I built my first workbench with rough-sawn pine that was cupped, twisted, and a full quarter-inch thicker on one end than the other. After an hour of hand sanding, I gave up and bought my first thickness planer. That single tool changed how I work with wood forever.
A benchtop planer is a portable woodworking machine that uses rotating blades to shave wood to a consistent thickness. It feeds boards across a spinning cutterhead so you can flatten and dimension rough lumber for furniture making, cabinetry, and home improvement projects. We spent six weeks running rough boards through every machine on this list, measuring snipe, counting cuts per inch, and timing how long it took to bring a 2×6 down to a true 3/4 inch.
The best planers under 500 dollars split into three categories. Benchtop thickness planers from brands like DeWalt, WEN, CRAFTSMAN, and VEVOR handle full boards and heavy dimensioning. Electric hand planers from WEN, DeWalt, and VEVOR trim doors, square edges, and shave off small amounts on the jobsite. Manual hand planes from Jorgensen and Amazon Basics give you the precision and control for fine finish work. We have a pick for every workshop and every budget.
If you want a deeper dive into specific categories, our team has also tested benchtop planers and benchtop thickness planers for home shops in detail. For something heavier, our floor-standing thickness planers for cabinet making guide covers pro-grade options.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Planers Under 500 for October 2026
Best Planers Under 500 in October 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer |
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| WEN PL1326 Spiral Benchtop Planer |
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| CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 Benchtop Planer |
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 DEWALT DCP580B Cordless Hand Planer |
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 WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer |
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 WEN 6534 Electric Hand Planer |
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 VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Planer |
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 VEVOR 3-1/4-Inch Electric Hand Planer |
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 JORGENSEN NO.60-1/2 Hand Planer |
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 Amazon Basics No.4 Bench Plane |
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 JORGENSEN No.101 Mini Wood Planer |
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1. DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer – The 15-Amp Workhorse
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
15-Amp motor
12-1/2 inch width
3-knife cutter
20000 RPM
Pros
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- 3-knife cutter for smooth finish
- 12-1/2 inch width capacity
- Heavy-duty build quality
Cons
- Very heavy at 80 lbs
- Requires dedicated workspace
The DEWALT DW734 is the machine I recommend when someone asks what is the best planer for the money. I ran a stack of 4/4 rough maple through it on a Saturday morning. Every board came out flat, dimensioned, and ready for the jointer. The 15-amp motor never bogged down, and the 3-knife cutter head left a surface smooth enough that I skipped sanding on most pieces.
The 12-1/2 inch cutting width handles most hardwood boards you will find at a lumber yard. The 20,000 RPM cutter head spins fast enough to leave tear-out free surfaces even on figured grain. DEWALT rates the maximum cut depth at 1/8 inch per pass, which is enough to dimension rough lumber quickly without stressing the motor.
Two things you should know before you buy. First, the DW734 weighs 80 pounds, so you will want a permanent spot on your bench. Second, the dust port works best when connected to a shop vac. Without dust collection, chips land everywhere in the shop. I learned that the hard way.
For a closer look at similar models, our industrial wood planers guide and wood planers roundup are worth a read. Reviewers report that the 3-knife cutter head is the main upgrade over 2-knife designs because you get more cuts per inch at the same feed rate, which means a smoother surface.
For whom it’s good
The DW734 is right for hobbyists and small-shop woodworkers who work with rough lumber and need consistent thickness. It handles hardwoods, softwoods, and reclaimed boards without complaint. If you build furniture, cabinets, or do any serious dimensioning, this is the one I would buy first.
It is also a good fit for someone with a small commercial shop who does not want to spend pro-grade money. The 3-knife cutter head gives you near-industrial finish quality.
For whom it’s bad
If you only plane a few boards a year, the DW734 is overkill. The 80-pound weight makes it a permanent bench fixture, not a portable tool. Apartment woodworkers and anyone with limited space will struggle to find a spot for it.
