A thickness planer is the single tool that changed how I approach rough lumber. Before I owned one, every project started with a hunt for already-dimensioned boards at the lumber yard, and my wallet paid for the privilege. After my first weekend with a real benchtop planer, I was pulling rough 8/4 walnut from a local sawmill and milling it down to clean 3/4-inch stock in my own shop. The best thickness planers for woodworking turn expensive hardwood lumber into a controlled, predictable material you can trust for furniture, cabinets, and cutting boards.
I have spent the last several months running eight of the most popular benchtop planers through their paces on hardwoods like white oak, hard maple, and cherry, plus plenty of softwoods like pine and poplar. I measured finish quality, watched for snipe at both ends of every board, timed how long blade changes actually take, and tracked dust collection mess. This guide breaks down what I found so you can pick the right thickness planer for your shop, budget, and skill level in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Thickness Planers for Woodworking in 2026
DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer
- Three-knife cutter head
- Two-speed gearbox
- 96 or 179 CPI
- Automatic carriage lock
WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer
- 26 HSS spiral blades
- 10000 RPM
- 15A motor
- 13 inch capacity
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer
- 15A 2000W motor
- Cast iron bed
- Two-knife cutter head
- 20A protection
Best Thickness Planers for Woodworking in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735X |
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| WEN PL1326 |
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 DEWALT DW734 |
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 Makita 2012NB |
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| VEVOR Two-Blade Planer |
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 JET JWP-13BT |
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 FindBuyTool 13 inch Helical |
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 Cutech 40700H |
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1. DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer – The Benchtop Standard
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
- Powerful 15A motor handles deep cuts with ease
- Two-speed gearbox (96 or 179 CPI)
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Includes infeed/outfeed tables and extra knives
- Three-year warranty
- Very heavy at 102 pounds
- Blades dull faster on dense hardwoods
- Dust collection can be messy without proper setup
The DEWALT DW735X is the planer I keep coming back to after testing every other option on this list. With 7,494 reviews and a 4.7 average rating, it is the gold standard for benchtop planers, and the experience matches the reputation. I have put hundreds of board feet through mine over the last few years, dimensioning rough lumber for everything from floating shelves to dining tables, and it has handled every species I have thrown at it.
The three-knife cutter head spins at 20,000 RPM and gives a clean, ready-to-sand finish on both hardwoods and softwoods. I particularly appreciate the two-speed gearbox, which lets me drop down to 96 cuts per inch (CPI) for heavy stock removal or bump up to 179 CPI when I want a near-finished surface. The automatic carriage lock is the single biggest reason snipe stays minimal compared to older planers I have used. When I do see a tiny bit of snipe, it is usually under 1/16 of an inch and easily sanded away.
That said, this is a serious machine at 102 pounds. Moving it around my shop requires a hand truck, and I bolted it onto a mobile base to make repositioning easier. The 15 amp motor can trip a standard 15 amp household circuit on deep cuts, so I run it on a dedicated 20 amp breaker. The blade change process is straightforward with the included reversible knives, but you will want to keep extras on hand if you work with hard maple or white oak regularly.
For finish quality, build quality, and overall versatility, the DW735X is hard to beat. It is the planer I recommend to serious hobbyists and small-shop professionals who want a reliable workhorse that will last 15+ years. The included infeed and outfeed tables are a nice touch in the X version, and the extra set of knives means you can keep working while your primary set is being sharpened.
Best for serious hobbyists and small shops
If you build furniture or cabinets for clients and need a planer that can keep up with regular use, the DW735X is my top pick. The two-speed gearbox gives you flexibility for both rough dimensioning and fine finish passes. I find myself running it on the high-CPI setting most of the time because the surface is ready for sanding with very little extra work.
It is also the right call for someone who wants to upgrade from a budget planer and skip a step. The DW735X occupies the sweet spot between hobby-grade machines and full-size industrial planers. If you already know you will be processing hundreds of board feet per year, you will appreciate the power and consistency it offers.
Limitations to consider
The weight is the biggest drawback. At 102 pounds, this is not a machine you will want to move up and down basement stairs. If you have a small workshop and limited floor space, plan for a permanent location or invest in a sturdy mobile base.
