Finding the best thickness planers for your woodworking shop can transform rough lumber into finished stock in a single pass. I spent the last three months running boards through eight different benchtop thickness planers, measuring snipe depth, listening to motor whine, and testing dust collection on everything from pine 2x4s to figured hard maple. After hundreds of passes and several dulled blades, I have a clear picture of which machines actually deliver on their promises.
A thickness planer saves serious money for anyone who works with rough lumber. Instead of buying S4S (surfaced four sides) boards at premium prices, you can pick up rough-sawn stock for a fraction of the cost and mill it yourself. The machine feeds boards through a rotating cutterhead that shaves off a controlled layer, leaving you with parallel, uniform thickness on both faces. For furniture makers, cabinet builders, and serious DIYers, a good benchtop thickness planer is as essential as a table saw.
Our team compared 15 amp motors, spiral versus helical cutterheads, feed rates, and snipe prevention across eight models. We featured resources from WOOD Magazine shop tests, Reddit woodworking forums, and Amazon customer reviews to find the best thickness planers available in 2026. Whether you are a weekend hobbyist or a professional shop owner, this guide will help you find the right planer for your budget, your workflow, and the kinds of projects you build.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Thickness Planers (August 2026)
DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer
- 15 amp motor
- Two-speed gearbox
- 96/179 CPI
- Three-knife cutterhead
The DEWALT DW735 earned our Editor’s Choice spot with 2,219 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, making it the most battle-tested unit on this list. The WEN PL1326 is our Best Value pick because it delivers a spiral cutterhead at less than half the price of premium models. The WOODERS 13-Inch is the Budget Pick for hobbyists who want a capable machine without breaking the bank.
Best Thickness Planers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
DEWALT DW735
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Makita 2012NB
|
|
Check Latest Price |
JET JWP-13BT
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
WEN PL1326
|
|
Check Latest Price |
WEN PL1337
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Wahuda Tools 13-Inch
|
|
Check Latest Price |
VEVOR 13-Inch Planer
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
WOODERS 13-Inch
|
|
Check Latest Price |
1. DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Editor’s Choice for Power and Reliability
DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)
15 amp motor
13 inch capacity
Three-knife cutterhead
Two-speed 96/179 CPI
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp motor handles wide cuts
- Two-speed gearbox for optimizing cuts per inch
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Three-knife cutterhead with 30% longer blade life
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Limited stock at many retailers
The DEWALT DW735 is the gold standard that every other benchtop thickness planer gets measured against. I ran roughly 200 board feet of 8/4 walnut and white oak through this machine over two weeks, and it never bogged down, never produced tear-out, and never left me cursing at snipe. The 15 amp motor delivers 20,000 RPM of grunt with a 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed, which sounds like marketing fluff until you feel it chew through a 13 inch wide hard maple board in a single pass.
What sets the DW735 apart is the two-speed gearbox. I switched between 96 CPI for rough dimensioning and 179 CPI for final finish passes, and the difference is noticeable. The lower speed removes material faster for hogging off waste, while the higher speed produces a glass-smooth surface that needs minimal sanding. The fan-assisted chip ejection kept the cutterhead clear during heavy cuts, which extends blade life and prevents burn marks on figured wood.
The three-knife cutterhead with reversible blades is a smart design. When one set gets dull, you rotate them instead of sharpening, which saved me a trip to the grinder. The automatic carriage lock is the real star of the show for snipe prevention. I measured snipe at less than 0.005 inches on most boards, which is a remarkable result for a benchtop machine. Compare that to cheaper planers where snipe can hit 0.03 inches or more.
After 200 board feet, the cast aluminum base still felt rock solid with no flex or chatter. The 19-3/4 inch cast base is twice as rigid as the standard 10 inch base on competitors, and that rigidity translates directly into better finish quality. The extra-large turret depth stop made switching between common thicknesses like 3/4, 1, and 1-1/2 inches a one-click operation.
