A thickness planer reduces a board to a consistent thickness. The background on wood-planing machines distinguishes machine types; the two models below are benchtop thickness planers, rather than large floor-standing industrial machines.
These tools can be mounted to a stable bench or suitable stand. They work best with a flat reference face and do not automatically straighten a severely twisted or bowed board. A jointer or other appropriate stock-preparation method may be needed first.
Compare the width of the boards you use, the thickness capacity, feed options and included accessories. Maximum stock thickness is different from the amount of wood removed in one pass.
Best Stationary Planer Reviews
The following comparison focuses on model specifications and practical limitations, without claiming hands-on testing.
1. DEWALT DW735X 13-inch Two-Speed Thickness Planer
DEWALT DW735X 13-inch Two-Speed Thickness Planer
- 13-inch width capacity with three knives
- Two feed settings: 96 or 179 cuts per inch
- X package includes extension tables and an extra set of knives
The DW735X has a 15A, 20,000-RPM motor and a 10,000-RPM cutterhead. Its two-speed gearbox changes the feed rate to provide 96 or 179 cuts per inch; it does not change the motor power.
The slower feed setting gives more cuts per inch for finishing. Choose the setting and cut depth for the wood and follow the manual’s speed-selection procedure. Hard or figured grain can still tear out, so no setting guarantees a flawless surface.
Its stock-thickness capacity is 6 inches, while the maximum material removal is only 1/8 inch per pass, subject to the manual’s width and operating limits. Do not confuse those two measurements.
An automatic carriage lock limits movement associated with snipe. The included infeed/outfeed tables add support, but neither feature guarantees snipe-free boards. Fan-assisted chip ejection directs chips toward a connected collection system; extraction equipment and the correct hose arrangement remain necessary.
Pros
- Choice of feed rate for roughing and finishing
- Extension tables and spare knives included in the X package
- Automatic carriage lock
Limitations
- A substantial benchtop machine requiring a stable mounting surface
- Wider stock and difficult grain can require lighter cuts
Sanding tools for tight spaces
2. DEWALT DW734 Single-Speed Benchtop Planer
DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-inch Thickness Planer
- 12-1/2-inch width capacity; single feed speed
- Three reversible, disposable knives; 96 cuts per inch
- Infeed/outfeed tables and dust hood