10 Best Thickness Planers 2025 in the United States

The JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer with Helical Cutterhead is a robust and versatile tool designed for both planing and jointing tasks, making it ideal for woodworkers who need precision in their projects. One of its standout features is the 42 four-sided carbide insert cutterhead, which enhances cutting efficiency and provides a smooth finish, catering well to those focused on detail and quality. The ability to quickly switch between jointing and planing functions without removing the fence adds to its user-friendly design, making it suitable for users who may be new to these processes.

With a substantial 3 HP motor and a cutting width of 12 inches, this machine is capable of handling larger pieces of wood while maintaining a cutting depth of up to 0.13 inches. The heavy-duty cast iron tables ensure stability and accuracy, which is crucial for achieving precise cuts. The parallelogram design keeps the table close to the cutterhead, allowing for accurate depth adjustments, which can save time and reduce material waste.

However, one must consider its weight of 453 pounds, making it less portable than some lighter options on the market. If your workspace requires frequent relocation of tools, this may pose a challenge. The dust collection system isn't highlighted, which could be a downside for users concerned about maintaining a clean workspace. The 5-year warranty is a favorable assurance of quality, although it shortens to 2 years for commercial use. This planer/jointer is best suited for serious hobbyists or professionals looking for durability and precision in their woodworking tasks.

The JET BLACK 20-Inch Planer is a robust tool designed for serious woodworkers and professionals. Its 20-inch cutting width allows for handling large workpieces, making it ideal for those who work with wide lumber. The 5 HP motor delivers strong performance, ensuring smooth cuts even with thicker materials. The helical cutterhead is a significant advantage, as it provides a cleaner and quieter finish compared to traditional straight blades, enhancing the quality of your output.

One of its standout features is the positive gear drive that facilitates precise height adjustments, allowing you to make fine cuts with ease. The large handwheel makes it user-friendly, making quick adjustments a breeze. The JET BLACK coated cast iron tables enhance durability and reduce friction, minimizing maintenance needs like waxing or polishing, which is a real plus for busy workshops.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The weight of 765 pounds makes this planer less portable, which could be an issue for those who need to move their tools frequently. It also requires a dedicated 230V power source, which may not be readily available in all workshops. While the dust collection system is included, its effectiveness can vary based on setup and environment, so users might need to invest in additional dust management solutions.

The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is designed for benchtop use and is equipped with a powerful 15 Amp motor, making it efficient for removing both hard and soft wood material. It features a two-knife solid steel cutter head, mounted on ball bearings, which ensures smooth operation and durability. Additionally, the high carbon steel, double-edged, reversible knives provide a long cutting life, which is beneficial for heavy use. The poly-v cutterhead drive is aimed at maximizing stock removal, enhancing its efficiency for woodworking projects. Another useful feature is the vacuum port, which facilitates dust collection, helping to maintain a cleaner workspace. However, its weight of 27.71 kilograms (61 pounds) may limit its portability, especially if you need to move it frequently between job sites.

Despite this, the planer is highly rated with a 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,289 customer reviews, indicating satisfaction among users. It also ranks as the #1 product in Power Benchtop Planers on Amazon. The product dimensions are 23.5 inches in length, 17.5 inches in width, and 15.4 inches in height, making it relatively compact for a benchtop planer. The CRAFTSMAN Planer CMEW320 is a robust and reliable choice for those needing a sturdy, high-powered planer for various woodworking tasks, though it may not be the most portable option available.