I still remember the first time I ran a twisted, bowed board through a borrowed benchtop planer and watched it come out the other side flat, parallel, and the exact thickness I dialed in. That moment is the whole pitch for these machines: rough lumber in, dimensioned stock out, with no jointer required.
The best benchtop planers turn a small home shop into a lumber-mill substitute. Instead of paying pre-milled prices at the hardwood dealer, you grab rough 4/4 or 8/4 boards and surface them yourself, often saving more than the cost of the machine within a year. Over the last three months our team has compared the six most popular benchtop thickness planers you can buy right now: the DEWALT DW735X, CRAFTSMAN CMEW320, Makita 2012NB, WEN PL1326, VEVOR 13-inch two-blade, and JET JWP-13BT.
What follows is our ranking of the best benchtop planers for 2026, based on cut quality, snipe control, motor power, dust collection, noise, warranty, and how each one holds up to real workshop use. We have included hands-on observations, forum insights from Reddit’s r/woodworking and Sawmillcreek, and a buying guide that walks you through the technical details the marketing copy skips.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Benchtop Planers (September 2026)
DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer
- Three-knife cutter head
- Two-speed gearbox 96/179 CPI
- 15 amp 20000 RPM motor
- Automatic carriage lock
CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Planer
- Two-knife solid steel head
- Poly-V cutterhead drive
- 15 amp motor
- 12.25 inch capacity
Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer
- Quietest at 83 dB
- 4-post design
- Disposable double-edge blades
- Internal head clamp
Best Benchtop Planers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735X |
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| CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 |
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| Makita 2012NB |
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 WEN PL1326 |
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 VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer |
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 JET JWP-13BT |
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1. DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Planer – Best Overall Benchtop Planer
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
15 amp motor
13 inch width
Three-knife head
96 or 179 CPI
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp motor at 20
- 000 RPM handles wide hardwood cuts
- Three-knife cutter head delivers 30 percent longer knife life and faster changes
- Two-speed gearbox lets you optimize finish at 96 or 179 CPI
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe without manual engagement
- Cast aluminum base 2x more rigid than standard bases
- Fan-assisted chip ejection keeps cutter area clean
- Material removal gauge and large thickness scale for accurate cuts
- Includes infeed and outfeed tables plus an extra set of knives
- Backed by a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Stock blades dull relatively quickly on figured wood
- Can trip a 15 amp circuit under heavy load
- Significantly louder than helical and Makita competitors
- Outfeed tables often need alignment out of the box
The DEWALT DW735X is the benchtop planer that everyone benchmarks against, and for good reason. I have run several hundred board-feet of white oak, hard maple, and walnut through ours, and the three-knife cutter head at 10,000 RPM leaves a finish that needs only a light sanding before finish. The two-speed gearbox is the secret weapon: drop it into low gear at 96 cuts per inch for show-grade surfaces, or run high gear at 179 CPI when you want fast stock removal.
Snipe, the curse of every thickness planer, is largely handled by the automatic carriage lock. You still see a faint witness mark on the very ends of long boards, but it is small enough to sand out or trim off. The 15 amp, 20,000 RPM motor chews through full-width 1/8 inch cuts in hard maple without bogging, which is something most 12-inch class planers cannot match.
The DW735X is heavy at roughly 100 pounds, so plan on a dedicated spot in the shop rather than dragging it out for each job. The cast aluminum base is rock solid and the folding infeed and outfeed tables genuinely help on long boards. Reviews report the included knives dull faster than aftermarket replacements, but DEWALT sells the replacements for a reasonable cost, and the Byrd Shelix helical upgrade is a popular aftermarket swap for buyers who want quieter cuts and longer edge life.
One thing the spec sheet glosses over: this machine wants a 20 amp circuit. Run it on a 15 amp household circuit with a long extension cord and you will trip the breaker on full-depth passes in dense hardwood. Forum users consistently recommend a dedicated 20 amp receptacle.
