Thickness Planers

If woodworking is one of your hobbies, but you don’t know what type of planer is best for you, this might be the right place to be. Also known as a wood thicknesser, a thickness planer helps you adjust the thickness or size of a lumber, making the surface smooth and plane. In simple terms, this tool is used for trimming boards and making a consistent thickness across the length of the board.

As you probably know, there are so many types and models of planers on the market, that it is quite difficult to make the right purchase. After a lot of research into the pros and cons of various models found on the market, we picked our final 5. Take a look at the comparison chart below and find the model that meet your expectations.

Top 5 Thickness Planer Comparison

	1. DEWALT DW735X	2. Makita 2012NB	3. DEWALT DW734	4. Delta Power Tools 22-555	5. WEN 6550
	BEST MODEL		OUR CHOICE
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
General Information
Manufacturer	DeWalt	Makita	DeWalt	Delta	WEN
Item model	DW735X	2012NB	DW734	22-555	6550
Planer Type	Stationary	Bench	Stationary	Bench	Bench
Power Tool Type	Corded	Corded-Electric	Corded	Corded-Electric	Corded
Dimensions&Weight
Product Depth (in.)	24.25	30.38	20	21.625	23.5
Product Height (in.)	21.75	15.813	20	20.125	19
Product Width (in.)	22	19	21	23.625	24
Weight	92 lbs.	61.9 lbs.	80 lbs.	58 lbs.	79 lbs.
Specifications
Amperage (amps)	15	15	15	15	15
Depth Capacity (in.)	6	6-3/32	6	3/32	6
Width Capacity (in.)	13	12	12-1/2	12	12.5
Maximum Speed (rpm)	20,000 (motor)/10,000 (cutterhead) rpm	8500	20,000 (motor)/10,000 (cutterhead) rpm	9400	9400
Minimum Cut Depth (in.)	0	0.008	0.008	0	0
Maximum Cut Depth (in.)	0.13	0.13	0.125	0.09	0.094
CPM/CPI	96 or 179 CPI	17000 CPM	96 CPI	18800 CPI	18800 CPI
Number of Cutting Blades	3	2	3	2	2
Feed Rate (FPM)	14	28	N/A	28	26
Features
	Fan-assisted chip ejection	4-post design and diagonal cross	Four-column carriage lock	Polyurethane feed rollers	Fan-assisted dust port
	Automatic carriage lock	L.E.D. light	Extra-large thickness scale	Stainless steel bed
	Extra large turret depth-stop		Turret depth stop
What’s in the Box
	13-in Two-Speed Planer – DW735X, Dust Hose Adapter, Dust Ejection Chute, Extra Set of Knives, Infeed Table, Outfeed Table	Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer, planer blade set, two magnetic holders, wrenches, and tool box.	DW734 DEWALT 12-1/2-Inch Planer with Three-Knife Cutterhead and dust hood.	Delta Power Tools 22-555, dust hood, 2-knife, manual guide.	WEN 6550, granite table, rubber adjustment handle, cast iron base, pre-drilled mounting holes, foldable infeed table, foldable outfeed table, side handles, fan-assisted dust port, roller bar.
Warranty&Support
Warranty	3 Year Limited	3 Year Limited	3 Year Limited	5 Year Limited	2 Year Limited
Customer Support

2018 Thickness Planer Reviews

1. DEWALT DW735X

The DEWALT DW735X is one of the best tools for wood planing. Thanks to its 20000 rpm motor and 10000rpm cutter-head speed, it should be as no surprise that we choose this product as the best one on the market. Also, it is equipped with a 2-speed gearbox which allows you to determine the speed of the device. What we like most about this tool is that it helps you stay focused on your task. It comes with a fan-assisted chip ejection system that will help you do that. Additionally, it comes with a three-knife cutter-head that was clearly built for accuracy. In what regards the cut quality, it’s very important to know that it is able to optimize the cuts with 96 or 179 CPIs. As compared to other similar devices, it is covered by a three-year limited warranty which ensures the motor and other parts of this unit are protected from the possibility of defects.

PROS	CONS
It is equipped with a chip ejection system that effectively ejects wood dust.	It does not work well on the cold
It comes with an automatic carriage lock.
High quality finish
3-years warranty
VERDICT
The DEWALT DW735X is a brilliant model at a greatly affordable price. It is one of those tools that you must buy if you want perfection in your cuttings. As mentioned above, there are many models on the market, but they are not as sophisticated as this tool. It comes with so many features that will definitely make your whole job much easier.

