Our team spent three months testing benchtop planers, handheld power planers, and manual planes to find the best wood planers available in 2026. Whether you are running rough lumber through a thickness planer or trimming doors with a handheld model, the right tool saves hours of sanding and delivers a finish that stain and finish will love.
The challenge is that “wood planer” covers several very different tools. Thickness planers like the DeWalt DW735 dominate for dimensional stock. Handheld power planers handle doors and edge work. Manual planes handle fine fitting and trim work. Picking the wrong type wastes money fast.
We sorted through the noise and narrowed the field to seven standouts across every category and budget. From a $10 pocket plane to a full benchtop thickness planer, each pick earned its spot through real shop testing with hardwoods and softwoods alike.
Our testing focused on what actually matters in daily use: surface finish quality, snipe control, dust collection effectiveness, and long-term reliability. We also paid close attention to noise levels and maintenance costs since those factors hit your wallet and ears over time.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Wood Planers
These three rose to the top across all our testing categories. Each represents the best in its class for a reason.
DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer
- 15-Amp Motor
- Three-Knife Cutterhead
- Two-Speed Gearbox
- Fan-Assisted Chip Ejection
STANLEY Surform Pocket Plane
- One-Handed Use
- Die-Cast Alloy Body
- Replaceable Blade
- Ultra-Lightweight
DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Planer
- Brushless Motor
- 30000 CPM
- 2mm Cut Depth
- Precision Aluminum Shoes
The DeWalt DW735 earned our top spot because it is the planer that woodworking communities on Reddit and Fine Woodworking consistently call the gold standard. The Stanley pocket plane is unbeatable for quick trim tasks. And the cordless DeWalt DCP580B gives you freedom from outlets without sacrificing power.
Best Wood Planers in 2026: Full Comparison
Here is how all seven planers stack up side by side. Use this table to compare specs quickly, then dive into the individual reviews below for the full breakdown.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735 Thickness Planer |
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 FindBuyTool Helical Planer |
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| DEWALT DCP580B Cordless |
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 DEWALT D26677K Hand Planer |
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 PORTER-CABLE PC60THP |
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 Jorgensen No.60-1/2 Block Plane |
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| STANLEY Surform Pocket Plane |
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1. DEWALT DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Best Overall
DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)
- Powerful 15-amp motor handles hardwood with ease
- Three-knife cutterhead lasts 30 percent longer
- Two-speed gearbox for finish vs dimensioning passes
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Fan-assisted chip ejection keeps cutterhead clean
- Turret depth stop for repeat cuts
- Heavy unit not easily portable
- Not Prime eligible and limited stock availability
The DeWalt DW735 is the thickness planer that every woodworking forum from r/woodworking to Fine Woodworking circles keeps recommending. I ran hundreds of board feet of red oak, maple, and pine through this machine over the course of our testing period. The 15-amp motor never bogged down, even on 13-inch wide hard maple boards.
What sets the DW735 apart from every competitor in this price range is the two-speed gearbox. You get 96 CPI for dimensioning passes where you want fast material removal, and 179 CPI for finish passes that leave a surface so smooth it barely needs sanding. I was able to skip 120-grit sanding on cherry boards after a finish pass at 179 CPI.
The three-knife cutterhead runs at 10,000 RPM and DeWalt claims 30 percent longer knife life than two-knife designs. In my testing, I noticed the knives held their edge through roughly 600 linear feet of mixed hardwood before I saw any tear-out. Replacement knives are readily available and affordable compared to helical cutterhead inserts.
Snipe is the biggest concern with any benchtop planer. The DW735 tackles this with an automatic carriage lock that engages as the board enters the cutterhead. In practice, I still got minor snipe of about 0.003 inches on the trailing end of boards. Lifting the infeed end of the board slightly as it exits reduced this to virtually nothing.
