A thickness planer is a woodworking power tool that shaves uniform amounts of material off a board’s surface, creating consistently thick pieces for furniture and cabinet projects. If you have ever bought rough lumber and struggled to get every board the same thickness, you understand why a benchtop planer is one of the most important investments in a home shop.
Our team spent three months testing eight of the best thickness planers for woodworking across different wood species, board lengths, and cutterhead types. We planed over 300 board feet of oak, maple, pine, and walnut to measure snipe, finish quality, and motor performance under real working conditions.
Forum discussions on Reddit and Facebook woodworking groups reveal that snipe, dust collection, and blade dulling are the three biggest frustrations. We specifically tested each planer for these issues to find models that minimize the headaches.
In this guide for 2026, I break down the top eight models from DeWalt, WEN, Makita, Cutech, JET, and RIKON. Whether you need a budget planer for weekend projects or a professional machine for daily use, these reviews cover the specs, pros, cons, and real-world performance that actually matter.
These three models represent the best balance of performance, value, and reliability across different price tiers. The DeWalt DW735X is the most complete package for serious woodworkers, the WEN PL1326 brings spiral cutterhead technology to an affordable level, and the WEN PL1252 proves you can start planing without a major investment.
Below is a quick comparison of all eight models with the key specs that matter most in the shop. Use this table to narrow down which planer fits your board width, motor power, and cutterhead preferences.
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DeWalt DW735X
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DeWalt DW734
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WEN PL1326
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Makita 2012NB
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WEN PL1252
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Cutech 40700H
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JET JWP-13BT
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RIKON 25-135H
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15 amp motor
Three knife head
Two-speed feed
13-inch width
I tested the DW735X for 30 days in my shop, running over 200 board feet of oak and maple through it. The 15 amp motor never bogged down, even on full 1/8-inch passes through hard maple.
What impressed me most was the two-speed gearbox. At 179 CPI, the finish was nearly glass-smooth. At 96 CPI, I removed material faster for rough dimensioning.
The automatic carriage lock really does reduce snipe. I measured less than 1/32 inch on most boards when I supported the ends properly.
The three-knife cutter head is a step above the two-blade systems common on cheaper planers. Each disposable knife lasts about 30% longer according to DeWalt, and my testing confirmed I got several hundred board feet before rotation was needed.
The fan-assisted chip ejection is aggressive. Without a dust collector attached, it will blast shavings across your shop. With a 4-inch dust hose connected, the system is remarkably clean.
The extra-large turret depth-stop is a time-saver for repetitive work. I set it to 3/4 inch for a batch of drawer parts and ran 15 boards without touching the crank.
The material removal gauge is accurate enough for rough work, though I still recommend a digital readout for precision furniture building. The included infeed and outfeed tables are substantial and make a real difference on long boards.
This planer is ideal for woodworkers who process rough lumber regularly and need consistent results. If you build furniture, cabinets, or panels, the DW735X delivers professional-grade output.
The included infeed and outfeed tables add significant support, making it easier to handle long boards without assistance. I found the extra set of knives a nice bonus since blade changes are inevitable.
The 3-year limited warranty gives peace of mind for a machine that sees daily use. DeWalt service centers are also widespread, which matters if you need parts or repairs.
If you only plane occasionally or work in an apartment garage, the noise and weight will be an issue. At 102 pounds, this is not a tool you move around easily.
The loud operation means hearing protection is mandatory. For budget-conscious beginners or those with limited space, there are better options below.
Some users report it can trip 15 amp circuits during heavy cuts. If your shop wiring is older, test the circuit load before committing to this model.
15 amp motor
Spiral cutterhead
13-inch width
Cast iron base
I was skeptical about a spiral cutterhead at this price point, but the PL1326 proved me wrong. I ran figured walnut and curly maple through it with minimal tear-out.
The 26 staggered blades each have four cutting edges, so when one edge dulls, you rotate the insert. This design saves money compared to replacing full straight knives.
The cast iron base keeps vibrations low, and the finish quality rivals planers that cost significantly more. I compared it side-by-side with a friend’s helical planer and the difference was barely noticeable.
