Best Thickness Planers 2026: Benchtop & Floor Standing Reviews
Photo via Unsplash
A quality thickness planer transforms rough lumber into perfectly dimensioned boards, saving money on pre-milled stock and opening up possibilities with locally sourced wood. This comprehensive planer buying guide covers the best benchtop and floor standing options for every budget, with detailed reviews to help you choose the right planer for your workshop.
Quick Picks: Best Planers by Category
After extensive testing and research, here are our top thickness planer recommendations for 2026:
Our Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DeWalt DW735X
Two-speed gearbox, three-knife cutter head, excellent dust collection. The benchmark for benchtop planers.
Best Budget: WEN 6552T
Impressive performance at an entry-level price. Three-blade cutter head and granite table surface.
Best Benchtop: Makita 2012NB
Interna-Lok eliminates snipe, ultra-quiet operation, premium build quality. Perfect for small shops.
Best Floor Standing: Powermatic 15HH
Helical cutterhead, 15-inch capacity, professional build. The ultimate upgrade for serious woodworkers.
DeWalt DW735X: Best Overall Thickness Planer
The DeWalt DW735X has earned its reputation as the gold standard for benchtop thickness planers. This 13-inch planer combines professional-grade features with reliability that has made it the best-selling planer for serious hobbyists and professionals alike.
Key Features
- Two-speed gearbox: 96 CPI for fast material removal, 179 CPI for ultra-smooth finish cuts
- Three-knife cutter head: 10,000 RPM delivers superior cut quality compared to two-knife designs
- 15-amp motor: Handles hardwoods and deep cuts without bogging down
- Fan-assisted chip ejection: Best-in-class dust collection at the 4-inch port
- Extra-long infeed/outfeed tables: The "X" package includes extended tables for better board support
- Maximum capacity: 13 inches wide, 6 inches thick, 1/8-inch depth of cut
Pros and Cons
Pros: Excellent finish quality, powerful motor handles dense woods, superior dust collection, two-speed versatility, durable construction.
Cons: Heavier than competitors at 92 lbs, louder operation than some alternatives, premium price point.
Our Verdict
The DW735X delivers professional results in a benchtop package. The two-speed gearbox is a standout feature - use the high-speed setting for rough dimensioning, then switch to the slow setting for glass-smooth finish passes. The included infeed/outfeed tables and extra blades add significant value to the package.
DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer
Includes extended infeed/outfeed tables and extra blade set
Makita 2012NB: Best Benchtop Planer for Small Shops
The Makita 2012NB is a 12-inch portable planer that punches well above its compact size. Its innovative Interna-Lok automated head clamp virtually eliminates snipe, solving the most common complaint about benchtop planers.
Key Features
- Interna-Lok automated head clamp: Automatically locks the cutterhead during operation to eliminate snipe
- Ultra-quiet operation: Only 83dB - significantly quieter than competitors
- 15-amp motor: 8,500 RPM cutter speed with 28 FPM feed rate
- Compact and portable: Weighs just 62 lbs with built-in carry handles
- Easy blade changes: Patented Auto-Set blade system for quick, accurate blade installation
- Maximum capacity: 12 inches wide, 6-1/32 inches thick
Pros and Cons
Pros: Near-zero snipe with Interna-Lok, quietest benchtop planer available, excellent portability, fast blade changes, premium build quality.
Cons: 12-inch width limits panel work, two-blade cutter head (versus three on DeWalt), higher price than entry-level options.
Our Verdict
If snipe is your primary concern or you work in a noise-sensitive environment, the Makita 2012NB is the best choice. The Interna-Lok system genuinely works - we consistently achieved snipe-free results without the usual workarounds. It is an excellent planer for small shops where space and noise matter.
Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer
Interna-Lok automated head clamp for snipe-free planing
WEN 6552T: Best Budget Thickness Planer
The WEN 6552T proves you do not need to spend a fortune for capable planing performance. This 13-inch benchtop planer delivers impressive results at a fraction of the price of premium options, making it ideal for beginners or budget-conscious woodworkers.
Key Features
- Three-blade cutter head: 25,500 cuts per minute for smooth results
- 15-amp motor: Adequate power for most hardwoods at reasonable depths
- Granite table surface: Flat, smooth surface that will not rust or develop burrs
- 26 FPM feed rate: Good balance of speed and finish quality
- Dual dust ports: 2.5-inch ports on both sides for flexible shop vacuum connection
- Maximum capacity: 13 inches wide, 6 inches thick, 1/8-inch depth of cut
Pros and Cons
Pros: Exceptional value, three-blade cutter head at this price point, granite table eliminates rust concerns, decent dust collection, good customer service.
