5 Best Thickness Planer Reviews

Man using a thickness planer

This article has been updated November 2020 for the Best Thickness Planers in 2021.

Whether you’re simply cleaning up old floorboards for a home renovation project, or you need precise thickness and squaring for furniture, a portable benchtop planer will make all the difference in your woodwork.

Lets face it times are tough and if you can save yourself some money by simply buying old reclaimed timber and turning the wood into furniture, it's going to save you money.

Items you could make include:

  • Dining sets
  • kids swing sets
  • shelving
  • bed frames
  • work benches
  • coffee tables
  • the list goes on!

You could actually turn it into a full time business if you wanted to.

If you just need some woodworking plans then we recommend Max Millards woodworking plans or Ana White

Why not turn your thickness planer into a Jointer?

Not only can you make money on the side you can turn your thickness planer into a Jointer saving you even more money. 

Take a look at the video below to see how you can simply make jigs to turn your Benchtop Planer into a Jointer quickly and easily!!

There are huge benefits to having one of these wonderful tools in your home garage and it really will take your woodworking to another level.

Sooner or later you will find yourself needing one, so why not order yours today. We have looked at a number of benchtop planers and compared different brands, types, and models to come up with our top 5 picks.

If quality, durability, and precision are an important part of your woodworking then pick a thickness planer from this page. We go into more details below but let’s take a quick look at the ones we recommend.

  Best Thickness Planers Picks

Image
Top Pick
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
Runner Up
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
Best Value Pick
WEN 6552T 13 in. 15 Amp 3-Blade Benchtop Corded Thickness Planer
Industrial Grade
Grizzly Industrial G0505-12-1/2" 2 HP Benchtop Planer
Delta Power
Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer
Product
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
WEN 6552T 13 in. 15 Amp 3-Blade Benchtop Corded Thickness Planer
Grizzly Industrial G0505-12-1/2" 2 HP Benchtop Planer
Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer
Price
$779.00
$456.47
Price not available
$578.95
$395.55
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
-
-
Amazon Prime
Top Pick
Image
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
Product
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
Price
$779.00
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Buy On Amazon
Runner Up
Image
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
Product
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
Price
$456.47
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Buy On Amazon
Best Value Pick
Image
WEN 6552T 13 in. 15 Amp 3-Blade Benchtop Corded Thickness Planer
Product
WEN 6552T 13 in. 15 Amp 3-Blade Benchtop Corded Thickness Planer
Price
Price not available
Prime Status
-
Buy On Amazon
Industrial Grade
Image
Grizzly Industrial G0505-12-1/2" 2 HP Benchtop Planer
Product
Grizzly Industrial G0505-12-1/2" 2 HP Benchtop Planer
Price
$578.95
Prime Status
-
Buy On Amazon
Delta Power
Image
Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer
Product
Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer
Price
$395.55
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Buy On Amazon

The above 5 portable thickness planers that we have selected for you in this review cover all the bases. If you’re looking for a more affordable benchtop planer for your home shop, you should be more than impressed with the Wen 3-blade model on review.

For those looking for a more professional-grade machine, the DeWalt DW735 is a formidable benchtop planer and will meet the needs of the woodworking professional and a more discerning hobbyist.

All the planers in the review are within the 12.5 to 13-inch size range, making them ideal for home shops with fairly limited space for a large machine, and contractors who need a portable benchtop planer. At the same time, a width capacity of 12 – 13 inches provides a good deal of versatility.

Whichever way you look at it, the work in selecting the top 5 benchtop planers has been done for you. We will be providing a comprehensive review of the products, so you can make an informed decision. We may, at times, give our personal take on things, based on many years of experience working with power tools.

Though, remember, this is merely our personal opinion, albeit an informed one. When it comes down to it, we will be providing you with the facts, leaving the final decision to you.

If you’re new to benchtop planers, we will be pointing out important features as we review the products. This should help you get to grips with why certain features may be more beneficial.

So Let’s Take A Closer Look At Each Thickness Planer



 

The DeWalt DW735 Three Knife 13” Bench Planer Review – Top Choice

DeWalt DW735 Three Knife 13” Bench Planer Review

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Of the models in this top 5 thickness planers review, the DeWalt DW735 would be our first choice. In general, we are a huge fan of DeWalt tools and they will usually be our top choice. With that said, this is the most expensive benchtop planer in the review.

So, I guess it may not be the first choice for everyone. However, you will find benchtop planers that cost a good deal more than the DeWalt DW735 and we are not entirely convinced that you’ll be getting much more for your money. To our mind, DeWalt tools offer outstanding value for money at the top end of the market.