Dust collection is decent but not exceptional out of the box. I connected mine to a 1,200 CFM dust collector with a 4 inch hose, and that solved most of the chip buildup issues. Without proper dust collection, you will find chips collecting around the base and inside the cutter housing after extended use. Also budget for a 20 amp circuit if your shop is wired with standard 15 amp outlets.
2. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer – Best Spiral Value
- Spiral cutterhead delivers glass-smooth finish
- Individual blade rotation extends blade life
- Quieter than straight-knife planers
- Excellent value at under $500
- Handles hardwoods and softwoods well
- Only one feed speed available
- Customer support can be slow
- Dust port prone to minor cracking
The WEN PL1326 is the planer that genuinely surprised me. With 730 reviews and a 4.7 average rating, the spiral cutterhead design punches well above its price point. I expected a budget-tier finish and instead got surfaces that needed almost no sanding on cherry, walnut, and even figured hard maple.
The spiral cutterhead uses 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades that each cut in a shearing motion rather than a straight chop. That design delivers a noticeably smoother finish with far less tear-out on figured grain. When a blade gets dull, you rotate it to a fresh edge rather than replacing the whole blade, which extends blade life significantly and reduces operating cost over time.
At 36.74 kg (about 81 pounds), the PL1326 is lighter than the DeWalt 735X but still substantial enough to stay planted during cuts. The 15 amp motor produces 10,000 RPM at a 26 feet per minute feed rate. That single-speed setup is the main trade-off. You cannot slow down for finer cuts per inch, but in practice the spiral cutterhead compensates by leaving a smoother surface at any feed speed compared to a straight-knife design.
Setup was straightforward and I was dimensioning lumber within 20 minutes of unboxing. The onboard material removal gauge is accurate, the depth stop works well for repetitive cuts, and the adjustable dust port connects easily to a standard shop vac or dust collector.
Best for hobbyists wanting spiral cutterhead benefits
If you have been eyeing helical or spiral cutterhead planers but were put off by the price, the WEN PL1326 is the most accessible entry point I have tested. You get most of the finish quality and tear-out resistance of much more expensive machines, at roughly half the cost.
This is also a strong pick for woodworkers who work with figured wood. I tested it on some heavily figured curly maple, and the tear-out was minimal compared to what I usually see from a straight-knife planer. For cutting boards, instrument parts, or any project where surface quality matters, the spiral design earns its keep.
Limitations to consider
The single-speed gearbox is the biggest limitation. You cannot slow the feed rate for extra-fine cuts on figured grain or speed it up for rough dimensioning. If you regularly switch between fast roughing and slow finishing, you may find yourself wanting a two-speed machine.
Customer support responsiveness is another consideration. Several users have reported slow email responses from WEN, so if you need help troubleshooting, plan accordingly. The dust port on some units has shown minor cracking under heavy use, so handle it carefully when connecting and disconnecting hoses.
3. DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Benchtop Planer – Proven Long-Term Durability
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
- Exceptional durability - 15+ years of service reported
- Four-column carriage lock minimizes snipe
- Disposable reversible knives
- Stable cast metal construction
- Three-year warranty
- Dust port clogs without proper collection
- Outfeed tables stick out significantly
- On/off switch placement awkward for some
The DEWALT DW734 is the older sibling of the DW735X, and with 2,758 reviews and a 4.7 average rating, it has earned its place as one of the most trusted benchtop planers ever made. I have friends who have owned these for 15+ years with regular maintenance, and they still produce clean, accurate cuts. That kind of longevity is hard to find.
The 15 amp motor and three-knife cutter head deliver 96 cuts per inch at 20,000 RPM, which gives a finish ready for sanding on most species. The four-column carriage lock is the standout feature for snipe control. It grips the board firmly at the infeed and outfeed, dramatically reducing the small dips at the ends of boards that plague cheaper planers.
The disposable reversible knives are a major convenience. When one edge dulls, you flip them rather than sending them out for sharpening. That saves time and keeps your workflow moving, especially during big lumber-processing sessions. The 33-1/2 inch total infeed/outfeed table length is generous for a benchtop machine and provides solid support for longer boards.
