The best thickness planer for most home workshops is the DeWalt DW735X, thanks to its 13-inch capacity, two feed settings and included table extensions. The WEN PL1337 is our alternative for buyers who prefer replaceable HSS inserts, while the Makita 2012NB suits a workshop that values a compact machine. The right choice depends on your lumber, available space and the cost of keeping its cutters sharp.
This 2026 guide compares six benchtop thickness planers, explains the compromises behind each recommendation and helps you choose a machine for your actual projects. A planer makes the upper face parallel to a prepared reference face; it does not automatically straighten a twisted board. Understanding that distinction matters more than choosing the biggest motor-speed number.
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Best thickness planers: our quick picks
- Best overall for a home workshop: DeWalt DW735X — two feed settings and a useful starter bundle.
- Best two-speed HSS spiral option: WEN PL1337 — individual inserts plus a slower finishing feed.
- Best compact portable option: Makita 2012NB — a compact 12-inch machine with an automatic head clamp.
- Best straightforward three-knife option: DeWalt DW734 — a simpler single-speed alternative to the DW735X.
- Best single-speed HSS spiral option: WEN PL1326 — 13-inch capacity without the PL1337’s second feed setting.
- Best simple two-knife option: Craftsman CMEW320 — reversible straight knives for ordinary thicknessing work.
Thickness planer comparison
These are manufacturer specifications, not measurements from our own workshop. Cutterhead speed and feed speed describe different things. None of the factory cutterheads in this six-model shortlist is a premium carbide helical shearing head.
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to compare every column.
| Model | Width | Factory cutters | Feed choice | Main compromise | Amazon link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW735X | 13 in. | Three straight knives | Two settings: 96 / 179 cuts per inch | Full-length knife replacement; bulky for frequent moving | View DW735X |
| WEN PL1337 | 13 in. | 26 rotatable HSS inserts | 16 / 26 ft/min | HSS inserts, rather than carbide | View PL1337 |
| Makita 2012NB | 12 in. | Two straight knives | Single speed | Less width; dust hood is optional | View 2012NB |
| DeWalt DW734 | 12½ in. | Three straight knives | Single speed, 26 ft/min | Manual carriage lock; no slower finishing feed | View DW734 |
| WEN PL1326 | 13 in. | 26 rotatable HSS inserts | Single speed, 26 ft/min | No second feed setting | View PL1326 |
| Craftsman CMEW320 | 12-inch class* | Two reversible straight knives | No selectable finishing feed | Basic cutter arrangement and controls | View CMEW320 |
*Craftsman’s current product title calls the CMEW320 a 12-inch planer; the Amazon listing describes it as 12.25 inches. Confirm the rated working capacity in the manual supplied with your machine before planning a full-width project. Do not substitute physical blade length for usable planing width.
6 best thickness planer reviews
1. DeWalt DW735X — best overall for a home workshop
Choose it for: furniture parts and regular thicknessing when you want both a dimensioning feed and a finishing feed.
The DW735X combines a 15-amp motor, a 13-inch three-knife cutterhead and two feed settings that produce 96 or 179 cuts per inch. Its automatic carriage lock and fan-assisted chip ejection are useful features in a machine that will stay mounted in one workshop. DeWalt describes the X package as including infeed/outfeed tables and an extra set of knives; confirm those items in the seller’s bundle.
Our reason for putting it first is the overall package. A slower feed gives the cutters more opportunities to contact a given length of board, while the faster setting helps with initial dimensioning. That is a practical choice when one project involves both rough stock preparation and final sizing. It is still a straight-knife machine, so sharp cutters and an appropriate cut depth remain important.
The main ownership decision is whether you actually want full-length knives. A nick can leave a ridge along successive boards, and replacement involves a knife set rather than a single small insert. Buyers who already know they want an insert head should compare the WEN options before paying for a machine they intend to modify immediately.
- Why it makes the list: selectable feed, automatic carriage locking and a useful X bundle.