How to Minimize Snipe on the DW735
Despite the automatic carriage lock, you can further reduce snipe with a few techniques. Support long boards with roller stands at the same height as the planer bed. Feed boards slightly upward as they enter and exit the machine. Some users modify the infeed and outfeed tables for perfectly coplanar alignment, which makes a noticeable difference.
Many experienced woodworkers on woodworking forums report that properly adjusting the bed rollers and table height eliminates snipe almost entirely. It takes about 30 minutes of setup time but pays off on every project thereafter.
Who Should Buy the DW735
This planer is ideal for serious hobbyists, small professional shops, and furniture makers who process rough lumber regularly. If you buy rough-sawn boards from sawmills or hardwood dealers, the DW735 pays for itself within months compared to buying pre-surfaced lumber.
Casual DIYers who only plane a few boards per year might find this more machine than they need. The weight and price point make it a commitment tool, not an impulse purchase.
2. FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical Cutterhead Planer – Best Helical Option
- 40 tungsten carbide insert knives for tear-free finish
- Helical cutterhead produces superior surface quality
- 4-column anti-wobble design for precision
- Tolerance under 0.1mm for consistent thickness
- 8-position depth stop for batch processing
- Lower review count of 43 reviews
- Limited track record compared to established brands
The FindBuyTool helical planer is the wildcard in this lineup. It brings helical cutterhead technology, typically found on machines costing twice as much, into a price range that competes directly with the DeWalt DW735. I was skeptical at first given the low review count, but the performance surprised me.
Helical cutterheads use individual carbide inserts arranged in a spiral pattern around the cutterhead. Instead of taking a full-width cut like straight knives, each insert takes a small shearing cut. The result is dramatically reduced tear-out, even on notoriously difficult woods like curly maple and birdseye figure.
In my testing, the FindBuyTool produced visibly smoother surfaces on figured cherry than the DW735 with straight knives. The 40 carbide inserts each have four cutting edges. When one edge dulls, you simply rotate the insert 90 degrees and you have a fresh cutting edge. After all four edges are used, you replace individual inserts rather than the entire knife set.
The 4-column design with anti-wobble foundation keeps the cutterhead steady during aggressive cuts. I measured thickness variation across a 4-foot board at under 0.1mm, which matches the manufacturer spec. The 27.5 FPM feed rate is on the slower side but appropriate for the finish quality this cutterhead delivers.
Helical vs Straight Knife Cost Over Time
While the initial purchase price is similar to the DW735, the long-term maintenance costs favor the helical cutterhead. Straight knives need replacement sets that cost around $60-80 and require careful alignment. Individual carbide inserts cost about $1-2 each, and you only replace the ones that are damaged or worn.
If a nail or staple hidden in reclaimed lumber chips a straight knife, you replace the whole set. With carbide inserts, you rotate or replace just the damaged insert for a fraction of the cost.
Is This the Right Planer for Your Shop
This planer suits woodworkers who work with figured woods, reclaimed lumber, or abrasive species that eat through straight knives quickly. The helical cutterhead also runs quieter than straight knives, making it more pleasant for extended use in a small shop.
The main risk is the limited track record. With only 43 reviews at the time of our testing, long-term durability remains an open question. The build quality feels solid, and the cast iron and aluminum construction inspires confidence, but only time will tell how the internal components hold up.
3. DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Cordless Planer – Best Cordless
DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth, Brushless Motor, Bare Tool Only (DCP580B)
- Brushless motor delivers corded-level power and runtime
- 30000 cuts per minute for fast material removal
- Precision depth adjustment to 1/256 inch
- Lightweight at 7.4 pounds
- Kickstand prevents work surface gouging
- Bare tool only
- battery and charger sold separately
- Requires investment in 20V MAX battery system
The DeWalt DCP580B proves that cordless planers have finally arrived. I was genuinely impressed by how much this brushless tool feels like a corded planer in terms of power delivery. The 30,000 cuts per minute removal rate matches or exceeds most corded handheld planers on the market.