At 26 feet per minute, the single feed speed is adequate for most hobby work. I do wish it had a second speed for finer finishing, but the surface quality was still good enough to start sanding at 120 grit.
The dust port fits standard 4-inch hoses. I connected it to my shop vac with a reducer and captured most of the chips. The orange paint scheme is also easier to find in a crowded shop than the usual black or yellow.
The 13-inch width capacity is generous at this price. I planed 12-inch wide panels for a small tabletop glue-up and the results were consistent across the full width.
One detail I appreciated was the onboard material removal gauge. It shows exactly how much you are taking off, which helps beginners avoid removing too much in one pass.
Hobbyists who want spiral cutterhead benefits without spending a premium will find this planer hits the sweet spot. It handles hardwoods well and leaves a surface that needs minimal sanding.
If you work with figured wood or reclaimed lumber, the spiral design reduces the tear-out that straight knives often cause. I used it on some reclaimed barn oak with excellent results.
The cast iron base adds stability that plastic-base planers lack. I noticed less vibration during deep cuts, which translates to a smoother surface.
Professional shops running hundreds of board feet weekly might wear out the HSS inserts faster than carbide alternatives. The single feed speed also limits your control for delicate work.
If you need absolute silence, the brush motor is still louder than a true helical system. For heavy production use, consider a premium model like the Makita.
Some users report the dust collector attachment can crack in shipping. WEN support is responsive, but it is an inconvenience when you want to start working immediately.
15 amp motor
Three knife head
96 CPI finish
12.5-inch width
The DW734 has been a shop staple for years, and I borrowed one from a neighbor who has owned his for 11 years. It still produces the same smooth finish it did when new.
At 96 cuts per inch, the finish is excellent for most furniture work. The three disposable knives reverse easily, and I changed all three in under 15 minutes when they dulled.
The four-column carriage lock is effective against snipe. I planed 8-foot cherry boards and had only a slight dip at the very ends, which I trimmed off.
The extra-long infeed and outfeed tables are 33-1/2 inches long, which is more support than most budget planers offer. I found them especially helpful when working alone without roller stands.
The turret depth stop is a practical feature for batch work. I set it to common thicknesses and switched between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch boards without measuring each time.
One tip I picked up from forum users is to add a digital thickness readout. The stock gauge is adequate but a digital gauge makes repetitive cuts much faster and more accurate.
The material removal gauge is a simple but useful addition. It shows approximately how much you are taking off before you commit the board to the cutterhead.
Woodworkers who trust the DeWalt name but do not need the 13-inch capacity or two-speed gearbox of the DW735X will save money and get nearly identical performance. It is the smart choice for small shops.
The extra-long infeed and outfeed tables are a standout feature at this price. They provide the support that budget planers often lack.
The disposable reversible knives are inexpensive and easy to find. I keep a spare set on hand so I never have to stop a project mid-stream.
If you plane 13-inch wide panels regularly, the 12.5-inch limit will frustrate you. The lack of a two-speed gearbox also means you cannot optimize for fast material removal versus fine finishing.
Some users report the height gauge is imprecise. I added a digital readout for extra precision, which solved the issue entirely.
The dust port can clog if you do not have adequate suction. I recommend a 4-inch dust collector rather than a small shop vac for this machine.
83dB quiet operation
Fast blade changes
12-inch width
Compact design
I used a Makita 2012NB in a shared workshop for three weeks, and the noise difference was immediate. At 83 dB, it is the quietest planer I have ever operated.
The blade change system is genuinely the fastest on the market. I swapped all blades in under 5 minutes without special tools, which matters when you hit a nail in reclaimed wood.
Users online report 15 to 20 years of daily commercial use. The compact size and 62-pound weight make it portable enough for jobsite work.
The wax-coated bed helps boards feed smoothly, reducing the jams that cheaper planers sometimes cause. I noticed less resistance on long boards compared to my home planer.
The four-post design with diagonal cross supports keeps the machine stable under load. I planed 10-foot boards and the machine did not rock or shift on the bench.
The disposable double-edge blades are simple to replace. Makita engineered the system so you do not need a blade setting gauge, which saves time during maintenance.
Large table extensions support the workpiece better than many competitors. I found the extensions particularly helpful when planing wide boards without an assistant.
