10 Best Thickness Planers 2025 in the United States

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.

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 WEN Thickness Planer (PL1337) offers several strengths making it a good choice for many woodworking enthusiasts and professionals. With a 13-inch cutting width and the ability to plane boards up to 6 inches thick, it offers a solid range for various projects. The two-speed operation is particularly beneficial, allowing users to choose between a faster 26 FPM feed rate for quick dimensioning or a slower 16 FPM feed rate for a finer finish.

The 15-amp motor, producing 10,000 RPM and up to 1354 cuts per inch, ensures powerful and precise performance. Additionally, the spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades contributes to a smoother, cleaner finish on wood surfaces. The onboard material removal gauge and depth stop are helpful features for achieving consistent results, and the combination dust port is useful for maintaining a cleaner workspace.

However, at 69 pounds, the planer is not the most portable option, which might be a drawback for those who need to move it frequently. Despite this, its robust build and added features like workpiece return rollers and onboard wrench storage enhance practicality. This planer is ideal for users who prioritize performance and finish quality over portability.