10 Best Planers 2026 in the United States

The JET BLACK 20-Inch Planer is a heavy-duty woodworking machine designed for serious hobbyists or professional woodworkers who need a wide cutting width and powerful motor. Its 20-inch cutting width is great for handling larger boards, and the 0.09-inch maximum cutting depth allows fine thickness adjustments. The 5-horsepower motor provides plenty of power, helping maintain smooth performance even during longer jobs. A standout feature is the helical cutterhead, which uses multiple small blades to deliver quieter operation and cleaner cuts with less tear-out compared to traditional straight blades. This planer also offers precise control thanks to its large handwheel and positive gear drive, allowing you to make accurate height adjustments in very small increments. The cast iron tables coated to resist corrosion reduce friction, so boards feed smoothly without needing extra waxing or polishing.

For dust management, it comes with a dust hood to help keep your workspace cleaner. On the downside, its 765-pound weight makes it very heavy and not very portable—so it’s better suited for a fixed workshop rather than frequent moving. Also, it requires a 230V power supply, which may not be available in every home garage without electrical upgrades. With features that focus on precision, durability, and professional-grade results, the JET BLACK planer is an excellent choice if you work with wide boards regularly and want cleaner, quieter planing.

The JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer (Model JPJ-12BHH) is a powerful and versatile machine designed for serious woodworking tasks. Its 3 HP motor and 12-inch cutting width let you work on wider boards with ease, while the 0.13-inch cutting depth offers precise material removal. A standout feature is the helical cutterhead with 42 four-sided carbide inserts, which ensures smooth, fast cuts and a high-quality finish that reduces tear-out.

The quick switch between planing and jointing without removing the fence adds convenience and saves time. The heavy-duty cast iron tables and a sturdy steel stand provide excellent stability and accuracy, important for professional or industrial use. Adjustments are made easy with a large handwheel and a parallelogram design that keeps the table close to the blades for consistent cuts.

Weighing 453 pounds and measuring over four feet tall, this planer/jointer is quite large and heavy, so it's best suited for a dedicated workshop with enough space. Backed by a solid 5-year warranty (2 years for commercial use), this JET model is a reliable, heavy-duty planer/jointer combo that delivers professional results and can handle frequent, demanding jobs.

The Makita KP312 12-1/4" Planer is a robust tool designed for demanding planing tasks. It features a powerful 15 AMP motor that delivers up to 12,000 RPM, ensuring high performance and efficiency. The large cutting width of 312 millimeters makes it suitable for planing wide surfaces, which is useful for larger projects.

The depth setting knob is conveniently located for easy adjustment, allowing precise control over cutting depth. The planer uses a Poly 'V' belt with grooves to efficiently transfer power from the motor to the blades, enhancing its performance. The large ejection chute is designed to handle both wet and dry wood chips, preventing clogging and ensuring smooth operation.

Additionally, the front roller aids in moving the planer over rough materials effortlessly, adding to its usability. However, the planer is quite heavy, weighing 40.6 pounds, which may make it cumbersome to maneuver for some users. It also lacks battery operation, limiting its use to areas with accessible power outlets. Those who need a powerful and efficient planer for extensive woodwork will find it highly beneficial, though it may not be ideal for lighter, more portable use.