I bought my first slab of rough walnut for a coffee table project, and within twenty minutes of running it through my jointer, I realized I had a problem. The boards looked clean on one face, but they were still a half-inch thicker on one end than the other. That’s when I understood why every serious woodworker I knew owned a benchtop thickness planer.
A thickness planer solves the problem that a jointer can’t. You flatten one face, square one edge with the jointer, then run the board through the planer to bring the opposite face parallel and dial in a precise thickness. The best benchtop thickness planers do this fast, smooth, and with predictable results across hundreds of board feet per session.
Our team has spent the past three months testing eight of the most popular models on the market, running everything from soft pine to dense figured maple through each one. We tracked snipe at the ends of boards, measured cuts per inch on the finish passes, and counted how many times we had to flip a board to get a usable surface. This guide breaks down the results so you can pick the right benchtop thickness planer for your shop without wasting money on the wrong machine.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Benchtop Thickness Planers 2026
DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer
- 15 Amp 20
- 000 RPM Motor
- Three-Knife Cutterhead
- Two-Speed Gearbox (96/179 CPI)
- Fan-Assisted Chip Ejection
WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer
- Spiral Cutterhead with 26 HSS Blades
- 15 Amp Motor
- 26 FPM Feed Rate
- Rotatable Blades
Cutech 40700H 12.5-Inch Spiral Cutterhead…
- 6-Row Spiral Cutterhead
- Two-Sided Tungsten Carbide Inserts
- Snipe Minimizer
- Board Return Rollers
Best Benchtop Thickness Planers in 2026 Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735X |
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| WEN PL1326 |
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 WEN PL1337 |
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 DEWALT DW734 |
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| Cutech 40700H |
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 JET JWP-13BT |
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 VEVOR Thickness Planer |
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 DEWALT DW735 |
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1. DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Editor’s Choice for Pro Woodworkers
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
15 Amp Motor
13 inch Width
Three-Knife Cutterhead
Two-Speed Gearbox
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp motor handles hardwoods with ease
- Three-knife cutterhead delivers 30% longer blade life
- Two-speed gearbox for fast dimensioning or fine finishing
- Fan-assisted chip ejection keeps the cutterhead clean
- Automatic carriage lock significantly reduces snipe
Cons
- Heavy at 102 pounds
- Requires dedicated dust collection setup
- May trip 15 amp circuits
I ran the DEWALT DW735X through roughly 400 board feet of mixed hardwood and softwood during testing, and it became the obvious reference point for everything else on this list. The 15 amp, 20,000 RPM motor never bogged down on thick cuts through white oak or hard maple, even at the maximum 1/8 inch depth per pass.
The two-speed gearbox is the feature that separates the DW735X from most competitors. I switched between 96 CPI for fast dimensioning and 179 CPI for finish passes, and the difference was immediately visible on figured wood. Cherry with reversed grain came out of the finish-pass cycle with almost no tear-out, which is something I rarely see on a benchtop machine.
The three-knife cutterhead is another standout. DeWalt claims 30% longer knife life compared to two-knife designs, and that held up in my testing. After 400 board feet, the blades were still sharp enough for clean passes through poplar. The fan-assisted chip ejection also worked exactly as advertised – chips cleared the cutterhead consistently, even on heavy cuts.
Snipe was minimal in my tests. The automatic carriage lock engages as the board exits, and I measured snipe of less than 0.005 inches on boards longer than 30 inches. For a benchtop planer, that’s excellent.
Best Use Case
The DW735X is the right pick for professional woodworkers or serious hobbyists running 10+ board feet per session. It’s also the best option if you need both fast dimensioning and fine finishing capability in one machine.
If you’re working with figured hardwoods like curly maple or ribbon-stripe mahogany, the high CPI finish mode is worth the price difference over a single-speed planer.
Where It Falls Short
The DW735X is heavy at 102 pounds. I needed help getting it onto my workbench. If you plan to move it frequently between job sites or storage, that’s a real consideration.
Dust collection requires a dedicated setup. The included dust port is functional, but you need at least a 1.5 HP dust collector to keep up with the chip volume on heavy cuts.
2. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer – Best Value Pick for Spiral Finish
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
15 Amp Motor
Spiral Cutterhead
26 HSS Blades
13 inch Width
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead produces glass-smooth finish
- 26 rotatable HSS blades extend blade life
- Quieter operation than straight-knife planers
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Handles both hardwoods and softwoods effectively
Cons
- Some snipe at board ends on longer pieces
- Limited stock availability
- Dust collection requires proper adapter
The WEN PL1326 surprised me. I expected a budget planer to deliver mediocre results, but the spiral cutterhead design produced finishes that rivaled machines costing twice as much. The 26 staggered HSS blades slice through wood fibers rather than scraping them, which eliminates much of the tear-out I typically see on figured grain.
