Best Jet Benchtop Planers: 7 Models Compared

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: Small shops needing 13-inch width

Cutting Width

13"

Cutterhead Style

Helical

Blade Count

30 carbide inserts

Maximum Stock Thickness

6"

Feed Rate

24.6 FPM

Motor Power

2 HP, 15A

View on Amazon: JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer Affiliate link

The JET 13" Benchtop Helical Planer planes boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. Its 2 HP motor drives a helical cutterhead with 30 carbide inserts at 9,500 RPM. This setup delivers a smoother surface and quieter operation at 91 dB. You get controlled height adjustment via a fine-increment crank dial. It suits small shops needing a full-width planer without a stationary footprint.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 30 carbide inserts for smoother cuts
• Quieter 91 dB operation compared to straight-knife models
• Rotatable inserts allow edge refresh without full knife replacement
• Fine-increment crank dial for precise depth adjustment

Cons

• Limited to 120V power, unlike 230V competitors
• Maximum cut depth is only 1/16 inch on full-width stock
• Not suitable for plywood, painted wood, or reclaimed lumber

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch planing width in a small shop
• You prioritize quiet operation and smooth surface finishes
• You work with solid hardwoods and softwoods only

Skip if

• You require a 230V motor for heavier duty use
• You need to plane plywood or painted lumber
• You want to take deeper than 1/16 inch cuts on wide boards

Verdict: JET 13" Benchtop Helical Planer fits small shops needing a 13-inch width without a stationary footprint. It offers quieter, smoother cuts for solid wood through its helical head.

2 Best budget

JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

Best for: Hobbyists needing smooth cuts on 13-inch boards

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 helical cutterhead with 26 inserts. It includes a 2-HP motor and two feed speeds of 18 or 26 FPM. The four-post design supports the cutterhead, while the cast iron bed helps reduce snipe. You get adjustable folding tables to save space. This model suits woodworkers needing a quieter, smoother cut on standard-width boards.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change inserts for smoother cuts
• Two feed speeds: 18 FPM and 26 FPM
• Four-post design for maximum cutterhead support
• Adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables

Cons

• 120V voltage limits power compared to 230V models
• 2-HP motor is less powerful than 3-HP or 5-HP competitors
• 13-inch width is narrower than 15-inch or 20-inch options

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch width for most standard lumber
• You want a quieter helical cutterhead design
• You prefer a 120V benchtop machine for easy setup

Skip if

• You regularly plane boards wider than 13 inches
• You require 230V power for heavier industrial use
• You need more than 2 HP of motor power

Verdict: JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer offers a balanced mix of helical cutting quality and benchtop convenience. It fits hobbyists and small shop woodworkers who prioritize cut smoothness over maximum width or industrial power.

3 Best 115/230v

Jet 13-Inch Dual-Voltage Planer and Molder

Best for: Molding and standard thickness planing

Cutting Width

13-Inch

Blade Count

3

Feed Rate

Two-speed

Motor Power

1-1/2 HP

Voltage

1Ph 115/230V

Dimensions

23 × 28 × 44 inches

View on Amazon: Jet 13-Inch Dual-Voltage Planer and Molder Affiliate link

The JET JPM-13CS is a 13-inch planer and molder with a 1.5 HP motor. It runs on 115/230V and uses three HSS knives. The two-speed gearbox offers flexible feed rates for planing or molding. You get adjustable infeed and outfeed rollers to protect wood surfaces. This dual-purpose tool suits shops needing molding capabilities alongside standard thickness planing.

Pros

• Dual 115/230V voltage compatibility
• Two-speed gearbox for varied feed rates
• Molding cutter head supports 40+ sets
• Rubber-coated adjustable rollers prevent marring

Cons

• Only three HSS knives compared to helical heads
• Heavier at 258 pounds
• Lower 1.5 HP motor power

Good fit if

• You need a machine that planes and molds
• You require 115V or 230V flexibility
• You want adjustable feed rates for different cuts

Skip if

• You need high-volume production speeds
• You prefer helical cutterhead technology
• You require more than 13-inch width

Verdict: JET 13-Inch Planer/Molder 1.5 HP serves woodworkers who need molding versatility in a benchtop footprint. It fits shops that value voltage flexibility and adjustable feed rates over raw cutting speed.

