10 Best Benchtop Planers 2025 in the United States

The CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Planer (CMEW320) is designed for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals looking to work with hardwood and softwood materials. With a powerful 15 Amp motor, it efficiently handles tough jobs and ensures effective material removal. The two-knife solid steel cutter head is a strong point, offering smooth operation and durability, making it suitable for users who prioritize a clean finish in their woodworking projects.

One of the standout features is its high carbon steel, double-edged, reversible knives, which extend the cutting life and reduce the need for frequent replacements. The poly-v cutterhead drive further enhances its capability to maximize stock removal, appealing to those who require precision in their cuts.

The weight of 27.71 kg may be a drawback for some users, as it could limit portability and ease of handling. Additionally, while the vacuum port for dust collection keeps the workspace cleaner, users should ensure they have compatible dust collection systems for optimal performance. The foot print of 23.5"L x 17.5"W means it will take up a reasonable amount of bench space, which needs to be considered in smaller workshops.

The JET BLACK 20-Inch Planer (Model JWP-208HH-BLK) is a robust and powerful tool suitable for serious woodworking projects. With a cutting width of 20 inches and a cutting depth of 0.09 inches, it can handle large and precise cuts. Its 5-HP TEFC induction motor ensures strong performance, and the helical cutterhead provides smoother and quieter operation compared to traditional straight knives, reducing tear-out on the wood surface.

The planer includes extension tables, a dust hood, and a positive gear drive for rapid adjustments, which suggests efficient operation and good dust management. It is built with durability in mind, featuring a one-piece welded steel base and coated cast iron tables that resist corrosion and reduce friction. Users will appreciate the large handwheel and magnetic controls for precise and reliable performance.

However, the machine is quite heavy at 765 pounds, which could limit portability and require a stable, dedicated workspace. Additionally, the price point might be higher due to its advanced features and build quality. This planer is well-suited for professional woodworkers or serious hobbyists who need a reliable and efficient tool for their workshop.

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is a robust option for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals. It features a powerful 15-amp motor that can handle larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods, delivering a high performance with its 20,000 RPM speed. The 12-1/2-inch cutting width and three-knife cutter head, which operates at 10,000 RPM, ensures a fine finish with 96 cuts per inch. This results in smooth surfaces with minimal effort. The disposable, reversible knives increase the lifespan by 30% and facilitate quick changes, reducing downtime during projects.

The four-column carriage lock is a valuable addition, minimizing movement that causes snipe, while the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide ample material support, making the planing process more stable and efficient. Additional features like the material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale help achieve precise cuts easily. The turret depth stop allows users to quickly return to their most-used depth settings, improving workflow efficiency.

However, one potential drawback is its weight, standing at 36.29 kilograms, which may make it less portable for some users. Additionally, while it offers great power and precision, it lacks an integrated dust collection system, which might necessitate additional equipment to manage wood chips and dust. To sum up, the DEWALT DW734 is an excellent choice for those seeking precision, durability, and ease of use in a benchtop planer, provided the weight and dust collection limitations are manageable.