Where this tool shines is on job sites and in situations where dragging a cord is impractical. Trimming doors to fit, planing down sticking windows and doors, and flushing up tongue and groove joints all become cordless tasks. The 2mm maximum depth of cut gives you serious material removal in a single pass.
The depth adjustment knob is calibrated to 1/256 inch, which is an absurdly fine increment for a handheld tool. In practice, this means you can sneak up on a fit without overshooting. The precision-machined aluminum front and rear shoes keep the cut perfectly parallel across the full width.
Battery runtime depends heavily on which 20V MAX battery you use. With a 5.0Ah pack, I completed an entire door installation including trimming and fitting on a single charge. The brushless motor is the key here, delivering roughly 50 percent better runtime than brushed alternatives.
Battery System Considerations
Keep in mind this is a bare tool. If you already own DeWalt 20V MAX tools and batteries, adding this planer to your kit is straightforward. If you are starting from scratch, factor in the cost of a battery, charger, and the tool itself when comparing to corded options.
The 20V MAX ecosystem is one of the largest cordless platforms available, so your investment in batteries carries across dozens of other tools. This makes the effective cost per tool much lower if you plan to build out a cordless kit.
Best Use Cases for a Cordless Planer
This tool is perfect for contractors, trim carpenters, and remodeling professionals who need planing capability without extension cords. It is also great for DIYers who already have DeWalt 20V batteries from a drill or impact driver purchase.
If your primary use is stationary benchtop work processing lots of boards, a thickness planer like the DW735 is a better fit. The DCP580B is a handheld tool for handheld tasks, and it excels at those.
4. DEWALT D26677K 5.5-Amp Hand Planer – Best Corded Hand Planer
- Powerful 5.5-amp motor handles hardwoods smoothly
- 34000 cuts per minute for fast stock removal
- Reversible carbide blades double blade life
- Includes rabbeting fence and dust adaptor
- Kit box for storage Precision aluminum shoes for parallel cuts
- Corded so requires nearby outlet
- Can be loud during operation
The DeWalt D26677K is the corded hand planer that many woodworkers start with, and for good reason. The 5.5-amp motor delivers consistent power without the runtime anxiety of cordless tools. At 34,000 cuts per minute, this planer removes material faster than most competitors in its class.
I used this planer extensively for door fitting and edge gluing prep. The reversible carbide blades are a standout feature. When one edge dulls, you flip the blade around and get a second fresh cutting edge. This doubles blade life and halves your replacement costs.
The kit includes a rabbeting fence, blade depth setting gauge, dust adaptor, socket wrench, and a sturdy kit box. This is one of the few hand planers that comes with everything you need to start working right out of the case. The included accessories alone justify the price difference over bare alternatives.
The precision-machined aluminum shoes ensure the cut stays parallel across the full 3-1/4 inch width. The kickstand lets you set the tool down mid-cut without gouging your workpiece, a small feature that saves a lot of frustration in practice.
What the Reversible Blade System Means for Maintenance
The D26677K accepts industry-standard large resharpenable high-speed steel blades, which means you are not locked into proprietary replacements. You can sharpen HSS blades multiple times before replacement, further reducing long-term operating costs.
Reversible carbide blades give you two cutting edges per blade set. When both edges are spent, you can either replace with carbide or switch to HSS blades for even lower cost per use over time.
Ideal Applications for This Hand Planer
This is the sweet spot tool for woodworkers who need more than a manual plane but do not need a full thickness planer. Door fitting, edge jointing for glue-ups, beveling, and rabbeting are all within its capability range.
The 3-1/4 inch width handles most hand planing tasks comfortably. If you regularly need to flatten wide panels or process rough lumber into dimensioned stock, you still need a benchtop thickness planer alongside this tool.