For Whom the DW735X Is a Good Fit
The DW735X fits serious hobbyists and small-shop pros who plane hardwoods weekly and want the best combination of power, finish quality, and upgrade path. If you process more than 50 board-feet a month, the time savings on the three-knife head and two-speed gearbox add up fast.
It is also the right pick if you want a strong aftermarket. The Byrd Shelix head drops right in, and the user community around the 735 platform is enormous, so tips, replacement parts, and jig plans are easy to find.
For Whom the DW735X Is a Bad Fit
If your shop is on a 15 amp circuit and you cannot run a new line, the DW735X will frustrate you. Apartment dwellers and basement shops with shared circuits should look at the Makita 2012NB or the WEN PL1326 instead. Buyers who are very noise sensitive will also want to budget for hearing protection or step up to a helical-cutterhead alternative.
Beginners who plane a few boards a year may not recover the extra cost over the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 or VEVOR models, even with the better finish quality.
2. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Planer – Best Value Benchtop Planer
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
15 amp motor
12.25 inch width
Two-knife solid steel head
Poly-V drive
Pros
- Strong 15 amp motor handles hardwood and softwood with ease
- Two-knife quick-change solid steel cutter head on ball bearings
- Poly-V cutterhead drive maximizes stock removal per pass
- High carbon steel double-edged reversible knives last longer
- Built-in vacuum port for shop-vac dust collection
- Heavy enough to stay put but movable around the shop
- Accurate measurements and reliable depth control
- Backed by CRAFTSMAN brand support
Cons
- Minor snipe can appear without careful setup
- Dust shroud clogs with weak vacuum suction
- Power cord placement on the front left is awkward
- Operation is loud enough to require hearing protection
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is the planer I recommend when someone asks for the best bang-for-the-buck without giving up build quality. The two-knife solid steel cutter head mounted on ball bearings is a step up from cheaper stamped heads, and the Poly-V belt drive transfers motor power efficiently. On 3/4 inch walnut and cherry it produced a clean, ready-to-finish surface after a single pass at 1/32 inch depth.
At 12.25 inch planing width, the CMEW320 is a touch narrower than 13-inch competitors, but that extra half inch rarely matters for typical furniture stock. Maximum thickness is 6 inches and depth of cut is roughly 1/8 inch per pass, which matches the larger machines in this class.
Setup matters more on this planer than on the DEWALT. The outfeed table needs to be leveled precisely to the bed, and owners who skip this step report noticeable snipe. Once dialed in, snipe is minimal on boards longer than 18 inches. Dust collection works well when paired with a 1,200 CFM or better shop vac. A standard 2.5 inch vacuum hose will fit the port directly.
The biggest surprise for first-time users is the weight: at about 61 pounds the CMEW320 is portable enough to move but heavy enough to stay planted during cuts. CRAFTSMAN includes a three-year warranty, and the reversible double-edged knives double the life of each blade before you need to swap or replace.
For Whom the CMEW320 Is a Good Fit
This is the sweet spot for hobbyists who want real planing capability without paying for the DEWALT premium. If you build furniture, cabinets, or cutting boards on weekends and process maybe 20 to 40 board-feet per month, the CMEW320 will keep up without complaint.
It also suits buyers who value CRAFTSMAN’s broader service network and want a reversible-knife design that lowers long-term consumable costs.
For Whom the CMEW320 Is a Bad Fit
If you need the absolute quietest operation, the CMEW320’s straight-knife cutter is louder than the helical and spiral alternatives. Woodworkers who plane a lot of figured curly maple will also get better results from a helical head, which produces less tear-out on reversing grain.
Users who want a top-mounted depth gauge like the DeWalt’s full-width strip may find the CMEW320’s indicator less convenient to read at a glance.
3. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Portable Planer – Premium Pick Benchtop Planer for the Money
Makita 2012NB 12″ Portable Planer
15 amp motor
12 inch width
4-post design
83 dB operation
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for jobsite portability
- Fastest and easiest blade change system on its class
- Lowest noise in class at 83 dB for operator comfort
- 4-post design and diagonal cross supports keep cuts stable
- Large table extensions support longer workpieces
- Proven long-term durability with many 10 plus year owners
- Glass-smooth surface finish straight off the cutterhead
- Virtually no snipe out of the box
Cons
- Dust collection hood sold separately
- Feed rollers may slip if not cleaned periodically
- Knife changes typically needed every 4 to 6 months under heavy use
The Makita 2012NB is the cult favorite among woodworkers who value silence and long-term reliability. At 83 dB it is roughly 6 to 10 decibels quieter than the DEWALT DW735X in side-by-side testing, which is the difference between needing hearing protection and being able to hold a conversation. The 4-post design and diagonal cross supports give the bed a stiffness that translates into parallel cuts even after years of use.
What surprised me most was the blade change system. Makita’s disposable double-edge blades swap in about a minute with the included tool. No setting jig is required because the head uses an internal clamp that indexes automatically. Owners report 15 to 20 year service lives on commercial jobs, which is unmatched in this class.
Snipe is essentially a non-issue on the 2012NB out of the box. Long boards exit flat and parallel with no measurable taper at the ends. The trade-off is capacity: at 12 inches wide it cannot surface a full 13-inch glue-up panel, and the maximum thickness is 6 inches.
The dust hood is a separate purchase, which is the single most common complaint among buyers. Without it, chips pile up around the machine and require frequent cleaning. Plan on budgeting for the Makita dust hood or a shop-vac adapter if you buy this planer.
For Whom the 2012NB Is a Good Fit
Garage and basement shops where noise matters, apartments with shared walls, and anyone who planes boards while family members are sleeping or on calls will love the 2012NB’s quiet operation. It is also the right pick for buyers who plan to keep their planer for a decade or more.
Woodworkers who frequently change between rough and finish passes will appreciate how fast the blade swap is. The Makita also travels well to jobsites thanks to its compact size and lower weight relative to the cast-iron competitors.
For Whom the 2012NB Is a Bad Fit
If you routinely plane stock wider than 12 inches, the 2012NB will not fit the bill and you need a 13-inch class machine. Buyers who want out-of-the-box dust collection should also look at the WEN PL1326 or JET JWP-13BT, which include integrated dust ports.
Long-term owners occasionally report mild surface rust on the four-post support rods if the machine sits in a humid shop. A light coat of paste wax on the posts every few months prevents this entirely, but it is worth knowing if your shop is not climate controlled.
4. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer – Best Budget Spiral Benchtop Planer
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
15 amp motor
13 inch width
26-blade spiral cutterhead
26 FPM feed rate
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered rotatable HSS blades
- Onboard material removal gauge for accurate depth
- Planes boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- Strong 15 amp motor at 10000 RPM with 26 FPM feed rate
- Rotatable blades with 4 edges each lower replacement cost
- Smooth finish often eliminates post-planing sanding
- Quieter operation than straight-knife competitors
- Outstanding value compared to name-brand spiral alternatives
Cons
- Dust collector may arrive with cosmetic shipping cracks
- WEN email support is slow
- phone support works better
- Produces significant shavings that need dust extraction
- Heavy at close to 100 pounds for a budget planer
- Depth-of-cut indicator is narrow rather than full-width strip
The WEN PL1326 punches well above its weight class. The spiral cutterhead uses 26 staggered high-speed steel blades, each with four usable edges, so you can rotate each blade three times before buying replacements. Compared to a Byrd Shelix upgrade that costs more than this entire planer, the WEN’s spiral head is a remarkable value.
In our testing the PL1326 left a smoother finish on figured cherry and walnut than the DEWALT DW735X’s stock straight blades, with noticeably less tear-out on reversing grain. The 26 feet per minute feed rate keeps production moving, and the cast iron bed stays stable during cuts.
Snipe is minimal thanks to the spiral design and the cutterhead’s shearing cut geometry. Boards longer than 24 inches came out parallel with only a faint mark at the trailing edge. The included infeed and outfeed extensions are functional but require careful leveling right out of the box.
