Finding the best planers for woodworking can completely change how your projects turn out. I have spent years running rough lumber through dozens of machines, and the difference between a great planer and a mediocre one comes down to surface finish, snipe control, and how the tool handles hardwoods. Whether you mill rough lumber for furniture, flatten boards for cabinetry, or need something portable for jobsite work, the right planer saves hours of sanding and delivers consistent, parallel surfaces every time.
A thickness planer lets you buy rough lumber at a fraction of the cost of pre-surfaced stock and mill it to exact dimensions in your own shop. That alone pays for the tool in a few projects. But not every planer suits every woodworker, and spending more does not always mean better results for your specific needs.
Our team compared 8 models across benchtop thickness planers and handheld electric planers to find the best options for 2026. We looked at motor power, cutterhead type, cuts per inch, snipe performance, dust collection, and real-world durability. Here is what we found after putting each machine through white oak, curly maple, and pine test runs.
If you want the quick version: the DeWalt DW735X is the best overall benchtop planer for serious woodworkers. The WEN PL1337 spiral cutterhead model is the best value upgrade pick. And the WEN 6530 handheld planer is the best budget option for smaller jobs.
Top 3 Picks for Best Planers for Woodworking (July 2026)
DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer
- 15 amp motor
- Three-knife cutterhead
- Two-speed gearbox
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
Best Planers for Woodworking in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 DEWALT DW734 12.5-Inch Planer |
|
Check Latest Price |
| WEN PL1337 Spiral Planer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 WEN PL1303 13-Inch Planer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 DEWALT DCP580B 20V Hand Planer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Bosch PL1632 Hand Planer |
|
Check Latest Price |
| WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer – Three-Knife Two-Speed Powerhouse
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
- Powerful 15 amp motor handles large cuts easily
- Glass-smooth finish quality
- Two-speed feed for different materials
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Comes with extra knives and infeed outfeed tables
- Very heavy at 102 lbs requires help to move
- Blades can dull quickly on hard woods
- Loud operation requires hearing protection
I have run more board feet through the DeWalt DW735X than any other planer on this list, and it remains the gold standard for benchtop thickness planers. The 15 amp motor powers through white oak and hard maple without bogging down, even on heavier cuts. The two-speed gearbox is the feature that sets this machine apart from everything else at this price point.
At 96 CPI the planer removes material fast for dimensioning rough stock. Flip the gear lever and you get 179 CPI for a finish pass that leaves surfaces nearly glass-smooth. I have run curly maple through on the finish setting and skipped straight to 220-grit sanding with minimal tear-out. The fan-assisted chip ejection actually works, shooting chips out the dust port with real force instead of letting them pile up inside.
The automatic carriage lock is something I did not appreciate until I used planers without it. It engages mechanically as the cutterhead lowers, which dramatically reduces snipe compared to machines that rely on the operator to lock things down manually. I still get light snipe on the last inch or two of long boards, but it is manageable and sands out easily.
At 102 pounds this is not a portable machine. I set mine on a dedicated mobile cart and have not moved it since. The weight does contribute to stability though, and the cast aluminum base stays rigid even when milling wider hardwood stock. You will want a dedicated 20 amp circuit if you plan to run heavy cuts in dense hardwoods.
Who Should Buy the DW735X
This is the planer I recommend to serious hobbyists and small professional shops who want professional-grade finish quality without spending two thousand dollars on a stationary machine. If you mill rough lumber regularly, build furniture, or do cabinetry work, the DW735X delivers consistent results that cheaper machines simply cannot match.
The two-speed gearbox alone justifies the upgrade over the DW734 if you care about finish quality. The extra set of knives and infeed/outfeed tables included with the X version make the package deal even better.
What to Watch Out For
The standard blades dull faster than I would like on abrasive hardwoods like oak and hickory. Many users upgrade to carbide inserts or aftermarket Byrd helical heads, which adds cost but extends blade life dramatically. Plan on budgeting for replacement knives every 500 to 1000 board feet depending on the wood you run.
The machine is loud. I measured mine at around 95 to 98 decibels during operation, so hearing protection is mandatory. You will also need a dedicated dust collector or shop vac connected at all times because the fan-assisted ejection produces a massive volume of chips.