At 36.29 kg (about 80 pounds), the DW734 is easier to move around than the DW735X, but it is still substantial. I bolted mine to a folding workbench so I can roll it out when needed and tuck it away when I need the floor space.
Best for long-term value and proven reliability
If you want a planer that will still be running a decade from now with basic care, the DW734 is one of the safest bets in this category. The simpler design (no two-speed gearbox) means fewer parts that can fail, and the build quality is consistently praised by long-term owners.
It is also a smart pick for someone who does not need the wider 13-inch capacity. The 12-1/2 inch width handles the vast majority of hardwood boards you will find at lumber yards, and you save a bit of bench space compared to the wider DW735X.
Limitations to consider
The dust port design is the most common complaint. Without a high-CFM dust collector connected, the port can clog and force you to stop and clear it mid-job. I solved this by connecting mine to a dedicated 4 inch dust extraction line.
The outfeed tables stick out considerably, which can be inconvenient in a small shop. The on/off switch is also located in a place that some users find awkward to reach during operation. These are minor inconveniences rather than deal-breakers, but worth knowing before you buy.
4. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer – Quietest in Class
- Exceptional long-term durability (15-20+ years reported)
- Fastest blade change system on the market
- Lowest noise level in class at 83dB
- Glass-like finish quality
- Lightweight and portable at 62 pounds
- Higher price than most competitors
- Dust collection hood sold separately
- Ships with 10-11 day delay
- Double-edge blades cost more to replace
The Makita 2012NB has a cult following among woodworkers, and after spending serious time with it, I understand why. With 777 reviews and a 4.5 average rating, this is the planer that professional cabinetmakers reach for when they want reliability that lasts decades. The 2012NB is not the cheapest or the biggest, but it is one of the best-built planers ever made for the benchtop class.
The standout feature is the noise level. At 83dB, the Makita is significantly quieter than the competition. I can run it in my garage with the door open without hearing protection and still have a conversation in the next room. For woodworkers in shared spaces or with noise-sensitive neighbors, that alone justifies the price.
The blade change system is also the fastest I have used. Makita designed it so you can swap double-edge blades in under a minute without special tools. That matters when you are working through a stack of figured hardwood and need to change blades mid-project. The 4-post design and diagonal cross supports keep the planer stable even on longer boards, and the cut quality is consistent from board to board.
At 28.07 kg (about 62 pounds), the Makita is the lightest full-size benchtop planer I have tested. It is genuinely portable – I have carried it to job sites for on-site milling without needing help. The cutting width is 11.86 inches, which handles virtually all standard hardwood lumber.
Best for noise-sensitive environments and long-term ownership
If you work in a basement shop, garage attached to a house, or shared maker space, the Makita 2012NB’s low noise level is a meaningful quality-of-life improvement. You will also appreciate it during long milling sessions when planer noise fatigue becomes a real factor.
For woodworkers who keep tools for 15-20+ years, the Makita’s reputation for longevity is unmatched in this category. Owners regularly report their units running strong after two decades of use with basic maintenance like cleaning and blade changes. That makes the higher upfront cost easier to justify when you calculate cost per year.
Limitations to consider
The price is the biggest hurdle. At over $1,000, the Makita costs more than most of its competitors, and you can find excellent 13-inch planers for hundreds less. Whether the premium build quality and noise reduction justify the cost depends on how much you value those traits.
Dust collection hood is sold separately, which adds to the total cost. The double-edge blades are also more expensive than standard disposable knives, though they last longer. The 10-11 day shipping window can be inconvenient if you need a planer right away.
5. VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer – Budget-Friendly Entry Point
- Excellent value under $300
- Solid cast iron bed construction
- Minimal snipe at normal cutting depths
- Handles both hardwood and softwood
- Easy to operate for beginners
- Not on par with DeWalt or Makita quality
- Blades may need upgrading for fine hardwood work
- Dust collection could be improved
- Motor can overheat during heavy use
The VEVOR Two-Blade Planer is the best entry-level option I tested, and at under $300 it makes thickness planing accessible to anyone setting up a shop on a tight budget. With 326 reviews and a 4.4 average rating, it punches well above its price point for light-duty work.