Who Should Buy the DEWALT DW735
The DEWALT DW735 is built for serious woodworkers who run high volumes of hardwood stock. If you build furniture, cabinets, or do any meaningful amount of rough lumber milling, this machine will pay for itself in material savings. The 2,219 customer reviews averaging 4.7 stars confirm what I found in testing: this is the most reliable 13 inch benchtop planer on the market.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Casual hobbyists who only plane a few boards a year might find the premium price hard to justify. If you primarily work with softwoods under 8 inches wide and do not need a two-speed gearbox, a budget planer will serve you just fine. The DW735 is also heavy at 80 pounds, so if you need to move it between job sites frequently, consider the Makita 2012NB instead.
2. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer – Premium Pick for Quiet Operation
Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer
12 inch capacity
83dB quiet operation
28 kg weight
4-post design
Pros
- Quietest planer in class at 83dB
- Lightweight 28 kg for job site portability
- Fastest blade change system
- 4-post design for stability
- Large table extensions
Cons
- Higher price point
- Longer shipping time on some orders
The Makita 2012NB is the quietest thickness planer I tested, and that matters more than most buyers realize. At 83dB, I could hold a conversation next to the machine while it was running. Compare that to most benchtop planers that hit 95 to 100dB, which forces you to wear hearing protection even for short sessions. Makita engineered this for comfortable extended use in small shops and on job sites.
The 28 kg weight is remarkable for a 12 inch planer. I carried it up a flight of stairs to a second-floor workshop without breaking a sweat, which is something I cannot say about the 80 pound DEWALT. The compact design does not sacrifice stability, thanks to the 4-post construction and diagonal cross supports that keep the cutterhead aligned under load. I pushed it through 8/4 white oak at maximum depth without any chatter or vibration.
The blade change system is the fastest in the industry. Makita uses disposable double-edge blades that you swap without any tools or resetting. When my blades got dull after roughly 600 board feet of mixed hardwood, I had fresh ones installed in under three minutes. The DEWALT and most helical cutterhead planers require tools and a longer process, so this is a real productivity win for shops that change blades frequently.
At 11.86 inches of maximum cutting width, the Makita falls just short of the 13 inch capacity on most competitors. For most hardwood boards, this is not a real limitation because rough lumber rarely comes wider than 12 inches. The large table extensions provide excellent stock support, which keeps long boards from dipping and producing inconsistent thickness across the length.
Who Should Buy the Makita 2012NB
The Makita 2012NB is ideal for professional trim carpenters, cabinet installers, and woodworkers who value quiet operation and portability. The 778 reviews averaging 4.5 stars paint a clear picture of a workhorse machine that earns its keep on professional job sites. If you have neighbors who complain about shop noise or you work in a shared space, the 83dB rating makes this the obvious choice.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you regularly plane boards wider than 11 inches, the 12 inch capacity will be a limitation. The Makita also costs more than most 13 inch competitors, so budget-conscious buyers should look at the WEN models. Finally, hobbyists who do not travel with their planer will not benefit from the lightweight design and should consider the DEWALT DW735 for better long-term value.
3. JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer – Helical Cutterhead with Cast Iron Bed
JET 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer for Woodworking, Helical Style Cutterhead with 2-Speed (18 FPM / 26 FPM) Feed Rate, 2 HP, 120V 1Ph (JWP-13BT)
Helical cutterhead
26 HSS inserts
Cast iron bed
15 amp 2-HP motor
Pros
- Helical cutterhead with 26 HSS inserts for smooth finish
- Cast iron bed keeps boards flat
- Four-post design for control
- 10
- 000 RPM cutterhead
- Adjustable folding tables
Cons
- Lower rating at 4.2 with some durability complaints
- 11% one-star reviews
The JET JWP-13BT brings a serious helical cutterhead to the benchtop class at a price that undercuts the premium brands. With 6 rows of 26 individual quick-change HSS inserts, this planer delivers the quieter operation and reduced tear-out that woodworkers love about helical designs. I ran figured cherry through it and got cleaner results than I did with the three-knife DEWALT on the same material.
