8 Best Benchtop Planers for a Home Workshop (November 2026)
The best benchtop planers for a home workshop include the DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Planer Kit for mixed stock, the DeWalt DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer for repeat thicknesses, and the DeWalt DW734 12.5-Inch Planer for long boards.
On this page (11 sections)
- Which best benchtop planer fits your home shop?
- DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Planer Kit: Best for mixed stock
- DeWalt DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer: Best for repeat thicknesses
- DeWalt DW734 12.5-Inch Planer: Best for long boards
- Craftsman CMEW320 12.25-Inch Planer: Best for vacuum hookups
- WEN PL1252 12.5-Inch Planer: Best for reversible blades
- VEVOR 13-Inch Planer with Folding Stand: Best for a ready stand
- VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer: Best for extended tables
- VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer: Best for dual feed choices
- How do you choose the best benchtop planer for your boards?
- Which best benchtop planer should you choose?
The best benchtop planer for most home workshops is the DeWalt DW735X, with a 13 in cutting width, three knife cutterhead, two feed speeds and tables included. The DW734 suits shops where 12.5 in capacity is enough, while VEVOR options add a stand or longer table support.
A thickness planer brings boards to a consistent thickness, but choosing the right one depends on stock width, bench space, feed control and dust handling. If you are still deciding whether a planer belongs in your shop, start with what a thickness planer does in a home shop.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itCraftsman CMEW320 12.25-Inch Planer
Best for vacuum hookups - 5
Best for reversible bladesCheck it - 6
Check itVEVOR 13-Inch Planer with Folding Stand
Best for a ready stand - 7
Check itVEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer
Best for extended tables - 8
Check itVEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer
Best for dual feed choices
Which best benchtop planer fits your home shop?
The DeWalt DW735X is the strongest all around choice here because it combines 13 in capacity, two feed speeds, three knives and included infeed and outfeed tables. The other models suit narrower stock, long board support, a two knife setup or a shop that needs a stand in the package.
We compared cutting width, cutterhead layout, feed choices, board support and dust connections for the work a home shop is likely to do. The scores reflect how well each set of features fits those needs.
| Product | Best for | Cutting width | Cutterhead | Feed speeds | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Planer Kit | mixed stock | 13 in | Three knives | 96 or 179 CPI | 9.4 |
| DeWalt DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer | repeat thicknesses | 13 in | Three knives | 96 or 179 CPI | 9.0 |
| DeWalt DW734 12.5-Inch Planer | long boards | 12.5 in | Three knives | 8.8 | |
| Craftsman CMEW320 12.25-Inch Planer | vacuum hookups | 12.25 in | Two knives | 8.5 | |
| WEN PL1252 12.5-Inch Planer | reversible blades | 12.5 in | Two reversible blades | 7.9 | |
| VEVOR 13-Inch Planer with Folding Stand | a ready stand | 13 in | 7.5 | ||
| VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer | extended tables | 13 in | Two knives | 7.1 | |
| VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer | dual feed choices | 13 in | Three blades | Two | 7.0 |
DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Planer Kit: Best for mixed stock
DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Planer Kit: Best for mixed stock
- 13 in cutting width
- three knife cutterhead
- feed speeds of 96 or 179 CPI
- infeed and outfeed tables
- extra knife set
Two feed speeds let you choose between 96 and 179 cuts per inch. The kit includes infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of knives, while fan assisted chip ejection moves chips out of the machine.
Pros
- Two feed speeds
- Three knife cutterhead
- Tables and extra knives included
Cons
- 13 in width may be more than a small shop needs
- Weighs 102 lb
The DW735X is the most flexible choice for a shop that planes rough lumber for both sizing and smoother finishing passes. Its two speed gearbox offers 96 or 179 cuts per inch, so you can pick the setting that suits the job.
The 13 in width accommodates boards wider than the 12.5 in DW734 or WEN PL1252. DeWalt includes infeed and outfeed tables plus an extra set of knives, which can simplify setup if you want those accessories ready with the machine.
Fan assisted chip ejection moves chips away from the cutterhead and out of the planer. The automatic carriage lock reduces movement associated with snipe, though level board support and steady feeding still matter.
