Best Planer For Woodworking This Year – Power Tools Reviews
Our winners of the Best Planer For Woodworking this year are:
BEST OVERALL
DEWALT DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer
- 15-amp motor
- Two-speed gearbox
- Three-knife cutter head
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
- Infeed and outfeed tables included
Introduction
Are you a woodworking enthusiast looking for the perfect planer to take your projects to the next level? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, finding the right planer is essential to achieving smooth and precise wood surfaces. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best planers for woodworking available on Amazon. From budget-friendly options to high-end professional models, we’ve got you covered!
Choosing the right planer can be a daunting task with so many options out there. Don’t worry; we’ve done the research for you. Read on to discover our top picks and make an informed decision that suits your woodworking needs.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. DEWALT DW735X Two-Speed Thickness Planer
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful and versatile thickness planer designed to meet the needs of serious woodworkers. Featuring a robust 15-amp motor and a two-speed gearbox, this planer offers exceptional performance and precision.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the DEWALT DW735X for its powerful motor and dual-speed capability, which allows for both quick material removal and fine finishing. Its sturdy build and high-quality blades ensure long-lasting performance.
Features
- 15-amp motor
- Two-speed gearbox
- Three-knife cutter head
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
- Infeed and outfeed tables included
Pros
- Powerful motor
- High-quality blades
- Versatile speed settings
- Durable build
- Effective dust collection
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Relatively expensive
- Loud operation
- Blade replacement can be costly
- Requires frequent blade changes
Our Verdict
The DEWALT DW735X is an excellent choice for serious woodworkers looking for a powerful and versatile planer. While it comes with a higher price tag, its performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
2. WEN 6552T 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
The WEN 6552T is a budget-friendly benchtop thickness planer that offers impressive performance. With its 15-amp motor and three-blade design, this planer provides smooth and accurate cuts for various woodworking projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the WEN 6552T for its affordability and reliable performance. The three-blade design ensures a smooth finish, and its compact size makes it suitable for small workshops.
Features
- 15-amp motor
- Three-blade cutter head
- 13-inch width capacity
- Adjustable depth stop
- Foldable infeed and outfeed tables
Pros
- Affordable price
- Compact and portable
- Smooth finish
- Easy to use
- Adjustable depth settings
Cons
- Limited to smaller projects
- Less durable than higher-end models
- Noisy operation
- Basic dust collection
- Frequent blade changes needed
Our Verdict
The WEN 6552T is a great option for hobbyists and small workshop owners looking for an affordable and reliable planer. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, it offers excellent value for its price.
3. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer
The Makita 2012NB is a compact and efficient 12-inch planer designed for both professional and DIY use. With its quiet operation and powerful motor, this planer delivers smooth and precise results.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Makita 2012NB for its quiet operation and portability. Despite its compact size, it offers impressive performance, making it a great choice for various woodworking projects.
Features
- 15-amp motor
- 12-inch width capacity
- Interna-Lok automated head clamp
- Quiet operation
- Compact and lightweight design
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Portable and lightweight
- Easy blade changes
- Smooth finish
- Durable construction
Cons
- Limited to 12-inch width
- Higher price point
- Basic dust collection
- No infeed/outfeed tables included
- Frequent blade changes needed
Our Verdict
The Makita 2012NB is an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet and portable planer. Its compact design and efficient performance make it a versatile tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
4. Cutech 40700H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer
The Cutech 40700H-CT is a high-performance spiral cutterhead planer designed for smooth and precise woodworking. Its innovative spiral cutterhead ensures a superior finish and reduces tear-out.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Cutech 40700H-CT for its advanced spiral cutterhead, which provides a smoother finish and reduces noise. Its compact size and high-quality build make it a reliable choice for woodworking enthusiasts.
Features
- Spiral cutterhead
- 13-inch width capacity
- Variable speed feed
- Steel infeed and outfeed tables
- Adjustable depth stop
Pros
- Smooth finish
- Reduced tear-out
- Compact and portable
- Durable build
- Variable speed settings
Cons
- Higher price point
- Noisy operation
- Frequent blade changes needed
- Basic dust collection
- Limited to 13-inch width
Our Verdict
The Cutech 40700H-CT is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance spiral cutterhead planer. Its advanced features and durable build make it a great investment for serious woodworkers.
5. PORTER-CABLE PC305TP 12-Inch Thickness Planer
The PORTER-CABLE PC305TP is a budget-friendly 12-inch thickness planer designed for hobbyists and small workshop owners. With its 15-amp motor and two-blade cutter head, this planer offers reliable performance.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the PORTER-CABLE PC305TP for its affordability and ease of use. Its compact design and reliable performance make it a great choice for small woodworking projects.
Features
- 15-amp motor
- Two-blade cutter head
- 12-inch width capacity
- Adjustable depth stop
- Foldable infeed and outfeed tables
Pros
- Affordable price
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Reliable performance
- Adjustable depth settings
Cons
- Limited to smaller projects
- Less durable than higher-end models
- Noisy operation
- Basic dust collection
- Frequent blade changes needed
Our Verdict
The PORTER-CABLE PC305TP is a great option for hobbyists and small workshop owners looking for an affordable and reliable planer. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, it offers excellent value for its price.
6. Bosch PL1632 6.5 Amp Planer
The Bosch PL1632 is a compact and lightweight hand planer designed for precision woodworking. With its 6.5-amp motor and dual-mount fence, this planer offers accurate and smooth results.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Bosch PL1632 for its portability and precision. Its lightweight design and high-quality construction make it a great choice for detailed woodworking tasks.