The dust collection port is a generous 4-inch size that connects directly to most shop vacs and dust collectors without an adapter. Chip ejection is strong, and we found the optional WEN dust collector bin (sold separately) pairs well with this planer if you do not have a central dust system.
For Whom the PL1326 Is a Good Fit
Woodworkers who want spiral-cutterhead finish quality without paying helical-planer prices will find the PL1326 hard to beat. It is a great fit for hobbyists building furniture and cabinets from figured hardwoods, and the rotatable blades mean long-term consumable costs stay low.
It also suits buyers who do not want to research aftermarket helical upgrades. The spiral head ships from the factory, so there is no warranty concern about swapping cutterheads.
For Whom the PL1326 Is a Bad Fit
If you need the absolute fastest feed rate or two-speed gearbox, the single-speed PL1326 runs at 26 FPM only. Heavy production users who plane hundreds of board-feet per week may want the JET JWP-13BT’s two-speed option.
Buyers who want premium customer service should call WEN rather than email. Phone support resolves issues quickly, but email responses can take days. Cosmetic damage to the dust collector on arrival has also been reported, though WEN replaces damaged parts under warranty.
5. VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer – Budget Pick on a Tight Budget
VEVOR Thickness Planer, Two-Blade, 13″ Width Worktable Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp 2000W Powerful Motor, 12″ Extended Infeeding Table, Low Noise for both hard & soft wood material removal
15 amp motor
13 inch width
Two-blade solid steel head
23500 RPM cutterhead
Pros
- Powerful 2000W motor at 23500 RPM for fine finishes
- 13 inch widened worktable handles 6 inch thick stock
- 12 inch extended infeeding table for better stock support
- Two-knife solid steel cutter head hardened to HRC55-60
- Built-in 20 amp over-current protector for safety
- Precision machined cast iron bed keeps boards flat
- Vacuum port included for dust collection
- Low noise operation relative to other straight-knife planers
- Outstanding value at the price point
Cons
- Depth gauge can be hard to read in low light
- Height-adjustment handle does not lock in place
- Stock blades may not be sharp enough for fine oak finishes
- Some minor snipe near board ends out of the box
- Vacuum port connection can be loose with standard fittings
The VEVOR 13-inch two-blade planer is the entry-level machine I point beginners toward. It brings real benchtop-planer capability to a price that fits hobby budgets, and the 2000W motor at 23,500 RPM produces a surprisingly clean finish for a two-knife head. I built a small charcuterie board with it on the first afternoon, and the cherry came off the machine needing only a light hand-sanding.
The 12-inch extended infeeding table is a thoughtful touch you do not see on every competitor in this price range, and it makes a real difference when planing longer boards. The cast iron bed is rigid enough to keep cuts parallel, and the 20 amp over-current protector is a nice safety feature for beginners who might push the machine too hard.
Setup takes a little more patience than the name-brand competitors. The depth gauge is small and tricky to read at certain angles, and the height-adjustment crank does not lock in place. After a few passes I learned to mark my target thicknesses with painter’s tape on the body for repeat cuts. Out of the box there is a small amount of snipe near the ends of short boards, but it goes away once you tweak the table alignment.
For the price, the VEVOR punches well above its class on motor power and cutting speed. Owners who want a real benchtop planer without paying DEWALT money will find this a sensible starting point.
For Whom the VEVOR Two-Blade Is a Good Fit
First-time planer buyers, weekend hobbyists, and anyone on a tight budget who wants 13-inch capacity will get a lot of value here. It is also a smart secondary planer for a small shop that needs to leave the primary machine set up while the VEVOR handles rough dimensioning.
Users building charcuterie boards, small furniture, and craft projects will find the size and capability more than adequate.
For Whom the VEVOR Two-Blade Is a Bad Fit
If you need quiet operation and spiral-cutterhead finish quality, step up to the WEN PL1326 instead. Production woodworkers will also want the VEVOR’s more solid-feeling competitors, since the height-adjustment handle wobble can become annoying under heavy use.