At 102 lb, this is a substantial bench machine. It suits a shop that wants feed options and has a stable place to keep the planer, but it is a poor fit if you need to lift and store the machine after every job.
DeWalt DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer: Best for repeat thicknesses
DeWalt DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer: Best for repeat thicknesses
- 13 in cutting width
- three knife cutterhead
- feed speeds of 96 or 179 CPI
- automatic carriage lock
- fan assisted chip ejection
The DW735 shares the DW735X's width, three knife cutterhead and two feed speeds. Compare the included components if you need tables and spare knives with your planer.
Pros
- Two feed speeds
- Three knife cutterhead
- Automatic carriage lock
Cons
- Tables and extra knives are not among the stated included components
- Weighs 102 lb
The DW735 shares the DW735X's 13 in width, three knife cutterhead and two feed settings. Its 96 and 179 CPI choices let you adjust the feed for the task, while the fan assisted chip ejection directs chips out of the machine.
The automatic carriage lock is designed to reduce movement that can cause snipe. A material removal gauge, thickness scale and turret depth stop help you set and return to a target thickness across repeated work.
The package contents differ from the DW735X. The DW735 includes a dust hose adapter, crank handle and blade change T-wrench, while the DW735X includes tables and an extra knife set.
Read our DW735 vs DW735X comparison if you're choosing between these versions. Buy the DW735 when its included accessories suit your existing setup, and skip it if you specifically need the tables and spare knives in the box.
DeWalt DW734 12.5-Inch Planer: Best for long boards
DeWalt DW734 12.5-Inch Planer: Best for long boards
- 12.5 in cutting width
- three knife cutterhead
- four column carriage lock
- 33.5 in material support
The DW734 has a 12.5 in capacity and long infeed and outfeed tables that provide 33.5 in of material support. Its three knife cutterhead runs at 96 cuts per inch.
Pros
- Long material support
- Four column carriage lock
- Three knife cutterhead
Cons
- Single feed speed
- Narrower width than 13 in models
The DW734 is a good match for a shop where 12.5 in capacity is enough and long table support matters. Its infeed and outfeed tables provide 33.5 in of material support.
The three knife cutterhead delivers 96 cuts per inch, and the four column carriage lock reduces movement that causes snipe. A material removal gauge and turret depth stop help you make repeatable passes.
Unlike the DW735 models, the DW734 has one stated feed setting rather than a two speed gearbox. Choose it if your boards fit within its width and you want the long support tables; skip it if your work often exceeds 12.5 in or feed choice is important.
A planer by itself is not the right tool for flattening a board that rocks or twists. Our planer sled guide explains how a sled supports uneven stock for planing.
Craftsman CMEW320 12.25-Inch Planer: Best for vacuum hookups
Craftsman CMEW320 12.25-Inch Planer: Best for vacuum hookups
- 12.25 in cutting width
- 15 amp motor
- two knife cutterhead
- vacuum port
This Craftsman uses a two knife, quick change solid steel cutterhead and has a vacuum port for dust collection. Its 12.25 in width suits stock that stays within that capacity.
Pros
- Quick change knives
- Vacuum port
- Three year limited warranty
Cons
- Narrowest cutting width in this group
- No feed speed options stated
The Craftsman CMEW320 suits a buyer who prefers a two knife quick change cutterhead and needs no more than 12.25 in of width. Its 15 amp motor is designed for removing material from hard and soft wood.
The solid steel cutterhead is mounted on ball bearings, and its double edged knives are reversible. A vacuum port gives you a direct way to connect dust collection.
This is the narrowest planer in the group, so measure your widest boards before choosing it. Buy it if your stock fits and the vacuum port suits your shop; skip it if you regularly dimension wide panels or want a stated choice of feed speeds.
WEN PL1252 12.5-Inch Planer: Best for reversible blades
WEN PL1252 12.5-Inch Planer: Best for reversible blades
- 12.5 in cutting width
- two reversible SK5 blades
- up to 1/8 in depth per pass
- 26 ft per minute feed rate
The PL1252 includes two reversible 12.5 in SK5 blades and allows depth adjustments from 0 to 1/8 in per pass. Its stated maximum board thickness is 6 in.
