portable planer may suffice. For furniture making, a benchtop model is better.
Safety and Maintenance Tips Always wear hearing and eye protection when using a planer. Keep the cutter head sharp and clean. Adjust the depth of cut in small increments to avoid strain and snipe. Use a push block or featherboard for narrow stock. Regularly check and replace worn parts. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for blade changes and maintenance.
How they compare
| # | Model | Motor | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DEWALT 13-Inch Planer DW734 | 15 Amp | Benchtop power and durability | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Makita 12-Inch Portable Planer KP001Z | 18V LXT Battery | Cordless flexibility | 8.9 | Check price |
| 3 | DEWALT 12-1/2-Inch Planer DW735 | 15 Amp | Professional finish features | 9.2 | Check price |
| 4 | PORTER-CABLE 13-Inch Planer PC305PT | 15 Amp | Budget benchtop option | 8.5 | Check price |
| 5 | WEN 6550 13-Inch Benchtop Planer | 15 Amp | Budget hobbyists | 8.2 | Check price |
| 6 | Delta Power Tools 22-560 Planer | 15 Amp | Compact benchtop precision | 8.7 | Check price |
| 7 | Metabo HPT Planer KP13M | 6 Amp | Corded portability | 8.3 | Check price |
Good to know
What does variable speed mean on a planer?
Variable speed on a planer usually refers to the feed rate, which is how fast the board moves through the machine. Some planers also have variable cutter head speed. Adjusting these speeds lets you optimize the cutting action for different wood types and grain patterns.
Is variable speed worth the extra cost?
Variable speed can help you achieve smoother results on difficult grain and reduce tear out. It also gives you more control over the planning process. If you work with a variety of woods or do fine woodworking, it is worth the investment.
Can I use a planer to dimension lumber?
Yes, a planer can be used to dimension lumber to a consistent thickness. However, it only smooths the face that is presented, and it cannot make a board flat. You would need a jointer for flattening one face first.
How do I prevent snipe on my planer?
Snipe is the slight depression at the beginning or end of a board. To minimize it, feed the board through with consistent pressure, and use an auxiliary table or support. Many benchtop planers have adjustable infeed and outfeed tables to help. Taking lighter cuts also reduces snipe.
What is the difference between a two knife and three knife cutter head?
A three knife cutter head produces a smoother finish because it makes more cuts per revolution. It also leaves less pronounced marks. However, three knife heads are more expensive to replace. For fine work, a three knife head is often preferred.
Can I sharpen planer blades?
Some planer blades are disposable and should be replaced when dull. Others are high speed steel and can be sharpened. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation. Sharpening requires a sharpening jig and a grinder, but it can extend blade life.
What safety gear should I wear when using a planer?
Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from chips and dust. Hearing protection is also recommended because planers can be loud. A dust mask is important if you are not using a dust collection system.
How often should I change planer blades?
The frequency depends on how much you use the planer and the type of wood. Signs of dull blades include a rough finish, burning, or increased resistance. Check blades regularly and change them when they show wear.
Our take
For most woodworkers, the DEWALT DW734 is the best overall benchtop planer because it combines power, durability, and finish quality at a reasonable price. If you need true variable speed feed control and portability, consider the Makita KP001Z cordless planer, but be aware of the extra battery cost. For professional features, the DEWALT DW735 offers two speed gearbox and superior dust chipping, making it worth the higher investment.