The DeWalt DW735 has the power to chew through large pieces of hardwood, thanks to a really potent 15A electric motor running at 20,000 RPM. The power is transferred through a superb two-speed gearbox, delivering 10,000 RPM to the 3-knife cutting head. I find this to be an ideal setup.

Three knives provide a wonderfully smooth finish and there’s little to no scallop or tear-out. Using three knives instead of two also means you won’t be replacing them as often.

In addition to this, the dual-speed gearbox allows you to set your feed rate at 179 cuts per inch (CPI) for an extra-smooth finish, requiring very little sanding to provide a beautiful end product.

If time is more important to you than a fine finish, you can crank the feed rate up to 96 CPI. This will speed things up, but, with fewer cuts per inch, you won’t get quite the same smoothness. I really like this versatility, as different projects have different priorities.

In true DeWalt style, the DW735 has a fantastic base and a bunch of user-friendly features. At 19″ the aluminum base is as rigid as gets and will remain so for years. Compared to the standard 10” base, found on many of the cheaper options, this is an amazing work surface. The extra capacity of the huge in-feed table is another great feature, providing 33 material support.

The DeWalt DW735 has a really chunky aluminum crank handle for precise depth settings, an over-sized depth scale makes it super easy to make fine adjustments with perfect precision. The addition of a turret depth stop is another handy time-saver, allowing you to easily set commonly used depths.

The carriage lock has great support at each corner, I can see the DeWalt DW735 remaining perfectly accurate for many, many years. This is something I’ve come to expect from the top-rated DeWalt machines.

An automatic carriage lock keeps the machine perfectly stable, thereby greatly reducing the possibility of snipe. For newbies, snipe is a slight indent caused by the planer cutting a little deeper as you begin to feed the wood into the cutter. The DeWalt DW735 has a maximum depth spec of 1/8 inch, with a 6-inch depth capacity, and a 13-inch width capacity.

Along with the expected dust extraction port, this DeWalt model has a blower fan that expels sawdust and wood chips out the back. If you don’t have a shop vac on-site, this will help keep the work surface clean. Of course, you still need to clean the area afterward, because the debris is simply dumped behind the planer.

The knives are reversible. Flip the knife around to use both cutting edges before discarding. DeWalt has made inserting the knives really simple, by using holes in the knives that correspond with locating pins in the knife carriage.

Like all DeWalt tools, you’re getting one of the best warranties and service agreements around a 3-year limited warranty; 1-year free service plan; 90-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Solid, heavy-duty build with a thick base and 4-column carriage lock.
  • Robust 2-speed gearbox for variable feed rate.
  • Fan blower for wood chip and sawdust exhaust.

Cons:

  • The DeWalt DW735 is expensive, but I believe that that you’re getting what you pay for.
  • You need to use an adapter when fitting a vacuum hose, which takes a little extra time.
  • A little on the heavy side.
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
  • Purchase includes one stationary 13" Planer, in/out feed tables with fasteners (attached to the base of the Planer base), extra blades and dust hose adapter. Stand is not included.
  • Three knife cutter head of the thickness planer delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier
  • Two-speed gear box of the wood planer allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
  • Fan-assisted chip ejection vacuums chip off of the cutter head and exhausts them out of the machine
  • 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base is 2 times more rigid than a standard 10-inch base and folding tables


The DeWalt DW734 12 Inch Bench Top Planer Review – Runner Up

DeWalt DW734 12 Inch Bench Top Planer Review

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This is the previous generation DeWalt benchtop planer. It has many similarities to the newer DeWalt 735 (reviewed above) but does not have all the benefits. The good news is, being an older model, you’re not paying as much for the DW734. This makes for outstanding value for money.

You’re still getting great DeWalt quality, at a cheaper price.

The DeWalt DW734 has a 15A (20,000 RPM) electric motor. From what we can tell this remains the same on the new DW735.

One of the key features that I like so much on the new DW735, that the DW734 lacks, is the two-speed gearbox. The 3-knife cutter rotates at 10,000 RPM with a constant 96 cuts per inch. This is quite adequate, but the option for a 179 CPI rate is obviously a big plus.

The DW734 has an excellent four-column carriage lock for improved stability without much chance of snipe. It has a material removal gauge, with an enlarged thickness scale for perfectly accurate settings.

