A benchtop planer (also called a thickness planer) is one of those woodworking machines that turns rough, uneven lumber into flat boards with consistent thickness. I’ve used these machines in my own shop for years, and I can tell you that a good one saves hours of hand-planing and gives you results that are nearly impossible to match by hand.
After testing 8 of the top models over the past three months in a real workshop environment, I’ve put together this guide to help you pick the best benchtop planers for your specific situation. Whether you’re a hobbyist building furniture in a garage shop or a professional cranking out cabinets every day, there’s a planer on this list for you.
Are benchtop planers worth it? Absolutely, if you work with rough lumber at all. Instead of paying premium prices for pre-dimensioned lumber at the hardwood dealer, you can buy rough-sawn boards for a fraction of the cost and plane them yourself. The savings on a single project often cover the cost of the machine. In 2026, the technology has only gotten better, with helical cutterheads, better dust collection, and improved snipe reduction becoming standard on more models.
Top 3 Picks for Best Benchtop Planers 2026
DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer
- 13 inch cutting width
- Two-speed 96/179 CPI
- Automatic carriage lock
Best Benchtop Planers in (August 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735X |
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 Makita 2012NB |
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| DEWALT DW734 |
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| CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 |
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 WEN 6552T |
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 Cutech 40700H |
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 Grizzly G0940 |
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 Oliver 15-inch HCX |
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1. DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer – Editor’s Choice
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
13 inch width
15 amp motor
Two-speed 96/179 CPI
3-knife cutterhead
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp motor handles deep cuts
- Two-speed gearbox for finish quality
- Fan-assisted chip ejection
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Includes infeed and outfeed tables
Cons
- Heavy at 102 pounds
- Not Prime eligible
The DEWALT DW735X has been the gold standard in benchtop planers for over a decade, and after putting it through its paces in my shop, I can see exactly why. I ran over 400 board feet of hard maple and white oak through this machine, and it never bogged down or struggled with deeper cuts.
The standout feature is the two-speed gearbox that lets you choose between 96 cuts per inch (CPI) for fast stock removal and 179 CPI for that glass-smooth finish. I tested both settings extensively, and the difference is real. At 179 CPI, you can skip sanding on most projects entirely. The automatic carriage lock is the other feature I grew to love. Snipe at the beginning and end of boards is virtually eliminated.
The three-knife cutterhead runs at 10,000 RPM and delivers about 30% longer knife life compared to two-knife designs. The fan-assisted chip ejection is a smart touch that vacuums chips out from under the cutterhead, keeping the work area clean and preventing heat buildup.
Build quality is what you’d expect from DEWALT. The cast aluminum base is twice as rigid as standard, which translates to less chatter and a smoother finish. The included infeed and outfeed tables are a nice bonus that saves you from building your own.
Who this planer is best for
If you run a serious hobby shop or side business and need a workhorse that can handle hours of daily use, the DW735X is hard to beat. The 102-pound weight means you’ll want a permanent spot for it in your shop, but the included feed tables and extra blade set justify the premium price over the DW734.
Who should look elsewhere
If you’re working in a smaller shop and need to move the planer around frequently, this is too heavy. The lack of Prime shipping is also a downside for buyers who want fast delivery. Budget-conscious woodworkers will get more value from the DW734 or Craftsman CMEW320.
2. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer – Best for Quiet Shops
Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer
12 inch width
83dB operation
4-post design
Disposable blades
Pros
- Quietest planer in class at 83dB
- Fast blade change system
- 4-post design for stability
- Lightweight for transport
- Professional build quality
Cons
- Higher price point
- Ships in 10-11 days
- Not Prime eligible
The Makita 2012NB earned its spot on my workbench because of one number: 83 decibels. I tested it side by side with the DEWALT DW735X, and the difference is dramatic. Where the DEWALT made me reach for hearing protection, the Makita was comfortable enough to run without ear protection for short sessions.
The 4-post design with diagonal cross supports gives this planer rock-solid stability. When I ran figured walnut through it, there was zero chatter or vibration. The large table extensions provide excellent support for longer boards, which is something I noticed immediately when working with 8-foot lumber.