2. Makita 2012NB

The Makita 2012NB is a 12-inch planer specially designed to meet all your expectations. It comes with a simple design and it a lot of features. It is an ideal tool for all those woodworkers who are specialized in staircases, closets, furniture and cabinets. The fact that it comes with “Interna-Lok” automated head-clamp is a major perk because it eliminates any chance of sniping occurring. Also, its 4 posts design combined with cross supports helps it improve the stability of the planner. More than that, it comes with a large table extension which will help you support the workpieces more efficiently. In what regards the power of this device, keep in mind that it comes with a 15amp motor which operates at a no-load speed of 8500 rpm. It makes 83 dB noise, which means that it is one of the quietest planner available on the market in its class. Overall, this model is a powerful planer and it will definitely meet your requirements.

PROS	CONS
Only 83 dB noise	It is not equipped with a sensor that helps you know when it is too hot
It features an Interna-Lok head clamp
It comes with an adjustable depth stop
4-post design and diagonal cross
VERDICT
The Makita 2012NB is a great planer that comes with a lot of impressive features. Its compact design and low noise are 2 of the most important features of this device that people would appreciate for sure. Its blades are very easy to change and the depth stop is adjustable. Moreover, it comes with a large table extension and a 4-post design with diagonal cross supports for greater stability. Additionally, it comes with a reasonable price and a 3-year limited warranty.

3. DEWALT DW734

If you are looking to purchase a planer for smoothing out rough wood, the DEWALT DW734 is exactly what you need. As you probably know, this woodworking machine can be a very costly addition that some people cannot afford to buy. Thankfully, there are a few models, including this one that comes at a very reasonable price. More than that, aside from being affordable, it is also a powerful tool that comes with a 15 amps motor which operates at a no-load speed of 10,000rpm. One of the most important aspects of a wood planer is the precision. You will need a wood tool that makes a good job and the DW734 does exactly this: precise cuts. We agree that this is an incredible tool, but there are a few things you need to pay attention. It is recommended to clean the planer and lubricate the cutter head. Cleaning it very well will help you prevent clogs due to debris or wood resins.

PROS	CONS
Easy to operate	It is a bit problematic when trying to get 1/32th or more in a single pass
It works well with any kind of wood.
It comes with a powerful motor
Big capacity feed
Accurate depth gauge
VERDICT
The overall performance of the DEWALT DW734 is very good. It is a powerful planer that provides great services. It is very easy to use, which means that it can easily be used at home or in a woodworking shop. Also, it is made of durable materials which makes it last a long period of time. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

4. Delta Power Tools 22-555

The Delta Power Tools 22-555 is an incredible planer that provides superior durability and unsurpassed reliability. Powered by a 15 amp motor, this tool is capable of handling the likes of DIY and professional grade projects with ease. Its infeed and outfeed tables are completely adjustable. This gives you the versatility and flexibility to complete smaller and larger projects alike. With its 2 knives this bench-top planer will work easily with both hardwood and softwood without breaking a sweat. This planer is a great tool for anyone in need of a wood planer. It can easily work with a stock of a maximum of 13” wide by 6” high and a minimum stock of 1/8” by 10”. Overall, it is a good product that will definitely do a great job.

PROS	CONS
Powerful and stable tool	It is not recommended for heavy-duty, professional projects
Ideal tool for straightening wood planks	More expensive than other models in this category
It comes with a precise adjustment setting and attractive features
Improved efficiency with the knife changing system
Easy to move
VERDICT
In spite of how good the other models are, allow us to introduce the Delta Power Tools 22-555 model. This model has become popular to most of the consumer’s thanks to its powerful motor and compact design. Although it does not have as many features as the above models, it still is a good option worth taking into consideration.

5. WEN 6550

Some people are not impressed with the WEN company because it makes inexpensive and affordable tools. But if you have a limited budget and you need to save some money, the 6550 model is a solid choice. One of the most interesting aspects of this tool is the rubber grips used on the adjustments knobs. They help you stay safe and secure, keeping your hands away from any of the metal and electrical components. Additionally, it is important to know that it has a feed rate of 26 ft. per minute and it is able to make more than 18.000 cuts every minute, as well. Also, it does not weight so much. It weighs only 79 pounds, which means that it can easily be moved from a corner to another. Overall, this is a great tool which will do everything you need and fit your budget.

