The best budget benchtop planer is an invaluable tool for any woodworker or DIYer. It allows you to quickly and accurately plane and shape wood, helping you make furniture, cabinets, and other woodworking projects. It is easy to use, and available in a wide range of price points. With the right model, you can get professional-level results for a fraction of the cost of a full-sized planer.
With so many budget benchtop planer brands on the market like DEWALT, WEN, Craftsman, Jet, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.1. 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
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. CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two
Our Rating
- HARD AND SOFT WOOD MATERIAL REMOVAL: 15 Amp motor of the woodworking planer provides power for both hard and soft wood material removal
- MAXIMUM STOCK REMOVAL: The thickness planer features Poly-V Cutterhead drive for maximum stock removal
- SMOOTH OPERATION: The wood planer featuring two knife, quick change, solid steel cutter head mounted on ball bearings, assures smooth operation and long life
- LONG CUTTING LIFE: High carbon steel, double edged, reversible knives for long cutting life
- CLEANER WORKSPACE: Vacuum port for dust collection
4. WEN PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchto
Our Rating
- 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
5. JET JWP-13BT, 13-Inch Benchtop Planer, Helica
Our Rating
- SMOOTH CUTS: Helical-style cutter head, with easy-to-change blades, provides a clean cuts.
- REDUCED SNIPE: Precision machined cast iron bed and steel cover assists in keeping boards flat.
- POWERFUL MOTOR: 2-HP 15-amp motor turns the cutter head at 10,000 RPM.
- MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY: Dual infeed speed control for either 18 fpm or 26 fpm, maximizes cut efficiency on different wood material types.
- FOUR POST DESIGN: For maximum control and support of cutter head in reference to work piece and cast table.
Best budget benchtop planer Buying guide
When shopping for a benchtop planer, there are several factors to consider. The most important factor is your budget. If you are looking for the best planer for the lowest price, you should consider the following features:
Power: Look for a planer with a motor that is powerful enough to handle the job. While a lower-powered motor may be cheaper, it will not be able to handle larger pieces of wood.
Cutting Width: Make sure the planer has a cutting width that is large enough to fit the pieces of wood you will be working with.
Portability: If you need to transport the planer often, look for one that is lightweight and easy to move.
Depth of Cut: Check to see how much material the planer can remove per pass. This is an important factor to consider if you will be working with thick wood.
Extras: Some planers come with additional features such as dust collection and automatic feeders. If you need these features, look for a planer that includes them.
These are some of the key factors to consider when looking for the best budget benchtop planer. With careful consideration, you can find one that meets your needs and fits your budget.