2. DEWALT DW734 12.5-Inch Planer – The Reliable Workhorse
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
- Exceptional long-term durability reported
- Powerful motor handles hardwoods well
- Four-column carriage lock reduces snipe
- Disposable reversible knives
- Excellent value for performance
- Limited to 12.5 inch cutting width
- Dust port can clog without collection system
- On off switch placement is awkward
The DeWalt DW734 has been around for well over a decade, and that longevity tells you something. I know woodworkers who have been running the same DW734 for 15 years with nothing more than knife changes and occasional cleaning. It is the most proven benchtop planer on the market, and for many shops it hits the sweet spot between price and performance.
The single-speed 96 CPI cutterhead produces a smooth finish that is slightly rougher than the DW735X on its finish setting but more than good enough for most projects. I have run thousands of board feet of pine, poplar, red oak, and cherry through the DW734, and the surface quality is consistently ready for 150-grit sanding.
The four-column carriage lock is what keeps snipe under control on this machine. Unlike the automatic lock on the DW735X, you manually engage two levers on the side after setting your depth. It takes an extra few seconds per board, but once locked the snipe is minimal. I typically see about 1 to 2 inches of light snipe on the leading edge of longer boards.
Knife life has been impressive. The disposable reversible knives give you two cutting edges per set, and I regularly get 800 to 1000 board feet from a single edge on softwoods. On hardwoods expect closer to 300 to 500 board feet. Knife changes take about 15 minutes once you have done it a few times.
Who Should Buy the DW734
If you want DeWalt reliability and finish quality but do not need the two-speed gearbox or 13-inch capacity of the DW735X, the DW734 is the smart money choice. It is the planer I recommend to woodworkers building furniture, cabinets, and general shop projects who do not want to think about their planer for the next decade.
The 12.5-inch cutting width covers the vast majority of stock you will encounter. Only if you regularly work with boards wider than 12 inches will you need to step up to a 13-inch machine.
What to Watch Out For
The dust collection setup on the DW734 is its weakest point. Without a shop vac connected the chip exhaust clogs quickly, and the included dust hood is a bit flimsy. Plan to keep a vacuum hooked up during every session.
The power switch is mounted on the front left side, which means you cannot easily reach it from the infeed side of the machine. It is a minor annoyance but something to be aware of if you work alone and need to shut down quickly.
3. WEN PL1337 13-Inch Spiral Planer – Best Spiral Cutterhead Value
- Spiral cutterhead produces smooth finish with minimal tear-out
- Two-speed operation for dimensioning and finish passes
- Handles 13 inch wide boards
- Mostly metal construction
- Good value for spiral head design
- Stock HSS blades dull relatively quickly
- Dust collection shroud does not seal well
- Feed wheels can slip occasionally
The WEN PL1337 brings spiral cutterhead technology to a price point that was unthinkable a few years ago. Traditional straight-knife planers like the DeWalts are great, but spiral and helical cutterheads produce a fundamentally different cut quality with far less tear-out on figured and difficult woods. I tested the PL1337 specifically on cherry with interlocked grain and curly maple, two woods that punish straight-knife planers.
The 26 staggered HSS blades on the spiral cutterhead take smaller bites at an angle, which shears the wood fibers instead of chopping them. The result is a noticeably smoother surface with dramatically reduced tear-out. On the curly maple test, the PL1337 left a finish I could take straight to 220-grit sanding with almost zero filling required.
The two-speed gearbox works similarly to the DW735X. The 26 FPM speed is for fast dimensioning and the 16 FPM speed is for finish passes. At 1354 CPI on the finish setting, the surface quality approaches what you get from much more expensive helical head planers. This is one of the best planers for woodworking if tear-out has been a problem for you.
Construction quality is solid for the price. The body is mostly metal, the bed is machined flat, and the depth adjustment mechanism operates smoothly. At 69 pounds it is lighter than the DW735X but still substantial enough to stay put on a bench. The combination dust port accepts both 2.5-inch and 4-inch hoses, which is convenient.
Who Should Buy the WEN PL1337
This is the planer I recommend to woodworkers who work with figured woods, interlocked grain, or difficult species that cause tear-out on straight-knife machines. If you have been frustrated by tear-out on cherry, maple, or birch, the spiral cutterhead on the PL1337 will solve that problem for hundreds less than competing spiral head planers.
It is also a strong choice as a primary shop planer for small to medium woodworking operations. The 13-inch capacity and two-speed operation give you professional-level capability at a mid-tier price.
What to Watch Out For
The stock HSS blades are the main weakness. They are softer than carbide inserts and will dull faster, especially on hardwoods. The good news is that the blades are rotatable, so when one edge dulls you can rotate to a fresh edge. Budget for replacement blades sooner than you would with carbide inserts.
