How to Choose a Planer
Choosing the right planer depends on your project scale and power preference — from benchtop models for fine joinery to handheld electric planers for quick stock removal. This guide explains the key specs, types, and mistakes to avoid so you pick the tool that fits your workshop.
Quick answer
For most woodworkers, the DeWalt DW735X benchtop thickness planer offers the best balance of power, portability, and cutterhead quality. If you need a handheld planer for trimming doors or leveling boards, the Makita KP0810 is the top choice for its precision and ergonomics.
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Research updated June 2026.
DeWalt DW735X
Best benchtop planer for serious woodworkers — powerful, accurate, and portable.
What is a Planer and Do You Need One?
A planer is a woodworking tool used to remove material from the surface of a board to create a uniform thickness and smooth finish. Benchtop thickness planers are the most common type for home workshops, while handheld electric planers are used for trimming doors, leveling uneven boards, and beveling edges. If you work with rough lumber or need to match board thickness for joinery, a planer is essential.
Types of Planers
Benchtop Thickness Planers
These are the most popular for hobbyists and small shops. They sit on a stand or workbench and use a cutterhead to plane the top of the board while the bottom rests on a flat table. Key specs include maximum width (typically 12-13 inches), maximum depth of cut, and feed rate. Brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch dominate this category.
Handheld Electric Planers
Portable and powerful, these are used for trimming doors, removing paint, or leveling uneven floorboards. They have a rotating cutterhead on the bottom and a shoe that rides on the work surface. Models with a longer shoe provide better stability. Makita and Bosch are top choices here.
Jointer-Planer Combos
Some tools combine a jointer (for flattening one face) with a planer (for thicknessing the opposite face). These are less common in home shops due to cost and size, but they save space. For most users, a separate jointer and planer offer better performance.
Key Specifications to Compare
When choosing a planer, focus on these specs:
- Motor Power: Measured in amps for corded models (10-15 amps) or volts for cordless (18-36V). More power means faster cuts and less bogging on hardwoods.
- Max Width: The widest board the planer can accept. 12-13 inches is standard for benchtop models.
- Max Depth of Cut: How much material can be removed in one pass. 1/8 inch is common; some allow up to 1/4 inch.
- Cutterhead Type: Straight knives (cheaper to replace) vs. spiral or helical cutterheads (quieter, smoother finish, longer life).
- Feed Rate: How fast the board moves through the planer. Faster rates are good for rough work; slower rates give a finer finish.
- Weight and Portability: Benchtop planers weigh 60-100 lbs. Handheld planers weigh 6-10 lbs.
What to Check Before Buying
- Your Workshop Space: Benchtop planers need a stable surface and clearance for infeed and outfeed. Measure your space.
- Dust Collection: Planers produce a lot of chips. Look for models with a 4-inch dust port for connection to a shop vac or dust collector.
- Blade Replacement: Check how easy it is to change blades. Spiral cutterheads are more expensive but last longer and cut quieter.
- Warranty: Most brands offer 3-year warranties. DeWalt and Makita are known for reliable support.
- Accessories: Some models include a stand, extra blades, or a dust bag. The DeWalt DW735X includes a stand and infeed/outfeed tables.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying Too Small: A 12-inch planer is fine for most work, but if you plan to plane 13-inch boards, you need a 13-inch model.
- Ignoring Cutterhead Type: Straight knives are cheap but can leave tear-out on figured wood. Spiral heads are worth the upgrade.
- Skipping Dust Collection: Without a vac, chips pile up fast and can clog the planer. Always plan for dust management.
- Not Checking Feed Rate: A slow feed rate gives a better finish but takes longer. Balance speed with quality based on your project.
- Assuming All Handhelds Are the Same: Shoe length, weight, and blade alignment vary. Test the ergonomics if possible.
Best Benchtop Thickness Planers
DeWalt DW735X
Best OverallPros
- Powerful 15-amp motor handles hardwoods
- Three-knife cutterhead for smooth finish
- Includes stand and infeed/outfeed tables
Cons
- Heavy at 92 lbs
- No spiral cutterhead option
The DeWalt DW735X is the gold standard for benchtop planers. Its 15-amp motor delivers consistent power even on dense hardwoods like oak and maple. The three-knife cutterhead produces a clean, smooth surface with minimal snipe at the ends of boards. Owners consistently praise its accuracy and build quality.
The included stand with folding infeed and outfeed tables makes it easy to set up and store. The only downside is the weight — at 92 lbs, it is not truly portable. For serious woodworkers who need a reliable planer for large projects, this is the best choice.
Makita 2012NB
Best Portable BenchtopPros
- Lighter than DeWalt at 61 lbs
- Two-knife cutterhead is easy to adjust
- Consistent finish with minimal snipe
Cons
- 12-inch width limit
- No stand included
The Makita 2012NB is a favorite among woodworkers who need a lighter benchtop planer without sacrificing power. At 61 lbs, it is significantly easier to move than the DeWalt DW735X. The 15-amp motor handles most hardwoods well, and the two-knife cutterhead is simple to set and adjust. Owners report a very smooth finish with little snipe.
