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10 Best Wood Planers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

JET Black 20-Inch Thickness Planer for Woodworking, Helical Style Cutterhead with 2-Speed (24 FPM / 31 FPM) Feed Rate, 5 HP, 230V 1Ph (JPW-208HH-BLK)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,371
Cutting Depth
Motor Power
Dust Collection

Most important from
55 reviews

Cutting Depth
The depth adjustment is precise and smooth, allowing for exact thickness control essential for fine woodworking projects.
Motor Power
Powerful enough to effortlessly handle hard and soft woods alike, making heavy woodworking tasks easier and faster.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is supported but pairing with a strong external vacuum is recommended for optimal workspace cleanliness.
Portability
Despite its heavy weight making it challenging to move initially, once positioned it can be maneuvered on a mobile cart without issue.

The JET BLACK 20-Inch Planer is a heavy-duty machine designed for serious woodworking tasks. Its wide 20-inch cutting width is ideal for larger boards, making it suitable for professional woodworkers or hobbyists working on bigger projects. Powered by a strong 5-horsepower motor and running at up to 5000 RPM, it offers plenty of power for smooth, consistent cuts. The helical cutterhead with multiple blade inserts is a standout feature, providing quieter operation and longer-lasting sharpness compared to traditional blades.

Adjustments to the cutting depth are precise, thanks to the handwheel with a positive gear drive and a fine height scale that allows for increments as small as 1/16 inch—perfect for achieving exact thickness. Its cast iron tables with a special coating resist corrosion and reduce the need for maintenance like waxing. Dust collection is supported with an included dust hood, helping keep the workspace cleaner, though this setup might benefit from a well-matched external vacuum system for best results.

This planer is very heavy at 765 pounds, making it essentially a stationary tool rather than portable. Its size and weight mean it’s best suited for a dedicated workshop space rather than casual or mobile use. Also, it requires a 230V power supply, which is common in professional shops but may need special wiring in home settings. The JET BLACK 20-Inch Planer excels in power, precision, and durability, fitting well for users who need a stable, high-capacity planer for frequent or heavy use. Those looking for a more portable or lightweight option might need to consider smaller benchtop models.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,371
Cutting Depth
Motor Power
Dust Collection

Most important from
55 reviews

Cutting Depth
The depth adjustment is precise and smooth, allowing for exact thickness control essential for fine woodworking projects.
Motor Power
Powerful enough to effortlessly handle hard and soft woods alike, making heavy woodworking tasks easier and faster.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is supported but pairing with a strong external vacuum is recommended for optimal workspace cleanliness.
Portability
Despite its heavy weight making it challenging to move initially, once positioned it can be maneuvered on a mobile cart without issue.
#2

Jet 12-Inch Planer/Jointer, Helical Cutterhead, 3 HP, 230V 1Ph (JPJ-12BHH)

The JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer is a robust tool designed for serious woodworkers and professionals. With a powerful 3 HP motor and a cutterhead speed of 5300 RPM, it provides rapid cutting and a superior finish, thanks to its 42 four-sided carbide insert blades. This feature not only allows for efficient material removal but also enhances longevity and reduces the frequency of blade changes. The cutting width of 12 inches and a cutting depth of 0.13 inches make it versatile for various wood sizes and projects.

One of the standout features is the quick changeover between jointing and planing functions, which can save time and improve workflow in the shop. The heavy-duty cast iron tables ensure stability and accuracy, crucial for precision woodworking. Additionally, the parallelogram design keeps the table close to the cutterhead, allowing for fine adjustments to the cut depth, which is user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers.

This planer is quite heavy at 453 pounds, making it less portable compared to smaller models. If you're working in a small shop or need to transport your tools frequently, this could be a consideration. Also, its price point may be on the higher side, which might not be ideal for casual hobbyists.

#3

Makita KP312 12-1/4" Planer

Rating
8.8
Type of Planer
Motor Power
Number of Blades

Most important from
27 reviews

Type of Planer
The Makita KP312 is a robust and powerful planer that excels in timber framing tasks, offering great value compared to higher-priced alternatives like Mafell.
Motor Power
Despite its weight, this planer delivers impressive power and performance, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty woodworking.
Number of Blades
The Shelix blade upgrade by Byrd tools significantly enhances the tool's efficiency, making wood removal faster and quieter, while extending blade life.