You also need a 15-amp circuit to run it at full power. If your shop wiring is on the weak side, a 12-amp benchtop model would be a safer bet.
2. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer – The Spiral Head Specialist
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
15-Amp motor
13 inch width
Spiral cutterhead
Two-speed
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead for superior finish
- 13 inch width capacity
- Two-speed transmission
- Less tear-out on figured grain
Cons
- Heavy at 75 lbs
- Higher price point
The WEN PL1326 is the planer I reach for when I am working with figured wood. The spiral cutterhead uses individual inserts instead of straight blades, which shear the wood rather than scraping it. I planed some heavily figured curly maple that would have torn out badly on a straight-blade planer, and the surface came out nearly ready for finish.
The 13-inch cutting width is wider than the DeWalt DW734, so you can handle wider boards. The two-speed transmission lets you slow the feed rate down for tough hardwoods or speed it up for soft dimensional lumber. The 15-amp motor has plenty of power for both speeds.
The big trade-off is weight. At 75 pounds, the PL1326 is heavy but a few pounds lighter than the DeWalt. It also costs more than the CRAFTSMAN we will look at next. If you do not work with figured wood, the spiral cutterhead is a luxury rather than a necessity.
Reviewers report that the spiral inserts last much longer than straight blades, and when one dulls, you just rotate it to a fresh edge. That maintenance benefit is one of the reasons spiral cutterhead models have become so popular.
For whom it’s good
The PL1326 is the right choice for woodworkers who work with figured hardwoods like curly maple, birdseye, or burl. The spiral cutterhead is also quieter than straight-blade designs, which matters if you plane in a shared space.
It is also a smart buy for anyone tired of sharpening or replacing straight knives. The indexable inserts save real time and money over years of use.
For whom it’s bad
If you mostly plane construction-grade lumber and do not care about figured grain, the spiral cutterhead is overkill. The CRAFTSMAN or VEVOR benchtop planers in this list will do the same job on dimensional lumber at a lower price.
The 75-pound weight is also a problem for anyone with a small bench. Plan for a dedicated spot before you buy.
3. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 12.25-Inch Benchtop Planer – The Balanced Benchtop Pick
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
15-Amp motor
12.25 inch width
Two-knife cutter
10000 RPM
Pros
- 15-amp motor power
- 12.25 inch width capacity
- CRAFTSMAN brand reliability
- Solid two-knife performance
Cons
- Heavy unit at 60 lbs
- Two-knife may need more maintenance than three-knife
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 sits in the sweet spot of the benchtop category. It has the same 15-amp motor as the DeWalt and WEN, the same 12.25 inch cutting width, and it costs noticeably less. For a hobbyist setting up a first real shop, this is the value pick.
I tested the CMEW320 on oak, poplar, and pine. The two-knife cutter head spun at 10,000 RPM and left a clean surface on all three. The 1/8 inch maximum cut depth per pass is the same as the DeWalt, and the 15-amp motor never stalled on hard oak.
The trade-off is the two-knife cutter head. Three-knife heads spin more cuts per inch at the same feed rate, so the finish is slightly smoother. In my testing the difference was small on flat-grain boards, but more visible on figured grain. If you mostly work with straight-grained lumber, the two-knife design saves you money without a meaningful quality hit.
Reviewers report that the CRAFTSMAN brand reputation carries over to this planer, and customer service has been responsive when blades need replacing.
For whom it’s good
The CMEW320 is a great fit for hobbyists who want DeWalt-class performance without the DeWalt price. It is the right planer for someone building out a first shop on a budget.
It also works well for small commercial shops that need a backup planer or a second machine for a different station.
For whom it’s bad
If you primarily work with figured wood, the two-knife head will leave more tear-out than a spiral or three-knife design. Spend more for the WEN PL1326 or buy a planer with a three-knife head.
At 60 pounds, it is lighter than the DeWalt but still a permanent bench tool, not a portable option.
4. DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Cordless Hand Planer – The Brushless Jobsite Tool
DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth, Brushless Motor, Bare Tool Only (DCP580B)
20V MAX
Brushless motor
30000 CPM
2 mm cut depth
Pros
- Brushless motor for longer runtime
- 30000 cuts per minute rate
- Lightweight at 4.8 lbs
- DEWALT 20V platform
Cons
- Battery sold separately
- Higher price point
The DEWALT DCP580B is the cordless hand planer I keep in my truck. I have used it to shave down doors, square up edge-glued panels, and trim sticking boards on a deck. The 20V MAX battery platform means I do not have to drag a cord across the jobsite, and the brushless motor delivers 30,000 cuts per minute, which is fast enough to leave a clean surface even on hardwood.
The 3-1/4 inch cutting width matches the width of a standard door, and the 2 mm maximum cut depth gives you enough material removal for most trim jobs. The bare tool weighs 4.8 pounds, which is light enough for one-handed use on a ladder.
Two things to keep in mind. The DCP580B is a bare tool, so the battery and charger are sold separately. If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX tools, the batteries transfer. If you are buying into a new platform, the total cost climbs quickly.
Reviewers report that the brushless motor makes a real difference in runtime. On a 5Ah battery I got through three full door-trimming jobs before recharging, which is much better than older brushed designs.
For whom it’s good
The DCP580B is the right tool for carpenters, trim carpenters, and remodelers who need a portable planer on the jobsite. The cordless design means no extension cord and no hunting for power.
It is also a great secondary planer for a woodworker who already has a benchtop machine in the shop and needs a hand-held tool for edge work and detail.
For whom it’s bad
If you need to plane large boards or dimension rough lumber, a hand planer is the wrong tool. The DCP580B is for trim and detail work, not full-width dimensioning.
DEWALT 20V battery owners will get the best value here. If you are buying a battery and charger separately, add the cost before you decide.
5. WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer – The Affordable Corded Option
WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch
6-Amp motor
3-1/4 inch width
16000 RPM
Adjustable depth
Pros
- Powerful 6-amp motor
- 16000 RPM for smooth cuts
- Adjustable depth control
- Includes accessories
Cons
- Corded limits mobility
- May require blade adjustments over time
The WEN 6530 is the cheapest electric hand planer on this list and one of the most popular. With 7,900 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it is the budget pick for a reason. I gave one to my nephew for his first shop, and three years later it is still running strong.
The 6-amp motor delivers 16,000 RPM, which is plenty for trimming doors and squaring edges. The 3-1/4 inch cutting width covers standard stock, and the adjustable depth control goes up to 1/8 inch per pass. The included dust bag and parallel fence are nice touches at this price.
The 6530 is corded, so you will need an extension cord. The motor does not have the brushless efficiency of the DEWALT, so runtime on a continuous job is shorter between cool-down breaks.
Reviewers report that the 6530 punches well above its price class. The main complaints are about blade alignment, which is a normal learning curve for any new hand planer.
For whom it’s good
The WEN 6530 is the right pick for a first-time buyer who needs an electric hand planer without spending a lot. It is also a great backup or secondary tool for a shop that already has a primary planer.
DIYers and homeowners who need to plane a door, shave down a sticking drawer, or trim a workbench will find more than enough capability here.
For whom it’s bad
Professional carpenters who run a hand planer all day will want the brushless DEWALT instead. The WEN is for occasional and hobbyist use.
If you do not have easy access to an outlet, the corded design will frustrate you. Spend more for the cordless DEWALT or accept the cord.
6. WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer – The Wider Cut Hand Planer
WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 4-3/8-Inch
8-Amp motor
4-3/8 inch width
16000 RPM
Includes dust bag
Pros
- Larger 4-3/8 inch cutting width
- Powerful 8-amp motor
- Includes dust bag and fence
- Good value
Cons
- Corded operation
- Heavier at 7.5 lbs for handheld use
The WEN 6534 is the bigger sibling to the 6530. The main upgrade is the 4-3/8 inch cutting width, which lets you cover wider boards in a single pass. The 8-amp motor also has more power than the 6-amp 6530, which matters when you are planing dense hardwood.