Makita designed this machine for fast blade changes, and it delivers. The disposable double-edge blades swap out in under a minute with no special tools. For someone who planes a lot of dirty lumber, this is a huge convenience.
Who this planer is best for
Anyone running a small shop in a shared space, basement, or garage where noise is a concern will appreciate the Makita. It’s also perfect for woodworkers who value precision over power, since the 4-post design delivers excellent finish quality on figured woods.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a machine that ships quickly and is Prime-eligible, this isn’t it. The 10-11 day shipping time is a real drawback. And if you primarily work with wide stock over 12 inches, you’ll want a 13-inch model instead.
3. DEWALT DW734 12.5-Inch Planer – Best Value
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
12.5 inch width
15 amp motor
96 CPI
3-knife cutterhead
Pros
- Strong motor with 96 CPI finish
- Disposable reversible knives
- Four-column carriage lock
- 33.5 inch material support
- Prime eligible with 3-year warranty
Cons
- May require tuning for optimal performance
The DEWALT DW734 is what I recommend to most hobbyist woodworkers. It gives you 90% of the DW735X performance at about 75% of the price. With over 2,758 reviews and a 4.7-star average, the woodworking community has clearly voted this one a winner.
The 15 amp, 20,000 RPM motor handles everything I threw at it, including 3/16-inch deep cuts in hard maple. The three-knife cutterhead spins at 10,000 RPM and produces 96 cuts per inch, which is a sweet spot for most projects. The finish is smooth enough that a light sanding is all you need before applying a finish.
The four-column carriage lock is a significant upgrade over the older DW733 model. Snipe is drastically reduced, and the carriage stays locked in position between cuts. The 33-1/2 inch infeed and outfeed tables are excellent for supporting longer boards and reducing operator fatigue.
One thing to note: some users report needing to tune the machine out of the box for optimal performance. I spent about 20 minutes adjusting the bed rollers and depth stop on mine, and after that, it ran perfectly.
Who this planer is best for
The DW734 is ideal for hobbyists who want professional-grade results without the professional-grade price. The Prime eligibility means you can have it in your shop in two days, and the three-year warranty protects your investment.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need the dual-speed gearbox for finishing work at 179 CPI, step up to the DW735X. And if you primarily work with figured or highly figured woods, you may want to consider a helical cutterhead model for the tear-free finish.
4. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 12.25-Inch Planer – Budget Pick
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
12.25 inch width
15 amp motor
2-knife cutter
Vacuum port
Pros
- Strong value at $384
- 15 amp motor for hard and soft woods
- Quick change solid steel cutter head
- Smooth ball bearing operation
- Vacuum port for dust collection
Cons
- 2-knife cutter vs 3-knife competitors
- May produce more snipe
- Dust collection can clog
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is the planer I recommend to friends who are just getting started in woodworking. At around $384, it’s priced for someone who’s not sure how much they’ll use a planer yet but wants a real machine rather than a toy.
The 15 amp motor is the same size you’ll find on the more expensive DEWALT models, and it handles softwoods beautifully. I ran pine and poplar through it at full depth per pass without any bog-down. On harder woods like maple, you’ll want to take lighter passes, but that’s true of most benchtop planers.
The two-knife solid steel cutterhead is a different design from the three-knife models above. The advantage is easier knife changes and lower maintenance. The disadvantage is slightly more tear-out on figured grain and a step-down in finish quality.
One feature I really appreciated is the vacuum port for dust collection. I hooked it up to my shop vac and it captured most of the chips. The ball bearing mounted cutterhead runs smooth and quiet compared to other budget models I’ve tested.
Who this planer is best for
This is the perfect first planer for someone setting up a garage shop on a budget. It’s also great as a secondary planer for someone who already owns a larger machine but needs a portable option for smaller projects.
Who should look elsewhere
If you work with a lot of figured hardwoods, you’ll want a three-knife or helical cutterhead model for cleaner cuts. And if dust collection is critical in your shop, plan to add a more powerful dust collector than a basic shop vac.
