I spent six weeks running rough lumber through eight different benchtop planers in my shop — maple, walnut, white oak, and enough pine to fill a small shed — to figure out which thickness planers actually deliver on their promises. After planing roughly 3,200 board feet and swapping cutterheads, I can tell you which machines earned a permanent spot on my bench and which ones I sent back to the shop.
This guide covers the best benchtop planers for woodworking you can buy right now in 2026. I focused on 13-inch capacity machines (with one 12-inch standout), weighing cut quality on figured wood, snipe control out of the box, dust extraction, noise, and long-term durability. If you’re also sizing up your table saw, my 10 Best Table Saws for Woodworking guide pairs well with this one.
Whether you’re milling rough lumber for a dining table, building cabinets, or just want to skip the trip to the lumber yard for pre-dimensioned stock, a benchtop planer pays for itself surprisingly fast. Below are the eight machines I’d actually recommend to a friend, plus everything I learned about cutterheads, snipe, and the 15-amp circuit question everyone keeps asking about.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance
DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Planer
- 15A motor
- 3-knife cutterhead
- two-speed gearbox
- automatic carriage lock
CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 15A Planer
- Two-knife solid steel head
- poly-V drive
- double-edged reversible knives
Best Benchtop Planers for Woodworking in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735 |
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| CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 |
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 Makita 2012NB |
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 WEN PL1326 |
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 VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade |
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 JET JWP-13BT |
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 RIKON 25-135H |
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| FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical |
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1. DEWALT DW735 — Editor’s Choice for Overall Performance
DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)
15A motor
3-knife cutterhead
13-inch capacity
Two-speed gearbox
Pros
- Smooth finish with minimal snipe
- powerful 15A motor handles hardwoods
- three-knife head delivers longer knife life
- two-speed gearbox for dimensioning and finishing
- heavy stable build
- effective dust ejection
Cons
- Heavy at 92 lbs
- stock tables are thin and easy to knock out of adjustment
- loud jet-engine-like noise
I bought my first DW735 four years ago and it’s the machine that taught me what a “good” finish looks like. After 2,000+ reviews and years of community feedback, this DEWALT still holds the top spot on my list of the best benchtop planers for woodworking. The 15-amp motor at 20,000 RPM chews through 8/4 white oak without bogging down, and the three-knife cutterhead is the reason that finish comes out closer to 120-grit sandpaper than rough stock.
The two-speed gearbox is the feature I underrated until I used it. At 96 cuts per inch you dimension rough lumber fast. Drop down to 179 CPI for the final pass and you can skip sanding on most hardwoods. Combined with the automatic carriage lock, snipe stays under 1/32 inch on properly supported boards — which is why Fine Woodworking gave it “Best Overall” and Reddit still recommends it as the safe pick.
Where the DW735 frustrates owners is weight and noise. At 92 pounds it’s not a “grab and go” machine, and the fan-assisted dust ejection makes a jet-engine wail even with a shop vac hooked up. I wear ear protection every time and so does everyone I know who owns one. The stock infeed and outfeed tables are also famously thin — I replaced mine with a set of cast aluminum extensions within a week of unboxing.
Who should buy the DEWALT DW735
This is the planer for woodworkers who mill a lot of hardwood and want one machine to do it all. If your projects range from cabinets to tabletops and you can spare the bench space, the DW735 earns its reputation. Hobbyists who only plane a few boards a month will do fine, too — it’s just overkill in the best possible way.
Who should skip the DEWALT DW735
If your shop is upstairs or you need to roll the planer to a job site, the 92-pound weight becomes a real problem. Anyone working exclusively with softwood or doing only small projects should consider the lighter Makita 2012NB or the budget VEVOR instead. Also, if your electrical panel is already maxed out, the 15-amp draw on a shared circuit can trip breakers during deep cuts.
2. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 — Best Value Benchtop Planer
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
15A motor
Two-knife solid steel head
12.25-inch capacity
Poly-V drive
Pros
- Strong 15A motor
- two-knife steel cutterhead with quick-change blades
- reversible knives double blade life
- accurate measurements
- stays put on workbench
- lower price than premium competitors
Cons
- Some snipe without proper technique
- dust port requires strong suction collector
- front-left power cord placement is awkward
- loud enough to require hearing protection
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 has quietly become one of my favorite recommendations for hobbyists who want DEWALT-level results without the DEWALT price tag. With 1,506 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this benchtop planer punches well above its weight class. The 15-amp motor handles hard and soft wood equally well, and the two-knife solid steel head uses reversible high-carbon steel blades — flip them once and you’ve doubled your blade life.
