Best Budget Planers For Everyone

Thickness planers are one of the most common power tools seen in the workshops of professional woodworkers and the home studios of many DIYers.

They can cut boards and planks to make them of the desired thickness, and since these are automatic machines, there is no need for the worker to spend a lot of time and muscle power.

Now when it comes to choosing the best budget planers for everyone, a definite guide, which covers all the features of the planers is difficult to find.

People who look for more budget-friendly options can find themselves at a loss in this condition and can make mistakes in choosing the best inexpensive planer that does all their planing jobs without putting much strain on their pockets.

With this question in mind, we set out to test different planers available in the market and see for ourselves which ones of these are the best ones and will work well with everyone. Stick around to the end to find out which one of these will work for you.

List of Best Budget Planer for the Money

We put our woodworking experts to testing different budget planers, and after years of careful testing and research, we have narrowed the list to some of the best possible options.

We have also divided the list according to different budgets so that everyone can find a planer that fits their needs and does the perfect job.

Top Budget Planers at a Glance:

Wen Electric Hand Planer
Porter Cable Hand Planer
Dewalt Brushless Planer DCP580B
Wen Benchtop Thickness Planer
Mophorn 12.5 Inch Thickness Planer
Craftsman Benchtop Planer
DeWalt DW735 Planer
JET JWP-13BT Planer
Grizzly Industrial G1021Z Planer

Best Budget Planers under $100

These planers are the best options for those who want to do only basic woodworking jobs without putting too much strain on their pockets. These planers not only come for a low price but are also very compact and handy and do not take up too much space

Wen Electric Hand Planer

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

✓Lightweight

✓High speed – 34000 cuts per minute

✓Rabbeting and chamfering features

✓Budget-friendly

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Blades may be weak in some models and can break after little use

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This electric hand planer from WEN can smooth out wood joints, flatten uneven boards, and plane away any chips and splinters from boards.

With its 6 amp motor, which can produce cutting speeds up to 34000 cuts per minute, this planer can slice away any irregular boards to make them perfectly flat and smooth.

The planer has two HSS blades giving much smoother cuts and a blade adjustment wrench, which makes replacing and maintaining the blades very easy.

This machine can also be stored inside the body of the planer itself so that it can be taken out and used whenever the need arises.

The lightweight body and compact design make the planer very easy to handle. The planer weighs only about 6 pounds, which makes it very easy to use over long periods without putting much strain on your hands.

The planer has a depth control system that uses 16 positive stops to allow cuts ranging from 0 inches to the eighth part of an inch.

You can also make rabbets using this planer. The rabbets made by this planer can be made up to about 7/10th of an inch with the help of the rabbeting guide provided with the planer, which allows the user to adjust the rabbet height easily. The base plate also comes with a chamfer groove so that appropriate size angled chamfers can also be made.

Some other features of the planer include the dust bag, a multi-directional dust chute to catch all the stray chippings, a kickstand at the back to prevent unwanted cuts to the boards, and a parallel fence bracket to allow cuts similar to the edge of the board. This parallel fence can make straight cuts in the board without any hassle.

Porter Cable Hand Planer

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

✓11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe

✓Variable cutting depth to allow cuts as little as 5/64th part of an inch

✓10 positive depth control stops

✓Budget-friendly

REASONS TO AVOID

✗The front knob controls the depth and acts as a hand hold. An accidental change of depth when holding the planer can occur.

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We have discussed Porter Cable tools here before, and they are some of the best in their respective games. This electric hand planer by the company also does the best job in the budget planer category.

This planer is the perfect tool for the people who occasionally work with planers and do not want to spend a lot of money on one.

This planer comes with a 6 amp motor, generating cutting speeds up to 16,500 cuts per minute. This speed is a little less than that of the planer we discussed previously, but it is still pretty decent for the price point and can do cutting jobs quickly.

The area where this planer excels is the cutting depth, where it can generate cuts up to 5/64th parts of an inch.

The depth can also be controlled by using the depth control system of the planer, which operates ten positive depth stops to provide better control over the cutting depths. An 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe built into the planer provides power and smoothness.

For better edge chamfering, this tool has three chamfering grooves at the base of the planer. On either side of the device are dust extraction systems that remove any extra shavings and keep the work area clean.