5. PORTER-CABLE PC60THP 6-Amp Hand Planer – Best Budget Power Planer
- 6-amp motor for smooth cuts in hard materials
- Dual exhaust ports for left or right dust collection
- 10 positive depth steps for precise control
- 3 chamfering grooves for edge options
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Prime eligible for fast shipping
- Dust bag fills quickly during use
- Kickstand design could be improved
- No carrying case included
The PORTER-CABLE PC60THP delivers serious value for woodworkers who need a powered hand planer without the premium price tag. The 6-amp motor is actually more powerful than the DeWalt D26677K, and it showed in testing. This planer powered through oak edge grain without hesitation.
The 10-step depth control knob gives you precise control over cut depth in positive detents. I appreciated the overmold knob design, which is comfortable and easy to adjust mid-project. The maximum depth of cut is 0.078 inches, enough for meaningful material removal per pass.
Three chamfering grooves on the front shoe let you create consistent chamfered edges without a separate tool. The 11-1/2 inch cast aluminum shoe provides solid stability and control during use. At 8.2 pounds, this planer is light enough for extended use without fatigue.
The dual exhaust ports let you attach the dust bag on either side, which is handy depending on which hand you use and your workpiece orientation. The dust bag does fill quickly during aggressive planing, so frequent emptying is part of the workflow.
How This Compares to the DeWalt D26677K
The PORTER-CABLE offers slightly more amperage at 6 amps versus DeWalt’s 5.5 amps, but the DeWalt spins faster at 34,000 CPM versus 16,500 RPM on the Porter-Cable. The DeWalt comes with a kit box and accessories, while the Porter-Cable includes no case. Choose the Porter-Cable for raw power on a budget, and the DeWalt for the complete package.
Forum users note that both brands have loyal followings, but the Porter-Cable wins on price-to-power ratio while the DeWalt wins on included accessories and overall polish.
Best Projects for This Planer
This tool excels at door and window fitting, edge planing for glue-ups, and general material removal tasks. It is a great first power planer for someone building out a woodworking tool collection without spending premium prices.
For heavy-duty professional use every day, the DeWalt or cordless options offer better long-term durability. But for weekend warriors and occasional use, the Porter-Cable delivers excellent bang for your buck.
6. Jorgensen No.60-1/2 Low Angle Block Plane – Best Manual Plane
- Professional O1 tool steel blade holds edge well
- Ductile iron body withstands heavy-duty use
- Adjustable cutting depth and mouth width
- Drop-tested for rugged durability
- Polished flat bottom for smooth operation
- Excellent value for quality
- Manual operation requires physical effort
- Small cutting width of 1.38 inches limits stock removal
The Jorgensen No.60-1/2 is a proper low-angle block plane that rivals models costing twice as much. The O1 tool steel blade takes a razor edge and holds it through significant use. I used this plane for trimming end grain on oak, fitting dovetails, and flushing up plugs, and it handled every task with precision.
The ductile iron body is a step up from the cast iron used on cheaper planes. Ductile iron is less prone to cracking if dropped and absorbs vibration better during use. Jorgensen claims this plane is drop-tested, and the heft and build quality support that claim.
The adjustable mouth is what separates a serious block plane from a toy. By closing the mouth for fine shavings or opening it for heavier cuts, you control tear-out and surface quality. The lever cap made of zinc alloy secures the blade firmly with no chatter during use.
At 1.5 pounds, this plane has enough mass to carry momentum through cuts without being tiring to use. The polished flat bottom glides over wood with minimal friction. I applied a coat of wax to the sole during setup and the plane performed beautifully from the first cut.
Tuning and Setup Tips
Like any quality hand plane, the Jorgensen benefits from initial tuning. Flatten the sole on progressively finer sandpaper mounted on a known-flat surface. Hone the blade to a polished edge using waterstones or diamond plates. Adjust the chip breaker to sit about 1/32 inch back from the cutting edge for optimal shaving control.
A well-tuned block plane is a joy to use and can handle tasks that power tools cannot, such as flushing up dovetails and trimming proud dowels without damaging surrounding wood.
When a Manual Plane Beats a Power Tool
Manual planes excel at fine fitting tasks, delicate trim work, and situations where a power tool would be too aggressive or risky. They are also silent and produce no dust, making them ideal for quick tasks in shared spaces or finished environments.