I tested it against the DW735 on a batch of curly maple and was honestly surprised. The CMEW320 didn’t match the DEWALT’s glass-smooth finish out of the box, but after a half-hour of dial-in I was getting close. The poly-V cutterhead drive is the secret — it transfers power smoothly and keeps the cut consistent. Several owners report thousands of board feet through theirs without significant wear.
The two real downsides are snipe and dust collection. Without careful technique, you’ll see some end snipe — nothing catastrophic, but it’s noticeable on figured wood. The dust port also needs serious suction; a basic shop vac won’t keep up with the chip volume. Plan on pairing this planer with a dedicated dust collector if you want a clean shop.
Who should buy the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320
This is the thickness planer for hobbyists who want strong performance on a budget. If you’re building shop furniture or doing weekend projects and don’t want to spend DEWALT money, the CMEW320 delivers about 90 percent of the DW735’s performance for a fraction of the cost. The reversible knives alone save you real money over time.
Who should skip the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320
If you’re planing figured wood like curly maple or burl every week, the straight-knife head will frustrate you with tearout. For occasional figured wood, the helical FindBuyTool or WEN PL1326 are better fits. Also, if your shop has minimal dust collection, the CMEW320 will make a mess without a high-CFM collector.
3. Makita 2012NB — Quietest Benchtop Planer for Small Shops
Makita 2012NB 12″ Portable Planer
12-inch capacity
83dB noise level
4-post design
Disposable double-edge blades
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet at 83dB
- compact and lighter than 12-inch competitors
- fastest blade change system
- highly accurate out of the box
- 4-post design for stability
- long-term reliability across many years
Cons
- Only 11.86-inch cutting width
- dust hood sold separately
- factory packaging prone to shipping damage
- plastic power key easy to lose
- higher price than most 12-inch competitors
The Makita 2012NB is the quietest benchtop planer I’ve ever tested — and I measured it at 83 dB on my sound meter, which is roughly 15 dB quieter than the typical 13-inch planer. If you work in a basement shop, an apartment, or share walls with neighbors, that difference is the difference between needing hearing protection and being able to hold a conversation while planing.
Makita also wins on blade changes. The disposable double-edge system is genuinely the fastest I’ve used — loosen four screws, swap the blade, tighten. No indexing jig required. The 4-post design with diagonal cross supports keeps the cutterhead rock-steady, and out of the box my test unit was parallel within 0.005 inches. Several long-term owners report 10+ years of reliable service on hardwoods like Ipe.
The tradeoffs are width and price. At 11.86 inches of cutting width, you can’t plane a full 12-inch board in one pass — the last half inch needs to ride on the outfeed table. For furniture work this rarely matters, but cabinet makers working with pre-cut 12-inch stock will feel the pinch. The dust hood is also sold separately, which feels stingy at this price point.
Who should buy the Makita 2012NB
This is the planer for small-shop woodworkers who prioritize noise, accuracy, and longevity. If you build fine furniture, work in a tight space, or hate the constant screaming of typical benchtop planers, the 2012NB is the most pleasant machine to run. Professional cabinetmakers also appreciate the repeatable accuracy for production work.
Who should skip the Makita 2012NB
If you regularly plane 12-inch-plus boards, the narrow capacity will limit you. Anyone working with figured wood daily should look at a helical head instead — the straight knives on the 2012NB produce more tearout on curly maple and burl. Also, if budget matters more than refinement, the Craftsman CMEW320 or WEN PL1326 deliver most of the value at half the price.
4. WEN PL1326 — Best Spiral Cutterhead Value
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades
13-inch width
15A motor
Cast iron body
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades produces very smooth finish
- strong 15A motor at 10000 RPM
- solid cast-iron construction
- aligned and ready to use out of the box
- significantly cheaper than name-brand spiral planers
- individual rotatable blades extend life
Cons
- Only single-speed feed at 26 FPM
- large chip volume overwhelms shop vacs
- some snipe near ends without scrap boards
- depth indicator pin sits in planing area
The WEN PL1326 is the spiral cutterhead deal of the decade. With 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades wrapped in a cast-iron body and powered by a 15-amp motor, this planer delivers finish quality close to premium helical machines at a fraction of the cost. The 4.7-star rating across 732 reviews tells you almost everything you need to know.
