Benchtop planers are an indispensable tool for both hobbyist woodworkers and professionals. They allow you to smoothen rough wood and make uniform thicknesses, an essential step for many woodworking projects.
Who Makes the Best Benchtop Planers?
While there are numerous options available, not all of them offer a good balance between price and performance. In this article, I will review the top 7 best benchtop planers under $500 that offer excellent functionality without breaking the bank.
1 – DEWALT 12-1/2 in. Benchtop Planer
Dewalt is a trusted name in power tools, and its DW734 has to be on our list of the Best Benchtop Planers. It lives up to Dewalt’s reputation for high-quality, reliable tools and is a pretty good workhorse for the price.
If you can afford a bit more, you should definitely look at this Dewalt planer, it is the best of the best near this price point.
Price: Around $489
Key Features
- Three-knife cutter head: This feature produces 96 cuts per inch, one of the finest finishes of any portable planer.
- Extra-long infeed and outfeed tables: These provide added material support to help reduce snipe.
- 15 Amp motor: The robust motor allows the planer to handle larger, deeper cuts in hardwood.
Pros
- Superior finish: The three-knife cutter head and high cuts per inch rate result in a superior finish.
- Versatility: The powerful motor allows this planer to handle a variety of woods, including hardwoods.
- Less snipe: The extra-long infeed and outfeed tables help to minimize snipe.
Cons
- Price: Although still under $500, the DEWALT DW734 is at the higher end of the price range.
- Blade life: Some users have reported that the blades wear out relatively quickly, especially with heavy use.
2 – WEN 12-1/2 in. Benchtop Planer
Price: Around $300
Key Features
- 15 Amp motor: This powerful motor generates 18,800 cuts per minute at a feed rate of 26 feet per minute, allowing for quick and efficient planing.
- Granite table: The planer features a granite table that provides a non-marring surface for your wood.
- Dust collection: A fan-assisted dust port removes sawdust from the workpiece during planing.
Pros
- Value for money: The WEN 6550T offers a great performance-to-price ratio.
- Smooth finish: The high number of cuts per minute results in a smooth, even finish on the wood.
- Durable construction: The granite table ensures durability and a non-marring surface.
Cons
- Limited thickness capacity: This model can handle material up to 6 inches thick, which may not be enough for your larger projects.
- Noise: Some users have noted that this planer is quite noisy during operation.
3 – Porter-Cable 12-1/2 in. Benchtop Planer
The Porter-Cable PC305TP is one of my picks for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient benchtop planer at a more affordable price.
Price: Around $319
Key Features
- Double-edged, high-carbon steel knives: These allow for improved performance and can be easily replaced when worn out.
- 15 Amp motor: Powerful enough to handle large, hard pieces of wood.
- Cutter elevation on four precision-ground columns: This design ensures superior cut stability.
Pros
- Excellent value: The Porter-Cable PC305TP delivers impressive performance at a very competitive price.
- Reliable motor: The powerful motor makes it capable of handling a variety of woods.
- Smooth operation: The planer’s design ensures consistent and smooth operation.
Cons
- Snipe: Some users have reported issues with snipe, although this can often be minimized with correct setup and use.
- Noise: Like many planers in its price range, this model can be quite loud during operation.
4 – CRAFTSMAN 12 in. Benchtop Planer
CRAFTSMAN hits the list of best benchtop planers because it is a brand known for its solid build quality and dependability, and the CMEW320 Benchtop Planer is no exception.
Price: Around $349
Key Features
- Solid steel cutter head: This design feature allows for a smoother cutting surface and an extended blade life.
- 15 Amp motor: This powerful engine is capable of handling a wide range of woods.
- Lightweight design: This model is one of the lighter benchtop planers, making it relatively portable.
Pros
- Durable: The solid steel cutter head and overall sturdy construction offer excellent durability.
- Versatile: The robust motor can handle various wood types, making this planer versatile for different projects.
- Portability: Its lightweight design makes it easier to move around if needed.
Cons
- Limited thickness capacity: Like some other budget models, this planer has a smaller thickness capacity, which might limit its use in larger projects.
- Noisy: Some users have noted this planer can be quite loud when in use.
5 – Makita 12 in. Planer with Automated Head Clamp
Yes, we realize it is NOT under $500, but wanted you to at least know about it. While the Makita 2012NB sits at the higher end of the budget range, its performance and features make it a worthwhile investment, and worth thinking about.
Price: Around $939
Key Features
- Compact and lightweight: Weighing only 62 pounds, this planer is easy to transport.
- Interna-Lok automated head clamp: This feature helps to eliminate snipe for improved performance.
- Quiet operation: This planer operates at a lower noise level compared to many competitors.
Pros
- Compact and portable: This “best benchtop planer” is designed for easy transport and storage.
- Reduced snipe: The Interna-Lok head clamp significantly reduces snipe, improving the quality of the finish.
- Quiet: The Makita 2012NB operates more quietly than many other benchtop planers, reducing noise pollution.
Cons
- Price: While NOT under $500, this model is one of the pricier options worth considering.
- Blade changing: Some users have found changing the blades on this planer to be somewhat difficult.
6 – Grizzly Industrial 12-1/2 in. Benchtop Planer
Because it’s a nice Grizzly, it just barely went over $500, and definitely one of the best benchtop planers, so I put it in the list!
Known for its solid construction and reliability, the Grizzly Industrial G0505 planer offers a fantastic mix of price and performance. Additional features like 1/8″-thick knives (instead of the usual 1/16″ thick knives on most) are evidence that this will be on the job site and in smaller woodshops for years!
Price: Around $529
Key Features
- Two-knife cutter head: This feature allows for efficient planing and easy blade changes.
- High feed rate: At a rate of 32 feet per minute, you can make quick work of your planing tasks.
- Dust collection: The built-in dust port allows for easy connection to a dust collector.
Pros
- Quick operation: The high feed rate allows for quick material removal.
- User-friendly: The design of this planer makes it straightforward to use and maintain.
- Solid construction: The sturdy build of the Grizzly Industrial G0505 ensures durability and longevity.
Cons
- Noise: Like many planers, this model can be quite loud during operation.
- Snipe: Some users have reported minimal snipe, though this can often be managed with proper infeed and outfeed support.
Conclusion
The quality required of a woodworking project often depends on the precision of the tools used, and for that you need one of the best benchtop planers.
When it comes to benchtop planers, investing in a quality model is crucial. While premium models can cost a pretty penny, there are numerous affordable options under $500 that offer excellent performance for their price.
I’ve reviewed six of what I feel are the best benchtop planers that can fit into (or within a few dollars of) a budget of $500 or less. Each model has its unique features, advantages, and drawbacks.
When choosing the right one for you, you’ll have to consider your specific needs, the types of wood you typically work with, and your available space. Whichever model you choose, a good benchtop planer will significantly enhance the quality of your woodworking projects, and I believe you’ll be happy with whichever one you choose.
Now, to handle all the dust you’re gonna kick up because you’re buying on of these best benchtop planers, you may want to jump over and read my article about The 7 Big Mistakes in Dust Collection Systems for Woodworking.
