A thickness planer is an invaluable tool for any small shop, allowing you to quickly and accurately mill wood to your desired thickness. Whether you’re a hobbyist woodworker or a professional carpenter, a thickness planer can help you get the job done quickly and easily. When shopping for a thickness planer, you’ll want to consider power, size, and other features to ensure you’re getting the best machine for the job.
With so many thickness planer for small shop brands on the market like Shop Fox, WEN, DEWALT, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.1. Shop Fox W1877 13″ Portable Planer with Spira
Our Rating
- Motor: 2HP, 120V, single-phase, 15A
- Maximum stock width: 13 in.
- Maximum stock thickness: 6 in.
- Maximum cutting depth: 1/8 in.
- Cutterhead type: spiral-style with 26 inserts
- Cutterhead speed: 10,000 RPM
- Feed rate: 26 FPM
- Table size with extensions: 13 in. x 33-1/4 in.
- Dust port size: 4 in. with 2-1/2 in. adapter included
- Carbide insert size: 14mm x 14mm x 2mm
2. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thi
Our Rating
- Spiral cutterhead utilizes 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades for a clean, smooth finish
- Onboard material removal gauge informs users about the cutting depth of each pass
- Plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- 15A motor generates 10,000 RPM at a 26 feet per minute feed rate
3. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchto
Our Rating
- Plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide
- 15A motor generates 20,000 cuts per minute at a 26 feet per minute feed rate
- Includes two reversible 12.5-inch SK5 blades (model BP122K)
- Adjust the depth of anywhere from 0 to 1/8 of an inch with each pass
4. Shop Fox W1863-15″ 3 HP Planer with Helical C
Our Rating
- Helical cutterhead with triple V-belt drive
- 2-speed chain-driven automatic feed rollers
- Hardened anti-kickback fingers
- Precision-ground cast-iron table and extension wings
- Locking table
5. DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 K
Our Rating
- Powerful 15-AMP, 20,000 RPM motor (10,000 RPM cutterhead speed) handles larger cuts in wider materials with ease
- Three knife cutter-head delivers 30-percent longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier
- Two speed gear box allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
- Fan-assisted chip ejection vacuums chips off of the cutter-head and exhausts them out of the machine
Best thickness planer for small shop Buying guide
When shopping for a thickness planer for a small shop, there are several features to consider. First, look for a planer that has a powerful motor, such as one with a minimum of 15 amps. This will ensure that you can easily plane thicker stock. Additionally, look for a planer that has a dust collection system that is effective and easy to use. This will help keep your shop clean and protect your lungs from dust particles. Additionally, make sure that the planer has adjustable settings for depth of cut, allowing you to make precise adjustments. Finally, look for a planer with a good warranty, as this will help protect your purchase in the event of any issues.