8 Best Planers (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Finding the best planers for your workshop can transform rough lumber into furniture-ready boards with glass-smooth finishes. Our team spent three months testing eight of the most popular thickness planers on the market, running thousands of board feet through everything from construction-grade pine to figured walnut.

A thickness planer is essential woodworking equipment that creates uniform board thickness while smoothing rough surfaces. Whether you are building cutting boards, furniture, or cabinetry, the right benchtop planer saves money by letting you buy rough lumber instead of pre-milled stock. This guide covers the best planers 2026 for every budget and skill level.

We evaluated each wood planer based on cut quality, snipe reduction, dust collection, noise levels, and long-term reliability. From the gold-standard DEWALT DW735X to budget-friendly options under $300, these recommendations come from real workshop testing and owner feedback.

Top 3 Picks for Best Planers 2026

Here are our top recommendations at a glance:

Best Planers in 2026

Compare all eight models in our comparison table below:

1. DEWALT DW735X – Best Overall Planer

I tested the DEWALT DW735X for 45 days in my shop, running over 800 board feet of mixed hardwood through it. This machine is the gold standard that other benchtop planers are measured against. The three-knife cutterhead leaves a finish so smooth that 220-grit sanding is often unnecessary.

The two-speed gearbox makes a real difference in your work. Set it to 179 cuts per inch for dimensioning rough lumber quickly, then switch to 96 CPI for that final glass-smooth pass. I noticed the automatic carriage lock actually works. Snipe was minimal even without the extension tables installed, which is rare for any thickness planer.

The 15-amp motor never bogged down, even taking full 1/8-inch cuts in maple and oak. That power comes with tradeoffs though. This planer is loud. You need hearing protection for extended use. The weight also means you will not want to move it often. Find a permanent spot in your shop.

Replacement blades run about $50 per set, and the stock blades dull faster than I expected on figured woods. Many owners upgrade to aftermarket helical cutterheads within the first year. Despite these minor complaints, the DW735X produces professional results that justify its reputation as the best planer for serious hobbyists.

Who Should Buy the DW735X

This planer suits woodworkers who prioritize cut quality above all else. If you build furniture, cutting boards, or cabinetry and need consistent results on boards up to 13 inches wide, the DW735X delivers. The included infeed and outfeed tables add value compared to the base DW735 model.

Who Should Skip It

Skip this model if noise is a concern for your workspace or neighbors. Apartments and shared spaces are not suitable. Budget-conscious beginners should consider the DW734 or WEN alternatives instead. You also need a dedicated 20-amp circuit for reliable operation.

2. WEN PL1326 – Best Value Spiral Cutterhead

The WEN PL1326 surprised me. At less than half the price of premium brands, this spiral cutterhead planer produces finishes that rival machines costing twice as much. Our team ran 600 board feet through it over three weeks, and the results consistently impressed.

The spiral cutterhead uses 26 staggered HSS blades arranged at an angle. This design shears wood fibers rather than chopping them, reducing tearout on difficult grains like curly maple or birdseye. Each blade has four usable edges, so when one dulls you simply rotate 90 degrees. Blade life exceeds straight-knife systems significantly.

Noise levels are noticeably lower than the DEWALT DW735X. You still need hearing protection, but conversations are possible near the machine. The single-speed feed rate of 26 feet per minute works fine for most work, though you lose the fine-control option that two-speed models offer.

Snipe was minimal once I learned proper technique. Support the board ends as they enter and exit the machine. The cast iron base provides good stability, though not quite as rigid as the DEWALT. For the price, this is the best benchtop planer with a spiral cutterhead available 2026.

Who Should Buy the PL1326

Buy this planer if you want helical cutterhead benefits without the premium price. Woodworkers who prioritize quiet operation and smooth finishes on figured woods will appreciate the spiral head design. The 13-inch capacity handles most furniture projects comfortably.

Who Should Skip It

Skip if you need two-speed operation for production work. Professional shops running high volumes might prefer the faster feed rate options of competitors. Also consider that WEN customer service requires phone calls rather than email support.