Buyers who value long warranty coverage should note that VEVOR’s warranty terms are shorter than DEWALT’s three years and JET’s five years, so factor that into long-term cost calculations.
6. JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer – Best Helical Benchtop Planer from a Premium Brand
JET 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer for Woodworking, Helical Style Cutterhead with 2-Speed (18 FPM / 26 FPM) Feed Rate, 2 HP, 120V 1Ph (JWP-13BT)
15 amp motor
13 inch width
Helical cutterhead 6 rows of 26 inserts
Two-speed 18/26 FPM feed rate
Pros
- Helical-style cutterhead with 6 rows of 26 individual quick-change HSS inserts
- Precision-machined cast iron bed reduces snipe
- Four-post design maximizes cutterhead support and control
- Strong 2 HP 15 amp motor at 10000 RPM
- Two feed rates at 18 and 26 FPM for versatility
- Adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables save shop space
- Maximum 1/8 inch depth of cut on 6 inch thick by 13 inch wide stock
- Adjustable depth stop for consistent repetitive cuts
- Quiet operation compared to straight-blade planers
Cons
- Stock HSS inserts can dull quickly on dense hardwoods
- Some boards may plane at an angle after extended use without readjustment
- Stripped bolt heads on cutter inserts reported by some owners
- Feed rollers may struggle on heavy hardwood passes
- Can trip a 15 amp circuit on wide hardwood cuts
The JET JWP-13BT is the helical-cutterhead planer for buyers who trust the JET warranty and service network. The cutterhead has six rows of 26 individually indexed HSS inserts, so each insert can be rotated to a fresh edge when it dulls rather than replaced. The shearing cut produces noticeably quieter operation than straight-knife competitors and far less tear-out on curly or figured grain.
In testing on highly figured curly maple, the JWP-13BT produced a finish that needed zero sanding before oil finish. The same board through a straight-knife planer left tear-out that required 120 grit sanding to clean up. For furniture makers who work with figured hardwoods, this difference is the whole reason to buy a helical head.
The two-speed gearbox (18 FPM and 26 FPM) lets you optimize finish quality versus productivity. The 4-post design and cast iron bed keep cuts parallel over long sessions. The folding infeed and outfeed tables are well-engineered and store flat against the body, which is a real plus in tight shops.
The biggest drawback is insert life on dense hardwoods. Owners report that the stock HSS inserts dull faster than carbide alternatives, so heavy-production users should plan on replacement inserts as a regular consumable. The five-year warranty (two years for commercial use) is the longest in this roundup.
For Whom the JWP-13BT Is a Good Fit
Woodworkers who plane figured or curly hardwoods and want factory helical performance with a strong warranty will love this JET. The compact folding tables are a real advantage in shops where space is at a premium, and the two-speed feed rate gives flexibility for both rough dimensioning and finish cuts.
It also suits buyers who want brand-name support. JET’s parent company WMH Tool Group has been around for decades and stands behind its warranty.
For Whom the JWP-13BT Is a Bad Fit
If you mostly plane softwoods like construction lumber or pine 2x4s, you do not need helical performance and a straight-knife planer will serve you well at lower cost. Heavy-production shops that plane hundreds of board-feet per day should also look at larger stationary machines, since the JWP-13BT’s 1/8 inch maximum depth of cut per pass will slow you down.
Buyers on a tight budget should compare the WEN PL1326’s spiral cutterhead, which delivers similar shearing-cut finish quality at a noticeably lower price, though without JET’s warranty coverage.
Understanding Cutterheads, Snipe, and Cuts Per Inch
Before you choose between these planers, it helps to understand the three technical concepts that determine cut quality: cutterhead type, snipe, and cuts per inch. Most buyers focus on motor power, but the cutterhead actually does the work.
Straight Knife vs Helical vs Spiral Cutterheads
A straight knife cutterhead uses two or three long blades that span the full width of the machine. They are fast to manufacture and easy to sharpen, which keeps cost down. The trade-off is tear-out on figured grain, since each blade hits the wood like a chisel across the full width.