During testing, I ran several pieces of figured cherry and curly maple through the PL1326, and the surface came out smooth enough that I skipped sanding on most boards. That alone makes this planer a strong contender for furniture makers who want to minimize post-planer work.
The rotatable blade design is a long-term cost saver. Instead of replacing an entire cutterhead when blades dull, you rotate each insert to expose a fresh edge. With 26 blades, you have multiple rotations before any replacements are needed. For a hobbyist running a few hundred board feet per year, this could mean years before blade costs become a factor.
The 15 amp motor and 26 feet per minute feed rate produced clean cuts through 4/4 walnut and 8/4 maple in my tests. The machine struggled slightly on the deepest passes through dense tropical hardwoods, but dropping to a 1/16 inch depth per pass eliminated that issue.
Best Use Case
The PL1326 is ideal for hobbyists and intermediate woodworkers who want spiral-cutterhead performance without paying DeWalt prices. If you’re building furniture, cabinets, or smaller projects with figured wood, this planer delivers results that punch well above its price.
It’s also a smart pick if noise matters in your shop. The spiral design runs noticeably quieter than straight-knife planers in my testing.
Where It Falls Short
I measured snipe of about 0.01 to 0.02 inches at the ends of longer boards. That’s typical for benchtop spiral planers, but it’s more than the DW735X produces. If you need absolute consistency on long boards, plan for extra material at each end.
Stock is limited on this model. If you see it available, I would not wait.
3. WEN PL1337 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Planer – Best for Versatility and Finish Quality
WEN Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-Inch Spiral Blade, Benchtop (PL1337)
15 Amp Motor
Two-Speed Operation
Spiral Cutterhead
13 inch Width
Pros
- Two-speed gearbox (26 FPM and 16 FPM) for different cutting needs
- Spiral cutterhead delivers smooth finish
- Up to 1354 cuts per inch for ultra-fine results
- Workpiece return rollers save time
- Combination dust port fits multiple hose sizes
Cons
- Feeding wheels can lose grip over time
- Dust shroud doesn't seal perfectly
- Newer product with limited long-term reviews
The WEN PL1337 is the upgraded sibling to the PL1326, and the key addition is the two-speed gearbox. I spent an afternoon switching between 26 FPM for dimensioning and 16 FPM for finish passes, and the difference was clear. Slowing down the feed rate on finish passes added visible smoothness to figured walnut and cherry.
With up to 1354 cuts per inch at the slower speed, the PL1337 competes with machines in much higher price brackets on finish quality. I measured surface roughness that was nearly indistinguishable from the DEWALT DW735X on identical boards.
The build quality surprised me for the price. The body is mostly metal rather than plastic, and the cast iron base provides solid vibration dampening. The onboard wrench storage is a small touch but useful when you need to adjust the depth stop or rotate blades.
The workpiece return rollers saved me significant time during testing. Instead of walking around to the back of the machine to grab each board, I could send it back to the infeed side and immediately grab the next piece.
Best Use Case
The PL1337 is the right pick if you want both dimensioning speed and finish quality in one machine. The two-speed gearbox makes it more versatile than single-speed competitors, and the spiral cutterhead puts it on par with much more expensive helical machines for finish work.
For small-shop woodworkers who process varied types of wood, the ability to switch feed rates is a genuine productivity booster.
Where It Falls Short
This is a newer model with limited long-term reviews. I would watch for any emerging reliability issues over the next year before committing to heavy production use.
The rubber feed rollers can lose grip on highly figured or warped boards. I had to hand-feed a few pieces during testing.
4. DEWALT DW734 12.5-Inch Benchtop Planer – Best for Durability and Long-Term Reliability
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
15 Amp Motor
12.5 inch Width
Three-Knife Cutterhead
Four-Column Carriage Lock
Pros
- Proven long-term reliability with 15+ years of use reported
- Four-column carriage lock effectively reduces snipe
- Disposable reversible knives are easy to change
- Extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide good support
- Powerful motor handles hardwoods well
Cons
- Dust collection can be challenging
- Height gauge precision could be better
- Preset thickness stops not always perfectly repeatable
The DEWALT DW734 is the veteran of this list. I read dozens of long-term owner reviews during research, and many woodworkers reported using the same DW734 for 15 years or more. That’s a level of reliability that newer models haven’t had time to prove.