Pros
- Reversible blades
- Depth adjustment up to 1/8 in
- Workpiece return rollers
Cons
- Two blade cutterhead
- No variable feed speed
The WEN PL1252 keeps blade care straightforward with two reversible SK5 blades and depth adjustment from 0 to 1/8 in per pass. Its 12.5 in width and stated 6 in maximum thickness cover a broad range of common home shop boards.
WEN gives it a 26 ft per minute feed rate and workpiece return rollers for repeated passes. Height adjustable infeed and outfeed tables add support, and predrilled base holes let you mount it to a work surface or stand.
This is a single speed option, so it does not offer the feed choice of the DeWalt DW735 models. Choose it if reversible blades and a 12.5 in capacity matter more than feed adjustment; skip it if you want multiple feed settings.
VEVOR 13-Inch Planer with Folding Stand: Best for a ready stand
VEVOR 13-Inch Planer with Folding Stand: Best for a ready stand
- 13 in cutting width
- detachable stand
- folding extension plates
- dust exhaust interface
A detachable stand and foldable extension plates give this 13 in planer a flexible shop setup. Its dust exhaust interface can connect to dust collection, and an iron dust cover is included.
Pros
- Stand included
- Folding extension plates
- Dust collection connection
Cons
- Two cutter blades
- Feed speed is stated as 236 in per minute
This VEVOR includes a detachable iron stand with foldable extension plates, making it a fit for a shop that needs a stand in the same package. Its 13 in cutting width matches the widest capacity in this roundup.
The dust exhaust interface can connect to a dust collector, and an iron dust cover is also included. Its stated feed speed is 236 in per minute, and it comes with two double cutter blades.
Consider the footprint and working height before placing it in a compact shop. Choose this model if a stand and foldable extensions solve a real setup problem; skip it if you already have a suitable bench and prefer clearly specified feed choices.
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer: Best for extended tables
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer: Best for extended tables
- 13 in cutting width
- two knife cutterhead
- 35 in total table length
- vacuum port
This VEVOR has a two knife cutterhead and table extensions that bring total support length to 35 in. The vacuum port can connect to a shop vacuum or dust collection system.
Pros
- 35 in total table length
- Cast iron bed
- Overcurrent protection
Cons
- Single speed
- Two knife cutterhead
The two blade VEVOR is aimed at longer boards, with table extensions that provide 35 in of total support length. Its 13 in worktable is designed for stock up to 6 in thick.
A vacuum port can connect to a vacuum cleaner or dust system. The cast iron bed and steel plate are intended to help keep boards flat, while a built in overcurrent protector cuts power if current exceeds 20 amps.
The planer has one speed and a two knife cutterhead. Choose it when table support and width are your main priorities; skip it if you want a second feed setting or a three knife cutterhead.
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer: Best for dual feed choices
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer: Best for dual feed choices
- 13 in cutting width
- three HSS blades
- two feed speeds
- dual roller feed system
This VEVOR pairs three HSS blades with two feed speeds and a dual roller feed system. Its dust ports support 2 in and 4 in hoses, so check your hose and adapter fit before setup.
Pros
- Two feed speeds
- Three blades
- Dual roller feed system
Cons
- Feed speed values are not stated
- Dust hose compatibility needs setup confirmation
This VEVOR brings together three HSS blades, two feed speeds and a dual roller feed system. The feed options may appeal if you want more control, but the speed values are not stated.
The 13 in table is designed for long boards, and the dust ports are described as compatible with 2 in and 4 in hoses. Check that your hose or adapter fits before setup, since the vacuum and dust bag are sold separately.
The model offers depth control in 1/8 in steps. It suits buyers who want three blades and feed options at a 13 in width, but those who need known feed settings should look at the DW735 or DW735X.
How do you choose the best benchtop planer for your boards?
Choose a benchtop planer by matching its width, feed controls, board support and chip handling to the work you actually do. A wider capacity only helps when your bench, stock and dust collection can support it.
How wide should a benchtop planer be?