The Makita KP312 12-1/4" Planer is a powerful tool designed for serious woodworking tasks. It features a robust 15 AMP motor capable of delivering 12,000 RPM, which ensures a high level of performance. This makes it suitable for both dry and wet wood, thanks to its large ejection chute that helps prevent clogging.

The cutting width of 12-1/4 inches is quite impressive and allows for wide material planning in fewer passes, which could be a significant time-saver for large projects. The depth setting knob is conveniently located and easy to adjust, adding a layer of user-friendliness to the machine. The poly 'V' belt with grooves efficiently transfers power from the motor to the blades, ensuring smooth operation.

Additionally, the front roller aids in maneuvering the planer over rough materials, enhancing its usability. However, at 40.6 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might affect its portability, especially if you need to move it frequently between different worksites. Also, the planer doesn't come with a dust collection system, which means you'll need to manage wood chips and sawdust separately. Despite these drawbacks, its high cutterhead speed and powerful motor make it an excellent choice for professional woodworkers looking for efficiency and reliability.

Rating
8.8
Type of Planer
Motor Power
Number of Blades

Most important from
27 reviews

Type of Planer
The Makita KP312 is a robust and powerful planer that excels in timber framing tasks, offering great value compared to higher-priced alternatives like Mafell.
Motor Power
Despite its weight, this planer delivers impressive power and performance, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty woodworking.
Number of Blades
The Shelix blade upgrade by Byrd tools significantly enhances the tool's efficiency, making wood removal faster and quieter, while extending blade life.

Buying Guide for the Best Wood Planers

Choosing the right wood planer can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your woodworking projects. A wood planer is a tool used to create a smooth, flat surface on a piece of wood, and it can also be used to reduce the thickness of the wood. When selecting a wood planer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and choose a planer that meets your specific requirements.
Type of PlanerThere are mainly three types of wood planers: handheld planers, benchtop planers, and stationary planers. Handheld planers are portable and great for small projects or touch-ups. Benchtop planers are more powerful and suitable for medium-sized projects, offering a good balance between portability and performance. Stationary planers are the most powerful and are ideal for large-scale projects and professional use. Choose the type based on the scale and frequency of your woodworking tasks.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width refers to the maximum width of wood that the planer can handle in a single pass. This is important because it determines the size of the wood pieces you can work with. Cutting widths typically range from 10 to 20 inches. For small to medium projects, a cutting width of 12 to 15 inches is usually sufficient. For larger projects or professional use, consider a planer with a cutting width of 15 inches or more.
Cutting DepthCutting depth indicates how much material the planer can remove in a single pass. This is crucial for efficiency, especially when working with thicker pieces of wood. Cutting depths usually range from 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch. For general woodworking, a cutting depth of 1/16 inch is often adequate. If you need to remove more material quickly, look for a planer with a greater cutting depth.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in amps or horsepower, determines the planer's ability to handle tough materials and maintain consistent performance. Higher motor power means the planer can handle harder woods and larger pieces without bogging down. For light to medium tasks, a motor with 10-15 amps is usually sufficient. For heavy-duty or professional use, consider a motor with 15 amps or more.
Cutterhead SpeedCutterhead speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), affects the smoothness of the finish. Higher speeds generally result in a smoother finish. Cutterhead speeds typically range from 8,000 to 20,000 RPM. For most woodworking projects, a speed of around 10,000 to 15,000 RPM is adequate. If you require an exceptionally smooth finish, look for a planer with a higher cutterhead speed.
Number of BladesThe number of blades on the cutterhead impacts the smoothness and efficiency of the planing process. More blades mean more cuts per inch, resulting in a smoother finish. Planers usually have 2 to 4 blades. For general use, a planer with 2 or 3 blades is sufficient. For a finer finish or professional work, consider a planer with 4 blades.
Dust CollectionDust collection is an important feature that helps keep your workspace clean and reduces the amount of airborne dust. Some planers come with built-in dust collection systems or ports for attaching a vacuum. Effective dust collection is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe working environment. If you work in a small or enclosed space, prioritize a planer with a good dust collection system.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move and transport the planer. This is particularly important if you need to move the planer between job sites or around your workshop. Handheld and benchtop planers are generally more portable than stationary planers. Consider the weight and design of the planer if portability is a key factor for you.

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