- Trade-off: it is a substantial benchtop machine; plan a stable mounting location and room for long stock.
- Before buying: compare DW735 and DW735X package contents, compatible knife sets and your dust-collection connection.
2. WEN PL1337 — best two-speed HSS spiral option
Choose it for: a 13-inch insert-head planer when you want a separate slower finishing feed.
The PL1337 uses 26 staggered, rotatable high-speed-steel inserts. Its two feed rates are 26 feet per minute for dimensioning and 16 feet per minute for finishing. WEN specifies a 15-amp motor, a 10,000-rpm cutterhead and capacity for boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. A material-removal gauge, depth stop and combination 2½-/4-inch dust port round out the feature set.
The useful distinction is serviceability. With individual inserts, a damaged cutting edge can be addressed locally instead of replacing a full-width knife set. Follow WEN’s replacement and tightening instructions; insert maintenance still requires careful work. We prefer this version over the PL1326 for readers who expect to use the slower feed often.
Do not buy it under the assumption that “spiral” means carbide or guarantees a tear-out-free surface. These are HSS cutters. Insert material, cutting orientation, grain direction and depth of cut all matter. A slower feed is a useful adjustment, but it does not remove the need for shallow finishing passes or subsequent sanding.
- Why it makes the list: individual HSS inserts and selectable feed in one 13-inch machine.
- Trade-off: it does not supply a factory carbide helical head.
- Before buying: check replacement BP510H insert availability and the extra cost over the single-speed PL1326.
3. Makita 2012NB — best compact portable option
Choose it for: narrower boards and a workshop where moving or storing the machine matters.
Makita’s 2012NB is a 12-inch planer with two knives, a 15-amp motor and an 8,500-rpm no-load speed. Its Interna-Lok mechanism automatically clamps the head, and an adjustable depth stop helps with repeat thicknesses. Makita lists the machine at 61.9 pounds and specifies a dust hood as an optional accessory. Its maximum stock height is 6-3/32 inches.
For buying purposes, the more important comparison is its 12-inch width against the 13-inch choices. A compact machine can be attractive for rails, stiles and smaller furniture parts, but a wider panel will not become compatible because you take a lighter pass. Check the broadest boards you expect to process before prioritizing portability.
“Portable” is relative here. This is still a heavy machine that needs safe lifting and firm support. We would choose it for a convenient workshop layout rather than assume it is easy to carry alone. Its automatic clamp is a useful convenience, but we would not promise zero snipe from it: board support and setup still affect the result.
- Why it makes the list: compact layout and automatic head clamping.
- Trade-off: narrower capacity and an optional dust hood that must be included in your budget.
- Before buying: confirm the dust-hood accessory, knife type and lifting arrangement.
4. DeWalt DW734 — best straightforward three-knife option
Choose it for: conventional straight-knife thicknessing when you do not need two feed settings.
The DW734 is a 12½-inch planer with three reversible knives, a 15-amp motor and a four-column manual carriage lock. DeWalt specifies 96 cuts per inch and 33½ inches of support across the infeed and outfeed tables. A material-removal gauge and turret stop help you control successive passes and return to common thicknesses.
We see it as the simpler DeWalt choice. If your projects involve ordinary boards and you are comfortable preparing for sanding, a second feed setting may not be the deciding feature. Compare the actual checkout cost with the DW735X, including accessories and spare cutters, rather than assuming the smaller model is always the better deal.
The manual lock also changes the workflow. It is another control to use correctly as you adjust the head, rather than an automatic mechanism. That will be acceptable to some buyers and a reason to choose the DW735X for others. The relevant question is whether the simpler arrangement fits your habits, not whether the model number looks older.
- Why it makes the list: three-knife head, substantial table support and straightforward depth controls.
- Trade-off: single feed speed and manual carriage locking.
- Before buying: compare total package cost with the DW735X and confirm compatible DW734 knives.
5. WEN PL1326 — best single-speed HSS spiral option
Choose it for: individually replaceable cutters when the second feed setting is not a priority.
