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 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.

The Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer is a solid choice for those needing a reliable and portable benchtop planer. One of its standout features is its lightweight and compact design, making it easy to transport to different job sites. This planer also boasts a quiet operation at 83dB, which is a significant advantage for prolonged use in shared or indoor spaces without causing much disturbance.

With a 4-post design and diagonal cross supports, it offers good stability during operation, and the large table extensions are beneficial for supporting longer workpieces. The planer's fast and easy blade change system, utilizing disposable double-edge blades, enhances convenience and efficiency during use. It has a cutting width of 11.86 inches and operates with a motor power of 1650 watts, which are respectable specs for most standard woodworking tasks.

At a weight of around 61.8 pounds, it may still be a bit cumbersome for some users despite its portability focus. Additionally, while the build quality is robust with its metal construction, it might not be the best choice for those seeking extremely heavy-duty use, as its compact size and lighter frame suggest it's built more for moderate tasks. The Makita 2012NB is an excellent planer for those prioritizing ease of transport, quiet operation, and quick blade changes, but might not be suitable for the most demanding of woodworking projects.