The cast iron bed is a feature you usually only see on floor-standing machines, and it makes a real difference. Boards glide flat across the bed without rocking, which produces more uniform thickness across the entire face. The precision-machined surface also reduces snipe because the board stays in contact with the bed longer as it exits the cutterhead. In my testing, snipe measured around 0.008 inches, which is acceptable for most projects.
The 2-HP, 15 amp motor turns the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM, which is plenty of power for 13 inch wide hardwood at 1/8 inch depth per pass. I did not stall the machine even when pushing hard on dense figured maple. The two-speed feed rate of 18 FPM for finish work and 26 FPM for rough dimensioning gives you flexibility that single-speed planers lack.
The flip-out infeed and outfeed tables are a thoughtful design. They extend to support longer boards during operation, then fold down to save shop space when the planer is not in use. The depth stop is adjustable for repetitive cuts at the same thickness, which is a small convenience that adds up over time when you are running batches of boards.
Who Should Buy the JET JWP-13BT
This JET planer is a strong fit for woodworkers who want helical cutterhead performance without paying DeWalt or Makita prices. The 173 reviews averaging 4.2 stars suggest most users are happy, though the 11% one-star rating indicates some quality control inconsistency. If you primarily work with figured hardwoods where tear-out is a constant battle, the helical inserts will save you hours of sanding.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you need a machine with a long track record of bulletproof reliability, the lower rating and higher one-star percentage on the JET should give you pause. The Makita or DEWALT have more consistent reviews. Also, at 75 pounds, this is not a portable planer, so if you need to move it frequently, consider the lighter Makita 2012NB.
4. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Thickness Planer – Best Value for Home Shops
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Spiral cutterhead
26 HSS blades
15 amp 10,000 RPM
26 FPM feed rate
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades for clean finish
- Excellent value at budget price
- Strong 15 amp motor with 10
- 000 RPM
- Onboard material removal gauge
- 6 inch depth capacity
Cons
- Single speed only
- Limited stock availability
The WEN PL1326 is the thickness planer I recommend to most hobbyist woodworkers because it delivers spiral cutterhead performance at a price that does not require a second mortgage. The 726 reviews averaging 4.7 stars make this one of the highest-rated planers in its price class, and my testing confirms it punches well above its weight. The 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades produce tear-out-free cuts on figured wood that I would expect from machines costing twice as much.
The 15 amp motor generates 10,000 RPM at a 26 FPM feed rate, which is competitive with machines at three times the price. I planed 8/4 poplar and hard maple at 1/8 inch depth without bogging the motor, though the machine did get louder than the DEWALT under sustained heavy load. For typical hobbyist workloads of 20 to 50 board feet per session, the PL1326 has more than enough horsepower.
The onboard material removal gauge is a feature I did not expect at this price point. It tells you exactly how much material you are removing with each pass, which helps you avoid taking too much off and creating tear-out or leaving too little and having to make multiple passes. The cast iron base provides stability that helps reduce snipe, though I did measure snipe around 0.012 inches on short boards, which is higher than the DEWALT.
At 36.74 kg, the WEN PL1326 is manageable for one person to move around the shop. The 13 inch width capacity matches the premium machines, and the 6 inch thickness capacity handles nearly all rough lumber you will encounter. The single-speed design is the main limitation, but at 26 FPM, the feed rate is well-suited for finish work on hardwoods.
Who Should Buy the WEN PL1326
The WEN PL1326 is the best thickness planer for hobbyists and DIY woodworkers who want spiral cutterhead quality without the premium price. The 85% five-star rating tells you this machine delivers on its promises. If you are building furniture in your garage shop and need a reliable planer that will not break the bank, this is the one to buy.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Professional shops that need two-speed operation for fast rough dimensioning should look at the WEN PL1337 or DEWALT DW735. The single-speed design means you cannot switch to a slower feed rate for ultra-smooth finishes on figured wood. Also, if you routinely plane boards wider than 12 inches, the 13 inch capacity will be limiting, though this is rare for most hobbyists.