Features
- 6.5-amp motor
- Dual-mount fence
- Aluminum front and rear shoes
- Ratcheting depth knob
- Chip ejection switch
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Precise and accurate
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- Effective dust collection
Cons
- Limited to smaller tasks
- Lower power motor
- Basic features
- No infeed/outfeed tables
- Frequent blade changes needed
Our Verdict
The Bosch PL1632 is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable and precise hand planer. Its lightweight design and accurate performance make it ideal for detailed woodworking tasks.
7. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 10-Amp Benchtop Jointer
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is a versatile 10-amp benchtop jointer designed for both professional and DIY use. With its two-knife cutter head and adjustable fence, this jointer offers smooth and accurate results.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 for its versatility and reliable performance. Its adjustable fence and compact design make it a great choice for various woodworking projects.
Features
- 10-amp motor
- Two-knife cutter head
- Adjustable fence
- Variable speed control
- Compact design
Pros
- Versatile and reliable
- Adjustable fence
- Variable speed settings
- Compact and portable
- Durable construction
Cons
- Limited to smaller projects
- Noisy operation
- Basic dust collection
- Frequent blade changes needed
- Higher price point
Our Verdict
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is a great option for those seeking a versatile and reliable benchtop jointer. Its adjustable fence and compact design make it suitable for various woodworking projects.
8. JET JWP-208-1 20-Inch Planer
The JET JWP-208-1 is a heavy-duty 20-inch planer designed for professional woodworking. With its powerful 3 HP motor and four-knife cutter head, this planer delivers exceptional performance and precision.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the JET JWP-208-1 for its powerful motor and large capacity. Its robust construction and high-quality blades make it a reliable choice for professional woodworkers.
Features
- 3 HP motor
- Four-knife cutter head
- 20-inch width capacity
- Adjustable feed rate
- Heavy-duty construction
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Large capacity
- Smooth finish
- Durable construction
- Variable feed rate
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Requires large workspace
- Frequent blade changes needed
- Noisy operation
Our Verdict
The JET JWP-208-1 is an excellent choice for professional woodworkers seeking a powerful and large-capacity planer. Its robust construction and exceptional performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious woodworking projects.
9. Grizzly G0505 12-1/2-Inch Planer
The Grizzly G0505 is a compact and efficient 12-1/2-inch planer designed for hobbyists and small workshop owners. With its 2 HP motor and two-knife cutter head, this planer offers reliable performance.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Grizzly G0505 for its affordability and ease of use. Its compact design and reliable performance make it a great choice for small woodworking projects.
Features
- 2 HP motor
- Two-knife cutter head
- 12-1/2-inch width capacity
- Adjustable depth stop
- Compact design
Pros
- Affordable price
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Reliable performance
- Adjustable depth settings
Cons
- Limited to smaller projects
- Less durable than higher-end models
- Noisy operation
- Basic dust collection
- Frequent blade changes needed
Our Verdict
The Grizzly G0505 is a great option for hobbyists and small workshop owners looking for an affordable and reliable planer. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, it offers excellent value for its price.
10. Delta Power Tools 22-555 Portable Thickness Planer
The Delta Power Tools 22-555 is a portable thickness planer designed for both professional and DIY use. With its 15-amp motor and two-knife cutter head, this planer offers smooth and accurate results.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Delta Power Tools 22-555 for its portability and reliable performance. Its compact design and high-quality construction make it a great choice for various woodworking projects.
Features
- 15-amp motor
- Two-knife cutter head
- 13-inch width capacity
- Adjustable depth stop
- Portable design
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Reliable performance
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- Adjustable depth settings
Cons
- Limited to smaller projects
- Noisy operation
- Basic dust collection
- Frequent blade changes needed
- Higher price point
Our Verdict
The Delta Power Tools 22-555 is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable and reliable thickness planer. Its compact design and efficient performance make it suitable for various woodworking projects.
Buying Guide
When shopping for the best planer for woodworking, keep the following key points in mind:
- Power and Motor: The motor’s power is crucial for a planer’s performance. Look for planers with at least a 15-amp motor for optimal results. High-power motors ensure smooth and even cuts. For more detailed information, check out resources like Popular Woodworking and Wood Magazine.
- Cutting Depth: A planer’s cutting depth determines how much material it can remove in a single pass. Variable depth settings are ideal for versatile woodworking projects.
- Blade Quality: High-quality blades are essential for smooth finishes. Consider planers with carbide or double-edged blades for durability and precision.
- Build Quality: The overall build quality affects the tool’s longevity and stability during use. Look for models made from robust materials to ensure durability.
- Dust Collection: Effective dust collection is vital for maintaining a clean workspace and ensuring your health. Opt for planers with built-in dust collection systems or ports for attaching vacuum hoses.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a planer in woodworking?
A planer is used to create smooth, flat surfaces on wood. It can also reduce the thickness of a board and ensure that both sides are parallel. This tool is essential for achieving precise and professional finishes in woodworking projects.
How do I choose the right planer for my needs?
Consider factors such as motor power, cutting depth, blade quality, build quality, and dust collection. Determine your specific woodworking needs and match them with the planer’s features to make an informed choice.
What is the difference between a jointer and a planer?
A jointer is used to create a flat edge on a board, making it straight and square. A planer, on the other hand, is used to make the entire surface of the board flat and even. Both tools are often used together for optimal results.
Can I use a planer on rough lumber?
Yes, a planer can be used to smooth rough lumber. However, it’s important to remove any nails or debris from the wood before planing to avoid damaging the blades or the planer itself.
How often should I change the blades on my planer?
The frequency of blade changes depends on how often you use the planer and the type of wood you work with. Generally, you should change the blades when you notice a decrease in performance or if the wood surface is not as smooth as it should be.
Conclusion
In summary, finding the best planer for woodworking involves considering essential factors like motor power, cutting depth, blade quality, build quality, and dust collection. By keeping these key points in mind and exploring our top picks, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect planer for your woodworking projects. Happy woodworking!