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 JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer, Model JWP-13BT, stands out with its powerful 2-HP motor, capable of turning the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM, providing robust performance for various woodworking tasks. Its 13-inch wide cutting capacity and 1/8-inch maximum cutting depth make it suitable for handling sizeable boards, ensuring versatility in your projects. The helical-style cutterhead with 26 quick-change high-speed steel inserts offers smoother and quieter operation, a definite plus for those working in noise-sensitive environments.

The adjustable folding infeed/outfeed tables add convenience and save space in your workspace when not in use. Additionally, the precision-machined cast iron bed and four-post design enhance stability and reduce snipe, ensuring clean and consistent cuts. However, weighing in at 75 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for those looking for a more portable option. While the noise level at 97 dB is standard for planers, it may still be loud for some users.

Dust collection is facilitated by the included dust hood, although the efficiency of dust collection could depend on your shop's setup. The build quality and durability are commendable, with alloy steel and cast iron materials promising longevity. The product comes with a 5-year warranty, although this reduces to 2 years for commercial or industrial use. For serious woodworking enthusiasts and small shop owners, this planer offers a solid balance of power, precision, and durability.

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.