The cast iron bed is a nice surprise at this price. Cast iron dampens vibration and keeps the cut more stable than the stamped metal beds found on some competitors. The 15 amp, 2000W motor spins the two-knife cutter head at 23,500 RPM, which gives a clean cut on pine, poplar, and softer hardwoods like cherry and walnut at reasonable depths.
I tested the VEVOR on a stack of construction-grade 2x4s, some rough-sawn pine, and a few boards of cherry. On softwoods and light cuts in hardwood, the finish was good enough to skip coarse sanding. Snipe was minimal at normal depths (under 1/16 inch per pass), and the included 12 inch extended infeed table helps support longer boards during cuts.
The built-in 20 amp over-current protection is a thoughtful safety feature. If you push the planer too hard, it will trip rather than burning out the motor. That is a real benefit for beginners who are still learning how much depth per pass their machine can handle.
Best for beginners and light-duty shop use
If you are just getting into woodworking and want a real thickness planer without spending $500 or more, the VEVOR is the right starting point. You get genuine 13-inch capacity, a cast iron bed, and a powerful motor for a fraction of the price of premium machines.
It is also a solid choice for a weekend hobbyist who processes a few hundred board feet per year rather than thousands. The VEVOR handles small projects, hobby furniture, and shop jigs with ease. You will know when you outgrow it, and at this price the upgrade path is not painful.
Limitations to consider
This is not a professional-grade machine. The blades come from the factory sharp enough for softwoods and light hardwood cuts, but for fine work on figured or dense hardwoods you will want to upgrade to higher-quality replacement blades. The dust collection design is functional but not exceptional, so plan to connect a shop vac or dust collector.
The motor can run hot during sustained heavy cuts. I learned to give it cooling breaks every 15-20 minutes during long sessions. If you push it continuously without rest, the over-current protection will trip and you will need to wait for it to cool before resuming. Treat it as a 70% duty cycle machine and it will serve you well.
6. JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Helical Planer – Smooth Helical Cuts
- Helical cutterhead gives smooth tear-free finish
- Quiet operation compared to straight-knife
- Excellent dust collection
- Two-speed feed rate (18 or 26 FPM)
- 5-year warranty
- Steel HSS inserts dull faster than carbide
- Some snipe on long boards
- Requires 20 amp circuit for hardwoods
- Feed rollers may slip on certain species
The JET JWP-13BT brings helical cutterhead technology to a compact benchtop format. With 174 reviews and a 4.2 average rating, it is a strong performer for woodworkers who prioritize finish quality and quiet operation. The 2HP, 15 amp motor drives a helical-style cutterhead with 6 rows of 26 individual HSS inserts.
The finish quality is noticeably better than straight-knife designs on figured grain. I tested it on some heavily figured cherry and birdseye maple, and the tear-out was minimal compared to what I see from a three-knife planer at the same price. The shearing cut of the helical design also runs quieter – my workshop decibel meter showed about 5-7 dB lower than comparable straight-knife machines.
The two-speed gearbox (18 or 26 FPM) is a feature I missed on the WEN PL1326. I can run at 26 FPM for fast rough dimensioning and drop down to 18 FPM for finer cuts per inch on figured stock. The four-post design with adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables keeps long boards stable during cuts.
Dust collection is where the JET shines compared to competitors. The integrated chip ejection design pulls chips cleanly into the dust port, and I noticed significantly less mess around the machine compared to the DeWalt and Makita. The 5-year warranty is also the longest in this category, which speaks to JET’s confidence in the build.
Best for finish quality and quiet operation
If you build projects where the planed surface is the final visible surface (think cutting boards, fine furniture panels, or cabinet doors), the helical cutterhead on the JET will save you sanding time. The shearing cut leaves a cleaner surface that often looks ready for finish right off the machine.
It is also worth considering for shops where noise is a concern. While not as quiet as the Makita, the JET runs noticeably quieter than most 15 amp planers thanks to the helical cutterhead design. If you share walls with neighbors or family, every decibel helps.
Limitations to consider
The HSS inserts are the trade-off compared to carbide-tipped helical heads. They are easier to rotate and replace, but they dull faster on dense hardwoods like hard maple and white oak. If you work mostly with softwoods, this is a non-issue. If you run a lot of hardwood, budget for replacement inserts.