This model has the same extra-large feed table capacity as the DW735, fold-out infeed and outfeed tables provide support for 33. Though the tables are not as thick and sturdy as the more expensive DW735. There is a slight bit of wobble on these extensions, though it’s not too bad for a portable benchtop planer with this capacity.

While the DeWalt DW734 doesn’t have the exhaust waste blower fan, it has an optional plastic hood. You can fit a vacuum hose to this, and it does an excellent job of removing the sawdust and wood chips. Though the vacuum attachment can tend to block up.

In all other respects, the DeWalt DW734 compares quite well to the DW735. This model has a 12 width capacity, the maximum depth of cut is 1/8”, with a maximum depth capacity of 6”.

One of the advantages to the less sturdy table is a noticeable weight reduction. The DeWalt DW734 weighs a much more reasonable 80-pounds. Though I’m not too impressed with the plastic depth adjustment handle at the top of the DW734.

Pros:

  • Reasonably affordable for a quality DeWalt product
  • 4 column carriage lock for improved stability and reduced snipe.
  • Effective dust collection hood (sold separately).

Cons:

  • Extended infeed and outfeed tables have some movement.
  • The vacuum port to the overhead hood can become blocked.
  • The large plastic handle toe set the depth of cut protrudes from the top of the machine and can be prone to damage.
Sale
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
  • Powerful 15 amp, 20,000 rpm motor of the woodworking planer handles larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods.
  • Three-knife cutter head with 10,000 rpm cutter-head speed of the thickness planer provides 96 cuts per inch, one of the finest finishes of any portable planer
  • Disposable, reversible knives of the wood planer deliver 30% more knife life and make knife change fast and easy.
  • Four-column carriage lock drastically reduces the movement that causes snipe
  • Extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide 33-1/2-inch of material support.


The WEN 6552 3-Blade Bench Top Planer Review – Best Value Pick

WEN 6552 3-Blade Bench Top Planer Review
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While I prefer high-end tool brands (DeWalt and Makita are usually my first choice), I know that many hobbyist woodworkers simply aren’t up to paying the high prices for the more prestigious brands. In this context, I have to give the WEN brand its dues. In general, WEN power tools defy their low price tag and can, in many respects, proudly hold their own amongst more expensive tools.

Though, one must remember that this is a relatively cheap benchtop planer, not that cheap is a word that one can really use for these tools. At this price, no one can expect the same build quality as the top-rated tools that cost considerably more. Apart from the expected (cheaper) plastic components, there is one area of concern that I have to point out regarding the WEN6552 benchtop planer.

I’ve heard of several owners who have had bearings collapse, which is not very reassuring. There seems to be a quality control issue here and the guys at WEN should take care of this. Because, in all other regards, this a wonderful benchtop planer for its price. The good news is that WEN are very helpful in rectifying the situation, willingly repairing the defect under warranty.

It seems as though the bearings will either break within the first few uses or hold up to regular work. I guess it’s a question of luck as to whether you get a model with a faulty bearing. If luck is not on your side, you face the inconvenience of sending your planer for repairs and the possibility of transportation costs.

Having pointed out my concern regarding the WEN 6552, I should emphasize that this is still a great product with features and functions to compete with the very best. It is certainly deserving of a place on the best 5 benchtop planer list, amongst the more affordable machines.

The WEN 6552 is a pretty lightweight 13” benchtop planer, weighing only 66-pounds. This is good news for those in search of a portable benchtop planer, but it does suggest a less than heavy-duty purpose. Any benchtop planer in this price range has to be seen as a light too medium-duty machine.

As they say: you get what you pay for.

For the home shop or contractors that don’t use a benchtop planer all that often, the WEN 6552 will certainly do the job with pretty much the same ease as the big boys. It has a powerful 15A electric motor, so it can handle hardwood as good as any of the best benchtop planers.

At a feed rate of 26 Feet per Minute (FPM), the 3-blade cutter does an amazing 25,000 cuts per minute. So, in terms of smooth scallop-free cutting, the WEN 6552 has the goods.

Over-sized depth scale and a large crank handle with fine adjustments take all the hassle of setting the depth cut to within 1/64”, scale markings are 0 – 3/32”. Depth and width capacity are equal to the others in this review: 6” maximum depth capacity and 13” maximum width. Fold-down infeed and outfeed tables offer a good deal of support and can be adjusted for the best infeed angle.

This, combined with triple infeed rollers, do a lot to minimize the chance of snipe. Along with a vacuum port, this planer also has a fan-assisted sawdust and woodchip expulsion system for when it’s not possible to use a vacuum extractor.