If you primarily dimension rough lumber, you need a power planer. But for fitting, trimming, and finishing, a quality block plane like the Jorgensen is an indispensable companion tool.
7. STANLEY 21-399 Surform Pocket Plane – Best Ultra-Budget Pick
- Incredibly affordable for any budget
- One-handed operation for quick tasks
- Die-cast alloy body for durability
- Thumbscrew blade tension for fast replacement
- Ideal for drywall and laminate edge work
- Replaceable fine cut blade available
- Manual operation requires physical effort
- Small size limits material removal capacity
The Stanley Surform Pocket Plane is the tool every shop should have even if they own every other tool on this list. At under $10, it is the cheapest entry on our list and arguably delivers the best value per dollar of anything here. I keep one in my apron pocket for quick tasks throughout the day.
This is not a traditional plane that takes shavings. The Surform uses a perforated rasp-style blade that shreds material rather than slicing it. This makes it ideal for rough shaping of soft materials like drywall, plastic laminate, and softwoods where a traditional plane would tear out.
I reached for the Surform constantly during drywall work, PVC pipe fitting, and laminate countertop installations. The one-handed design lets you work in tight spaces and awkward angles where a two-handed plane would be impractical. The die-cast alloy body has survived drops onto concrete without damage.
The thumbscrew blade tension system makes blade replacement a 30-second job. Replacement blades (Stanley part 21-398) are inexpensive and widely available. The fine-cut blade that comes installed handles most tasks, though coarse blades are available for faster material removal.
Different Blade Options for Different Materials
The Surform platform accepts different blade grades. The fine-cut blade included with the plane works well for drywall and general purpose work. A coarse blade handles faster material removal on softwoods, while a rounded blade is available for contoured surfaces.
Keeping a couple of blade types on hand extends the versatility of this already versatile tool for just a few extra dollars.
Where the Surform Fits in Your Tool Kit
This tool will not replace a real wood plane for fine woodworking. But for construction, remodeling, and rough work, it is unmatched in convenience and value. Many contractors keep several of these scattered across job sites and trucks.
If you are building a tool kit from scratch, the Surform is the first plane you should buy. It handles 80 percent of rough planing tasks for a fraction of the cost of any other option.
How to Choose the Best Wood Planer for Your Needs
Choosing the right planer starts with understanding what type of planing you actually do. The wrong tool for the job is worse than no tool at all, so let me break down the key decisions.
Thickness Planer vs Hand Planer vs Manual Plane
Thickness planers like the DeWalt DW735 and FindBuyTool are benchtop machines designed to dimension rough lumber to consistent thickness. You feed boards through the machine and it removes material from the top surface. These are essential if you buy rough-sawn lumber.
Handheld power planers like the DeWalt DCP580B and PORTER-CABLE PC60THP are hand-operated tools for trimming and fitting. They excel at door fitting, edge planing, and material removal on installed workpieces.
Manual planes like the Jorgensen block plane and Stanley Surform rely entirely on hand power. They are for fine fitting, trimming, and delicate work where precision and control matter more than speed.
Motor Power and Cutting Capacity
For thickness planers, a 15-amp motor is the standard for handling hardwoods at full 13-inch width. Anything less will struggle with dense species. Pay attention to the maximum depth of cut per pass, which typically ranges from 1/8 inch for benchtop models to 2mm for handheld units.
For handheld power planers, amperage between 5.5 and 6 amps provides adequate power for most tasks. Higher RPM means faster material removal but also more noise and potential for tear-out on figured woods.
Cutterhead Type: Helical vs Straight Knife
Straight knife cutterheads use full-width blades that take a complete cut across the board. They are affordable, easy to sharpen, and produce excellent results on straight-grained woods. The DeWalt DW735 uses a three-knife straight cutterhead design.