Best Budget Planers Under $350

If you want to have more features in your planer and get more out of it, you might want to spend a little more money. These planers have better features and build quality than the previous ones, and they are also not much expensive.

Dewalt Brushless Planer DCP580B

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

✓Battery-operated motor with up to 30,000 cuts per minute speed

✓Precision-matches aluminum shoes and chamfering groove

✓Lowest cutting depth of 1/256th part of an inch

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Uneven cuts can appear from the right side of the tool in some models

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DeWalt is a company that has a long-lasting legacy in the power tools department. Its planers are no short of the features, durability, and outputs that have made the company famous and reliable.

The brushless motor in this planer provides more power and runtime than a regular motor while at the same time improving efficiency and speed.

The planer can make cuts with a rate of about 30,000 cuts per minute to give some of the fastest planing results even under load.

The maximum depth of cut given by the planer is about 5/64th of an inch, while the depth adjustment knob provides the user with more control over the cutting depth and allows the user to make cuts to as little as 1/256th parts of an inch. This means that even the most minor and hard-to-cut splinters will be removed and the board will be extra smooth.

The planer also has precision-matched aluminum shoes on the front and back, giving the boards perfectly parallel cuts. To allow for good edge chamfering, the planer also has a precision-matched groove in the front shoe.

One of the best features of this planer is that it is battery-operated. This means that you won’t have to worry about the power cords or the availability of a power outlet. Once charged, this planer can be used at any remote job site.

All these features are confined into a compact body of about 6.8 pounds. This weight is almost equal to the WEN planer we talked about in the beginning, but the features of this planer present a day and night difference when compared with the WEN planer.

Wen Benchtop Thickness Planer

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

✓12-inch SK5 technology blades

✓Depth control knob

✓Dust chute

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Snipe and unnecessary chippings can be seen in some models

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This benchtop thickness planer from WEN is a massive upgrade from the previous electric hand planer from WEN in that it produces more power and gives more smooth finishes. The 15 amp powerful motor delivers speeds up to 20,000 cuts per minute. The feeding rate of this planer is about 26 feet per minute.

The two 12.5-inch reversible SK5 technology blades of the planer are reversible and offer easy replacements and maintenance.

The maximum board thickness that can be put into the planer is about 12 inches, and the maximum width is approximately 6 inches. This allows the users to plane boards of any width and thickness easily.

The planer also has a depth adjustment knob which the users can use to adjust the depths of the cuts from 0 inches to 1/8th of an inch.

While the blades are doing the chippings, they and the sawdust produced are being caught by the dust chute built into the planer. Thus professional as well as DIY work can be done without worrying about a mess left behind.

Best Budget Planers Under 500$

For those looking for a planer capable of performing some heavy-duty work at home and who are also a bit short on budget, we tested various planers in this price tag and found the following two entirely up to our standards.

Mophorn 12.5 Inch Thickness Planer

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

✓Stainless steel stands for steadiness.

✓Auto-turn off in case of a power surge.

✓Aluminium build.

✓Precise auto infeed for convenience

REASONS TO AVOID

✗No instruction manual

✗No warranty

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Mophorn is a household name in the woodworking category. Though the likes of DeWalt and Bosch overshadow them, they are really good at what they do, and this planer proves this point.

A powerful 15 AMP motor that delivers a speed of 8000 rpm when integrated with a 2 pcs double cutter blade ensures a smooth and crisp finish. There is also an automatic infeed option to increase the work efficiency and speed, which is also precise.

The most significant talking point of this planer is the stainless steel stand that comes with it. Finding a good surface for a benchtop planer is always a problem, and Mophorn solved this for their customers by providing this stand.

Build quality is incredible as it is made of all metal body which is rare in this price range. Apart from stainless steel, the whole body is made of aluminum. The stand is pretty good as it does not wobble even under work and keeps the planer steady.

It comes with an automatic power-off button that will be triggered as soon as a power surge happens. It turns off the machine and saves it from any damage. Eventually, the service life of the planer is increased.

There is only one dust port; however, it is compatible with all types of vacuums that collect the dust and flying wood chips keeping the workshop nice and tidy. The crank handle allows you to adjust the height of the cutter head to accommodate different size logs.

Craftsman Benchtop Planer

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

✓Powerful motor for smooth cuts.

✓Reversible knives for long life.

✓2-way dust collection system for convenience

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Two blades instead of three.

