2 Best Benchtop Planers Under $1000, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You want smooth cuts on hardwoods JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer Its helical cutterhead and 2 HP motor deliver professional-grade finish quality.
• You need planing and jointing functions WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle This bundle includes both a planer and jointer with a spiral cutterhead.
• You value precise material removal control WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle Dual feed rates allow you to adjust material removal precisely.

Our 2 picks

1 Best overall

JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

Best for: smooth cuts on hardwoods

Cutting Width

13"

Cutterhead Style

Helical style

Blade Count

26 inserts

Maximum Stock Thickness

6"

Feed Rate

18 FPM / 26 FPM

Motor Power

2 HP, 15 A

View on Amazon: JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer Affiliate link

This JET benchtop planer features a 13-inch cutting width and a 2-HP motor. It uses a helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change inserts for smoother results. You get two feed speeds, 18 and 26 FPM, to match your material. The cast iron bed helps keep boards flat. It is a solid option for woodworkers needing precision and quiet operation in a compact footprint.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 26 high-speed steel inserts
• Two feed speeds: 18 FPM and 26 FPM
• Precision-machined cast iron bed reduces snipe
• Adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables

Cons

• 75-pound weight makes it less portable
• 13-inch width limits wider board capacity
• No digital depth readout listed

Good fit if

• You need a quiet, smooth finish for hardwoods
• You want quick-change cutterhead inserts
• You have space for a 75-pound machine

Skip if

• You regularly plane boards wider than 13 inches
• You need a lightweight tool for frequent transport
• You prefer a single-speed machine for simplicity

Verdict: JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer delivers professional-grade smoothness and speed control for serious hobbyists. It fits users who value cut quality and durability over portability.

2 Best budget

WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle

Best for: finishing quality and dual machine functionality

Cutting Width

13 in

Cutterhead Style

Spiral

Maximum Stock Thickness

6 in

Feed Rate

16 FPM / 26 FPM

Configuration

Benchtop

Speed Settings

2-Speed

View on Amazon: WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle Affiliate link

This WEN bundle combines a 13-inch thickness planer and a 30-by-6-inch jointer. Both machines use spiral cutterheads with staggered HSS blades for fine finishes. The planer offers two feed rates: 26 FPM for quick work and 16 FPM for smooth results. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick. The jointer fence bevels up to 45 degrees. This setup suits woodworkers who want precision and finish quality in a single purchase.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead style for ultra-fine finishes
• Two-speed feed rates: 16 FPM and 26 FPM
• 13-inch cutting width for wide boards
• Jointer fence bevels up to 45 degrees

Cons

• Spiral blades are generally more expensive to replace than straight knives
• Bundled jointer table is smaller than heavy-duty standalone models
• Maximum stock thickness limited to 6 inches

Good fit if

• You want a spiral cutterhead for better surface finish
• You need both planing and jointing capabilities in one bundle
• You value two-speed feed rate options for different tasks

Skip if

• You require a single machine rather than a bundle
• You need to plane stock thicker than 6 inches
• You prefer a single-speed machine for simplicity

Verdict: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Planer and Jointer Bundle delivers high-quality finishes through its spiral head and dual feed rates. It is ideal for woodworkers who need both planing and jointing functions with precise control over material removal.

Specifications side by side

Key specs to compare for your needs

1. Check swing width first

   The swing width determines the maximum board thickness you can plane in a single pass. Both listed models offer a 13-inch swing, which handles most standard lumber sizes. If you work with thicker stock, verify the machine’s swing rating matches your largest pieces. A wider swing allows you to plane thicker boards without needing to adjust your workflow. Ensure the spec aligns with your typical project dimensions to avoid bottlenecks during production.

2. Select the right configuration

   Configuration defines how the machine sits and operates in your shop. The JET model is a dedicated benchtop planer, designed for focused planing tasks. The WEN bundle offers a dual configuration, combining a planer and jointer. Choose a single-function unit if you prioritize space efficiency and specialized performance. Select a bundle if you need both machines but have limited floor space. Your workshop layout and primary tasks should drive this decision.

3. Evaluate speed settings

   Speed settings allow you to adjust the feed rate for different material types. Both the JET and WEN models feature two-speed settings. This flexibility lets you slow down for difficult grain patterns or speed up for softwoods. Higher feed rates increase productivity, while lower rates improve surface finish quality. Check the specific speeds listed in the specs to ensure they match your desired balance between speed and cut quality for your specific wood species.

4. Assess motor power

   Motor power indicates the machine's ability to handle dense hardwoods without stalling. The JET planer includes a 2 HP motor, providing substantial torque for heavy cuts. Higher horsepower generally means smoother operation on resistant materials. While the WEN listing does not specify motor power in the provided data, you should check the official specs for this detail. Ensure the motor is powerful enough for your intended material hardness and cut depth requirements.

5. Review weight and dimensions

   Weight and physical dimensions affect stability and portability. The JET model weighs 75 pounds and measures 28 x 22 x 19 inches. Heavier machines tend to vibrate less during operation, resulting in better finish quality. Consider your bench strength and available floor space. A larger footprint requires more dedicated room. Verify that your workbench can support the weight and that the machine fits comfortably in your planned location without obstructing workflow.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best drill presses under 150
• best drill presses under 200
• best benchtop planers under 500
• best camcorders under 1000