The main trade-off is the 12-inch width capacity, which means you cannot plane boards wider than 12 inches. It also does not include a stand, so you will need to buy or build one. For those who prioritize portability and work with narrower boards, this is an excellent choice.
Bosch PL2632
Best for PrecisionPros
- 12.5-inch width for slightly wider boards
- Three-knife cutterhead for smooth finish
- Easy depth adjustment with digital readout
Cons
- Heavier than Makita at 70 lbs
- Some users report snipe issues
The Bosch PL2632 offers a 12.5-inch width capacity, giving you a bit more room than the Makita 2012NB. Its three-knife cutterhead produces a very smooth finish, and the digital depth readout makes setting the cut depth precise and repeatable. Owners appreciate the build quality and the quiet operation compared to some competitors.
However, some users note that snipe (a deeper cut at the end of the board) can be an issue if the infeed and outfeed tables are not perfectly aligned. The 70-lb weight is manageable but not as portable as the Makita. For those who need that extra half-inch of width, this is a solid choice.
Ryobi AP1301
Best Budget BenchtopPros
- 13-inch width at a budget price
- Lightweight at 59 lbs
- Easy blade change system
Cons
- Less powerful than DeWalt on hardwoods
- Finish quality not as smooth
The Ryobi AP1301 is the best budget-friendly benchtop planer. It offers a full 13-inch width capacity at a price that is often half that of the DeWalt DW735X. The 15-amp motor is adequate for softwoods and most hardwoods, though it may bog down on dense maple or oak. The lightweight design at 59 lbs makes it easy to move around the shop.
Owners note that the finish is good but not as glassy as the DeWalt or Bosch. The blade change system is simple and quick. For hobbyists or those on a tight budget who need a 13-inch capacity, the AP1301 is a great value. It is not built for heavy daily use, but for weekend projects it performs well.
Makita KP0810
Best Handheld PlanerPros
- Powerful 8.5-amp motor for a handheld
- Long shoe for stability and accuracy
- Easy blade adjustment and replacement
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors
- No dust bag included
The Makita KP0810 is the best handheld electric planer for most users. Its 8.5-amp motor provides plenty of power for trimming doors, planing edges, and leveling boards. The long shoe (12-1/2 inches) gives excellent stability, reducing chatter and producing a flat surface. Owners consistently praise its build quality and precision.
The main drawback is the weight at 7.7 lbs, which can be tiring for overhead work. It also does not include a dust bag, so you will need a shop vac for dust collection. For handheld planing tasks, the KP0810 is the top choice for its combination of power, accuracy, and durability.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW735X | Best Overall | 15 Amp, 13 in width | 4.7/5 | Premium |
| Makita 2012NB | Portable Benchtop | 15 Amp, 12 in width | 4.6/5 | Mid-range |
| Bosch PL2632 | Precision | 15 Amp, 12.5 in width | 4.5/5 | Mid-range |
| Ryobi AP1301 | Budget Benchtop | 15 Amp, 13 in width | 4.3/5 | Budget |
| Makita KP0810 | Handheld Planer | 8.5 Amp, 3-1/4 in width | 4.6/5 | Mid-range |
How to Choose Between Benchtop and Handheld
Your choice depends on the projects you do. If you work with rough lumber and need to thickness boards for furniture, a benchtop planer is essential. If you mainly trim doors, plane edges, or level floorboards, a handheld planer is more practical. Some woodworkers own both — a benchtop for major projects and a handheld for quick tasks.
Benchtop planers are more expensive and take up space, but they offer greater precision and capacity. Handheld planers are cheaper and portable, but they require more skill to use accurately. Consider your workshop space, budget, and typical projects before deciding.
Spiral vs. Straight Knife Cutterheads
Straight knives are the standard on most benchtop planers. They are inexpensive to replace and easy to sharpen, but they can leave tear-out on figured wood and are louder. Spiral or helical cutterheads use multiple small carbide inserts that rotate into the cut, producing a smoother finish with less noise. They are more expensive but last longer and handle difficult grain better.
For most hobbyists, straight knives are fine. If you work with highly figured wood like curly maple or walnut, a spiral cutterhead is worth the investment. Some models, like the DeWalt DW735X, offer aftermarket spiral heads, but they are not standard.
Dust Collection for Planers
Planers produce a massive amount of chips and dust. A 4-inch dust port is standard on most benchtop models, and connecting to a shop vac or dust collector is essential. Without it, chips can clog the planer and reduce performance. Handheld planers often have a smaller port or a dust bag that fills quickly. A shop vac with a cyclone separator is the best setup for keeping your workspace clean.
FAQs
What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A planer thicknesses boards to a uniform dimension by cutting the top surface, while a jointer flattens one face and squares one edge. They are often used together to prepare rough lumber.
Can I use a handheld planer for thicknessing boards?
Yes, but it is not as accurate as a benchtop planer. Handheld planers are better for trimming and