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The 5 Best Budget Thickness Planers

Antonio T LewisNicolas J Ward
  Sep 22, 2023 4:41 AM

If you have any upcoming DIY, home improvement, repair, or craft projects, it is likely that you'll need a new thickness planer.

However, one of the most challenging tasks for users is to choose the best thickness planers without breaking the bank. In this article, we will provide you with the top models of the best budget thickness planer with in-depth reviews. Let’s see!


Reviews

#1. DEWALT Benchtop Planer  - Best for Overall

We mention DEWALT as the best benchtop planer in this article. This 12.5-inch tool offers the powerful 15 amp and 20,000 rpm motor for users to handle larger, deeper cuts in hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head is employed with the 10,000 rpm cutter-head speed to provide up to 96 cuts per inch, one of the finest finishes of any portable planer.

Besides, you are able to change the knife fast and easily due to its reversible design while the four-column carriage lock drastically reduces the movement that causes snipe. The DEWALT is surely our top choice for any handymen.

Pros

  • The 20,000 rpm motor

  • Easy to use

  • 3-year warranty

  • Reduce snipe

  • Provide up to 96 cuts per inch

  • Make knife change fast and conveniently

Cons

  • Short-life battery

#2. WEN PL1326 Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer - Best for Beginner

If you are a beginner who recently started wood renovation projects and needed the best portable wood planer, we would like to recommend that you should buy the WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer. We love the finished product coming out of this machine smooth and it looks super great.

It's easy to use and clean while the blades are easy to turn as well as replace. The noise level is acceptable, which hardly damages your ears.

Pros

  • Smooth cuts

  • Quiet operation

  • Easy to use and clean

Cons

  • Poor customer service

#3. CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Planer - Best for Material

CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Planer comes with a 15-Amp motor and 8000 RPM which provides power for both hard and soft wood material removal. A Poly-V Cutterhead drive is also equipped so that you are able to eliminate the stock maximally.

Additionally, this planer features two easy-to-change and high carbon steel knives for smooth operation as well as long cutting life. You can collect the dust easily thanks to the vacuum port.

Pros

  • Smooth cuts

  • Durable

  • Easy to use and clean

Cons

  • Noisy operation

#4. POWERTEC PL1252 15 Amp 2-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer - Best for Power

Don't miss this POWERTEC PL1252 if you are looking for a powerful and effective thickness planer. This 15-Amp tool impresses us by its ability to generate over 18,800 cuts per minute with a 9,400 RPM. Providing you a quick and smooth finish.

It also has a heavy duty, anti-wobble base that’s ultra sturdy while the side mounted carrying handles  allow you to take this portable planer wherever it is needed.

Pros

  • Smooth and quick cut

  • Durable

  • Easy to use and carry

  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • Does not include a built in dust port

#5. Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer - Best for Portability

Makita is a well known brand that produces high-quality power tools, including this 12” planer. What impresses us most is its sound level. Makita reaches 83db when operating, which is quieter than other models.

The compact and lightweight design allows you to transport this portable unit from place to place easily. Like other modern planers, Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer features a fast and easy blade change system.

Pros

  • Easy for transportation

  • Quiet operation

  • Easy to use

  • Fast and easy blade change system

Cons

  • Expensive


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Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


FAQs

What size wood planer is the best?

The thickness planers in the 20-inch to 25-inch range are overkill for most woodworkers. And if you don't plan on thickness planing wide boards at all, or your space is limited, then a benchtop thickness planer with a 12 or 13-inch width will work for you.

Is a thickness planer worth it?

If you really want to get into woodworking, a thickness planer is worth the cost. Once you have it, you'll never regret the expenditure, because you'll be in control of your stock thickness like never before.

What is the best thickness planer for the money?

Based on different features, the DEWALT Benchtop Planer is our top choice for a thickness planer. This unit is worth every penny that you pay for.


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