✗Snipes could have been avoided.

VIEW ON AMAZON

Craftsman is one of the top tools brands in the market. This benchtop planer from the Craftsman is equipped with 15 AMP motors providing a speed of 8000 rpm just like the one we discussed above.

This power and speed is the feature found in the flagship planers and these can handle almost any type of wood which is pretty impressive for a budget planner.

The blades have to be good in addition to the speed so that they can cooperate with each other properly and Craftsman inducted two reversible high carbon blades in it.

These are pretty solid and can last for a long period. Also when the need arrives these can be replaced thanks to the integrated quick change system easily.

Another premium feature, that was absent in the Mophorn planer, is a 2-way dust collection system as it has ports on both sides of the planer. It allows you to work by standing on either side of the machine and not being disturbed by the dust bag.

However because the two blades have space between them, it produces snipes on both the starting and ending 2 inches. This is adjustable by placing a wedge at the level of the outfeed table.

All in all, it is the best benchtop planer in this category as it can cut both soft and hardwood while being economical at the same time and has premium features like dual dust ports and a powerful motor.

Best Budget Planers Under 1000$

The planers that fall in this category are the best suited for both home use and professional purposes. They can perform heavy-duty tasks and work on any kind of wood without asking for maintenance every few weeks.

DeWalt DW735 Planer

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

✓2-speed gearbox for variable speeds.

✓Impressive dust collection system.

✓Excellent build quality making it durable.

✓three blades instead of two for a smooth finish

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Slightly expensive for the beginners

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When we talk about the planers, it is impossible not to include a DeWalt product. DeWalt has been manufacturing tools for many years and has loyal customers because of the quality of the products.

It comes with three blades cutter head which is not available in any of the planers discussed above. A powerful 15 AMP motor backs up these blades ensuring these blades are used effectively. Because of these two features, it can cut through any wood, whether oak, mahogany or any other type.

Another thing to talk about is its 2-speed gearbox that allows you to operate the planer at two different speeds and cut through both soft and hardwood. It is highly accurate and does not trip under a heavy load.

A feature exclusive to this planer is its dust collection system. It has two dust shrouds, one extending to the floor and the other available for attaching to any vacuum. Motorized fans further enhance this system and cut the wooden flying wooden chips before they enter the shrouds. Such intricate work for just a dust system is one of a kind.

DeWalt always backs its tools. It comes with a three years warranty, one year of free service, and a money-back guarantee for 90 days. So if you spend this large amount on a planer, it is good to have peace of mind

JET JWP-13BT Planer

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

✓Individual cutter instead of conventional straight blades.

✓2-Speed gearbox for more speed options.

✓Good value for money.

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Only two sides of the cutters are sharp instead of 4.

✗HSS inserts instead of carbides ones.

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Even though Jet is not a market leader in making woodworking tools but they are pretty reliable, have excellent features, and provide good value for money. We can say the same thing about this planer too.

The distinguishing point of this planer from the others is its Helical-style cutter head. Though it is not entirely helical, it is also not a conventional cutter head having straight knives. It lies in between these two types. Also, there are no carbide blades. Instead, it comes with high-speed steel (HSS) blades that are not a helical head feature.

It has 6 rows of individual 24 blades. These blades have two sharp sides instead of four, a feature of the helical cutter head. These provide a better finish than straight blades, and replacement is an easy task.

Other features include the same 15 AMP motor and a 2-speed gearbox, just like the D735, which allows you to operate the planer at both slow and high speed, depending on the type of wood.

It costs you more than DW735, so you should opt for it if you are a fan of the helical cutter heads and have some extra cash to shed. It is still a good value for money planer, just like the other products from Jet.

Best Budget Planer Under 3500$

These are specially designed for commercial purposes. You do not need to buy it if you are thinking of using it for personal and DIY stuff. We found the following planer from Grizzly that ticked all the boxes.

Grizzly Industrial G1021Z Planer

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

✓3 HP motor for cutting through all kinds of wood.

✓Oil bathed drive gears to prevent wear and tear.

✓Table lock for keeping the planer steady while planing.

REASONS TO AVOID

✗HSS blades instead of carbide blades.

✗Adjustment of the planer is difficult.

VIEW ON AMAZON

Grizzly is known for making industrial tools for commercial work and is less known among people who only use small tools for home improvement. Just like their other products, it is also designed for commercial purposes.