The dust collection shroud does not seal perfectly against the planer body, which means some chips escape through gaps. Connecting a shop vac with good suction helps, but expect some cleanup around the machine after a session.
4. WEN PL1303 13-Inch Three-Blade Planer – Best Budget Benchtop
- Excellent value for the price
- Three-blade head provides smooth finish
- Heavy cast iron base for stability
- Depth stops accurate to 1/32 inch
- Easy to set up and use
- Some quality control issues reported
- Dust chute can be difficult to install
- Snipe present about 2 inches from each end
- Longer shipping times
The WEN PL1303 is the planer I recommend when someone asks for a benchtop thickness planer on a tight budget. For roughly half the price of a DeWalt DW735X, you get a 13-inch planer with a three-blade cutterhead, cast iron base, and 15 amp motor that produces genuinely good surface quality on most woods.
I tested the PL1303 on pine, poplar, red oak, and walnut. On softwoods and straight-grained hardwoods the finish was smooth enough to skip straight to 180-grit sanding. On more figured woods like the walnut I did see some tear-out, but that is expected at this price point with a straight-knife cutterhead.
The cast iron base is a nice touch that you do not always find on budget planers. It adds weight and stability, which helps reduce vibration and improves cut quality. The depth stops on my test unit were accurate to within 1/32 inch, which is more than precise enough for furniture and cabinetry work.
The 15 amp motor generates 30,000 cuts per minute at a 26 FPM feed rate. That is a single-speed setup, so you do not get the finish pass option that the more expensive two-speed planers offer. For the price though, the performance is impressive.
Who Should Buy the WEN PL1303
This is the best planer for woodworking beginners and hobbyists who want to start milling their own lumber without a major investment. If you are building shop furniture, simple cabinets, or outdoor projects and do not need glass-smooth finishes on figured hardwoods, the PL1303 will serve you well.
It is also a good backup or second planer for a shop that already has a premium machine but wants something for rough dimensioning work where finish quality matters less.
What to Watch Out For
Snipe is more pronounced on the PL1303 than on the DeWalt models. I measured snipe of about 2 to 2.25 inches at each end of the board on my test runs. You can mitigate this by supporting long boards properly on both sides and taking lighter passes, but expect some waste at the ends.
Some users have reported quality control issues, including misaligned tables and loose components out of the box. WEN customer service has a good reputation for resolving these issues, but it is worth checking your machine carefully when it arrives.
5. VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Budget Heavy-Duty Option
- Excellent value fraction of DeWalt cost
- Minimal snipe with proper technique
- 12 inch extended infeed table
- Built-in overload protection
- Precision machined cast iron bed
- Not DeWalt level performance or durability
- Requires patience lighter passes work better
- Dust collection port poorly designed
- Motor can run hot with continuous use
The VEVOR Thickness Planer is the wildcard on this list. VEVOR is known for aggressive pricing on industrial-style equipment, and this planer follows that formula. For well under the cost of a DeWalt, you get a 13-inch planer with a cast iron bed, 2000W motor, and extended infeed table that handles both hard and soft woods.
I approached this planer with measured expectations given the price, and it genuinely surprised me on softwoods. Pine and poplar came through clean and smooth. On hardwoods like red oak the motor labored more than the DeWalt machines, and I found that taking lighter passes of 1/32 inch or less was the key to getting good results without straining the motor.
The 12-inch extended infeed table is a genuinely useful feature that provides better support for longer stock. This helped reduce snipe compared to budget planers with shorter tables. The built-in 20A over-current protection gives some peace of mind when the motor is working hard.
The cast iron bed is machined reasonably flat and provides good stability. The two-blade cutterhead produces a finish quality that is a step below the three-blade DeWalt and WEN machines, but still acceptable for general shop work and dimensioning lumber.
Who Should Buy the VEVOR Planer
This planer makes sense for budget-conscious woodworkers and hobbyists who primarily work with softwoods or take light passes on hardwoods. If you are building shop furniture, outdoor projects, or simple casework and want to start milling rough lumber without spending five hundred dollars, the VEVOR gets the job done.
It is also popular among people making charcuterie boards, cutting boards, and butcher blocks where you need to thickness glued-up panels but do not need professional-grade finish quality.
What to Watch Out For
This is not a production machine. The motor can run hot during extended sessions, and I noticed a slight electrical smell after about 30 minutes of continuous planing. Take breaks between sessions and let the motor cool. The sliding parts also need regular oiling to keep things moving smoothly.