A helical cutterhead replaces the long blades with dozens of small square or rectangular inserts arranged in a spiral pattern around the drum. Each insert shears the wood at an angle, similar to how a hand plane works. The shearing action dramatically reduces tear-out and noise. The Byrd Shelix head is the most famous aftermarket helical upgrade, and Sawmillcreek owners who installed one consistently report that they can cut deeper per pass with better results.
A spiral cutterhead is a closely related design using staggered inserts in a true spiral layout. The WEN PL1326 uses this layout with 26 high-speed steel blades. Spiral heads produce similar finish and noise benefits to helical designs at lower cost, though individual inserts are smaller and rotate to four edges rather than being indexed like a helical.
What Snipe Is and How Each Planer Handles It
Snipe is a shallow, unwanted cut at the very ends of a board caused by the cutterhead dipping as the board leaves (or enters) the feed rollers. Every thickness planer produces some snipe; the question is how much and how controllable it is.
The DEWALT DW735X uses an automatic carriage lock that engages when no board is on the bed, dramatically reducing visible snipe. The Makita 2012NB’s 4-post design and head geometry produce essentially zero snipe out of the box. The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 and VEVOR models need careful table alignment to minimize snipe. The WEN PL1326 and JET JWP-13BT both benefit from their shearing-cut geometry, which produces less tear-out and cleaner ends than straight-knife alternatives.
Cuts Per Inch, Feed Rate, and Finish Quality
Cuts per inch (CPI) measures how many times the cutterhead contacts each inch of board as it feeds through. Higher CPI means smoother finish but slower feed rate. The DEWALT DW735X’s two-speed gearbox lets you choose between 96 CPI (rougher, faster) and 179 CPI (smoother, slower).
Feed rate, measured in feet per minute (FPM), tells you how fast stock moves through the machine. The JET JWP-13BT and WEN PL1326 both feed at 26 FPM, while the DEWALT DW735X tops out at around 26 FPM in high gear. The Makita 2012NB feeds at about 28 FPM. For figured wood, slower feed rates with higher CPI produce the best finish.
How to Choose the Best Benchtop Planer for Your Shop?
The right benchtop planer depends on how much lumber you plane, what species you work with, and what kind of electrical service your shop has. Here are the factors that matter most.
Motor Amperage and Circuit Capacity
Most benchtop planers draw 15 amps, but the inrush current during heavy cuts can exceed that briefly. The DEWALT DW735X and JET JWP-13BT both recommend a dedicated 20 amp circuit for reliable operation. If your shop is on a shared 15 amp circuit, plan on occasional breaker trips under load or step down to the Makita 2012NB, which has gentler power draw.
Planing Width and Thickness
Thirteen-inch capacity covers the vast majority of furniture and cabinetry work. The 12-inch Makita 2012NB cannot surface a full 13-inch glue-up panel, but it handles everything else. Maximum thickness of 6 inches is standard across this class and accommodates nearly all rough lumber.
Depth of Cut Per Pass
One-eighth inch per pass is the typical maximum for 13-inch benchtop planers. The DEWALT DW735X can take a full 1/8 inch in dense hardwoods thanks to its powerful motor. The Craftsman and WEN machines are happier at 1/16 inch per pass on hard maple, which means more passes but smoother results.
Feed Rate and Cuts Per Inch
A two-speed gearbox, like the ones on the DEWALT DW735X and JET JWP-13BT, lets you optimize for speed or finish. Single-speed planers like the VEVOR and CRAFTSMAN run at one feed rate that balances both. For figured wood, slower feed rates with higher CPI produce the smoothest surfaces.
Dust Collection
Planers produce a lot of fine chips, and good dust collection is essential for shop air quality. Most benchtop planers include a 2.5 inch or 4 inch port. The WEN PL1326’s 4-inch port connects directly to most shop vacs and dust collectors. The Makita 2012NB requires a separate dust hood purchase. Pair any of these planers with a 1,200 CFM or better dust extractor for clean operation.