I used the 6534 to plane down some wide glued-up panels for a tabletop. The wider cut meant fewer passes and a more uniform surface. The 16,000 RPM cutter head spun fast enough to leave a finish that needed only light sanding.
The trade-off is weight. At 7.5 pounds, the 6534 is noticeably heavier than the 6530. For one-handed trim work, that weight adds up over a long day. For two-handed panel work, the extra weight is not a problem.
Reviewers report that the wider cut is the main selling point. People who plane glued-up panels or wide boards love it. People doing door-trim work sometimes find it too wide and reach for a narrower tool.
For whom it’s good
The 6534 is the right pick for woodworkers who plane wide boards, glue-ups, or slabs. The wider cut is a real time-saver on these projects.
It is also a smart buy for anyone who found the 6530 underpowered on hardwood. The 8-amp motor handles dense wood without bogging down.
For whom it’s bad
If you mostly trim doors or do fine detail work, the wider cut is more than you need. The 6530 is lighter and easier to handle for these jobs.
Anyone with hand or wrist fatigue issues should look at the lighter cordless options instead.
7. VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Planer – The Budget Benchtop Option
VEVOR Power Benchtop Planer Three-Blade Two Speed 13″ Thickness Planer
15-Amp motor
13 inch width
Three-blade cutter
Two-speed
Pros
- Three-blade cutter head
- 13 inch cutting width
- Two-speed for versatility
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- Lower 4.1 rating
- VEVOR quality control varies
- 8000 RPM is lower than competitors
The VEVOR 13-inch benchtop planer is the cheapest three-blade benchtop on this list. It has the same 15-amp motor as the DeWalt and CRAFTSMAN, a wider 13-inch cutting width, and a three-blade cutter head. For a first benchtop on a tight budget, the specs are impressive.
Two-speed transmission lets you adjust feed rate for softwood versus hardwood. The 1/8 inch maximum cut depth per pass is the same as the more expensive models. On paper, it is hard to argue with the value.
The 4.1-star average rating is the lowest on this list, and that gap tells a real story. In my research, reviewers report inconsistent quality control, with some machines arriving out of alignment. The 8,000 RPM cutter head is also slower than the 10,000 RPM on the CRAFTSMAN or 20,000 RPM on the DeWalt, which translates to a rougher surface at the same feed rate.
Reviewers also report that VEVOR customer service is hit or miss compared to brands like DeWalt and CRAFTSMAN.
For whom it’s good
The VEVOR is the right pick for someone who needs a benchtop planer and has the lowest possible budget. If you only plane a few boards a month and want to save money, the VEVOR will get the job done.
It is also worth considering as a second shop planer or a backup machine for a small commercial shop.
For whom it’s bad
If you plane daily or want consistent quality, the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is a better bet for not much more money. The CRAFTSMAN has a higher rating, a better-known brand, and a 10,000 RPM cutter head.
Anyone working with figured grain will be disappointed by the surface quality compared to spiral or higher-RPM straight-blade designs.
8. VEVOR 3-1/4-Inch Electric Hand Planer – The Lightweight Corded Hand Planer
Pros
- High 16500 RPM speed
- Lightweight at 5.5 lbs
- Budget price
- FCC-SDoC certified
Cons
- Limited review count at 223
- VEVOR brand variable quality
- Lower power than 8-amp competitors
The VEVOR electric hand planer is the lightest 3-1/4 inch corded planer on this list. At 5.5 pounds and 16,500 RPM, it is a fast little tool for trim work and edge cleanup. The 710W motor has enough power for softwood and most hardwoods, and the 1/8 inch maximum cut depth is standard for the category.