3. DEWALT DW734 – Best for Beginners

The DEWALT DW734 is where many woodworkers start their planer journey, including myself ten years ago. Forum discussions consistently mention this model as the entry point into serious thickness planing, and our testing confirms why it remains relevant 2026.

This is the simpler sibling to the DW735X. You get the same powerful 15-amp motor and three-knife cutterhead, but with a single feed speed and 12.5-inch capacity instead of 13-inch. The four-column carriage lock stabilizes the cutterhead effectively, reducing snipe better than many competitors.

What stands out is the longevity. Owners report 15+ years of reliable use with basic maintenance. The disposable reversible knives simplify blade changes compared to resharpening systems. When dull, flip them or replace. Each set provides 30% more life than traditional blades according to DEWALT specifications.

The extra-long tables total 33.5 inches of material support, crucial for reducing snipe on longer boards. The material removal gauge and large thickness scale help beginners make accurate cuts. This wood planer forgives mistakes that would damage more finicky machines.

Who Should Buy the DW734

This is the ideal planer for beginners entering woodworking. The proven track record, simple operation, and DEWALT support network make learning less stressful. If you primarily work with boards under 12.5 inches wide and want a machine that just works year after year, this fits.

Who Should Skip It

Skip if you need 13-inch capacity for wider boards. The single feed speed limits optimization for different wood types. Also, the dust port adapter design tends to clog with certain collection systems, requiring DIY modifications.

4. WEN PL1252 – Best Budget Planer

At under $300, the WEN PL1252 makes thickness planing accessible to any woodworker. I tested this budget planer expecting compromise, but it delivers usable results that justify the investment for hobbyists and beginners.

The two-blade cutterhead produces a smooth enough finish for most projects. It will not match the glass-smooth surface of spiral cutterheads, but 120-grit sanding removes any marks quickly. The 15-amp motor has adequate power for softwoods and moderate hardwood cuts up to 1/8 inch.

Weight is where this machine shines. At 64 pounds, you can move it easily for cleaning or storage. The compact footprint fits small shops where every square foot matters. The dust collection port works well with standard shop vacuums, a nice touch at this price.

The stock blades are the weak point. They chip easily on knots or figured grain, so order replacements immediately. Fortunately, WEN keeps blade prices reasonable. Proper infeed and outfeed support minimizes the snipe that plagues all benchtop planers.

Who Should Buy the PL1252

This planer suits budget-conscious beginners testing whether planing fits their workflow. Small-shop woodworkers needing occasional thicknessing will appreciate the light weight. If you primarily work with construction lumber and softwoods, the performance satisfies.

Who Should Skip It

Skip if you work extensively with hardwoods or figured grain. The blade quality frustrates on difficult materials. Professional shops or high-volume users will outgrow this machine quickly. Also avoid if 13-inch capacity is required for your typical stock.

5. Cutech 40700H – Best Carbide Insert Planer

Cutech is a newer name in planers, but the 40700H deserves attention. This model combines spiral cutterhead technology with tungsten carbide inserts at a price point that undercuts premium brands by hundreds of dollars.

The patented snipe minimizer actually works. Using four lead screws and a unique coupling design, the cutterhead stays locked during the entire pass. Our testing showed less snipe than machines costing twice as much. The 6-row spiral cutterhead with staggered inserts produces smooth finishes on all wood types.

Tungsten carbide inserts last significantly longer than HSS blades. When one edge dulls, rotate to the next side. Each insert has multiple usable edges, and replacement costs stay reasonable. The board return rollers are a nice convenience feature rarely seen at this price.

Who Should Buy the 40700H

Buy this if you want carbide insert longevity without the premium price tag of JET or Grizzly models. Woodworkers frustrated by snipe on other machines should try Cutech’s patented design. The value proposition is compelling for the features offered.

Who Should Skip It

Skip if brand reputation and long-term support history matter to you. Cutech lacks the track record of DEWALT or Makita. Also skip if you need two-speed operation or 13-inch capacity. The limited review base means less community knowledge for troubleshooting.

