10 Best Bench Top Planer 2025 in the United States

The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is designed for those looking for a reliable and powerful tool for woodworking, especially in home workshops. With a 15 Amp motor, it effectively handles both hard and soft woods, making it versatile for various projects. The solid steel cutter head features two quick-change knives that provide a smooth cutting operation, which is a significant advantage for achieving precise surfaces. Users can expect long cutting life from the reversible high carbon steel knives, which are essential for maintaining efficiency over time.

One notable feature is the poly-v cutterhead drive, designed for maximum stock removal, making it a great choice if you're looking to efficiently flatten or dimension lumber. The built-in vacuum port also aids in dust collection, contributing to a cleaner workspace, which is often a concern for hobbyists and professionals alike.

The CRAFTSMAN Planer is relatively heavy, weighing in at about 27.71 kg (61 pounds), which could make it less portable and harder to move around if you need to shift it frequently. This planer stands out as a dependable and sturdy benchtop option for DIY enthusiasts and small businesses, but its weight should be considered when planning your workspace setup for optimal performance.

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is a solid choice for those looking to achieve fine finishes on their woodworking projects. It features a powerful 15-amp motor capable of 20,000 RPM, making it efficient for tackling larger and deeper cuts in hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head, with a cutter-head speed of 10,000 RPM, provides an exceptionally smooth finish, delivering 96 cuts per inch. This makes it suitable for creating high-quality surfaces on various types of wood.

One of the standout features is the disposable, reversible knives that offer 30% more life and are easy to change, minimizing downtime during projects. The four-column carriage lock significantly reduces snipe, ensuring the material remains steady during planning. Additionally, the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide extended material support, measuring a combined 33-1/2 inches, which helps in handling longer pieces of wood with ease.

The material removal gauge and large thickness scale offer precise cutting, and the turret depth stop allows for quick returns to frequently used depths, adding convenience. On the downside, at 36.29 kilograms, the planer is quite heavy, which affects its portability. While the build quality is robust, making it durable for extended use, the weight can be a drawback for those who need to move it frequently.

The JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer is a solid option for both amateur woodworkers and those looking to achieve professional-level finishes. One of its standout features is the helical-style cutterhead with 6 rows of 26 individual quick-change high-speed steel inserts. This design not only provides smoother and quieter cuts but also reduces the risk of tear-out, making it suitable for various wood types. With a powerful 2-HP motor that runs the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM, the planer can handle a maximum cutting depth of 1/8 inch, which is practical for most projects.

The build quality is impressive, featuring a precision-machined cast iron bed and a sturdy four-post design that enhances control and stability during operation. The adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables add to its convenience, allowing for easy storage and space-saving in your workshop.

The JET planer does have a few drawbacks. Weighing 75 pounds, it's quite heavy, which may limit portability. Additionally, the sound level reaches up to 97 dB, making it relatively noisy during operation, which could be a concern in quieter work environments. The dust collection system is functional, but some users may find it less effective than desired, potentially requiring additional dust management solutions.