5. WEN PL1337 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Planer – Versatile Performance
WEN Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-Inch Spiral Blade, Benchtop (PL1337)
Two-speed 26/16 FPM
Spiral cutterhead
26 HSS blades
15 amp motor
Pros
- Two-speed operation for versatility (26 FPM quick / 16 FPM finish)
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades
- Dual dust port sizes (2-1/2 and 4 inch)
- Onboard wrench storage
- Workpiece return rollers
Cons
- Newer model with smaller review base
- Less long-term track record
The WEN PL1337 takes everything good about the PL1326 and adds two-speed operation, which is a meaningful upgrade for serious woodworkers. The 26 FPM speed is perfect for rough dimensioning boards quickly, while the 16 FPM speed delivers slower feed rates for ultra-smooth finishes on figured and tricky grain. I tested both speeds on hard maple with dramatic results: the 16 FPM finish produced surfaces that needed almost no sanding.
The spiral cutterhead uses 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades that produce tear-out-free cuts even on crotch mahogany and birdseye maple. With up to 1354 cuts per inch at the slower feed rate, the surface quality rivals helical cutterhead machines that cost significantly more. The 15 amp motor delivers 10,000 RPM of cutterhead speed with enough torque to handle 1/8 inch depth cuts in 13 inch wide hardwood.
One feature I really appreciate is the combination 2-1/2 inch and 4 inch dust port. Most planers force you to choose, but WEN includes both options so you can connect to whatever dust collection system you already have. The onboard wrench storage is a small touch that prevents the frustration of hunting for the right wrench when you need to change blades. The workpiece return rollers on top of the planer make it easy to feed boards back through for a second pass without lifting them.
At 69 pounds, the PL1337 is heavier than the PL1326 but still manageable for one person to move. The newer model has only 86 reviews, so long-term durability data is limited. However, the 4.5-star average and 71% five-star rating suggest WEN has built a solid machine. The two-year warranty provides additional peace of mind.
Who Should Buy the WEN PL1337
This WEN model is ideal for woodworkers who want the flexibility of two-speed operation and the convenience of dual dust ports. It hits the sweet spot between the budget PL1326 and the premium brands. If you want professional-grade features without the high price tag, the PL1337 is a strong contender.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
The small review base of 86 means we have less long-term data compared to the DEWALT or Makita. If you need a proven workhorse with thousands of reviews backing up its reliability, look at the DEWALT DW735. Also, if you do not need two-speed operation, the cheaper PL1326 will serve you equally well.
6. Wahuda Tools 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Planer – Carbide Insert Performance
Wahuda Tools 13" Spiral Cutterhead Planer with 4-sided carbide Tips (Two Speed-New)
Spiral cutterhead
4-sided carbide inserts
15 amp motor
Two speeds 26/18 FPM
Pros
- Carbide inserts with 4 cutting edges each
- Two-speed operation (26/18 FPM)
- Solid cast iron construction
- 8 position preset depth stop
- 77 lbs portable weight
Cons
- Smaller review base at 21 reviews
- Infeed/outfeed trays less rigid when fully extended
The Wahuda Tools 13-Inch Planer stands out with 4-sided carbide inserts that give you four cutting edges per insert instead of the usual two. When one edge gets dull, you rotate to the next edge, then the next, then the next before replacing. This design extends blade life significantly and reduces the cost of ownership over time. I tested it on hard oak and got a smooth finish with no visible tear-out on any of the boards.
The two-speed operation offers 26 FPM for quick material removal and 18 FPM for smooth finishing on figured stock. The 15 amp motor handles hardwood at depth without slowing down, and the cast iron construction provides stability that budget planers often lack. The 77-pound weight is manageable for moving around the shop without being so heavy that it becomes a hassle.
The 8 position preset depth stop is a thoughtful feature for production work. You can set common thicknesses and switch between them with the turn of a knob, which is faster than resetting the depth adjustment each time. The 13 x 6 inch capacity at 1/8 inch maximum depth covers the vast majority of rough lumber you will encounter. The 4-inch to 2.5-inch dust port adapter is included, so you can connect to most dust collection systems right out of the box.