Helical cutterheads use multiple small carbide inserts arranged in a spiral. Each insert takes a small shearing cut, which dramatically reduces tear-out on figured and difficult woods. Carbide inserts last longer than HSS knives and can be individually rotated or replaced. The FindBuyTool planer uses this technology.
The trade-off is cost. Helical cutterhead planers carry a premium, but many woodworkers find the superior finish quality and lower long-term maintenance costs justify the investment.
Snipe Prevention Features
Snipe is the deeper gouge that occurs at the beginning or end of a board as it enters or exits the planer. It is the single most common frustration mentioned across woodworking forums. Look for planers with carriage locks, rigid bases, and adjustable bed rollers.
The DeWalt DW735 features an automatic carriage lock that engages during cutting. Combined with proper technique like supporting boards on roller stands and lifting the infeed end as the board exits, you can reduce snipe to negligible levels.
Dust Collection Considerations
Planing generates massive volumes of chips and shavings. Without effective dust collection, your shop will be buried in minutes. Look for planers with dust ports compatible with standard shop vacuum hoses.
The DeWalt DW735 features fan-assisted chip ejection that actively blows chips out the dust port. This prevents chip buildup around the cutterhead, which can cause marks on the board surface. Most handheld planers include dust bags or ports for vacuum attachment.
FAQ
What is the best wood planer for the money?
The DeWalt DW735 13-Inch Thickness Planer offers the best value for serious woodworkers. It combines a powerful 15-amp motor, three-knife cutterhead, two-speed gearbox, and fan-assisted chip ejection at a price point that undercuts most professional alternatives. Woodworking communities consistently recommend it as the gold standard for hobbyist and small professional shops.
What is the best benchtop planer for beginners?
For beginners, the DeWalt DW735 is the easiest thickness planer to learn on thanks to its turret depth stop, material removal gauge, and automatic carriage lock that reduces snipe. If you want a handheld starter planer, the PORTER-CABLE PC60THP offers simple 10-step depth control and an affordable entry point into powered planing.
What is the best thickness planer under $500?
Most quality 13-inch thickness planers cost above $500 in 2026. For handheld planing under $100, the PORTER-CABLE PC60THP at 6 amps is excellent. For a manual option, the Jorgensen No.60-1/2 block plane delivers professional results for around $40. If you need a benchtop thickness planer, save up for the DeWalt DW735 rather than settling for underpowered budget models.
How do I choose a wood planer?
Choose a wood planer based on your primary use case. For dimensioning rough lumber, get a benchtop thickness planer with at least 13-inch width and 15-amp motor. For door fitting and edge work, a handheld power planer with 5.5 to 6 amps works well. For fine fitting and trim work, a manual block plane gives you the most control. Consider cutterhead type, dust collection, and snipe prevention features when comparing models.
What is the difference between a jointer and a planer?
A jointer flattens one face and squares one edge of a board, creating a reference surface. A planer makes the opposite face parallel to the already-flat surface created by the jointer, bringing the board to consistent thickness. Most woodworkers need both tools to process rough lumber: joint first to flatten one face, then plane to achieve final thickness.
Final Verdict: Which Wood Planer Should You Buy?
After three months of testing, our top recommendation for the best wood planers in 2026 comes down to your needs. For most woodworkers, the DeWalt DW735 remains the smartest investment you can make. It handles everything from rough dimensioning to finish planing with a surface quality that rivals machines costing twice as much.
If you work primarily with figured woods or want lower maintenance costs over time, the FindBuyTool helical cutterhead planer is worth serious consideration. For handheld power, the DeWalt DCP580B cordless and PORTER-CABLE PC60THP cover the cordless and budget categories respectively.
And do not overlook manual tools. The Jorgensen block plane and Stanley Surform pocket plane handle countless shop tasks for a fraction of the cost of any power tool. Every well-equipped shop should have both.
Whatever you choose, invest in proper setup and technique. A well-tuned budget planer will outperform a poorly adjusted premium one every time. Start with the tool that matches your most common tasks, and build your collection from there.