The PL1326 uses 26 staggered, rotatable HSS inserts and a single 26-feet-per-minute feed. WEN specifies a 15-amp motor, a 10,000-rpm cutterhead and a 13-inch-wide, 6-inch-high capacity. Its material-removal gauge, depth stop, adjustable table extensions and dust port cover the main everyday controls.
This is a sensible model to compare directly with the PL1337. Both offer an HSS insert arrangement, but the PL1326 does not provide the slower finishing feed. If their current prices are close, the PL1337’s extra adjustment deserves consideration. If the gap is meaningful and you mainly need consistent thickness, the simpler machine may fit your priorities.
Individual inserts are useful for managing localized cutter damage, but they do not make a planer suitable for dirty reclaimed lumber or hidden nails. The condition of the stock remains your responsibility. We would also budget for replacement inserts early, so maintenance does not stop a project halfway through a batch of boards.
- Why it makes the list: 13-inch width and individually serviceable HSS cutters.
- Trade-off: no separate slower finishing feed and no factory carbide inserts.
- Before buying: compare PL1326 and PL1337 prices and check replacement BP510H cutters.
6. Craftsman CMEW320 — best simple two-knife option
Choose it for: ordinary thicknessing when you prefer a basic straight-knife machine.
The CMEW320 has a 15-amp motor and an 8,000-rpm cutterhead producing 16,000 cuts per minute. Its two high-carbon-steel knives are double-edged and reversible, and the machine includes a vacuum port. Craftsman lists a three-year limited warranty. It is a smaller-width alternative to the 13-inch machines above.
Our recommendation is conditional on the current deal. A simpler cutter arrangement may be adequate for an occasional project, but lower initial cost is only useful if the working width and maintenance requirements suit you. Compare a complete package with the WEN and DeWalt alternatives before treating a promotional price as a reason to buy.
A reversible knife provides another edge when the first edge wears, but it does not mean every knife can be repeatedly sharpened without affecting its dimensions or installation. Follow the manual and buy the correct replacement set. Also check capacity carefully: current manufacturer and retailer titles use different width descriptions.
- Why it makes the list: straightforward two-knife construction and reversible edges.
- Trade-off: fewer feed and cutterhead options than the two-speed models.
- Before buying: verify usable stock width, dust-port connection, seller and replacement knives.
How to choose the best thickness planer for your workshop
Start with your projects, not the motor-speed number
Write down the widest board, longest board and approximate amount of lumber you expect to process. A hobbyist preparing a few drawer parts has different needs from someone repeatedly dimensioning long hardwood boards. The machine must fit the stock, but your workshop must also fit the machine and the stock passing through it.
Motor rpm is not a direct measurement of power or finished surface quality. Motor speed, cutterhead speed, feed speed and the number of cutting edges are separate specifications. The earlier version of this guide mixed several of those figures. This comparison keeps them separate and avoids choosing a winner from rpm alone.
Choose straight knives or inserts deliberately
A straight-knife head uses long blades across the working width. The DeWalt and Makita models here use that arrangement, as does the Craftsman. It is a familiar maintenance approach, and replacement sets are straightforward to compare by exact model compatibility.
The WEN machines use small HSS inserts arranged around the head. Their attraction is localized maintenance: you can service an affected insert rather than a full-length blade. HSS describes the cutter material. “Spiral” describes the arrangement, and should not be read as a promise of carbide durability or angled helical shearing.
If a true carbide helical head is your main requirement, compare machines specifically documented to include one, or assess the full cost and compatibility of an approved conversion. Do not order a retrofit purely because a retailer says it fits “DeWalt planers.” Model, bearings, installation requirements and warranty implications matter.
Pay attention to width and the reference face
A 13-inch machine gives more width than a 12-inch model, but neither is a solution for every glued-up panel. Plan your assembly sequence around capacity, or use an appropriate alternative for panels that exceed it. Do not force an oversized workpiece into the opening.