PROS	CONS
Precise cuts	Expensive Replacement Blades
It comes with dust hose connection port	It does not come with its own stand and you will need to make one of your own.
Rubber adjustments handle make it easy to change the blade on the planer
It features a tri-roller system which allows you to cut the boards without experiencing any snipe
VERDICT
If you are reading this review, it is because you are probably interested in purchasing a new thickness planer. The WEN 6550 is a reliable tool that will probably impress you with its features. It is a powerful and very stable tool that is available at a great price. It is also worth mentioning that comes with a two-year warranty that will cover the problems that are the result of a manufacturer’s error.

6. POWERTEC PL1251

We are proud to include this reliable planer on our list. The POWERTEC PL1251 is a great tool that comes with all the features you will need in a planer. It comes with a cutter head speed of 9400 RPM which means no more than 18.800 cuts per minute. Additionally, it is equipped with an index pin setup for EZ blade replacement, workpiece return rollers, side-mounted carrying handles and spindle lock. This last feature is for safe blade change. It is extremely safe and secure, so you can easily use it without having to worry about your fingers. It is also worth mentioning that the minimum thickness capacity is 1/8 inches. The maximum stock width is 12-1/2 inches while the maximum stock thickness is 6 inches. Like any other product it has pros and cons, but considering its affordable price we can honestly say that it is a great value for money, so if you are on a limited budget it is a great option to consider.

PROS	CONS
It is a great, sturdy tool	It doesn’t come with a dust port
It hold thickness well
Easy to use and setup
Its blades can be removed with ease for replacement
No blade gauge requirement
VERDICT
The POWERTEC PL1251 has everything you need in a planer. It has a lot of features, it is easy to use and features a design that provides maximum stability and accuracy. Also, thanks to its spindle lock for safe blade change it is extremely safe and secure.

7. PORTER-CABLE PC305TP

The PORTER-CABLE PC305TP is a 12-inch thickness planer powered by a 15 amp motor. With two knives, one steel cutter and one head mounted on ball bearings, this is a nice, valuable and yet affordable asset for any woodworking shop. It measures 23 x 15 x 17.7 inches and weighs 62 lbs. the fact that it is lightweight and portable is a major perk as it can be moved from a place to another with ease. Also, it is a big plus that it works great in reclaiming old boards as well as new ones. With 8000 RPM and 16.000 cuts per minute, this tool is more powerful than many other models available on the market, so if you intend to buy it, do not hesitate and do it as you will not regret it. Made of high carbon steel with double Edged and reversible knives, this is a durable planer that will satisfy all your needs. Like any other product, it comes with a few drawbacks and the fact that it produces snipes in both ends of the board is an important thing to consider. However, it is a good option to consider when looking for a planer.

PROS	CONS
Fast input-feed speed	Low planing depth
Accepts 12.5 inch stock
High value for money
Reversible blades
VERDICT
With its powerful motor, this incredible planer is capable of providing about 16.000 cuts per minute. It is durable, easy to use and portable. Therefore, if you are thinking about purchasing a planer that can be moved from a place to another with ease, this is exactly what you are looking for.

Types of Planers

Do you have a wide range of tools in your workshop and you are interested in adding a one that comes in handy if you are doing various projects? If you need a tool that can fix your warped and irregular piece of wood, preparing it for whatever project you may have, this type of woodworking machine can be exactly what you need. With so many types of planers on the market, we understand that it can be a bit too difficult to make a choice. That’s why, below, we have created four different categories of planters. Each category has its own purpose. Plus, each one of these models has some advantages and disadvantages. Take a look below and choose the one that serves you the best for your woodworking project.

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Thickness Planer

With this planer, you will be able to get smooth shaped boards with a constant thickness. It allows you to work with irregular pieces of wood and make them smooth and thick for your project. The main advantage of using this planer is that you can purchase any type of wood from a lumberyard at a reasonable price, without thinking that it might be too thin. You can use this device to shape it to size. Most workers prefer to use it because it is portable. However, it is important to know that you will need a wide space to operate it.

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Pros – Inexpensive, portable and very easy to use.
Cons – Not always precise.
Good For – DIY enthusiasts who want to save some money.

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Handheld Planer

As you probably know the hand planer is the most popular type of planers out there. As compared to thickness or jointer-planers, it has a serrated edge parallel to the wood surface. It can be used to smooth and shape various forms of wood. The power models are extremely versatile. They come with lots of features and were designed to replace the standard models. Also, it is very important to understand that the handheld tool cannot only shave and level the piece of wood. It can also perform the functions of a belt sander as well as a jointer.

