A wood planer is a helpful tool that will be a welcome addition to the arsenal of a serious woodworker.
Wood planers allow the user to start with rough lumber and craft boards of varying thicknesses. Â These boards can then be used in a host of projects from floors to tables to shelving.
- Editor’s Choice:DEWALT DW735X
- Editor’s Choice:Makita 2012NB
- Cutech 40200H-CT
- DEWALT DW734
- WEN 6550T
AÂ 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 July, 2021
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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.
- Two-speed planer
- Flawless finished project
- Easy to use
- Durable and well-made
- The blades may tend to dull somewhat faster than other versions, but overall it’s a terrific option
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.
- Heavy-duty professional jointer
- High speed steel tips
- Perfect for pros
- Durable and extremely well-crafted
- This option is not meant for new or inexperienced users and should be used for very big or pro jobs
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.
- Easy to transport
- Very durable and well-made
- 83dB for added hearing health
- Fully adjustable repeat cut depth stop
- Four-post design features diagonal cross supports to increase support and stability
- The dust collecting hood is sold separately
- Expensive pricing point compared to similar versions
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.
- Great for newbies and pros alike
- Easy to change blade system
- Less expensive version of DEWALT’s costlier models
- Durable and well-made
- Somewhat cumbersome and clunky to move around, even though it is marketed as transportable
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.
- Awesome budget price point
- Great for learning on
- Straightforward operating instructions
- Dust fan
- Will not stand up to heavy, commercial use
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.
- Awesome for individuals with allergy and asthma issues
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Easy to use
- This model is not as well suited to cutting harder woods
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.
- Terrific pricing point
- Planes boards quickly and safely
- Sawdust removing fan
- Easy to change and clean the 3-blade system
- Will not stand up to heavy-duty commercial use but is perfect for home use
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.
- Poly V Belt
- Perfect for home use
- Can be used with glued-up wood materials
- Great price point
- Blades can be a tad bit difficult to change out
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.
- Anti-wobble base
- Wonderful for reclaimed wood
- Easy to set up and use
- Versatile and well-made
- This was one of our favorite options this week with no downsides to mention
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.
- Great for home use
- Very easy to transport
- Well-made
- Durable
- The machine feeds very slowly compared to the others we reviewed
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:Â 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:Â 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:Â 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. To that end, 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. Using a push block will help protect you in case of a piece of wood kicks 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.
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!
Hugo says
I like Cutech 40200H-CT as I’ve been working with such equipment for years, so I wasn’t afraid of professional equipment. I recommend this planer only for those who’re sure everything is done correctly.
Mathew says
Finding the best product isn’t an easy task as all of them have some disadvantages. So you should rather write the wood planers you can find a compromise with and accept their minuses.
Lucas says
I don’t know what I would I do without this article. It’s really great and helped me to find a great product on the market. I’ve been using a wood planers found on this site for two months already and have no complaints.
Anna says
DEWALT DW734 is the best wood planer for me as it’s durable and lightweight – and these are the most important things for me. So, try this planer too, if you’re still in search of an ideal one.
Dolly says
My husband himself made a crib for our child using the PORTER-CABLE PC305TP. This is a great thing to make even small details.
Alex says
I’m going to give my husband The DEWALT DW735X Two Speed Thickness Planer for the New year, he’ll be a happy to get it I hope, since in spring we plan to begin repairing our summer house
Tomas says
«cumbersome and clunky to move» isn’t so important thing for a Planer, I guess. I can be convinced for the DEWALT DW734, cos it’s really helpful despite its look and size.
Adrian says
Makita Planner is just Nonsense! Frankly I am amazed at how consistently reliable it has been, no down time at all. It’s a great portable jobsite machine too. The only maintenance is a periodic thorough cleaning and lube and of course blade changes which are a snap.
Sebastian says
Makita is outstanding. I’ve run about a couple hundred board feet of hardwoods and some softwoods through this and have always been impressed by the lack of snipe, consistency of thickness, and glass smooth surface
Michael says
The Cutech 40200H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer is a strong sturdy heavy-duty piece of machinery. Plains wood with easy, with easy clear blade depth setting
Ferdinand says
The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer price is cheap, practical, good quality, this has the machine planing wood is more convenient, can let me get twice the result with half the effort to complete n the task efficiently, shavings evenly blowing in the side, the future woodworking will be very convenient and left and right direction air outlet, heat dissipation strong. I am very satisfied, cost-effective.
Thomas says
Bought Makita. I have tried it on oak, teak and spruce thus far and it coped with all of them really well providing an excellent finish. The one flaw is that you have to attach the dust extraction cover; It is supplied but it is not integral.
Ronald says
Don’t know about Makita. But PORTER-CABLE PC305TP is outstanding. I’ve ran about a couple hundred board feet of hardwoods and some softwoods through this and have always been impressed by the lack of snipe, consistency of thickness, and smooth surface,Operation is straight forward without a bunch of complicated steps. And the noise level, or lack of it, is amazing!
Gregor says
Does Makita 2012NB come with the attachment to direct the chippings towards my extractor hose?
Fred says
Yes it does, it has a 2.5 inch hose connection