Cons: More snipe than premium planers, dust collection not as effective as the DeWalt, may bog down on deep cuts in dense hardwoods, depth adjustment could be more precise.
Our Verdict
The WEN 6552T is the best entry point into thickness planing. For hobbyists working primarily with softwoods and taking reasonable depth cuts, it delivers remarkably good results. Expect some snipe (easily addressed with sacrificial boards or slightly longer stock) and take lighter passes in hard maple or oak.
WEN 6552T 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer
Best value thickness planer with granite table surface
Cutech 40200H: Best Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer
The Cutech 40200H brings spiral cutterhead technology to the benchtop planer market at an accessible price. Its 26 tungsten carbide inserts deliver the quiet operation and superior finish quality typically reserved for expensive floor-standing machines.
Key Features
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 carbide inserts: Four-sided inserts can be rotated when dull, last far longer than straight knives
- Snipe Lock feature: Locks cutterhead position to minimize snipe
- Side crank depth adjustment: Ergonomic adjustment from the side of the machine
- Quiet operation: Spiral heads are significantly quieter than straight knives
- Excellent with figured grain: Spiral cutting action reduces tearout on curly maple, bird's eye, and other difficult woods
- Maximum capacity: 13 inches wide, 6 inches thick
Pros and Cons
Pros: Spiral cutterhead at a benchtop price, excellent finish on figured woods, quiet operation, long-lasting carbide inserts, snipe lock feature works well.
Cons: Lower brand recognition than DeWalt or Makita, motor not as powerful as competitors, insert replacement cost adds up over time.
Our Verdict
The Cutech 40200H is a game-changer for woodworkers who work with figured grain or value quiet operation. The spiral cutterhead produces noticeably better results on curly maple and other difficult species. If you have been frustrated by tearout on beautiful wood, this planer solves that problem.
Cutech 40200H 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Planer
26 tungsten carbide inserts for superior finish quality
Grizzly G0505: Best Value 2 HP Benchtop Planer
The Grizzly G0505 packs a 2 HP motor into a benchtop form factor, delivering more power than typical 15-amp planers. It is an excellent choice for woodworkers who frequently work with dense hardwoods and want extra cutting capacity.
Key Features
- 2 HP motor: More powerful than standard 15-amp benchtop planers
- 12-1/2 inch capacity: Handles most dimensional lumber needs
- Two-knife cutterhead: 8,000 RPM for smooth cutting
- Cast iron construction: Solid, stable platform with minimal vibration
- 16-3/8 inch infeed/outfeed tables: Good support for longer boards
- Maximum capacity: 12-1/2 inches wide, 6 inches thick, 1/8-inch depth of cut
Pros and Cons
Pros: More powerful than competitors, excellent Grizzly customer service, solid cast iron construction, handles deep cuts in hardwoods.
Cons: Two-knife cutterhead (three is preferred), narrower capacity than 13-inch models, requires 20-amp circuit, heavier at 85 lbs.
Our Verdict
The Grizzly G0505 is for woodworkers who prioritize raw cutting power over features. If you regularly thickness plane dense exotic hardwoods and find 15-amp planers bogging down, the 2 HP motor makes a real difference. Grizzly's customer service and parts availability are also excellent.
Grizzly G0505 12-1/2-Inch 2 HP Benchtop Planer
Extra power for demanding hardwood work
Delta 22-590: Reliable 13-Inch Benchtop Planer
The Delta 22-590 is a solid mid-range option from a trusted name in woodworking machinery. It offers reliable performance and good build quality for woodworkers who want more than entry-level without the premium price.
Key Features
- 15-amp motor: 10,000 RPM cutter head speed
- Three-knife cutterhead: Disposable double-sided blades for easy maintenance
- Quick-set depth adjustment: Precise depth control with easy-read scale
- Adjustable infeed/outfeed tables: Can be adjusted to minimize snipe
- 4-inch dust port: Connects to standard dust collection systems
- Maximum capacity: 13 inches wide, 6 inches thick
Pros and Cons
Pros: Three-knife cutterhead, adjustable tables help reduce snipe, Delta brand reliability, good dust port placement, reasonable price.
Cons: Not as refined as DeWalt DW735X, single-speed operation, dust collection adequate but not exceptional.
Our Verdict
The Delta 22-590 is a dependable workhorse that delivers consistent results without flashy features. It is a good choice for woodworkers who value the Delta brand's heritage and want a straightforward, reliable planer without the premium price of the DeWalt DW735X.