4 Also great

JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer

Best for: smooth finishes on wide boards

Cutting Width

15"

Cutterhead Style

Helical style

Blade Count

48 knives

Maximum Stock Thickness

6"

Feed Rate

16 fpm / 20 fpm

Motor Power

3 HP

View on Amazon: JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer Affiliate link

This 15-inch benchtop planer uses a helical cutterhead with 48 carbide knives for smooth cuts. It features a 3 HP motor and 2-speed feed rates of 16 or 20 FPM. The precision-ground cast iron table and four-post design provide stability. You get a 1/8-inch max depth of cut and 6-inch cutting height. It is a solid option for woodworkers needing consistent performance.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 48 staggered carbide knives
• 2-speed feed rate control (16/20 FPM)
• Precision-ground cast iron table for stability
• PASS system reduces board snipe

Cons

• 286 pounds makes it heavy and bulky
• Requires 230V power connection
• Limited to 1/8-inch maximum depth of cut

Good fit if

• You need a 15-inch width capacity
• You prefer helical cutterhead smoothness
• You have 230V power available

Skip if

• You only have 115V outlets
• You need to plane boards wider than 15 inches
• You want a lightweight portable tool

Verdict: JET 15-Inch Helical Planer delivers professional-grade stability and cut quality for serious woodworking projects. It fits buyers who prioritize a smooth finish and have the space and power to support its heavy, industrial build.

5 Best premium

JET 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer

Best for: Wide boards and heavy production work

Cutting Width

20-Inch

Cutterhead Style

Helical

Feed Rate

24/31 fpm

Motor Power

5 HP

Voltage

230V 1Ph

Dimensions

26 × 36.7 × 41.4 inches

View on Amazon: JET 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer Affiliate link

This JET model features a 20-inch cutting width and a 5 HP motor. It uses a helical cutterhead for smooth finishes. The two-speed feed rate of 24 or 31 fpm helps you adjust to your wood type. The one-piece welded steel base provides stability. It includes cast iron infeed and outfeed tables for better support. This machine suits large workshop projects.

Pros

• 20-inch cutting width handles wide boards
• 5 HP motor provides strong power
• Helical cutterhead reduces tear-out
• Two-speed feed rate offers flexibility

Cons

• 753 pounds weight requires strong floor support
• 230V only limits plug-in options
• Large footprint takes up significant space

Good fit if

• You need to plane boards wider than 15 inches
• You have a 230V outlet available
• You want a heavy, stable machine

Skip if

• You only have standard 115V outlets
• You have limited floor space
• You need to move the planer often

Verdict: JET 20-Inch Helical Planer is a heavy-duty tool for wide stock. It fits shops with 230V power and space for a 753-pound machine.

6 Also great

JET 20-Inch Straight Knife Thickness Planer

Best for: Wide stock with variable feed speeds

Cutting Width

20-Inch

Cutterhead Style

Straight Knife

Feed Rate

24 FPM / 31 FPM

Motor Power

3 HP

Voltage

230V 1Ph

Speed Settings

2-Speed

View on Amazon: JET 20-Inch Straight Knife Thickness Planer Affiliate link

This JET benchtop planer handles 20-inch wide stock with a 3 HP motor. It features a straight knife cutterhead and a two-speed gearbox offering 24 or 31 FPM feed rates. The 640-pound cast iron table supports large workpieces. You get precise height adjustments via a 1/16-inch scale. This machine suits shops needing wide capacity and variable speed control for different wood types.

Pros

• 20-inch cutting width for wide boards
• 3 HP TEFC induction motor
• Two-speed feed rates (24/31 FPM)
• Precision-ground cast iron table

Cons

• Straight knife cutterhead requires sharpening
• Heavy 640-pound build
• 230V single-phase power only

Good fit if

• You need to plane stock wider than 15 inches
• You want variable feed speeds for different cuts
• You have a 230V power outlet available

Skip if

• You only have 115V outlets
• You prefer helical cutterheads for noise reduction
• You need a lighter, portable machine

Verdict: JET 20-Inch Planer, 3 HP, 2-Speed delivers wide capacity and adjustable speed for serious woodworking. It fits shops with 230V power that need to handle large stock widths.

7 Also great

JET 15-Inch Planer 3 HP Straight Knife

Best for: Wider boards and straight knife users

Cutting Width

15"

Cutterhead Style

Straight knife

Blade Count

3 knives

Maximum Stock Thickness

6"

Feed Rate

16 fpm / 20 fpm

Motor Power

3 HP

View on Amazon: JET 15-Inch Planer 3 HP Straight Knife Affiliate link

This JET benchtop planer offers a 15-inch cutting width and 3 HP motor on 230V power. It uses a straight knife cutterhead with three high-speed steel blades. Dual feed rates of 16 or 20 fpm let you adjust speed for efficiency. The precision air strut system helps reduce board snipe. You get a 6-inch maximum stock thickness and a 1/8-inch maximum depth of cut. It weighs 255 pounds and measures 46.5 inches long.