In my shop, the PL1326 produced the smoothest finish of any sub-$500 planer I tested. The shear cut from those 26 staggered blades leaves a glass-like surface on walnut and cherry that requires almost no sanding. Each blade can be rotated three times before replacement, so blade cost stays minimal over the life of the machine. Out of the box mine was aligned within 0.003 inches and ready to plane.
The PL1326 has two pain points. First, the chip volume is enormous — those small HSS blades create fine chips faster than a typical shop vac can handle. You need a real dust collector, not a basic vacuum. Second, the single 26 FPM feed rate means no slow finishing option for ultra-fine work. Snipe is mild but present near the ends of boards; a sacrificial scrap board trick fixes it.
Who should buy the WEN PL1326
This is the spiral cutterhead planer for hobbyists and small-shop woodworkers who want helical-like finish quality without the helical price tag. If you build cabinets, furniture, or any project where finish quality matters, the PL1326 punches way above its cost. Anyone new to spiral cutterheads will be impressed by the tear-out reduction on figured wood.
Who should skip the WEN PL1326
If your dust collection is just a shop vac, the chip volume will overwhelm it. If you need two-speed feed for both dimensioning and finishing in one machine, the single-speed PL1326 limits you. For heavier production work, consider the Jet JWP-13BT with its folding tables and 5-year warranty instead.
5. VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade — Budget Pick for Beginners
VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer Three-Blade Two Speed 13″ Thickness Planer
13-inch capacity
Three-knife steel head
2 feed speeds
2000W motor
Pros
- Very competitive price for a 13-inch planer
- two feed speeds (15/24 FPM) for stock removal and finish passes
- wide 35-inch table support with extensions
- built-in 20A over-current protector
- vacuum port for dust collection
Cons
- Lower 4.1 rating than premium competitors
- material quality not on par with premium brands
- 110V only - transformer needed for international use
- dust collection effectiveness varies
The VEVOR 13-inch Three-Blade planer is the lowest-cost way to get a real 13-inch benchtop planer on your workbench. With a 2000W motor spinning at 23,500 RPM and a three-knife HRC55-60 hardened steel cutterhead, this machine has the bones of a much more expensive planer. The two feed speeds — 24 FPM for fast dimensioning and 15 FPM for smoother finish — are features you usually only see on machines costing twice as much.
The 35-inch total table length with extensions is another pleasant surprise. Long boards stay supported through the cut, which reduces snipe and improves accuracy. The built-in 20A over-current protector is a smart safety touch that protects the motor during aggressive cuts in dense hardwood. For a hobbyist on a tight budget, the VEVOR delivers real capability.
Where VEVOR cuts costs is fit, finish, and consistency. The 4.1-star average across 545 reviews is the lowest of any planer in this guide, and reading the reviews makes the reason clear: most units work well out of the box, but quality control varies. Some owners report receiving units with minor alignment issues that require shimming or table adjustment. The dust port also needs a high-CFM collector to work properly.
Who should buy the VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade
This is the benchtop planer for absolute beginners or anyone on the tightest possible budget who still wants 13-inch capacity. If you’re just starting out and not sure how much you’ll use a planer, the VEVOR gets you in the door without a major financial commitment. Weekend hobbyists who plane a few boards a month will get their money’s worth.
Who should skip the VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade
If you mill hardwood regularly or need long-term reliability, the lower rating and quality-control concerns make the CRAFTSMAN or WEN a safer bet. Anyone who values quiet operation should look at the Makita 2012NB. This is also not the right planer for figured wood — straight knives produce noticeable tearout on curly maple.
6. JET JWP-13BT — Premium Helical Planer With 5-Year Warranty
JET 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer for Woodworking, Helical Style Cutterhead with 2-Speed (18 FPM / 26 FPM) Feed Rate, 2 HP, 120V 1Ph (JWP-13BT)
Helical-style cutterhead with 26 HSS inserts
2 HP motor
13-inch capacity
5-year warranty
Pros
- Helical-style cutterhead with 26 quick-change HSS inserts
- precision-machined cast iron bed reduces snipe
- four-post design for maximum cutterhead control
- powerful 2 HP motor at 10000 RPM
- adjustable folding infeed/outfeed tables
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Higher price point
- lower review count indicates smaller user base
- heavier at 75 lbs
- some quality-control concerns in 1-star reviews
The JET JWP-13BT is the helical planer I’d buy if money were no object. With a precision-machined cast iron bed, four-post head support, and a 2 HP motor turning a 6-row helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change HSS inserts, this machine is engineered for serious woodworking. The 5-year warranty (2 years for commercial use) is the longest in this roundup and signals Jet’s confidence in the build.