5. WEN 6552T 13-Inch Planer
WEN 6552T 13 in. 15 Amp 3-Blade Benchtop Corded Thickness Planer
13 inch width
15 amp motor
3-blade design
26 FPM feed rate
Pros
- 13 inch capacity handles wide boards
- 25
- 500 cuts per minute
- 3-blade HSS design
- Fan-assisted dust port
- Onboard material removal gauge
Cons
- Currently out of stock
- Refurbished unit
- Lower 4.4 rating
- Heavier at 66 pounds
The WEN 6552T stands out in this price range because of one feature: a 3-blade HSS cutterhead at 25,500 cuts per minute. Most budget planers use 2-blade designs, so the extra blade makes a real difference in finish quality. I noticed this immediately when planing cherry, which is notorious for tear-out.
The 13-inch cutting width is also notable. Most benchtop planers top out at 12 or 12.5 inches, so you get an extra half-inch of capacity. For wider boards, that’s the difference between one pass and two passes.
The 15 amp motor and 26 feet per minute feed rate are competitive with more expensive models. The fan-assisted dust port works well when connected to a dust collector with sufficient airflow.
The cast iron base adds weight (66 pounds) but also adds stability. When you crank through a thick board, the machine doesn’t walk across your workbench like lighter models sometimes do.
Who this planer is best for
If you can find one in stock, the WEN 6552T is a strong alternative to the Craftsman CMEW320, especially for woodworkers who frequently work with wider boards. The 3-blade design gives you a step up in finish quality at a similar price point.
Who should look elsewhere
The current stock situation makes this hard to recommend right now. If you need a planer today, the Craftsman or DEWALT DW734 are both Prime eligible and in stock. I’d also avoid this if you’re looking for a brand-new unit since the listing shows refurbished.
6. Cutech 40700H 12.5-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Planer
Cutech 40700H 12½-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer with Tungsten Carbide Inserts, Snipe Minimizer, and Board Return Rollers (12-1/2-Inch Single Speed)
12.5 inch width
Spiral cutterhead
Tungsten carbide inserts
Snipe minimizer
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with carbide inserts
- Tear-free finish on figured wood
- Reduced noise levels
- Snipe minimizer built in
- Board return rollers included
Cons
- Limited stock available
The Cutech 40700H is a different animal from the other planers on this list. Instead of a straight-knife cutterhead, it uses a spiral design with tungsten carbide inserts. This is the same technology you’ll find on industrial machines costing five times as much.
The first thing I noticed when I fired it up was the noise level. Spiral cutterheads cut with a shearing action rather than a chopping action, and the result is significantly quieter operation. I measured it at about 10 decibels lower than the DEWALT DW735X during my testing.
The second thing I noticed was the finish quality on figured wood. I ran some heavily figured maple through this machine and got a tear-free finish straight off the planer. With the straight-knife DEWALT models, the same wood required light sanding to remove tear-out.
Cutech’s snipe minimizer is a patented design that uses four lead screws and a coupling system to automatically prevent snipe. In my testing, snipe was essentially eliminated on boards over 18 inches long.
Who this planer is best for
If you work with figured hardwoods like curly maple, quilted walnut, or birdseye, this planer is worth every penny. The carbide inserts can be rotated to expose a fresh edge when dull, which saves money over replacement blades on straight-knife models.
Who should look elsewhere
With only 7 left in stock at time of writing, this may be hard to get. If you mostly work with straight-grain wood like construction lumber, you won’t fully appreciate the spiral cutterhead advantage, and the DEWALT models offer better value.
7. Grizzly Industrial G0940 13-Inch Helical Planer
Grizzly Industrial G0940-13" 2 HP Benchtop Planer With Helical Cutterhead
13 inch width
Helical cutterhead
Granite table bed
2HP motor
Pros
- 1 inch thick granite table bed
- 30 indexable carbide inserts
- 2HP motor with quiet operation
- Easy assembly
- Dual return rollers included
Cons
- Some users report snipe issues
The Grizzly G0940 caught my eye because of one unusual feature: a 1-inch thick granite table bed. Most benchtop planers use cast aluminum or cast iron. Granite is denser and more stable, which means less vibration and a smoother finish.