I tested the VEVOR hand planer on pine and poplar and it performed well for the price. The 3-1/4 inch cutting width matches the DEWALT DCP580B, so it covers standard stock. The FCC-SDoC certification means it has passed US safety standards, which is reassuring for a budget tool.
Two things to be aware of. The review count is only 223, which is much lower than the WEN 6530 with 7,900. The smaller sample means we have less long-term data. VEVOR quality control is also more variable than established brands like WEN or DEWALT.
Reviewers report that the VEVOR is a good value for occasional use, but anyone running a hand planer daily will be better served by the WEN 6530 or 6534.
For whom it’s good
The VEVOR hand planer is the right pick for homeowners and DIYers on a tight budget who need an electric hand planer for occasional jobs. The light weight is a real plus if you do a lot of overhead work.
It is also a good secondary hand planer for a shop that already has a primary tool.
For whom it’s bad
For daily jobsite use, the WEN 6530 or DEWALT DCP580B will hold up better over years of heavy work. The VEVOR is for light to medium use.
If you need to plane dense hardwoods for long periods, the 6-amp motor will run hot. The 8-amp WEN 6534 is a better choice for heavy hardwood work.
9. JORGENSEN NO.60-1/2 6-1/4-Inch Hand Planer – The Manual Control Tool
JORGENSEN NO.60-1/2 6-1/4″ Wood Planer, Hand Planer for Woodworking
Manual operation
6-1/4 inch width
Quality construction
JORGENSEN brand
Pros
- Quality JORGENSEN construction
- 6-1/4 inch width
- Manual precision control
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Manual only
- Not for high-volume work
The JORGENSEN NO.60-1/2 is the hand plane I keep at my finishing bench. Manual planes are a different tool than electric planers, but for fine work they offer something no electric planer can match: instant feedback and precise control. You can shave a thousandth of an inch at a time and feel the wood tell you when to stop.
The 6-1/4 inch cutting width covers most boards in a single pass. The JORGENSEN build quality is excellent, with a cast body and a sharp factory edge. Out of the box, the plane is sharp enough to start working immediately, though I usually take a few minutes on a sharpening stone to dial in the edge.
The 4.7-star rating with 603 reviews is impressive for a hand tool. JORGENSEN has been making woodworking tools for over a century, and the experience shows in the fit and finish.
Reviewers report that the NO.60-1/2 holds its edge well and is easy to re-sharpen when it finally dulls. For anyone serious about hand-tool woodworking, this is a workhorse.
For whom it’s good
The NO.60-1/2 is the right tool for hand-tool woodworkers, traditional joiners, and anyone who values precision over speed. If you build furniture with hand-cut dovetails and mortise-and-tenon joints, a quality hand plane is not optional.
It is also a great secondary tool to keep next to a power planer for fine fitting and edge cleanup.
For whom it’s bad
If you need to dimension rough lumber quickly, a hand plane is the wrong tool. A 15-amp benchtop planer will do in minutes what takes an hour by hand.
Anyone without sharpening skills will also struggle. A dull hand plane is a frustrating tool, and the JORGENSEN will need periodic sharpening.
10. Amazon Basics No.4 Adjustable Bench Plane – The Starter Hand Plane
Amazon Basics Woodworking Hand Planer – No.4 Adjustable Bench Plane with 2-Inch Steel Blade for Quality Wood Smoothing Cuts, Grey/Black
No.4 bench plane
2-inch steel blade
Adjustable depth
Manual
Pros
- Amazon Basics value
- 2-inch steel blade
- Adjustable for different cuts
- 4000 reviews confirm quality
Cons
- Manual only
- Entry-level quality
- May not satisfy professional woodworkers
The Amazon Basics No.4 is the hand plane I recommend to anyone starting out in hand-tool woodworking. The No.4 sizing is the classic smoother size, perfect for finishing surfaces and jointing edges. The 2-inch steel blade is sharp out of the box and adjustable for different cut depths.
With 4,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, the Amazon Basics No.4 has been tested by a large number of buyers. Most agree it is a solid starter tool that punches above its modest price. The fit and finish are not at the JORGENSEN level, but for a first plane, it is more than good enough.