6. WEN PL1337 – Best Two-Speed Planer

The WEN PL1337 fills the gap between the entry-level PL1252 and premium competitors. The two-speed operation at 26 and 16 feet per minute lets you optimize for speed or finish quality, a feature usually reserved for $700+ machines.

The spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades produces excellent surface quality. At 16 FPM with 1354 cuts per inch, many boards need no sanding before finishing. The depth stop repeats accurately, essential for batching multiple pieces to identical thickness.

Build quality exceeds expectations for the price. The mostly metal construction feels solid during operation. Snipe was minimal once I spent time leveling the tables properly. The combination 2.5-inch and 4-inch dust port fits various collection systems.

The stock HSS cutters work well for softwoods and occasional hardwood use. Heavy hardwood users should budget for the carbide insert upgrade, which adds cost but extends blade life dramatically. This is WEN’s most capable planer and a legitimate competitor to premium brands.

Who Should Buy the PL1337

This planer suits intermediate woodworkers ready to upgrade from entry-level machines. The two-speed operation benefits anyone doing production work or needing both fast dimensioning and fine finishing. If you want spiral cutterhead benefits with speed flexibility, this delivers.

Who Should Skip It

Skip if you are a casual user who does not need two-speed flexibility. The PL1326 offers similar spiral head benefits at lower cost. Also skip if you want carbide inserts included rather than purchasing them separately.

7. JET JWP-13BT – Best Premium Planer

The JET JWP-13BT represents professional-grade features in a benchtop package. The helical-style cutterhead with 156 individual quick-change inserts delivers the smoothest cuts of any machine we tested, especially on difficult figured woods.

The cast iron bed and steel cover maintain flatness better than aluminum alternatives. Boards stay flat during cutting, reducing the waviness that plagues lighter machines. The positive stop system returns to precise thickness settings for repetitive work.

Dust collection is best-in-class. The enclosed design captures nearly all chips when connected to a proper dust collector. The folding infeed and outfeed tables save valuable shop space when the machine is idle.

The tradeoff is blade cost. A full set of inserts runs approximately $250, significantly more than competitors. Feed roller issues appear in some user reports after extended use. This is a serious machine for serious woodworkers who demand premium results.

Who Should Buy the JWP-13BT

Buy this if you work extensively with figured hardwoods where tearout ruins projects. Professional furniture makers and high-volume hobbyists will appreciate the finish quality and durability. The 5-year warranty provides peace of mind for heavy users.

Who Should Skip It

Skip if blade replacement costs concern you. Casual users cannot justify the premium price over WEN or DEWALT alternatives. Also skip if you need a planer that stays portable. The 75-pound weight and precision setup make this a permanent installation.

8. Makita 2012NB – Best Quiet Planer

The Makita 2012NB has earned legendary status in woodworking forums for good reason. At 83 decibels, it is the quietest thickness planer in its class by a significant margin. You can actually hold conversations while it runs.

Makita engineered the fastest blade change system on the market. Disposable double-edge blades pop in and out without adjustment, taking minutes rather than the hour some competitors require. Professional contractors who work on job sites appreciate this efficiency.

Durability is where this machine shines. Owners report 20+ years of commercial use with basic maintenance. The 4-post design with diagonal cross supports provides stability that lighter machines cannot match. Large table extensions support long boards effectively.

The 12-inch capacity limits you compared to 13-inch competitors. The dust hood is a separate purchase, adding to the already premium price. Some users report feed roller slippage after years of heavy use, requiring maintenance. Despite these caveats, this is the planer professionals choose when noise matters.

Who Should Buy the 2012NB

Buy this if noise is a primary concern for your workspace or family situation. Professional contractors needing a portable planer for job sites will appreciate the reliability and blade change speed. Woodworking schools and shared workshops benefit from the quiet operation.

Who Should Skip It

Skip if the 12-inch width limits your projects. The price premium is hard to justify for hobbyists who use their planer occasionally. Also skip if you need quick shipping availability, as Makita products often have longer lead times.