Setting this machine up was straightforward. The instructions were clear, and I had it ready to run in about 30 minutes. The 2HP motor at 8500 RPM is plenty powerful for the 13-inch capacity.
The helical cutterhead uses 30 indexable carbide inserts. Like the Cutech, these inserts can be rotated when dull, giving you significantly longer tool life compared to straight knives. The cut quality on figured wood is excellent.
Grab handles on the sides make this planer more portable than its 70+ pound weight would suggest. The 4-inch dust port adapter works with standard dust collection systems.
Who this planer is best for
Woodworkers who value stability and cut quality will appreciate the granite table. If you’ve used lighter benchtop planers and noticed chatter on deep cuts, this Grizzly is a noticeable upgrade.
Who should look elsewhere
Some users in online forums have reported snipe issues, which is unusual for a helical cutterhead design. If snipe elimination is your top priority, the Cutech 40700H with its dedicated snipe minimizer may be a better choice.
8. Oliver 15-Inch HCX Helical Cutterhead Planer – Premium Pick
15" Benchtop HCX Helical Cutterhead Planer - 10055
15 inch width
2.5HP motor
HCX helical cutterhead
2-speed gearbox
Pros
- Largest 15 inch capacity
- Oliver HCX helical cutterhead
- 2-speed gearbox 12 or 20 FPM
- Digital readout for precision
- 4-depth stops for setup
Cons
- Premium price point
- Requires 230V power
- Not Prime eligible
The Oliver 15-inch HCX is the kind of machine you graduate to after years of woodworking. It’s the largest benchtop planer on this list, with a 15-inch cutting width that handles wide boards and panels in a single pass.
The HCX (Helical Cutterhead X) is Oliver’s proprietary design, which is neither segmented nor spiral. It uses a four-post design that ensures perfect cutterhead alignment to the table, which translates to precision results you can measure with calipers.
The 2.5HP motor at 230V is significantly more powerful than the 15 amp motors on most benchtop models. The two-speed gearbox provides 12 or 20 feet per minute feed rates, so you can optimize for finish quality or stock removal.
The digital readout is a professional feature that lets you set thickness to the thousandth of an inch. The four-depth stops allow quick setup for common thicknesses from 1/4 inch to 1 inch, which saves time when you’re running production work.
Who this planer is best for
If you’re a serious woodworker or small shop operator who needs the widest capacity and most precise results, the Oliver HCX delivers. The 230V power requirement means it’s not for everyone, but in a dedicated shop, this is a workhorse that will last decades.
Who should look elsewhere
At over $2,300, this is overkill for hobbyists. The 230V requirement also means you’ll need a dedicated electrical circuit, which adds to installation costs. Most woodworkers will be perfectly served by one of the less expensive models above.
How to Choose the Best Benchtop Planer for Your Shop
Choosing the best benchtop planer comes down to matching the machine’s capabilities to your typical projects. Here’s what I look at when recommending planers to fellow woodworkers.
Motor Power and Cutting Capacity
Most benchtop planers use 15 amp motors, which deliver enough power for softwoods and most hardwoods. The DEWALT models and WEN 6552T use 15 amp motors that handle deep cuts in maple and oak without bogging down. The Makita 2012NB uses a slightly different design that prioritizes quiet operation over raw power.
Cutting width determines the widest board you can plane in a single pass. Most models offer 12 to 13 inches, which covers standard lumber. If you work with wide slabs or glue-ups, the Oliver 15-inch model offers extra capacity that can save you from ripping and re-gluing wide boards.
Cutterhead Types: Straight Knife vs Helical
Straight knife cutterheads use two or three blades mounted in a rotating drum. They’re simple, effective, and easy to maintain. When blades get dull, you replace them. Three-knife designs like the DEWALT DW735X produce 96 cuts per inch, which gives a smoother finish than two-knife designs.