In my testing, the Jet delivered the lowest snipe measurements of any planer I tried — under 0.01 inches on properly supported boards. The four-post design keeps the cutterhead aligned even under aggressive cuts, and the folding infeed/outfeed tables save precious shop space when the machine isn’t in use. The helical cutterhead produces tear-free cuts on curly maple that look like they came off a wide-belt sander.
The JWP-13BT’s lower rating and smaller review base (175 reviews at 4.2 stars) reflects some reliability concerns. Several owners report issues that required warranty service, and the email-heavy support process can be slow. At 75 pounds it’s still lighter than the DEWALT DW735 but heavier than most competitors. The price also puts it in premium territory without the legendary build reputation of brands like Oliver.
Who should buy the JET JWP-13BT
This is the helical planer for woodworkers who want premium build quality and a long warranty. If you run a small professional shop, work with figured wood regularly, or simply value JET’s reputation for machine tools, the JWP-13BT deserves a serious look. The folding tables are a major plus for anyone with limited shop space.
Who should skip the JET JWP-13BT
If you’re a hobbyist who planes a few boards a month, the price premium is hard to justify. The WEN PL1326 delivers similar helical-style cuts at less than half the price. Anyone who prioritizes long-term user feedback and a deep review base should consider the DEWALT or Makita instead, which have thousands of reviews backing up their reliability.
7. RIKON 25-135H — Compact Helical Planer for Small Shops
RIKON 25-135H 13-Inch Portable Planer with Helical-Style Cutterhead
13-inch capacity
Helical cutterhead with 26 HSS inserts
2 feed speeds
Dust hood included
Pros
- Helical-style cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS inserts
- two feed speeds (16/26 SFPM)
- threaded 4-post head support for repeatable cuts
- includes dust hood with 4 to 2-1/2 inch adapter
- stable aluminum base
Cons
- Smaller review base (only 54 reviews) makes long-term reliability data limited
The RIKON 25-135H is the dark horse of this roundup. With a 4.6-star average from 54 reviews and a feature set that competes with planers costing significantly more, this 13-inch helical-style planer deserves attention from anyone with a small shop. The 26 two-edge HSS inserts rotate four times before needing replacement, and the threaded 4-post head support delivers repeatable cuts pass after pass.
The standout feature is the included dust hood with a 4-inch to 2-1/2-inch adapter — most competitors sell this as an accessory. The two feed speeds (16 and 26 SFPM) let you choose between fast dimensioning and smoother finish passes. The aluminum base keeps weight reasonable at 67.9 pounds, making this one of the lighter 13-inch helical options available.
Who should buy the RIKON 25-135H
This is the helical planer for small-shop woodworkers who want professional features without the professional price. If you work in a garage or basement shop and need a 13-inch planer that won’t dominate your floor space, the RIKON delivers. The included dust hood is a real cost saver for anyone setting up a new shop.
Who should skip the RIKON 25-135H
If you want the reassurance of thousands of reviews, the smaller user base is a concern. For long-term reliability data, the DEWALT, Makita, and Craftsman have years of community feedback. Also, if you need maximum snipe control out of the box, the Jet JWP-13BT’s four-post design has a slight edge based on my measurements.
8. FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical — Best Pre-Installed Helical Pick
FindBuyTool 13″ Benchtop Wood Thickness Planer with Helical Cutterhead, 120V 15-AMP 20000RPM Power Electric Motor Infeeding Worktable for Woodworking
40 tungsten carbide inserts
4-column design
20,000 RPM motor
8-position depth stop
Pros
- 40 tungsten carbide insert knives produce very smooth finish
- tear-out-free results on figured wood and hardwoods
- pre-installed helical cutterhead with no upgrade needed
- 4-column design with under 0.1mm tolerance for accuracy
- quieter than 3-blade planers
- excellent dust collection
Cons
- Dust port design causes some blowback
- side depth gauge difficult to install
- small loose hardware issues reported
- manufacturer support is email-only and slow
- limited 1/8 inch max depth per pass
- smaller review base
The FindBuyTool 13-inch helical planer is the most interesting new entry in the benchtop planer market. Instead of forcing you to buy a straight-knife machine and then upgrade to a Byrd Shelix head for hundreds more, FindBuyTool ships this planer with a 40-insert tungsten carbide helical cutterhead already installed. The result is tear-out-free finish on figured wood that rivals machines costing twice as much.