A 13 in planer gives you more capacity than 12.5 in or 12.25 in models, but measure your usual stock before paying for extra width. If your boards stay below 12 in, a narrower machine may be easier to fit while still covering your work.
Measure the widest solid board or glued panel you expect to plane, then check the machine’s stated capacity. Leave enough room around it for infeed and outfeed support so long stock stays level as it enters and exits.
Are two feed speeds useful on a benchtop planer?
Two feed speeds are useful when you want different cuts per inch for different jobs. The DeWalt DW735 and DW735X specify 96 or 179 CPI, while the VEVOR three blade model says it has two speeds without giving their values.
A single speed can be enough if you mainly dimension boards before sanding. Feed choice matters more if you want to adjust the pass for a finer surface or different work pace.
How much table support do long boards need?
Long boards need level support at both ends to reduce tipping and uneven feeding. The DW734 provides 33.5 in of support, while the VEVOR two blade model states 35 in with its extensions.
Use roller stands or a helper when a board is too long to stay level on the planer tables alone. Align those supports with the planer bed so the board does not dip as it enters or leaves.
What dust setup should you plan for?
Plan for chips before the first pass because a thickness planer ejects a large amount of waste. The DW735 models use fan assisted chip ejection, while Craftsman and VEVOR models have ports or exhaust connections.
Match the hose and collector to the planer connection, then clear the ejection path before you start. If dust management is a larger shop issue, see how to size a dust collector.
How should you set up a benchtop planer?
Set the planer on a stable, level surface and give it room for boards to travel through the machine. A stand or bench should not wobble, and support stands should align with the planer bed rather than lifting or dropping the board.
Connect dust collection before use, check that the hose stays clear of moving stock, and set the depth before feeding a board. Read the machine’s instructions for blade changes, adjustment points and safe operating steps.
What habits help get cleaner, more consistent passes?
Take light, consistent passes instead of trying to remove too much material at once. Use the depth adjustment to make gradual changes, and keep the board moving at a steady pace without forcing it through the cutterhead.
Support long boards as they enter and exit. To reduce snipe at the ends, check that the tables or extensions sit level with the planer bed, and consider sacrificial scrap boards before and after a valuable workpiece.
What common mistakes should you avoid?
The most common planning mistake is buying by cutting width alone. A wide planer still needs a stable base, enough infeed and outfeed room, and a dust connection that suits your shop.
Avoid feeding boards that exceed the stated capacity, making an overly deep pass, or letting a long board sag as it crosses the tables. Keep your hands clear of the cutterhead and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for blade changes and adjustment.
Which best benchtop planer should you choose?
Choose the DW735X if you want two defined feed speeds, 13 in capacity, tables and spare knives together. Pick the DW734 for 12.5 in stock and long board support, the Craftsman or WEN for narrower work with a two knife setup, or a VEVOR model when its stand or table extensions fit your shop.
If you are planning a compact shop around several machines, our benchtop woodworking tools guide can help you decide what belongs on the bench.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What width benchtop planer should I choose?
Choose a planer width that covers the boards you expect to thickness. A 13 in model gives more capacity than 12.5 in or 12.25 in options, but the wider machine may take more bench space.
Measure your largest stock and leave clear room for the planer and its infeed and outfeed support.
Is a two speed planer useful for a home shop?
Two feed speeds let you choose between faster stock sizing and more cuts per inch when the machine gives you those settings. The DeWalt DW735 and DW735X offer 96 or 179 CPI, while the VEVOR three blade model states two speeds without their values.
Choose based on whether you need that control and can confirm the settings.
Do benchtop planers need dust collection?
Planers eject a large volume of chips, so decide where debris will go before the first pass. The DeWalt DW735 and DW735X use fan assisted chip ejection, while Craftsman and VEVOR models have dust ports or exhaust connections.
Match the hose to the port and keep the ejection path clear.
How can I reduce snipe from a benchtop planer?
Support long boards level with the planer tables and feed the stock steadily. The VEVOR two speed model recommends keeping the worktable level or using sacrificial scrap boards before and after the project board.
A planer sled can support a board that rocks or twists when you need to flatten one face.
