For the home woodworker, a wood planer is an invaluable tool for creating smooth, even surfaces on a variety of woods. A planer can help you achieve professional results on a wide range of projects, from furniture making to crafting custom cabinets. The best wood planers for home shops are designed to be easy to use, with features that make the job easier and faster. Look for planers with adjustable cutting depths, dust collection systems, and blade guards for safety.
With so many wood planer for home shop brands on the market like Shop Fox, WEN, DEWALT, Shopsmith, Inc., 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. DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch 3 Knife for
Our Rating
- 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
4. 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
5. Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone
Our Rating
- Click on the image for description.
Best wood planer for home shop Buying guide
When selecting a wood planer for a home shop, there are several features to consider.
First, consider the motor power. Look for a motor that is at least 1/3 horsepower, but preferably more. A powerful motor will make planing smoother and faster.
Next, look for a planer that has a depth of cut adjustment. This will allow you to adjust the depth of the cuts to match the thickness of the wood you are planing.
Also, consider the size and weight of the planer. If you plan to move the planer around, look for a lighter planer that is easier to move.
Finally, consider the type of blades that the planer uses. Look for a planer that uses high-quality blades that are made of durable material, such as carbide or high-speed steel.
By considering these features, you can easily find the best wood planer for your home shop.