Best Wood Planers 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

A wood planer or jointer is a helpful tool that will be a welcome addition to the current arsenal of any DIYer.

Wood planers allow the user to craft boards of varying thicknesses which can then be parlayed into a host of projects from floors to tables to shelving.

The purchase of a wood planer can elevate your woodworking skills and assist you in taking your craftsmanship to a whole new level. Finding the best wood jointer for you and your needs may seem like a nightmare.

Selecting the Best Wood Planers in January, 2020

Product	Dimensions	Weight	Brand
(Editor’s Choice) DEWALT DW735X	24 x 22 x 18 inches	105 pounds	DEWALT	Check Price
Cutech 40200H-CT	26 x 16 x 23 inches	88 pounds	Cutech Tool LLC	Check Price
(Editor’s Choice) Makita 2012NB	30.4 x 19 x 15.8 inches	61.9 pounds	Makita	Check Price
DEWALT DW734	24 x 17 x 21 inches	80 pounds	DEWALT	Check Price
WEN 6550T	23.5 x 24 x 19 inches	70 pounds	WEN	Check Price
Delta Power Tools 22-555	25 x 17 x 21 inches	58 pounds	Delta	Check Price
WEN 6552 3-Blade	25.2 x 21.8 x 16 inches	66 pounds	WEN	Check Price
PORTER-CABLE PC305TP	23 x 15 x 17.7 inches	64.8 pounds	PORTER-CABLE	Check Price
POWERTEC PL1251	24 x 18 x 14 inches	63.6 pounds	POWERTEC	Check Price
Grizzly G0505	24 x 14 x 18 inches	78 pounds	Grizzly	Check Price

1. DEWALT DW735X Two Speed Thickness Planer : Best for Individuals that Are New to Using Wood Planers

The DEWALT DW735X Two Speed Thickness Planer features a powerful motor that reaches up to 20,000 RPM. The planer is able to handle larger cuts when using wider materials.

Our testing team loved how quickly and easily the DEWALT Two Speed works and the fact that it’s so easy to learn on for those new to wood jointers.

The DEWALT DW735X Two Speed Thickness Planer allows you to change the speed of the feed. This action optimizes cuts per inch at either 96 CPI or 179 CPI.

2. Cutech 40200H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer : Perfect for Professionals

The Cutech 40200H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer is a terrific option for heavy-duty jobs. This wood jointer has a 13-inch spiral cutter head which works well with spiral type wood. The jointer features high-speed steel tips which make tough jobs a snap.

The high-speed steel is not only extremely strong to stand up to heavy use but also makes the cuts smooth to create a beautifully finished surface on your wooden boards.

The Cutech 40200H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer has four heavy-duty guideposts along with a reinforced screw post design to increase not only performance but durability as well.

3. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp : Best for Mobile Use

The Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp is a breeze to tote along to job sites or different areas of your property. Other versions can be clunky and nearly impossible to lift or move.

Our testing team was thrilled to find an option that is easier to use on the go since our projects can lead us to each and every corner of our homes and properties.

The Makita 2012NB is engineered to allow for faster and safer blade changing, a routine maintenance task that can be dangerous and exhausting to do.

4. DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer : Excellent Option for Woodworking Newbies and Professionals Alike

The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer has a three knife cutter head that uses disposable and reversible steel knives. This jointer can help you create cuts with a max depth of 1/8 of an inch and a max width of 12.5-inch input.

Our testing team loves saving money, so the price on this DEWALT definitely makes us happy.

The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer is a slightly older and much less expensive version of DEWALT’s DW735.

5. WEN 6550T Benchtop Planer : Terrific Budget-Priced Selection

The WEN 6550T Benchtop Planer includes a granite table that provides you with a sturdy and non-marring surface. The smooth surface allows the wood to glide over easily.

This option can cut wood at a rate of 26 feet per minute, making it a favorite among our testing team members.

The WEN 6550T Benchtop Planer Thanks to a budget price, this wood jointer would be a lovely choice for any home workshop.

6. Delta Power Tools 22-555 Portable Benchtop Planer : Best for Folks with Allergies

The Delta Power Tools 22-555 Portable Benchtop Planer features a dust port. The dust port carefully removes small particulates from the wood, which would otherwise be prone to inhalation or could irritate sensitive skin.

Our testing team members with asthma and severe allergies loved finding a planer that takes extra measures to protect our health.

In addition to calming allergic reactions, the Delta Power Tools 22-555 Portable Benchtop Planer works wonderfully.

7. WEN 6552 3-Blade Wood Planer : Best Budget-Priced Wood Planer Option

The WEN 6552 3-Blade Wood Planer quickly and safely planes boards with a max thickness of 6 inches and a width of 13 inches. The jointer features a 15-amp motor that operates at 26 feet per minute.

Our testing team was thrilled to find an inexpensive version that keeps up with the more expensive models.

8. PORTER-CABLE PC305TP 12-Inch Thickness Planer : Best Planer for Use with Glued-Up Wood Materials

The PORTER-CABLE PC305TP 12-Inch Thickness Planer runs on a powerful 15-amp motor. The motor offers superior stock removal and features two blades for a smooth experience.

The knives are replaceable and are crafted from high carbon steel. Our testing team noted that the blades are somewhat tricky to replace.