A thickness planer follows the lower reference surface. For accurate results, prepare a flat reference face before thicknessing the opposite face. A board that rocks on the bed or springs flat under roller pressure may still be warped after leaving the machine. A planer and a jointer solve related but different problems.
Decide whether two feed settings are worth paying for
The DW735X and PL1337 offer selectable feed. The slower setting can be useful when prioritizing the finishing pass; a faster setting helps with initial dimensioning. This is most valuable when you expect to use both modes, rather than simply prefer a longer feature list.
Cut counts from different cutterhead designs are not always directly comparable. A full-width straight knife and a small insert do not contact the board in the same way. Compare the practical controls, cutter arrangement and maintenance costs instead of declaring the largest advertised cuts-per-inch figure the winner.
Plan dust collection before the first board
Thicknessing produces a large volume of chips. A dust port is a connection point, not a complete collection system. Check the manual’s extraction requirements, hose size and any required adapter or hood. Makita’s optional hood is an important example of an accessory that can change the real purchase cost.
Fan-assisted chip ejection also does not replace suitable collection and dust protection. Keep the extraction path clear, follow the tool’s instructions and allow for the collector’s capacity during long sessions. A small container can fill quickly even when the amount removed from each board looks modest.
Support long boards and allow for snipe
Snipe is a deeper cut near a board’s end. Head stability, table alignment, stock support and setup can affect it. Automatic clamps and carriage locks are useful features, but a specification sheet cannot guarantee that your own setup will produce zero snipe.
Allow sufficient infeed and outfeed room and use stable support appropriate to the machine. Follow its manual when aligning extensions or adjusting the carriage. Check a test board before bringing valuable stock to final thickness, and retain enough extra length when your process requires trimming affected ends.
What does a thickness planer really cost to own?
Compare the machine, stand or mounting surface, dust connection, extraction system and replacement cutters as one purchase. An attractive bare-tool price can lose its advantage if the accessories you need are sold separately. Conversely, a bundle is only good value when you will use its included items.
Ask three practical questions before ordering:
- Can I obtain the exact replacement cutters? Check the model-specific knife or insert number, rather than a generic description.
- Can I mount and feed it comfortably? Include lifting, table height and long-board support in your layout.
- Does the seller supply the package I expect? Check new versus used condition, accessories, return terms and applicable warranty.
We avoid fixed “best under $400” claims because a price bracket can become inaccurate while the article remains online. Use the Amazon buttons to compare the current offer, then decide whether the extra feature solves a problem you actually have.
Which planer should you buy?
For a versatile home workshop, start with the DW735X. Its two feed settings and X bundle make it the most balanced starting point in this shortlist. Choose the PL1337 if individual HSS inserts and two-speed feed fit your maintenance preferences better. Choose the Makita if 12-inch width is sufficient and its compact layout is more useful to you.
If you are comparing value, put the DW734, PL1326 and CMEW320 beside those choices at their current total package prices. Our category picks describe different priorities; they are not a claim that six people with different projects should buy the same machine.
Thickness planer maintenance and setup checklist
Plan for routine care before the first batch of lumber. The exact cleaning, cutter replacement, tightening and adjustment procedures differ between machines, so use the manual supplied with your model.
- Before a session: inspect the stock for contamination or metal, confirm stable mounting and check that the chip collection path is clear. Set up board support without interfering with the feed rollers.
- After a session: unplug the planer before clearing chips or inspecting its cutting area. Clean the bed and rollers only with products and methods allowed by the manufacturer.
- When a ridge repeats along a board: inspect the cutters using the model’s procedure. A nicked straight knife and a damaged individual insert require different replacement approaches.
- When feeding becomes inconsistent: investigate stock condition, buildup and the permitted cutting depth before making adjustments. Do not reach into a running machine or push from the cutter opening.
- Before ordering spare cutters: match the exact part number, cutter material and model. Similar dimensions alone do not establish compatibility.
