7 Best Jet Planers 2026 in the United States

The WEN PL1303 is a powerful benchtop thickness planer designed for woodworkers who need to plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. Its 15-amp motor is strong, allowing it to make up to 30,000 cuts per minute with a steady feed rate of 26 feet per minute, which helps in achieving smooth and consistent results. It comes with three reversible SK5 blades, which are durable and easy to flip, extending blade life and saving on replacement costs.

You can precisely adjust the cutting depth up to 1/8 inch per pass, giving good control over how much material is removed each time. The base is made of cast iron, which adds stability and durability, essential for handling heavier use without excessive vibration. While the planer is highly rated and popular among power benchtop planers, its size and weight (around 79 pounds) mean it’s best suited for a dedicated workshop space rather than frequent moving.

This planer is well suited for hobbyists and small workshop users who want reliable, consistent thickness planing with solid build quality. However, those needing advanced dust control or a more portable option might need to look elsewhere.

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is a powerful and reliable tool, ideal for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals who need precise and smooth finishes. Its 15-amp motor and 20,000 RPM provide ample power for handling large and deep cuts, even in hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head with a 10,000 RPM speed delivers 96 cuts per inch, producing one of the finest finishes among portable planers. The knives are disposable and reversible, extending their life by 30% and making replacements quick and easy.

The four-column carriage lock minimizes movement, effectively reducing snipe, while the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables offer 33-1/2 inches of material support, ensuring stability during use. The material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale provide accurate cuts with every pass, and the turret depth stop allows users to quickly return to their most commonly used depths. Weighing 36.29 kilograms, it is relatively heavy, which may limit portability.

The dust collection system, while functional, could be more efficient, as some users might need additional measures to manage dust effectively. Built with durable metal, the planer is robust and long-lasting, backed by a three-year limited warranty from DEWALT. Despite its weight and minor dust collection issue, the DW734 is a top choice for those seeking a high-quality, precise benchtop planer.

The WEN Cordless Planer (20653) offers a blend of power and convenience with its brushless motor and cordless design. The brushless motor ensures better performance and a longer lifespan with less maintenance, which is advantageous for frequent users. The dual 3-1/4-inch blades deliver an impressive 26,000 cuts per minute, making it efficient for smoothing and leveling wood surfaces. With adjustable cutting depths up to 1/8 inches in 1/128-inch increments, it allows for precise control over your work. The included 4.0 amp-hour lithium-ion battery provides consistent power and is compatible with other WEN 20V Max tools, which adds versatility for users who own other products in the series.

The planer also comes with practical accessories like a dust bag, kickstand, parallel fence bracket, and more, aiding in convenience and ease of use. However, at nearly 9 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for prolonged use, and its maximum cutting depth of 0.13 inches may limit its effectiveness for deeper cuts. Additionally, while the cordless feature adds mobility, it might be less powerful compared to corded models when dealing with tougher materials. It is a robust choice for DIY enthusiasts and home improvement projects but may not fully meet the needs of professionals requiring deeper cutting capabilities and prolonged use.