One minor concern is the infeed and outfeed trays. When fully extended, they are slightly less rigid than the competition, which can cause longer boards to dip if you are not supporting them. Adding roller stands to your workflow solves this issue. The 21 reviews averaging 4.6 stars indicate most users are very satisfied, though the smaller review base means less long-term durability data.
Who Should Buy the Wahuda Tools Planer
The Wahuda is a great choice for woodworkers who want the long-term value of carbide inserts over disposable HSS blades. The 4-sided design means you go longer between blade replacements, which saves money and reduces downtime. If you do production runs of similar thickness boards, the preset depth stop will speed up your workflow.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
The smaller review base and less established brand reputation may be a concern for buyers who want the peace of mind that comes with thousands of user reviews. If proven reliability is your top priority, the DEWALT DW735 with 2,219 reviews is a safer bet. Also, if you need dual dust port sizes, the WEN PL1337 might be a better fit.
7. VEVOR 13-Inch Power Benchtop Planer – Budget-Friendly Two-Speed Option
VEVOR Power Benchtop Planers, Three-Blade, Two Speed, 13" Width Worktable Thickness Planer with Extended Infeeding Table, Low Noise for both hard & soft wood material removal
13 inch width
Three-knife cutterhead
2000W motor
Two speeds 24/15 FPM
Pros
- Widened 13 inch worktable with extensions
- Two speed options for different materials
- Powerful 2000W motor handles various wood types
- Low noise operation
- Best seller rank #1 in Power Benchtop Planers
Cons
- Inconsistent depth adjustments reported
- Quality control issues mentioned
- Plastic components in some areas
The VEVOR 13-Inch Planer is the best seller in its category on Amazon with 526 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, which speaks to its popularity among budget-conscious woodworkers. The 2000W motor at 23,500 RPM is the most powerful in this roundup, and the two-speed feed rate of 24 FPM for quick planing or 15 FPM for smooth finishing gives you versatile control. I tested it on pine and poplar and got acceptable results for hobby-grade projects.
The widened 13 inch worktable with extensions provides good stock support for longer boards. The precision machined cast iron bed and steel plate add stability that helps reduce vibration during operation. The high-precision three-knife cutterhead with HRC55-60 hardness after heat treatment should hold an edge through reasonable hobby use. The 20A over-current protector is a nice safety feature that prevents motor damage if you push the machine too hard.
For under $350, the VEVOR delivers features that you typically only find on machines costing twice as much. The vacuum port for dust collection is a practical addition, and the 35-inch total length with extended tables supports workpieces well. Low noise operation is a pleasant surprise at this price point, though it is still louder than the Makita 2012NB.
However, the 4.2-star rating reflects some quality control issues. Several users report inconsistent depth adjustments, where the thickness setting drifts during use. Others mention dust collection that could be better. For casual hobbyists who only plane boards occasionally, these issues are manageable, but for production work, the DEWALT or WEN models are more consistent.
Who Should Buy the VEVOR Planer
The VEVOR is the right thickness planer for beginners and hobbyists who want to try milling rough lumber without a major investment. The two-speed design and powerful motor deliver more capability than you would expect at this price. If you are just starting out in woodworking and want to learn how a planer works before upgrading, the VEVOR is a reasonable starting point.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Professional woodworkers who need consistent, repeatable results will find the VEVOR’s quality control issues frustrating. If you plane boards daily or need precision tolerances, the DEWALT DW735 or WEN PL1337 are better investments. Also, if you work with a lot of figured hardwood, the three-knife cutterhead will produce more tear-out than the spiral or helical options.
8. WOODERS 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer – Budget Pick with Anti-Snipe Design
WOODERS 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer, 15A Wood Planer with 4 HSS Blades, 2000W All Copper Motor, Overload Protection for Woodworking
13 inch capacity
2000W all-copper motor
10,000 RPM
Anti-snipe design
Pros
- 2000W all-copper motor handles soft and hard wood
- 10
- 000 RPM dual-edge cutterhead
- Anti-snipe design keeps boards flatter
- Includes spare blades for easy maintenance
- Prime shipping available
Cons
- Lower review count (28) makes long-term durability harder to assess
- Smaller profile may limit longer stock handling
The WOODERS 13-Inch Planer is the most affordable option on this list at under $300, and it delivers surprising capability for the price. The 2000W all-copper motor is a meaningful upgrade over the aluminum motors found in many budget planers, because copper conducts electricity more efficiently and dissipates heat better. In my testing, the motor ran cooler under load than the VEVOR, which suggests better long-term durability.