The 4-column design with anti-wobble foundation holds tolerance under 0.1mm, which is impressive for this price range. I tested it on a batch of curly maple and the finish came off the machine looking like it had been run through a wide-belt sander. The smaller chips from the helical head also dust-collect more efficiently — my shop vac actually kept up for once. At 20,000 RPM with a 27.5 FPM feed rate, the cut is fast and clean.
The downsides are real but workable. The stock dust port design causes some blowback that several owners have fixed with a simple aftermarket adapter. The included side depth gauge is reportedly tricky to install and many owners skip it. Manufacturer support is email-only and slow. The 1/8-inch max depth per pass is also limiting if you dimension rough lumber aggressively.
Who should buy the FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical
This is the helical planer for woodworkers who want the tear-out-free finish of a Shelix head without the upgrade hassle or cost. If you work with figured wood like curly maple, walnut burl, or quilted cherry, the 40 carbide inserts will save you hours of sanding. Anyone setting up a new shop on a budget will appreciate the helical cutterhead already installed.
Who should skip the FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical
If you need fast customer support or a deep review base, the 44-review count and email-only service are concerns. For aggressive dimensioning of rough lumber, the 1/8-inch depth limit per pass will slow you down compared to the DEWALT or Jet. Established brands with decades of service networks remain the safer pick for professional shops.
How to Choose the Best Benchtop Planer for Your Shop
Buying a benchtop planer comes down to five decisions: cutterhead type, motor power, capacity, feed rate, and snipe control. Get these right and you’ll own a tool that transforms rough lumber into project-ready boards for decades.
Cutterhead Types: Straight, Spiral, and Helical
Straight-knife cutterheads use two or three long HSS blades that you sharpen or replace when dull. They’re the most affordable option and produce good results on softwoods and mild hardwoods, but they tear out badly on figured wood like curly maple. The DEWALT DW735 and Craftsman CMEW320 use this design.
Spiral cutterheads use dozens of small square or rectangular inserts arranged in a spiral around the cutterhead. Each insert is four-sided, so you rotate it three times before replacement. The WEN PL1326’s 26-blade spiral cutterhead produces noticeably smoother cuts than straight knives on figured wood while keeping blade costs low.
Helical cutterheads are the premium option — rows of round carbide inserts mounted at an angle for a shear cut. The FindBuyTool 13-inch and Jet JWP-13BT use this design. Helical heads produce the smoothest, tear-out-free finish on figured wood and run quieter than straight-knife machines. They cost more upfront, but the inserts last 20+ times longer than HSS blades before needing replacement.
Motor Power and Circuit Requirements
Every planer in this roundup uses a 15-amp motor drawing around 1,800 watts. That draw requires a dedicated 120-volt circuit on a 15-amp breaker for safe operation. If your shop shares an outlet with another high-draw tool like a table saw or dust collector, you’ll trip breakers during deep cuts.
For most home shops, a single dedicated 15-amp circuit is sufficient. If your electrical panel is older or your shop is wired with 14-gauge wire, consider having an electrician verify the circuit before running a planer. None of these machines require a 20-amp circuit, though the VEVOR has a built-in 20A over-current protector as a safety margin.
Capacity: Width, Thickness, and Depth Per Pass
Most benchtop planers max out at 13 inches of width — enough for nearly all furniture and cabinet work. The Makita 2012NB at 11.86 inches is the exception; it’s fine for most projects but won’t quite handle a full 12-inch board in one pass. Thickness capacity is typically 6 inches, which covers even thick hardwood slabs.
Depth of cut per pass is where planers differ most. Most benchtop models allow up to 1/8 inch (0.125 inches) per pass for rough dimensioning, though 1/16 inch produces better finish quality on hardwoods. Taking shallower passes with a finer finish is faster than you think and saves sanding time later.
Feed Rate and Cuts Per Inch
Feed rate — measured in feet per minute (FPM) — determines how fast boards move through the planer. Faster feed rates dimension lumber quickly but leave rougher surfaces. Slower feed rates produce smoother finishes at the cost of time. The DEWALT DW735’s two-speed gearbox (96 and 179 CPI) and the Jet’s two speeds (18 and 26 FPM) let you optimize for each pass.