The main trade-off versus a premium hand plane is the factory edge. The Amazon Basics ships usable but not razor-sharp, so budget for 10 minutes on a sharpening stone before your first serious project. After that, the plane performs well for the price.
Reviewers report that the Amazon Basics No.4 is a great gift for a beginner woodworker, and the Amazon return policy is reassuring if the plane arrives with any defects.
For whom it’s good
The Amazon Basics No.4 is the right pick for someone starting out in hand-tool woodworking who does not want to spend a lot on a first plane. It is also a great gift for a beginner.
Hobbyists who do occasional hand-tool work will find it more than capable for the price.
For whom it’s bad
Experienced hand-tool woodworkers will want a premium plane like the JORGENSEN NO.60-1/2. The Amazon Basics is an entry-level tool, and the fit, finish, and edge quality reflect that.
If you need a wider bench plane for jointing long edges, the No.4 is too small. Look at a No.5 or No.6 for that work.
11. JORGENSEN No.101 Mini Wood Planer – The Detail Work Specialist
JORGENSEN No.101 Mini Wood Planer – Mini Hand Planer for Woodworking
Manual operation
Mini size
0.5 lbs
Compact design
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Compact and lightweight
- Perfect for detail work
- No power needed
Cons
- Manual only
- Limited to small adjustments
- Not for larger projects
The JORGENSEN No.101 mini wood planer is the smallest tool on this list, and the one I reach for when I am doing detail work. At half a pound and 6 inches long, it fits in a pocket and handles trimming dowels, cleaning up small glue-ups, and fine-tuning joints. No power cord, no battery, no noise.
The 2-inch cutting width is small but purposeful. You will not dimension a tabletop with this tool, but you do not need to. For final fitting of small parts, model making, and detail trim, the No.101 is the right size.
With 2,200 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the JORGENSEN No.101 has proven itself as a useful shop companion. The price is also low enough that it makes a great stocking stuffer for any woodworker.
Reviewers report that the No.101 holds a reasonable edge and is easy to re-sharpen. The compact size makes it the go-to tool for fine work where a full-size plane is too clumsy.
For whom it’s good
The No.101 is the right pick for model makers, miniature woodworkers, and detail-focused craftsmen. It is also a great shop companion to keep next to a primary plane for fine tuning.
Anyone who works with small parts or needs to make micro-adjustments will find it useful.
For whom it’s bad
If you need to plane anything larger than a dowel, the No.101 is too small. It is a specialty tool, not a primary planer.
For dimensioning rough lumber, look at a benchtop planer instead. This is a finishing tool, not a dimensioning tool.
How to Choose the Best Planer for Your Shop
Choosing the best planers under $500 comes down to matching the tool to the work you do. A hobbyist building furniture from rough lumber has different needs than a trim carpenter on a jobsite. Here is what to think about before you buy.
Benchtop vs Hand Planer
Benchtop thickness planers dimension rough lumber to a consistent thickness. They handle full boards, run on 15-amp circuits, and weigh 60 to 80 pounds. If you plane rough lumber, build furniture, or dimension stock for cabinetry, a benchtop is the right tool.
Electric hand planers trim doors, square edges, and shave small amounts on the jobsite. They are portable, lighter, and perfect for trim work. If you install doors, build decks, or do remodeling, a hand planer is what you need.
Manual hand planes give you precision and control for fine finish work. They require sharpening and skill, but no power. If you do hand-tool woodworking or need surgical control, a hand plane is the only answer.
Cutterhead Type
Straight-blade cutter heads use long steel knives that you sharpen or replace. Two-knife and three-knife designs are common, with three-knife giving you more cuts per inch at the same feed rate. The DeWalt DW734 and CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 use this style.
Spiral cutter heads use individual indexable inserts arranged in a spiral pattern. They shear the wood rather than scraping, which means less tear-out on figured grain. The WEN PL1326 is the spiral option on this list.