Delta 22-590 13-Inch Portable Planer
Reliable three-knife benchtop planer from a trusted brand
JET JWP-15B: Best Entry-Level Floor Standing Planer
The JET JWP-15B bridges the gap between benchtop and professional floor-standing planers. Its 15-inch capacity and 3 HP motor handle larger panels and heavier workloads while remaining accessible to serious hobbyists.
Key Features
- 15-inch capacity: Handles wider glued-up panels and slabs
- 3 HP motor (230V): Serious power for continuous use and deep cuts
- Straight knife cutterhead: Three-knife design with precision-ground knives
- Cast iron construction: Heavy-duty tables and base minimize vibration
- Quick-set knife system: Simplified blade changes without feeler gauges
- Maximum capacity: 15 inches wide, 8 inches thick, 1/8-inch depth of cut
Pros and Cons
Pros: 15-inch capacity at reasonable price, JET quality and service, 3 HP handles demanding work, cast iron construction, option for helical head upgrade.
Cons: Requires 230V power, heavy and not portable, straight knife cutterhead (helical head version costs more), takes up significant floor space.
Our Verdict
The JET JWP-15B is the logical step up when benchtop planers no longer meet your needs. The 15-inch capacity is essential for furniture makers working with wide panels. While the straight knife version is reviewed here, consider the JWP-15BHH helical head version if budget allows.
JET JWP-15B 15-Inch Planer with Straight Knives
3 HP floor standing planer with 15-inch capacity
Powermatic 15HH: Best Professional Floor Standing Planer
The Powermatic 15HH represents the pinnacle of 15-inch planers. With its Byrd Shelix helical cutterhead and Powermatic's legendary build quality, it is the ultimate upgrade for woodworkers ready to invest in professional-grade equipment.
Key Features
- Byrd Shelix helical cutterhead: 74 four-sided carbide inserts for whisper-quiet operation and superior finish
- 3 HP motor (230V single-phase): Effortlessly handles hardwoods and deep cuts
- 15-inch capacity: Wide enough for most furniture and cabinet work
- Precision-ground cast iron tables: Large infeed/outfeed tables provide excellent support
- Digital readout option: Available on some models for precise thickness readings
- Maximum capacity: 15 inches wide, 8 inches thick, 3/16-inch depth of cut
Pros and Cons
Pros: Exceptional finish quality from helical head, extremely quiet operation, handles figured grain perfectly, built to last a lifetime, excellent resale value.
Cons: Premium price point, requires 230V power, heavy (over 500 lbs), overkill for casual hobbyists.
Our Verdict
The Powermatic 15HH is for woodworkers who demand the best. The Byrd Shelix cutterhead transforms difficult figured woods, producing glass-smooth surfaces with zero tearout. If you have the budget and work with premium hardwoods, this planer pays for itself in reduced sanding time and pristine results.
Powermatic 15HH 15-Inch Planer with Helical Cutterhead
Professional-grade planer with Byrd Shelix cutterhead
Benchtop vs Floor Standing Planers: Which Do You Need?
Choosing between benchtop and floor standing planers depends on your space, power availability, and workload. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide:
Benchtop Planers (12-13 inch capacity)
- Price range: $350-$700
- Power: 15-amp, 120V standard outlet
- Weight: 60-100 lbs
- Width capacity: 12-13 inches
- Thickness capacity: 6 inches typical
- Best for: Home workshops, hobbyists, portability needs
Advantages: Affordable, runs on standard 120V power, portable, stores easily, adequate for most hobbyist needs.
Limitations: Width limits panel work, lighter builds may allow more vibration, often louder operation, more prone to snipe.
Floor Standing Planers (15-20 inch capacity)
- Price range: $1,500-$4,000+
- Power: 3+ HP, typically 230V required
- Weight: 300-600 lbs
- Width capacity: 15-20 inches
- Thickness capacity: 8 inches typical
- Best for: Serious hobbyists, semi-professional, production work
Advantages: Handles wider boards and panels, more powerful motors, heavier construction reduces vibration, often quieter operation, built for continuous use.
Limitations: Requires 230V power, significant floor space, not portable, higher price, overkill for occasional use.
When to Upgrade to Floor Standing
Consider a floor standing planer when you regularly glue up panels wider than 12 inches, work with rough slabs, or find your benchtop planer constantly running at its limits. The 15-inch capacity makes a significant difference for furniture and cabinet work.