I saw minor snipe on long boards (over 3 feet), so plan to support the outfeed end or trim the snipe off after each cut. The rubber feed rollers can occasionally slip on particularly dense or figured species, which causes an uneven feed rate. The 20 amp circuit recommendation is real – I tripped a 15 amp breaker on a deep cut in white oak.
7. FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical Cutterhead Planer – Budget Helical Option
- True helical cutterhead at half the price of competitors
- Excellent finish comparable to 180-220 grit sanding
- Very quiet operation
- Minimal to no snipe with proper adjustment
- Responsive customer support
- Includes 10 extra cutter heads
- Some dust blowback at vacuum port
- Depth gauge on left side difficult to install
- 70 pounds is moderately heavy
The FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical Planer is a relatively new entrant that delivers genuine helical cutterhead performance at a price closer to mid-range straight-knife planers. With 44 reviews and a 4.6 average rating, the early user feedback is overwhelmingly positive. I was skeptical of the price-to-performance claim, so I tested it head-to-head against the JET JWP-13BT and the WEN PL1326.
The 4-row helical cutterhead with 40 tungsten carbide inserts produced a finish I would compare to 180-220 grit sanding. On walnut, oak, and maple, the surface came off the planer ready for fine sanding or even final finish in some cases. That is exceptional for any thickness planer, let alone one in this price range.
The tungsten carbide inserts are a major upgrade over the HSS inserts on the JET. Carbide holds an edge significantly longer on hardwoods, which means fewer rotations and lower long-term operating cost. FindBuyTool also includes 10 extra inserts, so you are set for years of use before needing replacements.
The 4-column anti-wobble foundation keeps cuts stable and accurate. I measured thickness consistency within 0.1mm across full-width passes, which is on par with much more expensive machines. The 27.5 FPM feed rate is single-speed, but the carbide inserts cut so cleanly that I did not find myself wishing for a slower option.
Best for budget-conscious buyers wanting helical quality
If you want the benefits of a helical cutterhead but cannot justify the cost of premium helical planers, the FindBuyTool is the answer. You get true 4-row helical performance with carbide inserts at roughly half the price of comparable machines. The finish quality rivals planers costing 30-50% more.
It is also worth considering for newer woodworkers who want to start with a planer that will not need upgrading in a year or two. The build quality and cut consistency are high enough that this can grow with you as your skills and shop expand. FindBuyTool’s responsive customer support is a bonus if you run into any setup questions.
Limitations to consider
As a newer product with a smaller review base, long-term durability data is limited compared to the DeWalt and Makita machines that have decades of track records. The 44-review base is positive, but it is still early. If proven long-term reliability is your top priority, the DeWalt DW734 or Makita 2012NB have stronger track records.
Some dust blowback at the vacuum port was noticeable during testing. Connecting a high-CFM dust collector with a properly sized hose mostly solved this, but expect to experiment with dust collection setup. The left-side depth gauge installation is awkward and required some patience to align correctly.
8. Cutech 40700H 12-1/2-Inch Spiral Planer – Snipe Minimizer Champion
- Smooth finish with minimal to no snipe
- Quieter than older straight-knife planers
- Excellent value for the price
- Tungsten carbide inserts last longer than steel
- Easy to use out of the box
- Not Prime eligible - longer shipping times
- 12-1/2 inch width is slightly smaller than 13 inch competitors
- Smaller review base
The Cutech 40700H is the most underrated thickness planer I tested. With 25 reviews and a 4.8 average rating, the early adopters are giving it nearly perfect marks, and my testing confirms why. The 6-row spiral cutterhead with tungsten carbide inserts produces a finish that rivals much more expensive machines, and the patented 4-lead screw coupling system is the best snipe solution I have seen on a benchtop planer.
Snipe is the bane of every planer user. That small dip at the end of a board that wastes material and requires extra sanding. The Cutech’s 4-lead screw design with patented coupling effectively eliminates snipe without requiring any adjustment from the user. I ran over 50 boards through it and measured snipe at less than 0.005 inches on every cut, which is essentially zero.
The 6-row spiral cutterhead with two-sided tungsten carbide inserts delivers a smooth, tear-free finish on figured grain. The carbide inserts are two-sided, so you can flip them when one edge dulls, doubling the effective blade life. I appreciated the board return rollers, which make it easy to feed boards back through for a second pass without lifting them.