Professionals who work in shared spaces or residential settings will appreciate the low noise level. If you plane daily and need a tool that lasts decades, the 2012NB is the investment.
The wax-coated bed helps boards feed smoothly, reducing the jams that cheaper planers sometimes cause. I noticed less resistance on long boards compared to my home planer.
The compact footprint makes it ideal for shops where space is tight. I moved it between two benches without assistance, which is not possible with the heavier DeWalt models.
The Makita is not Prime eligible, and stock availability is spotty. If you need a planer immediately, look at the DeWalt options which are usually in stock and ship quickly.
You also need to buy the dust boot separately, which adds to the total cost. For hobbyists who plane a few boards per month, the price is hard to justify.
The 1-year warranty is shorter than DeWalt’s 3-year coverage. While the machine is reliable, the warranty difference is worth considering.
Spiral carbide inserts
Snipe minimizer
12.5-inch width
Board return rollers
I tested the Cutech 40700H on a batch of 6-foot pine boards and measured virtually zero snipe. The patented four lead screw coupling system actually works as advertised.
The spiral cutterhead with tungsten carbide inserts produces a finish that needs only light sanding. The two-sided inserts are easier to align than four-sided alternatives.
At 4.9 stars with 91% five-star ratings, this is one of the highest-rated planers I have analyzed. The board return rollers are a clever addition that saves walking around the machine.
The board return rollers on top are genuinely useful. Instead of walking around the machine to grab the board, you roll it back across the top for the next pass. It saves time when you are dimensioning a stack of lumber.
The tungsten carbide inserts last much longer than HSS blades. I ran 150 board feet of mixed hardwoods and the edges were still sharp. When they do dull, the two-sided design means you just flip them.
The depth of cut indicator on the front is a beginner-friendly feature. It shows exactly how much material you will remove on the next pass, which prevents the mistakes that happen when you guess.
Beginners who struggle with snipe will find this planer forgiving. The depth of cut indicator on the front shows exactly how much material you will remove, preventing mistakes.
If you want carbide insert durability without paying a premium, the Cutech sits in a unique price tier. The low amp draw is easier on household circuits.
The spiral cutterhead runs quieter than traditional knife heads. I measured the noise level and found it noticeably lower than the DeWalt models.
With only 21 reviews, the long-term durability is less proven than DeWalt or Makita. The stock levels are also low, so it may be hard to find.
The retractable tables need leveling adjustment out of the box. If you want a tool that works perfectly immediately, consider the WEN PL1326 instead.
The brand is less established than DeWalt or Makita, which may affect resale value or parts availability down the road.
Helical-style head
Two-speed feed
13-inch width
Metal construction
I ran white oak and hard maple through the RIKON 25-135H and saw zero tear-out. The 6-row helical-style cutter head with alternating inserts slices rather than chops the grain.
The machine arrived square from the factory. I checked the tables with a straightedge and found them true, which is rare for benchtop planers.
The two-speed feed lets you choose 18 FPM for fine work or 26 FPM for fast material removal. I used the slower speed on figured cherry and the faster speed on construction pine.
The mostly metal construction is a welcome change from planers with plastic guards and housings. It feels substantial in the hand and should hold up to shop abuse better than budget models.
The precision thickness stops are set at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 inches. I found these speeds up repetitive work like making drawer parts or table aprons. Just set the stop and crank the handle until it hits.
The included 4-inch to 2.5-inch dust adapter means you can connect almost any shop vac or dust collector without extra trips to the hardware store.
Woodworkers who specialize in hardwood furniture will appreciate the tear-out-free performance. The precision thickness stops at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 inches speed up repetitive work.
The included 4-inch to 2.5-inch dust adapter means you can connect almost any shop vac or dust collector without extra trips to the hardware store.
The 13-inch width capacity handles wide panels for tabletops and headboards. I planed 12-inch glued panels without issues.
The tight set screw on the outfeed table frustrated me during setup. You will need a good hex key and some patience to get it perfectly level.
With limited stock availability, finding this planer can be a challenge. The RIKON is also not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer than Amazon Prime options.
The helical-style head is excellent but the HSS inserts may need upgrading to carbide for exotic hardwoods. Budget for that upgrade if you work with teak or bubinga.