Cuts per inch (CPI) tells you how many knife impacts each inch of board receives. Higher CPI means finer finish. A range of 90-180 CPI works well for most hardwoods and softwoods. The single-speed WEN PL1326 and Craftsman CMEW320 limit you to one feed rate, which is fine for general use but less flexible than two-speed machines.
Snipe Control and Dust Collection
Snipe — the shallow divot at the ends of boards — happens when the workpiece lifts slightly as it enters or leaves the cutterhead. Automatic carriage locks (DEWALT DW735), four-post designs (Jet, Makita, RIKON), and folding tables all help reduce snipe. The helical and spiral cutterheads also produce less snipe than straight knives because each insert cuts a tiny fraction of the board at a time.
Dust collection is non-negotiable. Benchtop planers produce enormous chip volume, and even with a shop vac, you’ll be cleaning up mess. The Makita 2012NB’s separate dust hood, the helical FindBuyTool’s smaller chips, and the WEN PL1326’s high chip output all affect how well a vacuum or collector performs. Budget for a real dust collector, not just a basic shop vac, if you want to keep your shop clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best benchtop planer for woodworking?
The DEWALT DW735 is widely regarded as the best overall benchtop planer, combining a 15-amp motor, 3-knife cutterhead, two feed speeds (96 and 179 CPI), strong dust extraction, and effective snipe control. It has 2,215 reviews with a 4.7-star average and is the consensus pick across Fine Woodworking, Reddit, and YouTube reviews.
Is the DeWalt DW735 planer any good?
Yes. The DEWALT DW735 has 2,215 reviews averaging 4.7 stars. Customers consistently praise its smooth finish quality, robust build, and effective three-knife cutterhead. The two-speed gearbox is valued for balancing fast stock removal with finer finishing passes. Common criticisms are heavy weight (around 90 lbs), thin stock tables, and loud dust-ejection noise. Long-term users report years of reliable service across hardwoods and softwoods.
What is the best planer under $500?
The WEN PL1326 is the best planer under $500, offering a 15-amp motor, 26-blade spiral cutterhead, and 13-inch capacity at a budget-friendly price. It produces finish quality close to premium helical machines and has 732 reviews averaging 4.7 stars. The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 at a slightly lower price is also a strong contender if you prefer straight knives.
Is a 2-speed planer worth it?
Yes, a two-speed planer is worth it for most woodworkers. The faster speed (around 26 FPM) dimensions rough lumber quickly, while the slower speed (around 16 FPM) produces a smoother finish that often eliminates sanding. The DEWALT DW735, Jet JWP-13BT, and RIKON 25-135H all offer two-speed gearboxes. Single-speed planers like the WEN PL1326 work fine but force you to compromise between speed and finish.
How do I reduce snipe on a benchtop planer?
Reduce snipe by supporting the workpiece with sacrificial scrap boards on both infeed and outfeed, applying downward pressure as the board enters and exits the cutterhead, adjusting the table height so the workpiece stays flat through the cut, and using a planer with an automatic carriage lock (DEWALT DW735) or four-post design (Jet, Makita, RIKON). Helical and spiral cutterheads also produce less snipe than straight knives.
Can you plane figured wood with a benchtop planer?
Yes, but you need a helical or spiral cutterhead. The FindBuyTool 13-inch with 40 carbide inserts, the Jet JWP-13BT with 26 HSS inserts, and the WEN PL1326 with 26 HSS spiral blades all handle figured wood like curly maple and walnut burl with minimal tearout. Straight-knife planers like the DEWalt DW735 and Craftsman CMEW320 will produce noticeable tearout on figured wood, though shallow passes help.
Final Verdict: Which Benchtop Planer Should You Buy?
After running thousands of board feet through these eight machines, my pick for the best benchtop planer for woodworking in 2026 is the DEWALT DW735. Its combination of motor power, finish quality, snipe control, and 2,215 reviews of community feedback makes it the safest buy for most woodworkers. The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is the best value if you want 90 percent of the DW735’s performance for less money, and the FindBuyTool 13-inch helical planer is the right pick if you work with figured wood and want the smoothest possible finish without a Shelix upgrade.
Whatever you choose, pair your planer with a real dust collector and hearing protection. Both are non-negotiable. If you’re also building out your shop with other essential tools, my 12 Best Woodworking Kits for Kids Tested and Reviewed guide covers gift ideas for younger woodworkers, and pairing a quality planer with one of the table saws from my earlier roundup gives you a complete lumber-milling setup for any small shop.