10 Best Power Planers 2025 in the United States

The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer (DCP580B) is equipped with a brushless motor that offers strong power and extended run time, making it suitable for efficient, continuous use. The motor achieves 30,000 cuts per minute, ensuring rapid material removal. It has a maximum cutting depth of 2 mm, which is moderate and sufficient for standard planing tasks.

The precision-machined aluminum shoes aid in maintaining accurate parallel cuts, and the calibrated depth adjustment knob allows for very fine adjustments down to 1/256 in. (approximately 0.01 mm). This precision can be incredibly useful for detailed work. The ergonomic handle design reduces user fatigue, which is beneficial for prolonged use. Weighing 7.4 pounds, this planer is relatively lightweight, contributing to ease of handling and maneuverability.

The kickstand feature is handy for resting the tool without damaging the work surface, and the precision machined groove in the front shoe is useful for edge chamfering. However, it is worth noting that this is a bare tool, meaning it does not come with the required lithium-ion battery, which needs to be purchased separately. Additionally, it includes replacement blades. This planer is best suited for professionals or DIY enthusiasts looking for a powerful and precise tool for detailed woodwork.

The WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer stands out with its powerful 15A motor, capable of generating 20,000 cuts per minute at a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. This motor power ensures efficient and quick planing, which is beneficial for users working with a substantial amount of wood. The planer accommodates boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide, making it suitable for handling a variety of projects.

The cutting depth is adjustable up to 1/8 of an inch per pass, providing flexibility to achieve the desired finish. It includes two reversible 12.5-inch SK5 blades, which are durable and enhance the planer's cutting performance. However, the weight of the planer, at 29.03 kilograms, might be challenging for some users to maneuver or transport. The unit is made of cast iron, contributing to its sturdiness but also to its heft.

The product's solid construction and potent motor make it a strong contender for anyone needing a reliable thickness planer for various woodworking tasks.

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers up to 20,000 RPM, making it capable of handling deeper and larger cuts, especially in hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head, operating at 10,000 RPM, ensures a high-quality finish with 96 cuts per inch, which is quite impressive for a portable planer. The knives are also disposable and reversible, enhancing their lifespan by 30%, and making replacements straightforward and quick. This is a significant benefit for users looking for convenience and cost efficiency in maintenance.

The four-column carriage lock is effective in minimizing snipe, which is the unwanted indentation at the beginning or end of a board, ensuring a smoother finish. Additionally, the extra-long infeed and outfeed tables, providing 33-1/2 inches of material support, contribute to the stability and ease of use when working with longer pieces of wood. The material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale help users achieve precise cuts consistently, and the turret depth stop allows for quick returns to commonly used depths, adding to the tool’s efficiency.

However, the planer is quite heavy, weighing approximately 36.29 kilograms (around 79.8 pounds), which may pose a challenge in terms of portability. Despite its weight, it is designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring that the user experience is comfortable during prolonged use. Dust collection is handled via an included dust hood, an important feature for maintaining a clean workspace and minimizing health hazards. Users might need to consider an effective dust extraction system to complement this feature fully. The planer’s durability is backed by a three-year limited warranty, which covers defects due to faulty materials or workmanship. This DEWALT Benchtop Planer is an excellent choice for those needing a high-performance, reliable tool for detailed and precise woodworking, albeit with some considerations regarding its weight and portability.