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10 Best Planers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Dust Collection
Despite some issues with the dust collection system, the overall quality and performance of the planer are highly praised.
Motor Power
The planer is powerful and handles hardwoods with ease, maintaining a five-star performance over many years of use.
#3

DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth, Brushless Motor, Bare Tool Only (DCP580B)

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Dust Collection
Works great but you really need the dust collector attachment.

Buying Guide for the Best Planers

When it comes to buying a planer, it's important to understand the key specifications and features that will help you choose the best tool for your needs. A planer is a woodworking tool used to create flat and smooth surfaces on wood. Whether you're a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, selecting the right planer can make a significant difference in the quality of your work. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Type of PlanerThere are several types of planers, including 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 projects.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width of a planer determines the maximum width of the wood it can handle. This spec is important because it affects the size of the material you can work with. Planers typically range from 3 inches to 15 inches in cutting width. For small, detailed work, a narrower cutting width is sufficient. For larger projects, such as tabletops or wide boards, a wider cutting width is necessary. Consider the typical size of the wood you plan to work with when choosing the cutting width.
Cutting DepthCutting depth refers to the maximum amount of material the planer can remove in a single pass. This is important for efficiency and precision. Planers usually offer cutting depths ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch. For fine, detailed work, a smaller cutting depth is preferable as it allows for more control and precision. For larger, rougher work, a greater cutting depth can save time by removing more material quickly. Think about the type of projects you will be doing and how much material you need to remove in each pass.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in amps for electric planers, determines the tool's ability to handle tough materials and continuous use. Higher motor power means the planer can handle harder woods and larger projects without bogging down. Planers typically range from 5 to 15 amps. For light, occasional use, a lower power motor is sufficient. For frequent, heavy-duty use, especially with hardwoods, a higher power motor is necessary. Assess the intensity and frequency of your work to choose the appropriate motor power.
Cutterhead SpeedCutterhead speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), affects the smoothness of the finish. Higher speeds result in a finer, smoother finish. Planers usually have cutterhead speeds ranging from 8,000 to 20,000 RPM. For projects requiring a high-quality finish, such as furniture making, a higher cutterhead speed is beneficial. For rougher work where finish quality is less critical, a lower speed is adequate. Consider the level of finish you need for your projects when evaluating cutterhead speed.
Number of BladesThe number of blades on the cutterhead influences the smoothness and speed of the cut. More blades mean a smoother finish and faster material removal. Planers typically have 2 to 4 blades. For fine, detailed work, more blades are preferable. For general woodworking or rougher projects, fewer blades are sufficient. Think about the quality of finish you require and the speed at which you need to work when choosing the number of blades.
Dust CollectionDust collection is an important feature for maintaining a clean workspace and ensuring your health and safety. Planers with built-in dust collection systems or ports for attaching a vacuum can significantly reduce the amount of dust and debris. If you work in a small or enclosed space, or if you prioritize cleanliness, look for a planer with an effective dust collection system. Consider your workspace and how much dust you can tolerate when evaluating this feature.

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