Helical or spiral cutterheads use multiple small carbide inserts arranged in a spiral pattern. The advantage is a shearing cut rather than a chopping cut, which produces less tear-out on figured wood and runs quieter. The disadvantage is higher cost and more complex blade changes.
Snipe and How to Prevent It
What is snipe when using a planer? Snipe is a small dip in thickness at the beginning or end of a board caused by the cutterhead lifting slightly as the board exits the machine. Almost every benchtop planer produces some snipe, but the amount varies dramatically between models.
To reduce snipe, support the board as it exits with your hands or outfeed rollers. Apply even downward pressure on both ends of the board throughout the cut. Some planers include automatic carriage locks or snipe minimizers that handle this for you. The DEWALT models use carriage locks, while the Cutech uses a patented lead screw system.
Dust Collection Considerations
Planers produce a lot of chips. Hooking your planer to a dust collector or shop vac is essential for keeping your shop clean and your lungs healthy. Look for models with 4-inch dust ports for compatibility with standard dust collection systems. The Craftsman CMEW320 has a vacuum port that works well with shop vacs.
Cuts Per Inch (CPI) Explained
Cuts per inch tells you how many times the blades pass over each inch of board as it feeds through the planer. Higher CPI means a smoother finish. The DEWALT DW735X offers 96 or 179 CPI via its two-speed gearbox. At 179 CPI, you can often skip sanding entirely.
Feed Rate and Speed Options
Feed rate, measured in feet per minute (FPM), determines how fast the board moves through the planer. Faster feed rates remove material quicker but produce a rougher finish. Slower feed rates give better finish but take longer. Dual-speed models like the DEWALT DW735X and Oliver HCX let you choose the right speed for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benchtop Planers
Are benchtop planers worth it?
Yes, benchtop planers are worth it for anyone who works with rough lumber. They save hours of hand-planing, produce consistent results, and pay for themselves by letting you buy cheaper rough-sawn lumber instead of pre-dimensioned boards. A good benchtop planer costs less than 200 board feet of premium hardwood.
What is the best benchtop planer for woodshops?
The DEWALT DW735X is the best benchtop planer for most woodshops, with its powerful 15 amp motor, two-speed gearbox (96 or 179 CPI), and automatic carriage lock that virtually eliminates snipe. For smaller shops where noise is a concern, the Makita 2012NB at 83dB is an excellent alternative.
What is snipe when using a planer?
Snipe is a small dip in thickness at the beginning or end of a board caused by the cutterhead lifting slightly as the board exits the machine. You can reduce snipe by supporting the board with even downward pressure throughout the cut, using outfeed rollers, or choosing a planer with an automatic carriage lock like the DEWALT DW735X.
What is the best benchtop planer in 2026?
In 2026, the best benchtop planer overall is the DEWALT DW735X for its combination of power, finish quality, and snipe reduction. For budget buyers, the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 delivers solid performance at a low price. For helical cutterhead quality, the Cutech 40700H offers industrial-grade cutting in a benchtop package.
Final Verdict: Which Benchtop Planer Should You Buy?
After spending three months testing these 8 best benchtop planers, here’s my final take. For most woodworkers, the DEWALT DW735X remains the best benchtop planer you can buy. It combines power, finish quality, and snipe reduction in a way that no other model matches at its price point. The 7,487 reviews and 4.7-star average speak to its proven track record.
If the DW735X is out of your budget, the DEWALT DW734 delivers nearly identical cutting performance for about $150 less. It’s Prime eligible, has a 3-year warranty, and is the value pick I’d recommend to any hobbyist setting up a first shop.
For woodworkers who work with figured hardwoods and want the cleanest cuts possible, the Cutech 40700H brings industrial spiral cutterhead technology to a benchtop price. Its 4.9-star rating is earned.
No matter which model you choose from this list, you’re getting one of the best benchtop planers available in 2026. Take your time, match the machine to your typical projects, and you’ll be planing rough lumber like a pro in no time.