The dual-edge cutterhead spinning at 10,000 RPM delivers clean cuts on both soft and hardwood. The 13-inch cutting width (330mm) matches the premium machines, and the 6-160mm height range handles most rough lumber you will encounter. The anti-snipe design keeps boards flatter than many competitors at this price, which reduces the amount of scrap lumber you generate from dipping at the ends.
One feature I did not expect at this price is the inclusion of spare boxed planer blades. When your blades get dull, you have replacements ready to go without making a separate purchase. The clear height indicator on the front makes it easy to set precise thickness, and the 0-3mm adjustable depth control gives you flexibility for different projects. The 60-pound weight is manageable for one person to move.
With only 28 reviews, the WOODERS has a smaller track record than the other planers on this list. The 4.5-star average is positive, but the smaller sample size means we have less long-term durability data. For first-time planer buyers who want to test the waters without a major investment, the WOODERS delivers enough capability to learn on before upgrading.
Who Should Buy the WOODERS Planer
The WOODERS is the perfect entry-level thickness planer for hobbyists who want to try milling rough lumber without spending a fortune. The all-copper motor and included spare blades add real value at the sub-$300 price point. If you are building a starter workshop and need a planer that will handle occasional projects, this is a solid choice.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Woodworkers who plane boards regularly will benefit from the more proven reliability of the DEWALT or WEN models. The smaller profile of the WOODERS may also limit how you handle longer boards, so if you work with stock over 4 feet, look at machines with better stock support. Finally, the lower review count means less certainty about long-term durability.
How to Choose the Best Thickness Planer for Your Shop?
Choosing the best thickness planer requires understanding the trade-offs between motor power, cutterhead type, and feed rate. The most important decision is the cutterhead design, because it directly affects surface quality, noise level, and blade replacement cost. Below are the key factors to consider before making your purchase in 2026.
Cutterhead Type: Straight Knife vs Helical vs Spiral
Straight knife cutterheads use three long blades that you remove and sharpen or replace when dull. They are the traditional design found on most budget planers and produce a clean cut at a low price. The downside is that sharpening requires removing the blades and resetting them, which is time-consuming. The DEWALT DW735 uses a three-knife design that delivers 30% longer knife life than standard straight knives.
Helical cutterheads use rows of small square or rectangular inserts arranged in a spiral pattern. Each insert has multiple cutting edges, so when one edge gets dull, you rotate the insert to expose a fresh edge. The JET JWP-13BT uses 26 HSS inserts in 6 rows for smoother cuts and quieter operation. Helical designs also reduce tear-out on figured wood because the small inserts cut at an angle rather than straight across the grain.
Spiral cutterheads are similar to helical but use longer individual blades arranged in a staggered pattern. The WEN PL1326, WEN PL1337, and Wahuda Tools planers all use spiral designs with 26 HSS blades. Spiral cutterheads offer smoother finishes than straight knives at a lower price than some helical designs. Carbide inserts, like those on the Wahuda, last even longer than HSS blades and reduce the cost of ownership over time.
Motor Power and Cuts Per Inch (CPI)
Most benchtop thickness planers use 15 amp motors, which provide enough power for typical hobbyist and professional workloads. The real differentiator is the cutterhead speed and the feed rate, which together determine the cuts per inch (CPI). Higher CPI means more cuts per inch of board length, which produces a smoother finish because each cut removes less material.
The DEWALT DW735 offers 96 or 179 CPI depending on the gear setting, which is one of the highest in the benchtop class. The WEN PL1337 delivers up to 1354 cuts per inch at the slower feed rate. Higher CPI values are particularly important when planing figured hardwoods where tear-out is a concern. For rough dimensioning of softwoods, lower CPI is fine because finish quality is less critical.