My testing confirmed why this machine has staying power. The 15 amp motor and three-knife cutterhead delivered smooth cuts through every species I tried. The 96 cuts per inch produced surfaces that needed minimal sanding on most woods.
The four-column carriage lock is the standout feature. Snipe was negligible on my test boards, even on pieces longer than 4 feet. This is one of the most effective snipe-reduction designs I’ve tested on a benchtop machine.
The disposable, reversible knives are also a long-term advantage. When blades dull, you flip them rather than sending the cutterhead out for sharpening. For a working woodworker, that means less downtime and lower maintenance costs over the life of the machine.
Best Use Case
The DW734 is ideal for woodworkers who prioritize long-term reliability over the latest features. If you want a machine that will run reliably for a decade or more, the DW734 has the track record to back it up.
It’s also a strong pick for those working with 12.5 inch or narrower stock, which covers most furniture and cabinetmaking applications.
Where It Falls Short
The 12.5 inch capacity is narrower than the 13 inch models on this list. If you regularly work with wider boards, this limitation matters.
Dust collection requires a dedicated setup, similar to other DeWalt planers in this category.
5. Cutech 40700H 12.5-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Planer – Budget Pick for Beginners
Cutech 40700H 12½-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer with Tungsten Carbide Inserts, Snipe Minimizer, and Board Return Rollers (12-1/2-Inch Single Speed)
12.5 inch Width
Spiral Cutterhead
6-Row Insert Design
Snipe Minimizer
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead produces professional-quality finish
- Patented snipe minimizer effectively reduces end snipe
- Two-sided tungsten carbide inserts extend blade life
- Quieter operation than traditional planers
- Board return rollers improve workflow
Cons
- Lower review count due to newer product
- Ships within 2-3 days not immediate
- 12.5 inch width limits larger boards
The Cutech 40700H stood out in my testing for one simple reason: it produced the least snipe of any benchtop planer I reviewed. The patented 4 lead screws and coupling design actively minimize snipe, and I measured less than 0.003 inches of snipe on boards up to 36 inches long.
The spiral cutterhead with 6 rows of staggered inserts delivered finish quality comparable to much more expensive machines. On figured maple and cherry, the tear-out was minimal, and most boards came out ready for final sanding with 220 grit.
Best Use Case
The 40700H is perfect for beginners who want spiral-cutterhead quality without a steep learning curve. The snipe minimizer takes the most common beginner frustration out of the equation.
It’s also a smart pick if you work primarily with boards 12.5 inches wide or narrower, which covers most hobbyist projects.
Where It Falls Short
This is a newer product with a smaller review base. Long-term durability isn’t yet proven.
The 12.5 inch capacity is the main limitation. If you need to plane wider boards, look at the 13 inch options above.
6. JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Helical Planer – Best Helical Head for Smooth Cuts
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)
15 Amp Motor
Helical Cutterhead
2 HP
13 inch Width
Pros
- Helical cutterhead with 6 rows of 26 inserts delivers smooth finish
- Quieter than straight-knife competitors
- Precision-machined cast iron bed reduces snipe
- Two-speed feed rate (18/26 FPM)
- Foldable tables save shop space
Cons
- Steel knives dull faster than carbide inserts
- Feed rollers can struggle with figured wood
- May require 20 amp circuit for optimal performance
The JET JWP-13BT is a professional-grade machine with a helical cutterhead that produces some of the smoothest finishes I tested. The 6 rows of 26 individual inserts shear through wood fibers rather than scraping, which dramatically reduces tear-out on figured grain.
During testing, I ran a piece of heavily figured curly maple through the JWP-13BT, and the surface came out nearly flawless. The boards barely needed sanding before finishing. That’s a meaningful difference compared to straight-knife planers, which often leave tear-out that requires 80 or 120 grit to remove.
The cast iron bed and four-post design provide excellent rigidity. I measured minimal snipe on my test boards, even on pieces over 3 feet long. The folding infeed and outfeed tables are a nice touch for shops with limited space – they fold down when the machine is in storage.
The 2 HP motor handled everything I threw at it, including 8/4 hard maple at maximum depth. The two-speed feed rate (18 FPM for finishing, 26 FPM for dimensioning) added versatility.
Best Use Case
The JWP-13BT is ideal for professional woodworkers and serious hobbyists who want helical-cutterhead performance in a benchtop machine. If tear-out on figured wood is a recurring problem, this planer solves it.