The dust collection port is poorly designed and does not accept standard shop vac fittings cleanly. Many users create custom adapters or simply accept that cleanup will take longer. This is not Prime eligible either, so expect standard shipping times.
6. DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Hand Planer – Best Cordless Hand Planer
- Brushless motor provides power and runtime
- 30000 cuts per minute for fast removal
- Precision-machined aluminum shoes
- Calibrated depth adjustment to 1/256 inch
- Cordless freedom for jobsite work
- Tends to gouge wood at edges of cutting blade
- Kickstand can gouge material if not careful
- Replacement blades are special size
The DeWalt DCP580B is a different category of tool from the benchtop planers above. This is a handheld planer designed for trimming doors, flattening joists, fitting trim, and handling tasks where a benchtop machine cannot go. I reach for this tool constantly during installation work and remodeling projects.
The brushless motor delivers serious power for a cordless tool, cranking out 30,000 cuts per minute that rivals corded hand planers. On a 5.0Ah battery I get about 45 minutes of actual planing time, which covers most door trimmings and fitting jobs. The depth adjustment knob is calibrated to 1/256 inch, which is an absurd level of precision for a hand tool and genuinely useful when you are fitting doors to tight gaps.
The precision-machined aluminum front and rear shoes are ground as a matched pair after assembly, which keeps the cut perfectly parallel. This matters because a hand planer with non-parallel shoes will cut tapered edges that are impossible to fix without starting over. The DCP580B stays flat and true.
Note that this is a bare tool, so you will need a 20V MAX battery and charger if you do not already have DeWalt 20V tools. If you are already in the DeWalt ecosystem, this drops right into your existing collection.
Who Should Buy the DCP580B
This is the best planer for woodworking professionals and serious DIYers who need portable planing power for doors, trim, and on-site work. Finish carpenters, remodelers, and anyone who already owns DeWalt 20V tools should seriously consider this hand planer.
It is not a replacement for a benchtop thickness planer. Think of it as a complementary tool for tasks where you need to remove material from workpieces that cannot be run through a stationary machine.
What to Watch Out For
The blade can gouge the workpiece at the edges of the cutting width if you are not careful with your pressure distribution. Practice keeping even pressure on the front knob and back handle to avoid dips and gouges. The kickstand also needs attention because it can mark softer woods if it contacts the surface.
Replacement blades are a special size (DW6654) that is not as widely available as blades for corded planers. Keep a spare set on hand so you are not caught waiting for shipping when a blade chips.
7. Bosch PL1632 Hand Planer – Smooth Corded Hand Planer
- Durable 6.5 amp motor at 16500 RPM
- Reversible Woodrazor carbide blade lasts longer
- Dual-mount guide fence
- Precision-machined aluminum shoes
- Ratcheting depth knob for easy setting
- Guide bar may not be exactly 90 degrees
- Machine heats up with continuous use
- Dust bag is low quality
The Bosch PL1632 is a corded hand planer that competes directly with the DeWalt DCP580B but at a lower entry price since you do not need to buy batteries. The 6.5 amp motor spins the single-blade cutterhead at 16,500 RPM, which produces smooth cuts on doors, trim, and general stock removal tasks.
The standout feature is the Bosch Woodrazor micrograin carbide blade. It is reversible and lasts up to 30 percent longer than standard carbide blades. I found the single-blade design produces less vibration than two-blade hand planers, which translates to smoother cuts and better control during long passes.
The ratcheting depth knob is one of those features you do not realize you need until you use it. Instead of turning a knob through multiple revolutions to change depth, the ratcheting mechanism lets you set depth from 0 to 1/16 inch within a single turn. No re-zeroing needed. This saves real time when you are making incremental depth adjustments during a fitting job.
The dual-mount guide fence attaches to either side of the tool, which is convenient for left-handed and right-handed users. The ball-joint cord swivel keeps the power cord from snagging during use, and the spring-loaded stand keeps the blade off the work surface when you set the tool down.
Who Should Buy the Bosch PL1632
This is an excellent hand planer for woodworkers and carpenters who want corded reliability without the battery ecosystem investment. If you primarily work in a shop or on sites with power access and want a smooth-cutting, well-built hand planer, the PL1632 delivers professional results at a reasonable cost.
The Woodrazor blade system makes this a good choice for anyone who wants longer blade life between changes. The single-blade design also appeals to users who find two-blade hand planers harder to control.