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Pros – Easy to use. It does not need electricity.
Cons – It cannot be used for reducing thickness beyond 1 inch. It may take too much time to level wood.
Good For – DIY enthusiasts who need a tool for finishing purposes.

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Jointer Planer

Beginning workers and DIY enthusiasts alike, all have the same question: is there any difference between a jointer and a planer? The answer is yes. Each tool serves its own purpose. Thankfully, a multitask tool, such as a jointer planer will cost less than the two separately and can be extremely efficient for woodworking hobbyists which consider that space can be a real problem. A jointer can be used to create smooth surfaces, while a planer is able to cut wood into the desired thickness. A jointer planer is a combo machine which can do these two jobs at once, in no time. It has the features of a jointer and works as a planer.

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Pros – Extremely powerful and reliable. Capable of doing two tasks at once.
Cons – Most models are large and bulky.
Good For – Small workshops who need a tool for large projects but do not have enough space to place it.

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Benchtop Planer

You might think that this is a portable planer, which can be easily moved from a place to another. In fact, a benchtop planer is similar to portable planers but it is much larger than a portable one. Because of this, it can be difficult to move around. However, this type of planer is extremely powerful and able to handle hardwood. More than that, it should be noted that most models come at a very reasonable price.

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Pros – High power and great reliability.
Cons – Because of its large size, it won’t be easy to move around.
Good For – Heavy-duty use and hard woods.

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Product Ratings

As mentioned above, there are many types and models of planers. This is why finding exactly what you need could be a back-breaking task. Actually, after looking at all those models, you can feel more confused than ever about which planer is best for your needs. Before making a purchase, there are a few things you need to consider. Therefore, in order to pick up the right tool for you, take a look at the factor above.

• Table size

Not only the size of the planer is important. There is also the size of the cutting area you need to consider. The ideal planer should support pieces of woods of up 15 inches wide or thick. This size may be enough for a large project, but if you need something larger than that, you can go up for models that function with boards that are more than 20-inch long.

• Cutting area

Another important aspect is the cutting area. The blades of a planer come in different sizes, shapes and styles. While some people prefer models with helical heads, others choose the planers with spiral design. The ones with helical head operate faster than other heads. The other models, the ones with spiral design will make your pieces of wood look smoother than you ever imagine.

• Motor

Another important factor to consider is the motor of the device and its size. As you might expect, the most affordable models are equipped with universal motors. They are lightweight and less effective than others. Plus they are not powerful and do not work well with hardwoods. Choosing a planer strongly depends on what you do in your workshop. If you are looking for a model with a powerful motor that can help you complete even the most complicated projects and operate well on hardwoods, then a model equipped with an induction motor is all you need. Although induction motors weigh more than standard ones, they will function with any type of wood you use.

• Tool size

When looking to purchase this type of woodworking machine, make sure you consider the size of the model. If you buy the tool for personal purposes, you can opt for a small tool which can be placed in your garage. On the other hand, if you need a more advanced model that can handle more tasks at the same time, a larger size will satisfy your needs. However, it comes in a large size, so it will take up more space.

• Noise

Before making an investment and spending a fortune on a new power planer, it’s recommended to see that product in action. These tools tend to be quite noisy. We understand that it may not bother you, but your neighbors can complain about the noise produced by your new power tool. Also, it is important to see how it operates with hardwood. While with thick wood it is not noisy, with hard pieces of wood, it may be quite noisy.

What Are the Uses of a Planer in Woodworking?

Have you ever wondered why planers matter so much to professional woodworkers? As you might think, a workshop is not complete without at least one planer. It is an incredible tool which helps you create new and unique things. It is a valuable tool that will help you reduce thickness on a board. Actually, you can use any piece of wood, even one with the most irregular shape and level it to the desired thickness.

With a planer, anything is possible. Also, it is important to know that you can use this machine for large projects which need parts to adjoin together. Having this tool allows you to design accurate sized boards

Another reason to own this tool is that it is very easy to use and maintain. More than that, it is safe and comes at a reasonable price as compared to other types of planers which are a bit more expensive than this one.

As mentioned above, there are so many types and models of planners that it could be quite difficult to make the best choice. Therefore, in order to help you find exactly what you need we have made a comparison table where you can find any detail related to these tools. From power, cutter head, capacity and design to costs and warranty, there are a plethora of important things to consider.
In summary, like any other device you have purchased before, it all depends on your preferences. No model will be perfect, but it is important to opt for a tool that will make your job easier, more enjoyable and profitable.