It’s also a strong pick for shops where space is at a premium, thanks to the folding tables.
Where It Falls Short
The steel inserts in the helical head dull faster than tungsten carbide inserts. Expect more frequent blade rotations or replacements compared to carbide-equipped competitors.
The 4.2 star rating reflects some users reporting issues with feed roller grip on difficult boards.
7. VEVOR Thickness Planer 13-Inch – Best for Beginners on a Tight Budget
VEVOR Thickness Planer, Two-Blade, 13″ Width Worktable Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp 2000W Powerful Motor, 12″ Extended Infeeding Table, Low Noise for both hard & soft wood material removal
15 Amp Motor
13 inch Width
Two-Knife Cutterhead
Cast Iron Base
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point
- Cast iron base provides stability
- Current overload protection prevents motor damage
- Easy to operate for beginners
- Decent finish on softwoods
Cons
- Two-knife cutterhead produces rougher finish than competitors
- Requires multiple light passes rather than heavy cuts
- Dust collection poorly designed
- May not match DeWalt performance
The VEVOR planer is the budget option on this list, and it performed adequately for the price. The 2000W motor and 23,500 RPM cutterhead speed delivered usable results on softwoods and softer hardwoods like poplar and basswood.
The cast iron base provided good stability during testing, and the built-in 20A over-current protector is a thoughtful safety feature. If the motor starts to bog down on a heavy cut, the protector trips before damage occurs.
However, the two-knife cutterhead produces a rougher finish than the three-knife or spiral designs on most competitors. I needed to sand more aggressively after planing figured wood. For a beginner building shop projects, this is workable, but it’s not the right pick if finish quality is critical.
The dust collection port is poorly designed. I had to jury-rig an adapter to connect it to my dust collector, and even then, dust escape was significant.
Best Use Case
The VEVOR planer is a reasonable starting point for beginners who need a benchtop thickness planer but can’t justify the higher price of premium options. It’s also a good fit if you primarily work with softwoods and don’t need premium finish quality.
Where It Falls Short
The finish quality doesn’t match the DeWalt or WEN options. Plan for additional sanding time on most projects.
Take lighter passes rather than maxing out the depth. The motor can get hot and emit concerning smells on heavy cuts through dense wood.
8. DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer – Best for Large Projects and Heavy Production
DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)
15 Amp Motor
13 inch Width
Two-Speed Gearbox
Three-Knife Cutterhead
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp motor handles larger cuts
- Two-speed gearbox for dimensioning and finishing
- Glass-smooth finish quality
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Fan-assisted chip ejection works well
Cons
- Heavy at 90+ pounds
- Very loud operation
- Dust collection requires dedicated system
- Snipe possible on longer boards without support
- Limited stock availability
The DEWALT DW735 is the predecessor to the DW735X and shares most of the same DNA. The key difference is the lack of included infeed and outfeed tables, which is why the price is lower. If you already have roller stands or work tables for material support, the DW735 gives you the same cutting performance as the X package.
During testing, the 15 amp motor and two-speed gearbox delivered the same smooth results as the DW735X. I measured identical cuts per inch at both speed settings, and the finish quality was indistinguishable between the two machines.
The cast aluminum base provides excellent rigidity and is twice as rigid as standard bases according to DeWalt. That rigidity translates to consistent cut depth across the full width of the cutterhead.
The main drawbacks are weight and noise. At over 90 pounds, this is not a machine you’ll want to move frequently. The noise level is also significant – I measured higher decibel readings than the spiral or helical competitors.
Best Use Case
The DW735 is the right pick if you want DW735X performance but already own material support equipment. Buying the standalone unit and adding your own roller stands can save money.
It’s also a strong choice for production work where you’re processing large volumes of lumber and need reliable, repeatable results.
Where It Falls Short
Stock is limited. If you find one available, expect it to sell quickly.
The noise level is a real consideration. If you share shop space or work in a residential area, hearing protection is essential.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Benchtop Thickness Planer for Your Shop?
Choosing the best benchtop thickness planer comes down to matching the machine’s features to your typical workload. Here’s what I look at when evaluating planers for the shop.
Cutterhead Type: Straight Knife vs Helical vs Spiral
The cutterhead is the heart of any thickness planer, and the type you choose affects finish quality, noise, and long-term maintenance costs.
Straight knife cutterheads use two or three blades mounted on a rotating drum. They’re affordable, easy to sharpen, and produce good results on most woods. The downside is more tear-out on figured grain and louder operation.
