10 Best Planers 2025 in the United States

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is a robust tool specifically designed for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals. It features a powerful 15-amp motor that operates at an impressive 20,000 RPM, allowing it to handle large, deep cuts in hardwoods with ease. The cutting width of 12.5 inches and cutting depth of 0.13 inches make it versatile for various planing tasks. The three-knife cutter head, delivering 96 cuts per inch, ensures a smooth finish, a notable advantage for achieving high-quality results.

Additionally, the disposable and reversible knives extend the knife life by 30%, making maintenance straightforward and cost-effective. The planer includes a four-column carriage lock to minimize snipe, which is beneficial for maintaining an even surface across the whole board. The extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide ample support for the material, enhancing stability and precision during operation. The material removal gauge and large thickness scale aid in delivering accurate cuts consistently, which is essential for meticulous woodworking projects.

The turret depth stop is a user-friendly feature that allows quick returns to frequently used depths, saving time and improving workflow efficiency. On the downside, the planer is quite heavy at 36.29 kilograms (79.8 pounds), which could be a challenge for those needing a more portable solution. Additionally, it is corded, meaning it requires access to an electrical outlet, which might limit its use in areas without power supply. Furthermore, the cutting depth of 0.13 inches may not be sufficient for some heavy-duty tasks. However, for most standard planing jobs, the DEWALT DW734 offers a reliable and high-quality performance. Its combination of power, precision, and user-friendly features makes it a strong contender in the benchtop planer market.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer (DCP580B) is a cordless planer that offers several strong features for woodworking and carpentry. With a brushless motor, it provides robust power and extended runtime, making it suitable for frequent use. The planer achieves 30,000 cuts per minute, which ensures a quick removal rate for efficient working. It has a cutting depth of 2 millimeters, allowing for precise and deep cuts when needed. The calibrated depth adjustment knob allows for fine adjustments with a resolution of 1/256 inches, enhancing its precision capabilities.

The precision-machined front and back aluminum shoes ensure parallelism of cuts, which is important for achieving smooth and accurate results. Additionally, the kickstand feature allows users to rest the planer on the work surface without damaging the material, adding to its practicality. For comfort, the ergonomically designed handle reduces user fatigue during extended periods of use. The Poly-V drive belt provides increased durability, contributing to the longevity of the tool.

However, as a bare tool, it requires a separate purchase of batteries, which could be a drawback for some users. Dust collection is not specifically mentioned, which might be a point of concern for maintaining a clean work environment. The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer is a good choice for professionals and serious hobbyists who need a powerful and precise planer for their projects.