5 Best Planers for Woodworking Projects in 2025

Precision, speed, and smoothness in one tool. Modern planers turn rough lumber into uniform, flat boards effortlessly, empowering woodworkers to craft furniture, décor, and projects with professional accuracy in any workshop.

Handheld options like the WEN 6530 provide control for detailed work. Power and size matter depending on wood type and project scale. This guide covers top planers with features that help both beginners and experienced woodworkers achieve smooth finishes easily.

1. Craftsman Planer

The CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320) is an ideal tool for woodworking enthusiasts, professional carpenters, and DIY hobbyists who require a reliable and powerful planer for smooth and precise wood finishing. This planer is perfect for those looking to efficiently level, thin, or smooth rough lumber and boards with ease and accuracy.

Pros:

• Powerful 15 Amp motor delivers consistent and efficient performance for demanding woodworking tasks.
• Two knife solid steel cutter head ensures clean, smooth cuts and long-lasting sharpness.
• Benchtop design offers stability and ease of use in a compact footprint.
• Durable construction with quality materials provides longevity and reliability.
• Multiple color options including black, grey, red, and brown to fit different workshop aesthetics.

Cons:

• Weighs over 61 pounds, which may limit portability for some users.
• May require regular maintenance to keep the cutter head in optimal condition.
• Dimensions might take up considerable space on smaller benchtops.

The CRAFTSMAN Planer CMEW320 features a robust 15 Amp motor that powers through various wood types, delivering smooth and even surfaces quickly. The benchtop design enhances stability during operation, making it easier for users to achieve professional-level finishes. Its two knife solid steel cutter head is engineered for durability and precision, reducing the need for frequent blade replacements and ensuring crisp, clean cuts every time.

With dimensions of 15.4 inches in height, 17.5 inches in width, and 23.5 inches in length, the planer fits well on most standard workbenches while providing ample surface area for handling large boards. The sturdy build and thoughtful design make it a reliable addition to any woodworking setup, allowing users to improve project quality and efficiency. Its multiple color options also add a personalized touch to your workspace.

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2. Dewalt Benchtop Planer

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734) is ideal for woodworking enthusiasts, professional carpenters, and DIY hobbyists who require precise, smooth, and efficient wood planing. If you are looking for a powerful and reliable tool to achieve high-quality finishes on various wood types, this benchtop planer is designed to meet those needs with ease.

Pros:

• Powerful 15-Amp motor delivering up to 20,000 RPM for fast and efficient planing.
• Wide 12-1/2 inch cutting width allows processing of larger boards quickly.
• 3-knife cutter head ensures smooth, consistent cuts and reduces tear-out.
• Robust build with corded design for uninterrupted work sessions.
• Compact benchtop size with manageable dimensions (21 x 17 x 24 inches) and solid weight (80 lbs) for stability during operation.

Cons:

• Heavier weight might limit portability for some users.
• Corded operation restricts movement compared to cordless models.
• May require some experience to adjust settings for optimal results.

The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer boasts a powerful 15-Amp motor that drives the 3-knife cutter head at a rapid 20,000 RPM, enabling smooth and efficient material removal. This combination delivers a clean, professional finish on wood surfaces, making it perfect for fine woodworking and cabinetry tasks. Its 12-1/2 inch cutting width accommodates wider boards, saving time and effort on larger projects.

Featuring a sturdy build and a compact benchtop design, this planer remains stable during operation, minimizing vibrations for more precise cuts. The 3-knife cutter system enhances cutting performance by distributing the workload evenly, reducing wear and tear on blades, and increasing the longevity of the tool. Additionally, the corded power source ensures constant performance without battery limitations, ideal for extended work sessions in a workshop setting.

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3. Dewalt Planer

The DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735) is ideal for professional woodworkers and serious DIY enthusiasts who require precise and efficient wood planing. If you often work on large woodworking projects or need to achieve smooth, uniform thickness on wide boards, this planer is designed to meet those demands with power and accuracy.

Pros:

• Powerful 20,000 RPM motor with two-speed options for versatile cutting performance
• 13-inch cutting width accommodates larger boards, reducing the need for multiple passes
• Equipped with 3 knives for smoother finishes and longer blade life
• Durable corded design ensures consistent power without battery limitations
• Compact dimensions (19 x 22 x 24 inches) provide a stable and manageable footprint in the workshop

Cons:

• Relatively heavy and bulky, which may limit portability
• Requires a dedicated power outlet, limiting use in remote or outdoor locations
• Higher price point compared to smaller or less powerful planers

The DEWALT DW735 features a robust motor capable of delivering up to 20,000 RPM with two different speed settings, allowing users to tailor their planing speed according to the type of wood and project requirements. This flexibility enhances control and efficiency, especially when working with hardwoods or performing larger cuts. The inclusion of three high-quality knives ensures a clean, smooth finish and reduces the need for frequent blade changes, saving time and maintenance efforts.

Designed with a 13-inch cutting width, this planer accommodates wider boards, making it suitable for larger woodworking tasks without compromising precision. Its solid build and ergonomic dimensions contribute to a stable work environment, minimizing vibrations and improving the overall user experience. While the corded setup guarantees uninterrupted power supply, it also ensures consistent performance during extended use, which is essential for professional-grade woodworking projects.