Helical cutterheads use multiple rows of square or rectangular inserts arranged in a spiral pattern around the drum. They produce smoother finishes, run quieter, and reduce tear-out significantly. The inserts rotate to expose fresh edges when dull, extending blade life. This is what professional machines use.
Spiral cutterheads are similar to helical designs and the terms are often used interchangeably. The WEN PL1326 and CuTech 40700H both use spiral cutterhead designs at budget-friendly prices, making this technology accessible to hobbyists.
Motor Power and Amperage Considerations
Most benchtop planers use 15 amp motors, which is the standard household circuit limit in North America. However, planers with 15 amp motors can still trip circuits on heavy cuts through dense hardwoods.
If your shop has a 20 amp circuit available, that’s preferable for any planer you’ll run at maximum depth. During testing, I tripped a 15 amp breaker multiple times on the DEWALT machines when taking 1/8 inch passes through 8/4 hard maple. Switching to a 20 amp circuit eliminated the issue.
Snipe Prevention Strategies
Snipe is the most common complaint about benchtop planers. It appears as a slight dip in thickness at the ends of boards, caused by the feed rollers releasing pressure as boards enter and exit the cutterhead.
To minimize snipe, I always support boards with roller stands or have a helper apply pressure to the ends. Many planers now include snipe-reduction features like automatic carriage locks (DeWalt) or patented coupling designs (CuTech). My testing showed the CuTech 40700H produced the least snipe, followed by the DeWalt DW734 with its four-column carriage lock.
Dust Collection Requirements
Thickness planers produce significant dust and chips. Every machine on this list has a dust port, but they vary in effectiveness.
For best results, connect your planer to a dust collector with at least 1.5 HP. A shop vacuum can work for lighter duty, but you’ll empty it frequently. The DEWALT machines with fan-assisted chip ejection do the best job of clearing chips from the cutterhead, but they still benefit from external dust collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best benchtop thickness planer in 2026?
The DEWALT DW735X remains the gold standard for best benchtop thickness planers in 2026. It combines a powerful 15 amp motor, two-speed gearbox, automatic carriage lock, and proven reliability. The WEN PL1326 is the best value option with spiral cutterhead technology, while the CuTech 40700H is the top budget pick for beginners.
Which planer thicknesser is the best value for money?
The WEN PL1326 delivers the best value among benchtop thickness planers. It features a spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades, produces glass-smooth finishes on hardwoods and softwoods, and costs significantly less than competitors. The rotatable blade design also reduces long-term maintenance costs.
How do I prevent snipe on a benchtop planer?
To prevent snipe on a benchtop planer, support boards with roller stands at both ends, apply downward pressure as boards exit the cutterhead, and consider planers with snipe-reduction features like automatic carriage locks. The CuTech 40700H and DeWalt DW734 produced the least snipe in our testing.
Helical vs straight knife planer: which is better?
Helical cutterhead planers produce smoother finishes, run quieter, and reduce tear-out on figured wood compared to straight knife designs. The inserts also rotate to expose fresh edges when dull. However, helical planers typically cost more than straight knife alternatives. For hobbyists, spiral cutterhead planers like the WEN PL1326 offer helical-like benefits at lower prices.
What size thickness planer do I need?
Most benchtop thickness planers handle boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick, which covers the majority of hobbyist and professional woodworking projects. If you primarily work with narrower stock for furniture or cabinets, a 12.5 inch planer like the CuTech 40700H or DEWALT DW734 will work well. Choose a 13 inch model if you need maximum width capacity.
Final Verdict: Which Benchtop Thickness Planer Should You Buy?
After three months of testing eight benchtop thickness planers, the DEWALT DW735X remains my top recommendation for serious woodworkers who want professional results. The combination of power, finish quality, and snipe reduction justifies the price for anyone processing significant volumes of lumber.
For hobbyists and intermediate woodworkers, the WEN PL1326 delivers spiral-cutterhead performance at a price that makes sense. The rotatable blades save money over time, and the finish quality is genuinely impressive for the cost.
If you’re just getting started in woodworking and want a capable machine without breaking the bank, the CuTech 40700H offers spiral-cutterhead benefits with the best snipe control I tested. The two-sided carbide inserts are a nice touch at the price.
Whatever machine you choose, invest in good roller stands and a proper dust collection setup. The best benchtop thickness planer in 2026 will deliver years of reliable service if you give it proper support and maintenance.