A thickness planer is a great tool for any woodworker who needs to make precise cuts and smooth the surface of a piece of wood. The best small thickness planers have a range of features that make them ideal for use in small-scale projects. They offer a wide range of cutting depths to help you get the exact cut you need and are easy to store. Many also come with powerful motors, dust collection systems, and efficient feed systems, making them an excellent choice for woodworking projects.
With so many small thickness planer brands on the market like DEWALT, WEN, Delta, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.1. DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch 3 Knife for
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- Purchase includes one stationary 13″ Planer, in/out feed tables with fasteners (attached to the base of the Planer base), extra blades and dust hose adapter. Stand is not included.
- Three knife cutter head of the thickness planer delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier
- Two-speed gear box of the wood planer allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
- Fan-assisted chip ejection vacuums chip off of the cutter head and exhausts them out of the machine
- 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base is 2 times more rigid than a standard 10-inch base and folding tables
- Automatic carriage lock reduces the movement that causes snipe without the need for manual engagement by the user
- Material removal gauge and extra large thickness scale deliver accurate cuts with every pass
- Extra large turret depth-stop allows users to return to most frequently used thicknesses with ease
- Includes infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of knives
2. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thi
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- 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 PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchto
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- Plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
- 15A motor generates 30,000 cuts per minute at a 26 feet per minute feed rate
- Includes three reversible 13-inch SK5 blades (model BP133K)
- Adjust the depth of cut anywhere from 0 to 1/8 of an inch with each pass
4. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchto
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- 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
5. Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thick
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- Powerful 15A motor capable of handling the most demanding jobs
- Four column design provides excellent stability for smooth, accurate planning
- Quick-change knife system with dual edge disposable knives lets you change knives without difficult to use alignment jigs
- Adjustable infeed and outfeed tables to better support long pieces and reduce snipe
- Reversible dust port allows you to collect chips from the right or left side of planer.Machine Dimensions: 21-5/8 x 23-5/8 x 20-1/8 inches
- Two polyurethane feed rollers for a no-slip grip on the workpiece; positioned close to the cutterhead to improve workpiece finish
Best small thickness planer Buying guide
When purchasing a small thickness planer, consider the following:
– Motor power and speed: Look for a motor that has at least 1,500 watts of power and a variable speed of 8,000 to 10,000 RPM.
– Planer width: Most small thickness planers have a planer width of 12 to 16 inches. The wider the planer, the more material it can handle.
– Cutterhead design: Look for a cutterhead with two or more blades that rotate in opposite directions. This helps prevent snipe, which is when the planer removes too much material from the ends of the board.
– Depth-of-cut capability: Look for a planer that can cut up to 1/8 inch in one pass.
– Dust collection: Look for a planer that has a dust collection system that collects at least 80% of the dust.
– Ease of use: Look for a planer that is easy to set up and adjust.
– Warranty: Look for a planer that comes with a good warranty.