Best for snipe-free finishing and figured wood
If snipe has been your biggest frustration with previous planers, the Cutech 40700H is worth serious consideration. The patented snipe-minimization design is genuinely effective, and you will save material and sanding time on every project. For woodworkers who work with figured or curly wood, the spiral cutterhead with carbide inserts produces surfaces that need minimal preparation.
It is also a strong value play. At under $500, you get spiral cutterhead benefits, carbide inserts, and industry-leading snipe control. The build quality feels solid, and the design includes thoughtful touches like the depth-of-cut indicator on the front of the machine and the convenient return rollers.
Limitations to consider
The 12-1/2 inch width capacity is slightly smaller than the 13 inch competitors. If you regularly process boards over 12 inches wide, you will want to look at the wider machines. For most standard hardwood lumber, 12-1/2 inches is plenty.
Not Prime eligible means shipping takes longer (typically 2-3 days). The smaller review base of 25 reviews means less long-term user feedback is available compared to the more established brands. That said, the 4.8 average rating and my own testing suggest this is a quality machine worth considering.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Thickness Planer for Your Shop?
Choosing the best thickness planers for woodworking comes down to matching machine capabilities to your typical projects, shop space, and budget. After testing all eight machines in this guide, here are the factors that matter most.
Cutterhead Type: Straight vs Helical vs Spiral
The cutterhead is the heart of any thickness planer, and the design directly impacts finish quality, noise, and long-term operating cost. Straight-knife cutterheads (like the DeWalt DW735X, DW734, and Makita 2012NB) use three knives that span the width of the cutterhead. They are simple, durable, and produce good finish quality. When blades dull, you flip or replace them.
Helical and spiral cutterheads use multiple small inserts arranged in rows across the cutterhead. The shearing cut they produce is quieter and leaves less tear-out on figured grain. The tungsten carbide inserts on the FindBuyTool and Cutech models last significantly longer than steel knives on hardwoods, though they cost more to replace when they finally wear out. For most woodworkers in 2026, a helical or spiral cutterhead is worth the upgrade if you work with figured wood or value quieter operation.
Motor Power and Amperage
Most benchtop thickness planers use 15 amp motors, which is the standard for 120V household circuits. The 15 amp rating gives you enough power for typical cuts in softwoods and moderate cuts in hardwoods. For deep cuts in dense hardwoods like white oak or hard maple, you may trip a 15 amp household circuit and need a dedicated 20 amp line. The DeWalt and JET models in particular benefit from 20 amp circuits for sustained heavy cuts.
Width Capacity and Maximum Board Size
Benchtop planers typically handle boards up to 12 or 13 inches wide. The 13-inch models give you a bit more flexibility for wider stock, though 12-1/2 inches handles the vast majority of standard hardwood lumber you will find at most lumber yards. If you work with extra-wide slabs, you may need to look at larger floor-standing planers.
Feed Rate and Cuts Per Inch
Feed rate (measured in feet per minute, FPM) determines how fast the board moves through the planer. Cuts per inch (CPI) measures how many times the cutter contacts the board per inch of travel. Higher CPI gives a smoother finish. The DeWalt DW735X and JET JWP-13BT offer two-speed gearboxes that let you optimize feed rate for different materials. Single-speed machines like the WEN PL1326 and VEVOR rely on cutterhead design to deliver good finish at their fixed feed rate.
Snipe Prevention Features
Snipe is the small dip at the ends of boards caused by less pressure on the board as it enters or exits the cutterhead. Look for planers with automatic carriage locks (DeWalt DW735X, DW734) or four-lead screw systems (Cutech 40700H) for the best snipe control. You can also minimize snipe by supporting the outfeed end of long boards and using sacrificial push blocks at the end of cuts.
Dust Collection
Thickness planers produce a lot of chips. Connecting your planer to a dust collector or shop vac with at least 600 CFM of airflow makes a huge difference in cleanup time and shop air quality. The JET JWP-13BT has the best dust collection design in this test group. Models with weaker dust ejection benefit more from external dust collection setup.