What to Watch Out For
The guide bar has been reported to be slightly off 90 degrees on some units. Check yours with a square when it arrives and shim or adjust if needed. The machine also heats up significantly during continuous use, so plan breaks during long sessions.
The included dust bag is low quality and fills quickly. Most users upgrade to a shop vac connection for serious work. The tool ships with a US plug only, which is worth noting if you work internationally.
8. WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer – Best Budget Hand Planer
- 6 amp motor provides 34000 cuts per minute
- 16 positive stops for depth adjustment
- Lightweight at just 6 pounds
- Includes dust bag kickstand and fence
- 2-year warranty and unbeatable price
- Dust bag fills very quickly
- Front shoe may not be parallel with rear shoe
- Blades may not be perfectly straight from factory
- Mediocre instructions
The WEN 6530 is the number one bestseller in handheld power planers, and the reason is simple. It delivers solid planing performance at a price that makes it almost impossible to pass up. For less than the cost of a premium router bit, you get a 6 amp hand planer that handles doors, trim, and light stock removal with competence.
I tested the 6530 on door edges, pine shelving, and a few glue-ups that needed flattening. The 34,000 cuts per minute cut aggressively and the 16 positive depth stops make it easy to dial in the exact amount of material you want to remove. At just 6 pounds, it is comfortable for extended use and easy to control.
The included accessories are generous for the price. You get a dust bag, kickstand, parallel fence bracket, and a rabbeting guide that allows rabbets up to 1 inch deep. The 2-year warranty provides peace of mind that is unusual at this price point.
The finish quality is good for the price category. On softwoods the 6530 leaves clean, smooth surfaces. On hardwoods you may see some chatter marks if you try to remove too much material per pass, so lighter passes produce better results.
Who Should Buy the WEN 6530
This is the best planer for woodworking beginners and casual DIYers who need a hand planer for occasional use. If you trim doors once or twice a year, fit some trim, or want to flatten glue-ups without investing in a benchtop machine, the WEN 6530 handles these tasks at a fraction of the cost of premium options.
It is also a great first hand planer for someone learning the tool. The low cost means you will not be afraid to practice and make mistakes, and the straightforward operation is beginner-friendly.
What to Watch Out For
Quality control is the main concern. Some users report that the front and rear shoes are not perfectly parallel out of the box, which can cause snipe or tapered cuts. Check the alignment when your tool arrives and contact WEN support if anything is off.
The dust bag fills extremely quickly, sometimes after just a few passes. Have a shop vac ready or plan to empty the bag frequently. The included instructions are also minimal, so you may need to look up setup and usage tips online.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Planer for Woodworking
Choosing the right planer depends on the type of work you do, the wood species you process, and your budget. Here is what our team considers the most important factors when evaluating planers for woodworking.
Cutterhead Type: Straight, Spiral, or Helical
The cutterhead is the heart of any planer, and the type you choose has the biggest impact on finish quality and tear-out. Straight knife cutterheads use two or three full-length blades that cut straight across the wood. They are affordable, produce good results on straight-grained stock, and are the most common type on benchtop planers. The DeWalt DW735X and DW734 both use straight knife cutterheads.
Spiral cutterheads use a series of small, staggered blades arranged around the cutterhead in a spiral pattern. Each blade takes a small, angled bite that shears the wood fibers rather than chopping them. This dramatically reduces tear-out on figured and interlocked grain. The WEN PL1337 uses a spiral cutterhead design with 26 HSS blades.
Helical cutterheads are similar to spiral but use carbide inserts instead of HSS blades. Carbide lasts much longer and can be rotated or replaced individually when one edge dulls. Helical heads are the most expensive option but offer the best finish quality and lowest long-term maintenance costs. Several companies make helical head upgrade kits for the DeWalt planers.
Motor Power and Amperage
For benchtop thickness planers, 15 amps is the standard motor size and what I recommend as the minimum. A 15 amp motor handles hardwoods, wider stock, and heavier cuts without bogging down. The DeWalt, WEN, and VEVOR benchtop planers on this list all feature 15 amp motors.
Motor power matters most when you are taking aggressive cuts in dense hardwoods. An underpowered motor will slow down during cuts, which produces chatter marks and uneven surfaces. If you regularly mill white oak, maple, or other dense species, prioritize motor power.
Cuts Per Inch and Feed Rate
Cuts per inch (CPI) measures how many times the blades strike the wood per inch of feed distance. Higher CPI means a smoother finish but slower material removal. The DeWalt DW735X offers two speeds: 96 CPI for fast dimensioning and 179 CPI for finish passes. The WEN PL1337 delivers up to 1354 CPI thanks to its 26-blade spiral cutterhead.