Pros

• 15-inch cutting width handles wider boards
• Dual feed speed control at 16 or 20 fpm
• Precision air strut system reduces board snipe
• 3 HP motor provides strong cutting power
• Steel infeed and outfeed tables support workpieces

Cons

• Straight knife cutterhead requires more frequent sharpening than helical heads
• 255-pound weight makes it difficult to move
• Single-phase 230V power limits placement options

Good fit if

• You need a 15-inch capacity for wider lumber
• You prefer the simplicity and lower maintenance of straight knives
• You have access to 230V single-phase power

Skip if

• You require a helical cutterhead for quieter operation
• You only have 115V outlet availability
• You need to frequently move the machine

Verdict: JET 15-Inch Planer 3 HP Straight Knife delivers reliable performance for wider boards with its 15-inch width and 3 HP motor. It suits users who prioritize cutting width and straight knife simplicity over helical head noise reduction.

Specifications side by side

Jet Benchtop Planer Models Compared

The lineup spans from compact 13-inch units to heavy 20-inch industrial machines. The JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer and the 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer fit small shops and hobbyists. These models prioritize benchtop convenience and smooth cuts in a smaller footprint. You get helical cutterheads for reduced noise and better finish quality on narrower stock. Heavier models like the JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer and the 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer require dedicated space and 230V power. They suit serious woodworkers needing wide capacity and raw power. You must match your voltage and floor space to the machine size.

Where Jet Fits Your Shop

Jet’s range spans from compact 13-inch helical units to heavy 20-inch industrial planers. You can choose between benchtop convenience for small shops or stationary stability for wide stock. The lineup covers 13, 15, and 20-inch widths, with options for helical or straight knife cutterheads. However, none of the listed models offer widths under 13 inches or over 20 inches. You also will not find 120V power options for the larger 15- and 20-inch machines, which require 230V. This gap means you need adequate electrical infrastructure and floor space for the heavier models.

How to Choose the Right Jet Planer

1. Check Width Capacity

   The swing determines the maximum board width you can process. The JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer handles up to 18.3 inches, which suits small shops needing moderate width. Larger projects require the JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer or the JET 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer, which support 15 and 20-inch stock respectively. Measure your widest lumber before selecting a model. Choosing a unit with insufficient swing limits your workflow and forces you to joint edges for wider boards. Always match the machine capacity to your typical project dimensions.

2. Select Voltage Type

   Voltage availability dictates which machines fit your shop. Most models, like the JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer, require 230V power for their high-output motors. However, the JET 13-Inch Dual-Voltage Planer and Molder supports both 115V and 230V, offering flexibility for workshops with standard outlets. Verify your electrical supply before purchasing. Installing a 230V line involves significant cost and effort. If you only have 120V circuits, the dual-voltage option or lower-power benchtop models are your only viable choices. Mismatching voltage can damage the motor or prevent operation entirely.

3. Choose Cutterhead Style

   The cutterhead style affects cut quality and noise. Helical heads, found on the JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer and the JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer, use multiple carbide inserts for quieter, smoother finishes. Straight knife heads, like those on the JET 20-Inch Straight Knife Thickness Planer, use two high-speed steel blades. These are easier to sharpen but can produce tear-out on figured wood. Decide if you prioritize surface finish quality or the lower maintenance cost of straight knives. Your choice will influence the final appearance of your lumber and the operational noise level in your shop.

4. Evaluate Motor Power

   Motor horsepower impacts feed rate and resistance. The JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer offers 2 HP, suitable for hobbyists and light production. The JET 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer provides substantial power for heavy production work and wide boards. Higher HP allows the machine to maintain speed under heavy cuts. If you plane dense hardwoods frequently, a 3 HP or 5 HP motor prevents bogging down. Smaller motors may struggle with thick stock, leading to uneven cuts or motor strain. Match the horsepower to the density and thickness of your typical material.

5. Assess Physical Footprint

   Weight and dimensions determine installation requirements. The JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer weighs 66 pounds and fits on a bench. In contrast, the JET 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer weighs 753 pounds and requires a reinforced floor. Check your workshop space and floor strength before ordering. Heavy stationary units need dedicated foundations to prevent vibration and movement during operation. Benchtop models offer portability but may lack the stability of larger machines. Measure your available floor space carefully to ensure the machine fits without obstructing workflow or safety zones.

Frequently asked questions

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