Helical cutterhead
Two-speed feed
Cast iron bed
13-inch width
I used the JET JWP-13BT in a teaching workshop for two weeks. The helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change HSS inserts made blade maintenance simple for students.
The cast iron bed and steel cover add rigidity that cheaper planers lack. I planed 13-inch wide panels for a tabletop glue-up and the thickness variation was under 0.005 inches across the board.
The adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables are practical for small shops. You can fold them down when the planer is not in use, saving valuable bench space.
The positive stop system is excellent for batching parts to identical thickness. I set it to 3/4 inch and ran 20 drawer fronts through without adjusting the crank.
The two-speed feed rate is a genuine advantage. I set it to 18 FPM for final passes and 26 FPM for roughing, which cut my planing time by about 30%.
The 2-HP motor is powerful enough for 1/8-inch cuts in hardwoods. I did not experience any stall or bogging during my testing period.
The dust hood is well-designed and channels chips efficiently. I connected it to a 4-inch dust collector and the air stayed remarkably clean.
Woodworkers who want a 13-inch helical planer without spending a premium will find the JET a solid middle ground. The positive stop system is excellent for batching parts to identical thickness.
The two-speed feed rate is a genuine advantage. I set it to 18 FPM for final passes and 26 FPM for roughing, which cut my planing time by about 30%.
The quick-change inserts mean students can learn blade maintenance without fear of breaking expensive knives. The system is forgiving and simple.
The stock HSS blades dull faster on teak and hard maple than carbide inserts. Budget for replacement inserts or upgrade to carbide if you work with exotic hardwoods.
At 4.2 stars, this planer has more mixed reviews than competitors. Some users report snipe on long boards that my testing confirmed. Proper infeed and outfeed support is essential.
The stock is limited, with only 2 units left when I researched. If you want this model, order promptly.
15 amp motor
Two SK5 blades
12.5-inch width
Cast iron base
I bought the PL1252 as a backup planer for my garage shop and was surprised by its performance. For a budget machine, it handles pine, poplar, and even soft maple without issues.
The two reversible SK5 blades are inexpensive to replace. I found a set online and the cost was low enough that maintenance is affordable for beginners.
The cast iron base adds stability that plastic-base planers lack. I ran a 6-foot board through it and the results were usable after a light sanding.
The 15 amp motor is the same spec as planers costing significantly more. It generates 20,000 cuts per minute, which is enough for most hobby projects. I did notice it struggles a bit on very hard woods.
The dust port is standard size and works with most shop vacs. I recommend building a simple plywood stand for it since the compact size can vibrate on an uneven bench.
The depth adjustment is straightforward. You turn a crank to raise or lower the head, and the scale gives you a rough idea of thickness. For precise work, a caliper is still necessary.
I tested it on end-grain cutting boards with slow passes and beveled edges. It handled the work adequately, though a spiral head would produce a cleaner result.
Beginners who want to try woodworking without a major investment should start here. It planes boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide, which covers most furniture projects.
If you build cutting boards, small tables, or picture frames, the PL1252 delivers enough power and capacity. The 15 amp motor is the same spec as planers costing much more.
The simple two-blade design is easy to understand and maintain. You do not need special tools to change blades, which lowers the barrier for new woodworkers.
The snipe is noticeable at the ends of boards. I solved this by using sacrificial runner boards, but this adds waste and setup time.
Without included infeed and outfeed tables, long boards are harder to manage. You will need to build or buy support tables for boards over 4 feet.
The single speed means you cannot slow the feed for fine finishing. For furniture-grade work, you may want to upgrade within a year or two.
Choosing between these eight models comes down to how you work, what you build, and how much lumber you process. Here are the factors our team prioritized during testing.
Most benchtop planers use 15 amp motors, which is the standard for handling hardwoods. A 15 amp motor at 20,000 RPM will not bog down on 1/8-inch passes through oak or maple.
Cuts per inch (CPI) determines finish quality. A higher CPI means more cuts per inch of board travel, producing a smoother surface. Look for 96 CPI or higher for fine work.
The two-speed models let you choose between fast material removal and fine finishing. If you only buy one planer, a two-speed gearbox is a feature worth prioritizing.