It has a 15-inch cutting capacity meaning it can handle wood of 15 inches, while the other planers we discussed above have the capacity of 13 inches. It comes with a 3 HP motor that does not choke under heavy-duty work. These two things together ensure a smooth finish without any hassle.

It has a cast-iron table equipped with a lock that prevents the movement of the table during heavy-duty work. It comes with 3 HSS blades, and there are no carbide blades to be used as a replacement.

So it is better to get carbide blades as they give a better finish on the surfaces without any nails or other metal stuff.

Its drive gears are immersed in the oil bath to reduce friction, thus enhancing the life duration of the motor. It also has a 4-inch dust port that is quite effective and collects almost all of the dust. It also has lifting handles for adjusting the height of the cutter heads.

Buying Guide for the Best Benchtop Planer Under 500$

Though all the planers have the same features, there are certainly more features in the planers with high prices. But here, we will be discussing the things you should look for in a planer under 500$

Self Indexing Knives

Most planers under this category usually don’t come with replacement blades, so you have to buy these yourself. In that case, always opt for self-indexing knives, as these come with locating tabs for foolproof knives placement in the cutter head. This is recommended as these reduce the hassle because there is no need for jack screws.

Gauges and Stops

The gauge in a planer is used to set the height of the cutter head. These are useful in case of getting the precise cuts and prevent you from the hassle of adjusting the height after every pass. Stops perform the same precision function, and the more the positive stops are, the more precise the result will be.

Dust Collection

Woodworking comes with the ordeal of dealing with the dust. All these planers come with dust ports of different sizes and shapes. Some have one dust port, while others have two of these. It is better to go with a planer having two dust ports with a shape that fits almost every dust collection system like vacuums.
Power

It is simple math; the more powerful a motor is, the better finish you will get. But some planers have motors with the same amperage as others but these choke under heavy-duty tasks or heat up as soon you increase the load. So read the reviews before finalizing the planer so that if there is a problem with the motor, you should know it beforehand.

Cutting capacity

How wide wood a planer can handle determines the cutting capacity. If a planer has a large cutting capacity, it will be able to hand a wide variety of wood. So look for the one with the highest cutting capacity so that you do not have to be limited by the capacity later on.
Blades style

High-Speed Steel(HSS)blades and Carbide blades are the two types of blades found in all the planers. HSS blades are helpful while dealing with the wood having a painted surface or some metals like nails embedded in it, while carbide blades are focused more on a smooth finish and may break down on encountering any metals. It is good to have both types to do any planing of any wood surface

Conclusion

Now you know what options of planers are available in the market, their features, and their respective prices. Everyone needs different jobs done by the planer, and the people also vary in their budget when choosing the best planer for their needs. A single best budget planer for everyone can not be selected without first considering the customers’ wants and needs.

The planers, which are a little more on the pricier side, offer some of the best features. Thus if you are looking for the best features and do not care about the price factor, go for the expensive options. After all, the peace of mind a woodworker gets after getting a perfect planing job done is worth the expenditure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are benchtop planers worth it?

If you want to take your woodworking game to the next level, a benchtop planer is a perfect tool for you. With a good benchtop planer by your side, you will never have to worry about the thickness of your boards because the thickness will be perfect each time.

What is the best portable planer on the market?

Different options are available. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly planer, we would suggest going for a WEN 6530 electric hand planer. But if you want the maximum power and efficiency for your spending money, you should go for the DEWALT DCP580B brushless planer.

Are handheld planes any good?

Eclectic hand planers are some of the best options when you want the maximum work done at a remote job site. They are easier to carry, and the battery-operated ones even give you the opportunity to carry them where power outlets are not readily available.

How much does a good planer cost?

The definition of the term good is subjective because each one has a different opinion of the best features of wood planers. But spending more money is always worth it if you want the best performance, efficiency, and work output from a planer. If you are looking for a pricier option, go for the DeWalt DW735.

Bahram Shahab

Bahram here! A certified Electrical Engineer who knows his way around using power tools like a professional. My journey of using these robust tools started back when I graduated. Since then, I have finished almost a dozen DIY woodworking jobs. Apart from that, I have developed this habit of jotting down my personal experience about using a specific tool. So, I write on them to help the community in the best possible way.

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