As a very portable benchtop planer, the WEN is great. Lightweight design, folding tables, and comfortable handles all contribute to its portability. This is a very capable machine, with many features that one wouldn’t expect to find on a benchtop planer this cheap. All this makes the WEN 6552 outstanding value for money.

The 2-year warranty goes a long way to put your mind at ease if you have some concerns about the quality of this machine.

Pros:

  • Very affordable.
  • Top features, like a fan extractor and folding infeed and outfeed tables.
  • Lightweight and portable.

Cons:

  • Infeed and outfeed tables are not too sturdy.
  • Can be prone to bearing failure.
  • Some plastic components are a little flimsy.
WEN 6552T 13 in. 15 Amp 3-Blade Benchtop Corded Thickness Planer
  • Onboard material removal gauge informs users about the cutting depth of each pass
  • Plane boards up to 6 in. T and 13 in. W
  • 15 Amp motor generates 25,500 cuts per minute at a 26 ft. per minute feed rate
  • 3-blade design makes easy work out of even the hardest of woods
  • Fan-assisted dust port removes sawdust from workpiece


The Grizzly G0505 12 Bench Top Planer Review – Best Industrial Grade

Grizzly G0505 12 Bench Top Planer ReviewBuy On Amazon

We normally think of heavy-duty very expensive tools whenever the Grizzly name is mentioned. The Grizzly G0505 isn’t all that cheap, costing only a little less than DeWalt DW735, making it the second most expensive model in this best 5 benchtop planer review. Though, in comparison to the heavy-duty equipment that this brand is synonymous with, the Grizzly G0505 is way cheaper than I’d have expected.

Even at this price, its heavy-duty industrial heritage is clearly evident. Durable metal is used throughout and all components appear to be sturdy and well-made. Despite the tough design and build, it is not as heavy as one would think. At 78-pounds, I feel a healthy balance has been achieved between portability and good old-fashioned solid stability. Handles at either side of the machine make for easier portability.

It’s clear to me that the guys at Grizzly have set out to build a quality portable benchtop planer for professional contractors in the same spirit as their large industrial machines.

The Grizzly G0505 has the technical specs to stand proudly amongst the best portable benchtop planers. A width capacity of 12 and a maximum depth capacity of 6” is in line with the other planers in this review. A rugged and powerful 2HP motor delivers the goods and keeps the cutting head rotating at 10,000 RPM, even when pushing through seriously hardwood.

The folding infeed and outfeed tables are sturdy and well-made. As is the superbly polished smooth base. I like the return rollers at the top, another indication that this planer is designed for practical woodworking.

The large depth control handle is easy to use, with large a large depth scale gauge along the front. Material removal is down to 1/8” knives, pretty much the standard for top-rated planers in this class. This offers a 3/32” maximum depth of cut, and a minimum board thickness of 13/64”. At a feed rate of 32 FPM, the Grizzly accomplishes 52 Cuts per Inch. I find it strange that they have chosen to use a 2-knife cutting head, when a 3-knife setup is the best.

Though these are high-quality HSS knives, with double-edged reversible design. By all accounts, the Grizzly leaves a great finish on all types of wood.

While the Grizzly G0505 has the technical specifications to make it one of the very best benchtop planers, it lacks some of the refinement and advanced features that I so like on the DeWalt equivalent (DW735). The Grizzly is a noisy beast, which is acceptable, a woodworking shop is never going to be quiet. You’d best wear ear protection when operating this planer.

It doesn’t have the additional equipment to make your life easier. Instead, the Grizzly is a no-nonsense workhorse, designed for durability.
Pros:

  • Solid industrial design
  • Top-mounted return rollers
  • Sturdy infeed and outfeed tables

Cons:

  • Noisy.
  • 2-blade cutter, when most of the best planers use a 3-knife system.
  • Basic features
Grizzly Industrial G0505-12-1/2" 2 HP Benchtop Planer
  • Motor: 2 HP, 110V, single-phase, 15 Amp
  • Maximum cutting width: 12-1/2"
  • Maximum cutting height: 6"
  • Maximum depth of cut: 3/32"
  • Minimum board thickness: 13/64"


The Delta Tools 22-555 13” Bench Top Planer Review

Delta Tools 22-555 13” Bench Top Planer Review
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We were surprised at the very reasonable price tag attached to the Delta Tools 22-555 benchtop planer. Only a few dollars cheaper than the WEN 6552, it is the second cheapest in this review. In most respects, this looks like a well-made tool, with quality components. The 5-year warranty is certainly nothing to scoff at, especially at this price.