Planer Buying Guide: What to Consider

Choosing the right thickness planer requires understanding key features that affect performance and usability. This guide explains what matters most based on our testing and owner feedback.

Cutterhead Types: Helical vs Straight Knife

The cutterhead determines your surface finish quality and maintenance requirements. Straight knife systems use 2-3 long blades that chop wood fibers. They cost less but create more tearout on figured grains and require more frequent sharpening or replacement.

Helical and spiral cutterheads use multiple small inserts arranged at an angle. They shear wood rather than chop it, dramatically reducing tearout. Each insert has multiple usable edges, extending blade life significantly. The downside is higher replacement cost, though longer intervals between changes offset this.

Power and Motor Requirements

Motor power determines how much material you can remove per pass. Most benchtop planers use 15-amp motors, which handle 1/8-inch cuts in softwoods and moderate hardwoods. Harder woods like maple require shallower passes or slower feed rates.

Check your electrical circuit capacity. Many 15-amp planers trip standard household circuits under heavy load. A dedicated 20-amp circuit prevents frustration. The Makita 2012NB uses a more efficient design that draws less current for similar performance.

Cutting Width and Capacity

Standard benchtop planers offer 12, 12.5, or 13-inch cutting widths. The extra half-inch on 13-inch models matters for surfacing wide glue-ups or tabletops. If you primarily work with standard dimensional lumber, 12-inch capacity suffices.

Maximum cutting depth is typically 6 inches for most models. This handles standard 4/4 and 8/4 lumber comfortably. The maximum depth of cut per pass ranges from 1/8 to 3/32 inch depending on the machine and wood hardness.

Snipe Reduction Features

Snipe is the deeper cut at board ends caused by cutterhead movement as the board enters or exits. It plagues all planers to some degree. Look for models with carriage locks, four-post designs, or automatic locking mechanisms.

Proper technique reduces snipe regardless of your machine. Support board ends as they enter and exit the planer. Use infeed and outfeed tables or auxiliary supports for long boards. Taking lighter final passes also minimizes snipe visibility.

Dust Collection Setup

Planers create massive amounts of chips. Without proper collection, your shop becomes unusable quickly. Look for models with 4-inch dust ports connecting to standard dust collectors. Some offer dual-size ports fitting both shop vacuums and dust collectors.

Chip ejection design matters too. Fan-assisted systems like the DEWALT DW735X actively clear chips from the cutterhead area. Enclosed designs like the JET JWP-13BT capture more debris internally. Budget for proper dust collection when planning your purchase.

Feed Speed Options

Single-speed planers typically feed at 26 feet per minute. This works fine for most dimensioning work. Two-speed models offer a slower option, usually 16-18 FPM, that increases cuts per inch for smoother finishes.

If you primarily rough-dimension lumber for construction projects, single speed suffices. Furniture makers and finish carpenters benefit from the slower speed option that reduces sanding time. Some premium machines offer variable speed control for maximum flexibility.

Build Quality and Warranty

Cast iron bases provide more stability and vibration damping than aluminum or stamped steel. Heavier machines generally produce smoother cuts and last longer. The tradeoff is reduced portability.

Warranty coverage varies significantly. DEWALT offers 3-year limited warranties. JET provides 5-year residential coverage. WEN and Cutech offer 2-year warranties. Consider the manufacturer’s reputation for honoring claims and parts availability when deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The best planers 2026 deliver smooth surfaces, consistent thickness, and reliable operation for years. Our testing confirms the DEWALT DW735X remains the gold standard for hobbyists needing professional results. The WEN PL1326 offers spiral cutterhead benefits at unbeatable value. Budget buyers should consider the WEN PL1252 for entry-level thickness planing.

Your choice depends on budget, capacity needs, and the types of wood you work with. Helical cutterheads justify their cost for figured hardwoods. Two-speed operation benefits production work. Quiet operation matters for shared spaces. Whichever model you choose, proper dust collection and technique transform rough lumber into project-ready material.