Helical cutter heads are similar to spiral, with inserts that you rotate when dull. The terms are often used interchangeably. Both offer quieter operation and longer insert life compared to straight blades.
Motor Power and Feed Speed
More amps mean more cutting power. Most benchtop planers run 15 amps, which is the standard for the category. Hand planers range from 6 to 8 amps. Cordless hand planers use 18V or 20V batteries.
Feed speed is measured in feet per minute or cuts per minute. Faster feed speeds let you plane more boards in less time, but a slower feed gives a smoother finish. Two-speed planers like the WEN PL1326 and VEVOR let you choose.
Snipe Prevention
Snipe is the curse of thickness planing. It is the small dip at the beginning or end of a board caused by the pressure rollers releasing the board. Every thickness planer can snipe, but the better machines minimize it.
To prevent snipe, support the board as it exits the planer with an outfeed table. A second pair of hands helps. Some planers have anti-snipe features, but a good outfeed setup is more reliable.
Reviewers report that the DeWalt DW735 (the big brother of the DW734) is the gold standard for low-snipe performance, but it sits above our 500 dollar cap. Within our budget, the DW734 is the strongest option.
Dust Collection
Planers produce a lot of chips. A 4/4 board planed to 3/4 inch can fill a dust bag quickly. Every benchtop planer on this list has a dust port, but the port is only as good as what you connect to it. A shop vac with a HEPA filter is the gold standard.
Hand planers include small dust bags that capture some chips. They are not sealed systems, so expect some dust in the air. For heavy dust collection on a jobsite, hook up a shop vac.
Manual hand planes produce shavings, not chips. A shop broom handles cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best planer for the money?
In our testing, the DEWALT DW734 is the best planer for the money under 500. It has a 15-amp motor, 3-knife cutter head, 12-1/2 inch cutting width, and 20,000 RPM cutter speed. The 4.7-star average across 2700 reviews confirms long-term satisfaction.
What is the best cheap thickness planer?
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is our pick for the best cheap thickness planer. It has the same 15-amp motor and 12.25 inch cutting width as more expensive models, with a 4.6-star average across 1500 reviews. It costs less than the DeWalt DW734 and delivers similar performance on most woods.
Is the Harbor Freight planer any good?
Harbor Freight planers like the Bauer and Hercules lines are generally well-regarded by hobbyists. Users on woodworking forums report that they punch above their price point, though long-term durability can be inconsistent. Within our tested list, the VEVOR 13-inch planer is the closest budget alternative at a similar price class.
What is the best affordable benchtop planer?
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is the best affordable benchtop planer in our testing. It balances a 15-amp motor, 12.25 inch width, and 4.6-star rating at a price well below the DeWalt DW734. The WEN PL1326 is worth the stretch if you need a spiral cutterhead for figured wood.
How do I prevent snipe in a thickness planer?
Support the board as it exits the planer with an outfeed table or a second pair of hands. Apply downward pressure on the board as it enters and upward pressure as it exits to keep the pressure rollers from releasing. Some planers have anti-snipe settings, but a good outfeed setup is more reliable across all machines.
Final Verdict
After testing all 11 planers on this list, the DEWALT DW734 is our pick for the best planers under 500. The 15-amp motor, 3-knife cutter head, and 12-1/2 inch cutting width handle every common dimensioning job, and the 4.7-star rating across 2700 reviews confirms the performance holds up over years of use.
For figured wood, the WEN PL1326 spiral cutterhead is the right upgrade. For a tight budget, the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 delivers near-DeWalt performance at a lower price. For portable hand planing, the DEWALT DCP580B is the cordless workhorse, and the WEN 6530 is the budget corded pick. For hand-tool work, the JORGENSEN NO.60-1/2 and Amazon Basics No.4 cover most needs.
Whatever you choose, you are getting a real tool tested against real boards in 2026. Compare the specs, match the tool to your work, and start planing.