Though, like it’s cheaper WEN stablemate, the Delta 13” benchtop planer also seems to suffer the same bearing weakness. You should consider this to be a great entry-level benchtop planer for the hobbyist woodworker.

Apart from some complaints of bearings giving up the ghost, I cannot fault the design and build of this planer. Everything seems to be robust and built to work. The foldable infeed and outfeed tables are both sturdy and perfectly smooth. It shares the four-column design with more expensive heavy-duty machines, making it stable and ultimately durable.

Dual polyurethane rollers make for really smooth feeding of the boards.

Like the Grizzly (reviewed above), this planer uses only 2-knives. Naturally, I’d prefer three. Though it has the power and rotation to get the job done and the finish is remarkably smooth, despite only using two knives. All the technical specs compare well to any of the best 5 benchtop planers in this review. Maximum board width is 13”, with a height of 6”. Minimum stock dimensions are 1/8” X 10”.

The 15A motor is on a par with any of the others, giving you a feed rate of 28 FPM with 18,800 Cuts per Minute. At a weight of 58-pounds, no one can complain about portability. I’d say it’s actually a little too lightweight, you may need to fasten it to the workbench in order to prevent the machine from moving around.

Like the WEN 6552, the Delta Tools 22-555 13” benchtop planer offers great value for money. It will never be able to fully compete with the industrial-grade, more expensive tools, but offers a lot at a very reasonable price.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Features comparable to more expensive planers
  • 5-year warranty

Cons:

  • Bearings may need replacing sooner than most.
  • A large plastic depth adjustment handle can be easily damaged.
  • Lightweight may be good for portability, but indicates extensive use of lightweight materials that may not be too durable and affects stability.
Sale
Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer
  • Powerful 15A motor capable of handling the most demanding jobs
  • Four column design provides excellent stability for smooth, accurate planning
  • Quick-change knife system with dual edge disposable knives lets you change knives without difficult to use alignment jigs
  • Adjustable infeed and outfeed tables to better support long pieces and reduce snipe
  • Reversible dust port allows you to collect chips from the right or left side of planer.Machine Dimensions: 21-5/8 x 23-5/8 x 20-1/8 inches

Buyer’s Guide

Certainly, woodworkers want the best wood planer they can buy to ensure the success of their projects.

That said, you will have to consider different factors so that you can make the right purchase. To help you out, check out the list of the must-have thickness planer features below:

1. Capacity or Size

The first important factor we want to discuss is the planing width of your thickness wood planer. 

Most benchtop models can only accommodate boards that are 12 to 13 inches wide, which other users find very limiting.

Some don’t enjoy gluing and clamping multiple boards for their projects. Fortunately, you can find a few wood planers that can work on 15 to 25-inch widths.

With its wider size, a combo or standalone thickness planer might be the tool for you. Note that choosing a broader machine also requires more working space.

2. Cutter Head Style

Like the tool’s size or capacity, the cutter head style is another important consideration when choosing a thickness planer.

Thickness planers are available in two cutter head styles. Some use straight knives along their entire length, while others have helical or spiral edges.

An old cutter head style has three long knives that are a bit tricky to replace and align with an inferior board finish.

Using a knife cutter head constantly damages the material, especially on figured wood.

On the other hand, helical or spiral cutter heads provide a smoother finish with no damage, even on dense hardwoods or figured boards.

The helical or spiral cutter heads are made of small square carbide, making it easier to change or sharpen the blades.

You only need to rotate a blade one at a time to 90 degrees instead of changing the whole batch.

Also, these carbide cutters maintain their sharp edges longer than the old straight knife style.

You will also find dual-blade planers. Some agree to change the cutter head to a helical style if requested, but for an extra cost.

3. Horsepower

If you try to compare a benchtop planer to a larger model, you will quickly notice that the latter has a more powerful motor.

Thickness planers with a higher horsepower rating can remove more wood quickly. Moreover, planing hardwood, wide boards, or multiple workpieces becomes easier.

Still, others choose lighter cuts even if they need to make more passes to prevent damaging the wood.

Most thickness planers in the upper-end category come with a three or five-horsepower motor, ideal for hardwood and tropical lumber.

You can look for a lower horsepower if you only do occasional thickness planing. Even some professional-level thickness planers don’t display this information, though.