The PORTER-CABLE PC305TP 12-Inch Thickness Planer includes a poly V belt cutter head drive.

9. POWERTEC PL1251 Benchtop Thickness Planer : Best Benchtop Planer Option for Use with Reclaimed Wood Projects

The POWERTEC PL1251 Benchtop Thickness Planer is a portable thickness planer. This option is the perfect solution for crafters that like to use reclaimed wood, old wood, weathered wood, or worn wood.

The planer protects that natural beauty of the reclaimed wood items while giving you a smooth surface perfect for many different projects.

10. Grizzly G0505 Wood Planer : Best Portable Option for Home Use

The Grizzly G0505 Wood Planer is highly portable. You can easily tote it from one area to another, making it the perfect purchase for use around the house or your property.

The machine feeds at 32 feet per minute with 52 cute per inch.

The Grizzly G0505 Wood Planer runs on a two-blade system. The blades have been made from high-speed steel at a /8 of an inch thickness.

The Best Wood Planers – Buyer’s Guide

Even the most experienced carpenters and woodworkers need some help with straightening or squaring boards. A wood planer can help. Wood planers take the normally tedious and tiring task of straightening and squaring boards and finishes the work effectively in a mere fraction of the time.

There are enough different wood jointers for sale to make anyone’s head spin. While reviewing the top ten wood planers, we learned a ton of helpful information which we want to pass on to you in this helpful shopping guide. Let’s get started!

What is a Wood Planer?

A wood planer may also be referred to as a wood jointer. This helpful tool allows you to ensure that your wooden boards have a flat surface with straight edges. The planer will assist you in creating boards of uniform thickness for a plethora of projects.

What Are the Different Types of Wood Planers?

Wood jointers can be classified into three major categories: Portable or handheld, thickness planer, and benchtop. Let’s take a closer look at the differences.

• Portable or Handheld Planers: As the moniker suggests, these jointers are made to transport. They are lighter weight and can often be carried or used with just one hand. While these options offer convenience and a lower price tag, they will not be able to replicate the work of a heavy-duty commercial model.
• Thickness Planer: A thickness planer is a type of planer that trims boards down to a consistent thickness. It also ensures the wood is flat on both surfaces.
• Benchtop Planners: A benchtop planer is still able to be transported in many cases, just not quite as easily. This version sits on your bench or workspace and will be a heavier duty item than the previous two versions. They also tend to cost more but have better capabilities and features.

Key Considerations for Purchasing the Best Wood Planer for Your Needs

Understanding the basic fundamental points of planers can assist you in demystifying the purchasing process. Let’s get a closer look at these crucial considerations.

Size

Planers are made in a plethora of sizes. Some are made smaller to allow for being  transported while others are very heavy and large. If you will be using the planer in many different places, you may want to consider a handheld or portable version that can be easily transported to anywhere you need to use it.

Blades

A planer may use anywhere from a single blade system to three or even more in commercial planer versions. Selecting a planer with replaceable blades will help you to make deep sharp cuts for years to come. Check to be sure that the blade system is not overly complicated to switch out.

Power

The power of a planer is measured by its motor’s amp rating. Heavier duty versions meant for commercial use are typically measured by horsepower (hp). It’s also helpful to examine the max cutting depth to gain an understanding of how powerful the planer is. The maximum cutting depth indicates how much of the board can be removed to create a smooth surface.

Speed

The cutter head speed in a good indication of the overall speed of the planer. This specification will be listed as rotations per minutes (rpm). This measurement examines the cutter head’s speed and how many cuts are made during each pass.

Feed Rate

The feed rate is measured in feet per minute (fpm). With a lower fpm rate, the wood will feed into the machine more slowly. A slower feed will allow for a greater number of cuts resulting in a far smoother surface.

Wood Planer and Wood Jointer Safety Tips and Tricks

The safe and proper operation of your new wood planer is perhaps even more important than the features and specifications. Here are some handy tips to keep you safe as can be while operating your new woodworking tool.

• Always Use Goggles and Ear Plugs. Earplugs and goggles will protect you during the use of your planer. Sawdust and other particulates can irritate or injure eyes. Some wood planers, especially the commercial versions, are very loud and could cause irreparable hearing damage if earplugs are not used.
• Use a Push Block. Similar to a table saw a wood jointer has an exposed blade. By using a push block, you will be protected in case of a piece of wood kicking back.
• Wood Size It is imperative that you use the correct size of wood. The edges also need to be straight.
• Watch Out for the Cutter Blades. Keep your hands, hair, clothing, and kids far away from the blades. Wear your hair tied back, avoid loose clothing, and try not to use the machine near kids.

The purchase and use of a wood planer can help to elevate your woodworking and carpentry skills to the next level. Cutting down boards to the perfect size and finish can be impossible by hand, so a planer will help to make all of your projects more precise. Finding the best planer for your specific needs can be much less of a headache now that you have an understanding of the most crucial considerations, your budget, and personal preferences.

We hope our top ten wood planer reviews were helpful to you today and that you learned some new and helpful knowledge from our buyer’s guide. Hearing from our loyal readers always takes our day from “plane” to amazing! Leave us a short comment below with your favorite wood planer tips and tricks. Happy woodworking!