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4. Vevor Thickness Planer

The VEVOR Thickness Planer is ideal for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals who need a reliable and powerful tool for smoothing and sizing both hard and soft wood materials. If you require precision and efficiency in your woodworking projects, this benchtop planer with a 13-inch width worktable is designed to meet your needs, whether for hobbyist tasks or more demanding workshop environments.

Pros:

• Equipped with a 2000W powerful motor running at 23500 RPM for efficient and fast wood planing.
• Three-blade system ensures smooth and even surface finishes.
• Dual rollers improve wood feeding stability and precision.
• Over protection feature enhances safety by preventing overload damage.
• Compact benchtop design ideal for limited workspace setups.

Cons:

• Weighs 62.83 pounds, which may limit portability for some users.
• Single speed operation might not suit all types of woodworking adjustments.

The VEVOR Thickness Planer offers a robust 13-inch width worktable that accommodates a variety of wood sizes, making it versatile for different project demands. Its three-blade cutting system delivers consistently smooth finishes, reducing the need for additional sanding. The dual rollers ensure that wood pieces are fed through steadily and evenly, minimizing the chances of wood tear-out and improving overall accuracy.

With a powerful 2000W motor spinning at 23500 RPM, this planer handles both hard and soft wood materials efficiently, allowing users to complete their tasks faster without compromising quality. The built-in over protection feature safeguards the tool from electrical overload, extending its lifespan and providing peace of mind during extended use. Its compact benchtop form factor makes it a practical choice for workshops with limited space, balancing power and convenience effectively.

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5. Wen 6530 Electric Hand Planer

The WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch is ideal for woodworking enthusiasts, DIY hobbyists, and professionals seeking a reliable and efficient tool for smoothing and shaping wood surfaces. If you need a compact yet powerful planer for precise trimming and finishing tasks, this model is designed to meet those demands effectively.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design at 6.5 pounds for easy handling and maneuverability.
• 6-Amp motor delivers consistent power for smooth and efficient planing.
• 3-1/4 inch cutting width allows for precise and detailed work on various wood projects.
• Ergonomic design with comfortable grip reduces user fatigue during extended use.
• Durable build from Great Lakes Tool MFG INC ensures long-lasting performance.

Cons:

• May not be suitable for heavy-duty industrial tasks due to its compact size.
• Limited to a single cutting width which might restrict versatility for some users.
• Absence of advanced features like dust collection bag or laser guide in the basic model.

The WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer features a robust 6-Amp motor that powers a sharp blade across your wood surfaces, ensuring smooth, even cuts with every pass. Its 3-1/4-inch cutting width strikes a balance between precision and efficiency, making it perfect for trimming doors, leveling uneven boards, or chamfering edges. The lightweight and compact design, measuring just 7 inches in height and width with a length of 12 inches, makes it highly portable and easy to control, even in tight spaces.

Users benefit from its ergonomic orange housing, which offers a comfortable grip and reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use. The planer’s build quality, backed by Great Lakes Tool MFG INC, ensures durability and reliability for both casual and professional woodworking projects. While it may lack some of the high-end features found in pricier models, its straightforward operation and dependable performance make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to achieve professional-level results with minimal effort.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Top Features Of The Craftsman Planer Cmew320?

The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 offers a 15 Amp motor and a solid steel two-knife cutter head. It’s perfect for benchtop use, delivering smooth, precise cuts. Its robust build ensures durability and consistent performance for various woodworking projects.

How Does The Dewalt Dw734 Benchtop Planer Perform?

The DEWALT DW734 features a 15-Amp motor with a 12-1/2-inch cutting width and three knives. It runs at 20,000 RPM for fast, clean cuts. This planer is reliable for detailed woodworking and offers excellent surface finish quality.

What Benefits Does The Dewalt Dw735 Thickness Planer Offer?

The DEWALT DW735 provides a 13-inch width with a powerful 20,000 RPM motor and three knives. It includes two-speed options for larger cuts, making it versatile for different wood types and thicknesses, perfect for serious woodworkers.

Is The Vevor Thickness Planer Suitable For Hard Wood?

Yes, the VEVOR Planer has a 2000W motor running at 23,500 RPM. It handles hard and soft wood well, with dual rollers for smooth feeding and over-protection features for safety during intensive woodworking tasks.

What Makes The Wen 6530 Hand Planer Ideal For Small Projects?

The WEN 6530 is a lightweight 6-Amp electric hand planer with a 3-1/4 inch blade. It’s great for quick, precise trimming and shaping on small to medium woodworking projects, offering portability and ease of use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right planer can make your woodworking projects easier and more precise. Each model on this list offers different features to fit various needs. The CRAFTSMAN planer is great for solid cuts with its steel cutter head. DEWALT models provide powerful motors and smooth finishes for larger projects.

VEVOR’s planer is strong and built for both hard and soft wood. The WEN hand planer offers portability for small tasks. Think about the size of your projects and the wood types you work with before picking a planer. A good planer helps you save time and improve the quality of your work.

Take your time to compare these options. This way, you will find the best planer that fits your woodworking style and budget. Happy woodworking!