4. Style

Wood planers have different categories, and power-thickness units come in various styles. Read on below to understand how they differ:

  • Benchtop Thickness Planer

As the name suggests, benchtop wood planers are small enough to sit on a workbench. This affordable category also offers the portable “lunchbox” style.

The mobile style allows you to bring it to a job site, while the less-portable type is more extensive and heavier. Both kinds require less space in your workshop. 

  • Standalone Thickness Planer

A standalone thickness planer has a base sitting on the floor and is also known as a “floor model planer.”

Most standalone thickness planers are found in professional woodworking workshops because of their robust features.

They offer a broader cutting capacity, longer and stronger tables, powerful motors, superior cutter heads, and more.

  • Planer/Jointer Combo 

This machine type acts as a power planer and jointer in one, making it ideal for workshops with limited space.

To use the machine, you simply flatten one face of the board and square an edge using the jointer before converting it to the planer.

5. Table Support

More extensive models of thickness planers have long and sturdy cast-iron beds as well as infeed and outfeed tables.

This kind of support is a must to accommodate heavy pieces of lumber and produce accurate results.

Thickness Planer FAQs

1. Why use a thickness planer?

A thickness planer has three unique purposes.

  • It ensures that the board’s second surface is parallel to the first.
  • It helps smoothen a rough stock.
  • It trims your workpiece according to your required thickness.

No other tools can perform these tasks as accurately and efficiently as a thickness planer.

2. How to avoid tearing out the grain during planing?

Sometimes, you will notice that there is a tear on your board. To avoid this from happening again, align the grain in the same direction where the blade spins.

3. How to reduce planer snipe?

Dealing with snipe is common for thickness planer users. It is when the beginning or end part of your board has a deeper cut than the rest of the workpiece.

Here are some ways to reduce snipe incidents:

  • Adjust the Infeed and Outfeed Tables

Some benchtop thickness planers, especially the lunchbox types, come with adjustable tables for both infeed and outfeed sides.

These tables fold up onto the machine during storage, allowing you to make adjustments when planing.

Increase the table settings for the infeed and outfeed so that they are higher than the bed by 1/16 inches.

  • Cut the Snipe

The easiest way to get rid of snipe is to cut it off from the board. That said, it’s not only wasteful but also time-consuming.

You need to make more cuts on each panel that goes through the thickness planer.

  • Lift the Board

Lift the end of your board as it goes into the thickness planer. Then, do the same on the front edge as it exits the machine.

  • Run Them Through at An Angle

Try running the boards through the thickness planer on an angle. You need to position the board by 15 to 30 degrees as it goes through the machine.

By doing this technique, the first to hit the feed rollers is the edge of your board instead of the whole front part.

  • Use a Sacrificial Board

Another way to reduce a planer snipe is to use a sacrificial board before and after you pass your workpiece through the machine.

Let the snipe happen on your sacrificial boards so that your actual workpiece is safe.

  • Use Sacrificial Side Runners

This next option for reducing planer snipe is more suitable for glue-ups.

Simply attach long side runners to the smaller workpiece, ensuring the side runners are extended by two to three inches.

You can cut the side runners after planing your workpiece to your desired size.



The Final Word – The Best Thickness Planer Picks

Of the 5 best benchtop planers in this review, I feel there is one outright winner: The DeWalt DW735. It is the most expensive but has the quality to rival the best industrial-grade tools. Few portable bench planers have the stability and features found on the DeWalt DW735.

A close second place has to go to the DeWalt DW734. It is noticeably cheaper than the top-rated DeWalt machine but has an industrial-grade quality factor that is hard to beat. It may be a little rough around the edges, and not too sophisticated, but it does a superb job. More importantly, the DeWalt Dw734 should keep working perfectly for many years.

For our third pick, we chose is the Wen 6552 due to the fact it is a cheaper model and we wanted to give our visitors a good choice at a reasonable price. While it is more than likely not in the same category as the DeWalt bands or our fourth pick the Grizzly, it goes for a nice price and is actually a pretty good thickness planer. If you are on a budget and just starting out this one is for you.

Neatly below our 3rd pick is the Grizzly. It provides an excellent combination of affordability, quality, and features. It is not as expensive as the first two on the list, but the Grizzly has all the quality hallmarks that we associate with the brand. Though it obviously doesn’t have all the advanced features that you’ll find on the more expensive DeWalt model in this review.

At the bottom of the list, we find the cheaper option, the Delta 22-555. While this planer can’t really compete with the top machines, it is a lot cheaper. At the lower end of the price range, this planer is probably the best entry-level tool for beginners.

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