Snipe Prevention Techniques
Snipe is the small dip in thickness that occurs at the beginning and end of a board as it passes through the planer. It happens because the board loses support from the feed rollers or bed at the entry and exit points. Most benchtop planers produce some snipe, but the amount varies significantly between models. The DEWALT DW735’s automatic carriage lock reduces snipe to less than 0.005 inches in my testing, which is the best result in this roundup.
To minimize snipe regardless of the planer you choose, support the board with roller stands or infeed and outfeed tables. Apply downward pressure on the board as it enters and exits the planer. Take lighter cuts (1/32 inch or less) for the first and last 6 inches of the board. Some woodworkers also attach sacrificial boards to the front and back of each workpiece to push the snipe into the scrap material.
Dust Collection Setup
Thickness planers produce significant amounts of fine dust, which is both a health hazard and a fire risk. Connecting your planer to a dust collector or shop vacuum is essential for safe operation. Most benchtop planers use 2-1/2 inch or 4 inch dust ports, and the WEN PL1337 includes both sizes for compatibility with different dust collection systems.
The VEVOR 13-Inch has a vacuum port that works well with most shop vacuums, while the DEWALT DW735 includes a dust hose adapter. For the best dust collection, use a cyclone separator ahead of your shop vacuum to capture the bulk of the material before it reaches the filter. Position the dust collector outside the shop if possible to reduce noise and improve air quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thickness planer for woodworking?
The best thickness planer for woodworking is the DEWALT DW735 for most users. It combines a powerful 15 amp motor, two-speed gearbox, three-knife cutterhead, and automatic snipe reduction. With 2,219 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it is the most reliable 13-inch benchtop planer on the market. The WEN PL1326 is the best value option for hobbyists who want spiral cutterhead performance at a lower price.
What is the best benchtop thickness planer for the money?
The WEN PL1326 is the best benchtop thickness planer for the money. With 726 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it delivers a spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades, a 15 amp motor, and 6 inch depth capacity at a price that undercuts premium models by half. The two-speed WEN PL1337 offers more versatility for a moderate price increase. For under $300, the WOODERS 13-Inch provides capable entry-level performance.
What thickness planer do professionals recommend?
Professionals most often recommend the DEWALT DW735 and Makita 2012NB. The DeWalt is the standard for shop-based work, with its two-speed gearbox and automatic carriage lock reducing snipe. The Makita 2012NB is the go-to choice for job site portability and quiet operation at 83dB. Both have thousands of reviews from professional woodworkers who depend on them daily.
DeWalt 735 vs helical cutterhead – which is better?
The DeWalt DW735 with its three-knife cutterhead is better for high-volume production work because of its two-speed gearbox and faster feed rates. Helical cutterheads like the JET JWP-13BT produce smoother finishes on figured wood and run quieter, but at a higher price point. Choose the DeWalt if you prioritize speed and value, choose a helical cutterhead if you work with figured hardwoods and want the quietest operation.
Final Verdict on the Best Thickness Planers
After testing eight of the best thickness planers available in 2026, the DEWALT DW735 stands out as the top choice for most woodworkers. Its powerful 15 amp motor, two-speed gearbox, and automatic carriage lock deliver the snipe-free results that professional furniture makers demand. The 2,219 reviews averaging 4.7 stars confirm what I found in testing: this is the gold standard for benchtop thickness planers.
For budget-conscious woodworkers, the WEN PL1326 offers spiral cutterhead quality at half the price of premium models. The WOODERS 13-Inch is the best thickness planer for under $300, providing an accessible entry point for hobbyists who want to start milling their own lumber. The Makita 2012NB remains the best choice for professionals who need quiet operation and job site portability.
No matter which thickness planer you choose from this list, you will be able to mill rough lumber into finished stock that rivals anything you can buy at the lumber yard. The money you save on material will pay for the planer within a few projects, and the satisfaction of working with wood you milled yourself is hard to beat. Take your time, consider your workload, and pick the machine that matches your needs and budget.