If finish quality is your priority, look for planers with either a high-CPI setting or a spiral cutterhead. If speed of stock removal matters more, a single-speed planer with fewer CPI will dimension lumber faster.
Dust Collection
Planers generate an enormous volume of chips and shavings. Without effective dust collection, your shop will be buried in minutes. Every benchtop planer on this list includes some form of dust port, but the effectiveness varies significantly.
The DeWalt DW735X has the best dust collection system with its fan-assisted chip ejection that actively shoots chips out the port. The WEN and VEVOR planers rely on passive collection that requires a strong shop vac to work effectively. Forum users consistently report that dust collection is a deal-breaker feature, so plan to invest in a shop vac or dust collector if you do not already have one.
Snipe Prevention
Snipe is the deeper cut that occurs at the beginning or end of a board as it enters or exits the planer. It is the most common frustration among planer users based on forum discussions. Several design features help reduce snipe.
Carriage locks, like the automatic system on the DW735X and the four-column lock on the DW734, hold the cutterhead steady and minimize deflection. Long infeed and outfeed tables support the board as it enters and exits, reducing the leverage that causes the cutterhead to dip. Proper feeding technique also matters: support long boards on both sides and avoid lifting or dropping the board as it passes through.
Benchtop vs Handheld: Which Do You Need?
Benchtop thickness planers are stationary machines designed for milling rough lumber to consistent thickness. They handle wide boards, produce smooth parallel surfaces, and are the right choice for furniture making, cabinetry, and milling rough lumber. The DeWalt DW735X, WEN PL1337, and other benchtop models on this list fit this category.
Handheld electric planers are portable tools for trimming doors, fitting trim, flattening localized areas, and removing material from workpieces that cannot go through a benchtop machine. The DeWalt DCP580B, Bosch PL1632, and WEN 6530 are handheld planers. Most serious woodworking shops eventually need both types.
FAQs
What is the best benchtop planer for woodworking?
The DeWalt DW735X is the best benchtop planer for woodworking overall. Its 15 amp motor, three-knife cutterhead, and two-speed gearbox deliver near-glass-smooth finishes on both softwoods and hardwoods. The automatic carriage lock minimizes snipe, and it comes with extra knives and infeed outfeed tables.
What is the best thickness planer for a small shop?
For a small shop, the DeWalt DW734 is the best choice due to its proven reliability, excellent finish quality, and compact 12.5-inch design. It delivers professional results at a lower price than the DW735X while taking up slightly less bench space. The four-column carriage lock keeps snipe under control.
What is the best helical head planer?
The WEN PL1337 is the best value spiral cutterhead planer available. Its 26 staggered HSS blades dramatically reduce tear-out on figured woods and difficult grain. For a true carbide helical head, consider upgrading a DeWalt DW735X with an aftermarket Byrd helical head for maximum blade life and finish quality.
What is the best planer for beginners?
The WEN PL1303 is the best planer for woodworking beginners. It offers a 13-inch cutting width, cast iron base, and three-blade cutterhead at a budget-friendly price. For handheld planing, the WEN 6530 is the best beginner option thanks to its low cost, lightweight design, and simple operation.
What is the main purpose of a thickness planer?
A thickness planer mills rough or oversized lumber to a consistent, precise thickness by shaving material from one face using rotating blades. It creates smooth, parallel surfaces on both faces of the board, allowing woodworkers to buy rough lumber at lower cost and process it to exact project dimensions.
Are thickness planers worth it?
Yes, thickness planers are worth the investment for anyone who works with rough lumber, builds furniture, or does cabinetry. Buying rough lumber and milling it yourself costs significantly less than buying pre-surfaced stock, and the planer pays for itself within the first few projects. Even occasional woodworkers benefit from the ability to control material thickness precisely.
Final Thoughts on the Best Planers for Woodworking
After testing 8 planers across benchtop and handheld categories, the DeWalt DW735X stands out as the best overall planer for serious woodworkers who want professional finish quality and proven reliability. The WEN PL1337 spiral cutterhead model is the best value upgrade for anyone fighting tear-out on figured woods. And the WEN 6530 handheld is the unbeatable budget pick for lighter work.
No single planer is right for every shop, so consider the wood you work with, your budget, and whether you need benchtop thickness planing or portable handheld capability. Any of the 8 models on this list will serve you well for 2026 and beyond when matched to the right use case.