US garage workshops: power, space and total cost
Confirm the electrical rating on the specific US-market machine. A 15-amp motor label does not establish whether your existing circuit can comfortably run the planer and a dust collector together. Follow the manual and have a qualified electrician assess circuit changes when needed.
Budget in dollars for the complete working setup: planer, stand or mounting bench, approved chip collection, replacement cutters, sales tax and delivery. Check the seller’s return terms and manufacturer’s US service arrangements. For heavy machines, also check how delivery reaches your garage or shop.
Space check: measure the longest board you expect to feed and allow clear infeed and outfeed space. A machine that fits on a shelf may still need much more working room when processing lumber.
Thickness planer FAQs
Will a thickness planer flatten a warped board?
Not reliably by itself. It makes the cut face parallel to the lower reference face. Prepare an appropriate flat reference surface and follow the machine’s stock requirements. Do not assume roller pressure will permanently remove twist or bow.
Is the DeWalt DW735X a helical planer?
No. Its factory head uses three straight knives. Aftermarket conversions exist, but they are separate purchases with their own compatibility and installation requirements. Do not confuse a converted listing with the standard DW735X bundle.
What is the difference between WEN PL1337 and PL1326?
Both use 26 rotatable HSS inserts and offer 13-inch width. The PL1337 has 16- and 26-feet-per-minute feed settings; the PL1326 uses a single 26-feet-per-minute feed. Compare the current price difference with how often you will use a slower finishing feed.
Do I still need to sand after planing?
Usually, yes. A planer establishes thickness and can leave cutting marks or localized tear-out. Final surface preparation depends on the wood and finish. It is not a replacement for every sanding step; see our belt sander buying guide for related equipment.
Can I sharpen every reversible planer knife?
No blanket answer applies. Some cutters are designed to be reversed and replaced, and their dimensions or locating features can make improvised sharpening unsuitable. Use the cutter manufacturer’s instructions and the exact model’s maintenance procedure.
Can these planers process reclaimed wood?
Only use stock that meets the tool’s requirements and has been properly inspected and prepared. Hidden metal, grit, coatings or unsuitable material can damage cutters or create hazards. A new blade arrangement does not make contaminated stock acceptable.
How much wood can I remove in one pass?
Use the model’s manual and its width-dependent limits. A headline maximum cut is not permission to take that depth across every board. Wide or difficult stock calls for lighter passes; stop and investigate overload, poor feeding or abnormal behavior rather than force the work.
Does every woodworker need a planer?
No. If you buy accurately dimensioned lumber and rarely need another thickness, other tools may be a better first purchase. A planer becomes more useful when you repeatedly prepare rough stock, match board thicknesses or need dimensions that pre-milled lumber does not provide.
How we researched these thickness planer recommendations
Research reviewed: October 10, 2026. This is a research-based buying guide, not a hands-on comparison test. We checked manufacturer product information and manuals, verified matching Amazon product pages, and compared capacity, cutter type, feed choices, accessories and maintenance requirements. Recommendations reflect those documented differences and our editorial assessment of buyer priorities. We have not measured comparative noise, finish quality, durability or snipe in our own testing.
This revision replaces the previous shortlist’s Delta 22-555, Porter-Cable PC305TP, WEN 6552T, Mophorn and POWERTEC PL1252 recommendations with the models discussed above. That is a change to our recommendations, not a claim that every removed machine has been officially discontinued. We retained the established DW735X and 2012NB because a newer model number alone does not determine suitability.
Primary sources:
- DeWalt DW735X specifications and DW735 instruction manual.
- WEN PL1337 product information.
- Makita 2012NB specifications and 2012NB instruction manual.
- DeWalt DW734 product information and DW734 instruction manual.
- WEN PL1326 specifications.
- Craftsman CMEW320 product information and CMEW320 instruction manual.
For related workshop purchases, compare our circular saw guide. Always read the manual supplied with your own planer before setup, operation or cutter maintenance.