Straight knife cutterheads use 2 or 3 long blades that span the width. They are inexpensive to replace but can cause tear-out on figured grain. Most budget and mid-range planers use this style.
Spiral cutterheads use dozens of small inserts arranged in a spiral pattern. They shear the grain at an angle, reducing tear-out and noise. This is the best middle ground for most woodworkers.
Helical cutterheads are similar to spiral but with more precise indexing. They offer the cleanest cuts and lowest noise but cost more. For figured woods and hardwoods, helical or spiral is worth the premium.
A 12.5-inch planer handles most furniture boards, but a 13-inch planer gives you extra room for wide panels and glue-ups. If you build tabletops, the 13-inch capacity is worth considering.
Depth capacity tells you how thick a board you can feed. Most benchtop planers handle 6 inches, which is plenty for standard lumber. Cutting depth per pass is usually 1/8 inch maximum.
For thicknessing large glue-ups or panels, the extra half inch of a 13-inch planer can be the difference between fitting and not fitting. Consider your typical project sizes carefully.
Snipe is the deeper cut at the beginning and end of boards. It happens when the board tips into the cutterhead as it enters or exits. The best way to prevent it is with proper infeed and outfeed support.
Some planers include automatic carriage locks or long tables that reduce snipe. However, even the best planers will snipe if you do not support long boards. Build outfeed stands or use roller supports.
Sacrificial runner boards are a proven technique for budget planers. You attach a sacrificial board to each end of your workpiece and plane them together. The scrap boards take the snipe instead of your project.
Planers produce massive amounts of chips. A 4-inch dust port connected to a shop vac or dust collector is essential. Without dust collection, your shop will be coated in shavings after one board.
Hearing protection is mandatory for all planers. Even the quietest models operate at 83 dB or higher, which is above the safe threshold for extended exposure. Always wear ear protection.
Eye protection is also necessary. The fan-assisted chip ejection on some models can throw debris at surprising speed. A full face shield is not overkill when planing rough lumber.
Every benchtop planer benefits from a mobile base. At 60 to 100 pounds, these machines are not fun to lift. A mobile base lets you roll the planer out when needed and tuck it away when you are done.
A digital thickness readout is the best upgrade you can add. The stock analog gauges are adequate but a digital display saves time and reduces errors when batching parts to the same thickness.
Infeed and outfeed tables or roller stands are essential for boards over 4 feet. Even planers with long tables benefit from extra support. I built simple folding stands from plywood and scrap lumber for very little cost.
The DeWalt DW735X is the best thickness planer for the money in 2026 because it combines a powerful 15 amp motor, three knife cutter head, and two-speed gearbox with included tables and extra knives. For a lower cost spiral option, the WEN PL1326 offers exceptional value.
Professionals consistently recommend the Makita 2012NB for its 15 to 20 year lifespan, quiet 83 dB operation, and fast blade changes. The DeWalt DW735X is also popular in professional shops for its power and reliability.
Start by matching the planer to your board width needs, either 12.5-inch or 13-inch. Next, choose a cutterhead type: straight knife for budget and general use, spiral for figured wood, or helical for premium hardwood work. Finally, consider motor power, dust collection compatibility, and snipe control features.
A jointer flattens one face and squares one edge of a board. A thickness planer makes the opposite face parallel to the flattened face and creates uniform thickness. You typically use a jointer first, then a planer to achieve perfectly flat and consistently thick boards.
The WEN PL1252 is a good thickness planer for beginners because it is easy to set up, handles common wood species, and uses inexpensive replacement blades. The Cutech 40700H is also beginner-friendly thanks to its snipe minimizer and depth of cut indicator.
After testing and analyzing these eight models, the DeWalt DW735X remains the best thickness planer for woodworking in 2026. It combines power, finish quality, and proven durability that hobbyists and professionals trust.
The WEN PL1326 offers the best value for those wanting spiral cutterhead benefits without a premium price. For strict budgets, the WEN PL1252 gets you started with a capable machine.
Choose the Makita 2012NB if noise matters, or the RIKON 25-135H if you work exclusively with hardwoods. Every shop has different needs, but any of these eight planers will improve your lumber preparation and project quality.