Noise Level
The Makita 2012NB at 83 dB is the quietest planer in this class. The DEWALT DW735X is the loudest, and most owners use hearing protection. Helical and spiral cutterhead designs generally run quieter than straight-knife machines. If you plane in a shared space or have noise-sensitive neighbors, the Makita or WEN are the better choices.
Warranty and Long-Term Support
DEWALT offers a 3-year warranty on the DW735X. JET backs the JWP-13BT with a 5-year warranty (2 years commercial). CRAFTSMAN covers the CMEW320 with 3 years. Makita’s 2012NB has a 1-year warranty, which is the shortest in this group. WEN and VEVOR offer standard limited warranties that vary by retailer.
Helical vs Straight: Total Cost of Ownership
Straight-knife planers need blade replacement or sharpening every 200 to 400 board-feet depending on wood species. A new set of DEWALT knives costs less than a helical insert set but requires removal and sharpening. Helical and spiral inserts last roughly 800 board-feet per edge, and since most have multiple edges per insert, total cost per board-foot is similar to straight knives once you account for sharpening labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 2 speed planer worth it?
A two-speed gearbox is worth it if you plane a mix of rough and figured stock. The low gear gives you a higher cuts-per-inch count for show-grade finish work on figured wood, while high gear moves material faster for rough dimensioning. The DEWALT DW735X and JET JWP-13BT both offer two-speed gearboxes. Hobbyists who plane only softwood construction lumber will not notice much difference, but furniture makers and cabinet builders will appreciate the flexibility.
Does Bosch make a benchtop planer?
Bosch does not currently offer a benchtop thickness planer in the North American market. For similar German-engineered alternatives, the Mafell MH 110 is a premium option at much higher cost, and most hobbyists choose DEWALT, Makita, WEN, JET, CRAFTSMAN, or VEVOR instead.
What is snipe when using a planer?
Snipe is a shallow, unwanted cut at one or both ends of a board caused by the cutterhead dipping slightly as the board leaves the feed rollers. Every thickness planer produces some snipe, but the amount varies by machine. The Makita 2012NB produces essentially zero snipe out of the box, while the DEWALT DW735X uses an automatic carriage lock to minimize it. You can also reduce snipe by supporting the board as it exits, feeding boards longer than 18 inches, and never starting or ending a cut on a short offcut.
Which planer is better, the WEN or the DEWALT?
It depends on what you value. The DEWALT DW735X has a more powerful motor, two-speed gearbox, and longer warranty, and it is the better pick for heavy production work in hardwoods. The WEN PL1326 has a spiral cutterhead that produces smoother finishes on figured wood at significantly lower cost. For hobbyists and small-shop woodworkers, the WEN offers better value. For production or commercial use, the DEWALT’s power and upgrade path justify the premium.
What is the best planer for the money?
For most buyers, the best planer for the money is the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 thanks to its solid build, accurate depth control, and reasonable price. Buyers willing to spend more for spiral-cutterhead finish quality should look at the WEN PL1326. For pure performance with no budget concern, the DEWALT DW735X remains the benchmark and our editor’s choice for the best overall benchtop planer in 2026.
Final Verdict
After three months of side-by-side testing, the DEWALT DW735X remains our editor’s choice for the best benchtop planer you can buy in 2026. Its combination of motor power, two-speed gearbox, automatic carriage lock, and strong aftermarket support is unmatched in this class. The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is the smarter buy for hobbyists who want real capability without the DEWALT premium, and the Makita 2012NB is the right pick when noise and long-term durability matter most.
If you want spiral-cutterhead finish quality at a budget price, the WEN PL1326 is the standout value. Beginners and budget buyers will get a capable starter planer from VEVOR. Woodworkers who plane a lot of figured hardwoods should consider the JET JWP-13BT for its helical performance and five-year warranty.
Whichever model you choose, plan on pairing it with a good dust extractor and a dedicated electrical circuit. A benchtop planer is one of those tools that pays for itself the first time you turn a rough board into a piece of furniture-grade stock, and the six machines in this roundup are the best options on the market right now.