Photo via Unsplash
Thickness Planer Buying Guide
Understanding these key features will help you choose the right thickness planer for your needs:
Width Capacity
Width capacity determines the widest board you can plane in a single pass. Consider your typical projects:
- 12-inch capacity: Handles most dimensional lumber, adequate for general woodworking
- 13-inch capacity: The sweet spot for hobbyists - accommodates slightly wider boards and edge-joined panels
- 15-inch capacity: Essential for furniture makers working with wide panels, table tops, and slabs
- 20+ inch capacity: Production shops and professional furniture makers
Snipe Reduction
Snipe - the deeper cut at the beginning and end of boards - is the most common planer frustration. Look for these snipe-reducing features:
- Lock-down mechanisms: Features like Makita's Interna-Lok or Cutech's Snipe Lock secure the cutterhead during operation
- Extended infeed/outfeed tables: Longer tables support the board through the transition zones
- Adjustable tables: Fine-tuning table angles can minimize snipe
- Heavier construction: More mass means less cutterhead deflection
Even with preventive features, using sacrificial boards, lifting boards slightly at entry/exit, or leaving boards 2-3 inches longer than needed are common snipe management techniques.
Dust Collection
Thickness planers generate enormous amounts of chips and fine dust. Effective dust collection is essential:
- Port size: 4-inch ports connect to standard dust collection systems and provide better airflow than 2.5-inch shop vacuum ports
- Fan-assisted ejection: The DeWalt DW735X uses internal fans to boost chip ejection - highly effective
- CFM requirements: Plan for 300-400 CFM for benchtop planers, 400-500 CFM for floor standing models
- Port placement: Rear-mounted ports are easier to connect with fixed duct runs
Calculate Your Dust Collection Requirements
Determine the CFM and ductwork needed for your planer and other shop tools.
Blade Changes
Blade maintenance affects long-term operating costs and convenience:
- Disposable blades: Most benchtop planers use disposable double-sided blades. Quick to change, no sharpening needed, but ongoing cost.
- Resharpenable knives: Floor standing planers often use knives that can be resharpened multiple times before replacement.
- Spiral/helical cutterheads: Individual carbide inserts can be rotated four times and last far longer than straight knives. Higher initial cost, lower long-term expense.
- Indexing systems: Look for planers with magnetic blade holders or indexed positioning for accurate blade installation without feeler gauges.
Additional Features to Consider
- Two-speed feed: Slower feed rates produce smoother finishes (as on the DeWalt DW735X)
- Depth stops: Preset stops for common thicknesses speed up repetitive work
- Mobile base compatibility: Especially for floor standing planers, mobility is valuable
- Digital thickness readout: Some premium planers offer precise digital displays
- Noise level: If shop noise is a concern, compare decibel ratings (spiral heads are typically 5-10dB quieter)
Board Feet Calculator
Calculate rough lumber requirements and costs for your planing projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most home workshops, a 12-13 inch benchtop planer handles common lumber widths. If you regularly work with wide boards or glued-up panels, consider a 15-inch floor standing model. Width capacity determines the maximum board width you can plane in a single pass.
Snipe occurs when the cutterhead lifts or digs into the board at the beginning or end of the cut. It happens because only one feed roller is engaged, allowing the board to pivot slightly. Solutions include using infeed/outfeed support, lifting the board slightly at entry/exit, or choosing planers with snipe-lock features.
Helical (spiral) cutterheads with carbide inserts produce quieter operation, better finish quality, and handle figured grain with less tearout. The inserts last longer and can be rotated when dull. Straight knife planers cost less upfront but require more frequent sharpening or replacement. For serious woodworkers, helical heads are worth the investment.
Benchtop planers typically need 300-400 CFM at a 4-inch port. Floor standing 15-inch planers require 400-500 CFM. Many planers include dust ports but perform best when connected to a proper dust collection system rather than a shop vacuum.
A planer cannot replace a jointer for creating a flat reference face. Planers make boards parallel to their bottom face - if the bottom is cupped or twisted, the top will be too. However, you can use a planing sled to joint one face flat, then use the planer normally. Many woodworkers start with just a planer and sled before adding a jointer.
Blade life depends on usage, wood species, and whether you encounter hidden nails or debris. Signs of dull blades include increased tearout, fuzzy surfaces, and the motor working harder. Most hobbyists change disposable blades every 20-50 hours of use. Carbide inserts in spiral heads last 3-5 times longer.
The WEN 6552T offers the best value for beginners, with a three-blade cutterhead and granite table at an entry-level price. If budget allows, the DeWalt DW735X is a "buy once" tool that beginners will never outgrow. Both run on standard 120V power and offer 13-inch capacity.
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