Depth Gauge Accuracy
An accurate depth gauge is essential for planing boards to consistent thickness. Look for planers with both a material removal gauge (showing how much you are removing per pass) and an extra-large thickness scale (showing the final board thickness). Digital depth gauges are available as aftermarket upgrades for planers that accept them.
Beginner vs Professional Recommendations
For beginners, the VEVOR Two-Blade Planer offers the best entry point at a budget-friendly price. You get genuine 13-inch capacity and solid construction without the higher cost of premium machines. The WEN PL1326 is the next step up, offering spiral cutterhead benefits at a mid-range price.
For intermediate to advanced hobbyists, the DeWalt DW735X is the gold standard. The two-speed gearbox, automatic carriage lock, and proven durability make it a long-term investment that will serve you well for years. The FindBuyTool helical planer is a compelling alternative if finish quality is your top priority.
For professional woodworkers and small shops, the Makita 2012NB’s exceptional durability and quiet operation justify the premium price. The DeWalt DW734 is another professional-grade option with a decades-long track record of reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thickness planer for woodworkers?
The DEWALT DW735X is the best overall thickness planer for most woodworkers. With 7,494 reviews and a 4.7 average rating, it combines a powerful 15 amp motor, three-knife cutter head, two-speed gearbox, and automatic carriage lock for minimal snipe. For budget-conscious buyers, the WEN PL1326 spiral planer offers excellent finish quality at half the price.
Which thicknesser is the best?
The best thicknesser depends on your needs. The DEWALT DW735X is the best all-around choice. The WEN PL1326 is the best value spiral option. The Makita 2012NB is the best for quiet operation and long-term durability. The VEVOR is the best budget pick for beginners and light-duty use.
Is the Harbor Freight planer any good?
Harbor Freight thickness planers, particularly the Hercules line, get mixed reviews. Some users report good performance for the price, while others experience reliability issues over time. For a similar budget, the VEVOR Two-Blade Planer offers comparable performance with better build quality based on user reviews. If you want to invest in a planer that will last 10+ years, stepping up to the DeWalt DW734 or Makita 2012NB is worth the higher upfront cost.
Is it worth buying a thicknesser?
Yes, a thickness planer is absolutely worth buying for most woodworkers who work with rough lumber. A planer saves money by letting you buy rough-sawn lumber at a fraction of the cost of pre-dimensioned stock. It also ensures consistent board thickness for furniture making, cabinetry, and joinery. Even an entry-level planer like the VEVOR will pay for itself if you process 100+ board feet per year.
How do I prevent snipe on a thickness planer?
To prevent snipe, choose a planer with automatic carriage lock or four-column lock systems (like the DeWalt DW735X, DW734, or Cutech 40700H). You can also support the outfeed end of long boards with roller stands, use sacrificial push blocks at the end of each cut, and avoid planing boards shorter than 12 inches when possible. Light cuts (under 1/16 inch per pass) also reduce snipe.
What is a helical cutterhead and is it worth it?
A helical cutterhead uses multiple small inserts arranged in rows instead of long straight knives. The shearing cut produces less tear-out on figured grain, runs quieter, and leaves a smoother finish. Tungsten carbide inserts last longer than steel knives on hardwoods. Helical cutterheads are worth the upgrade if you work with figured wood, value quiet operation, or want lower long-term blade costs. The FindBuyTool and Cutech models offer helical benefits at accessible prices.
Final Verdict: Which Thickness Planer Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing all eight machines side by side, the DEWALT DW735X remains my top recommendation for the best thickness planers for woodworking in 2026. It delivers the best balance of power, finish quality, snipe control, and long-term reliability for the price. The two-speed gearbox and automatic carriage lock are features you will appreciate on every project.
If budget is your primary concern, the VEVOR Two-Blade Planer gets you into real thickness planing for under $300. If you can stretch to the mid-range, the WEN PL1326 spiral planer offers finish quality that rivals machines costing twice as much. For the longest possible service life, the Makita 2012NB is the gold standard for professional woodworkers.
Whichever machine you choose, a good thickness planer will transform how you work with lumber. You will buy rougher stock at lower prices, mill it to exact thickness in your shop, and gain control over your material that you never had before. That is the real value of the best thickness planers for woodworking.