Best WEN 2-Speed Benchtop Planers: 2 Spec-Based Picks
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Choosing the best WEN 2-Speed benchtop planers requires a close look at published specifications. We compared 2 models to help you find the right tool. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer leads because its 13-inch swing handles wider boards with ease. All picks are based strictly on the data provided by manufacturers. This guide helps you decide which machine fits your workshop space and material needs. You will see how cutterhead style and feed speed affect your results. Focus on the specs that matter for your projects.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer Best overall | smooth finishes on wider boards | Check price of WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer on Amazon |
| 2 | WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle Best budget | Wide board surfacing with spiral heads | Check price of WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You want the best overall performance WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer The 13-inch spiral cutterhead delivers high-quality finishes on wider boards.
- You need reliable surfacing for standard wood WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle This spiral head model ensures consistent results for typical woodworking tasks.
- You prefer a compact benchtop configuration WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer The benchtop design fits easily on your workbench for space saving.
Our 2 picks
WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer
Best for: smooth finishes on wider boards
- Speed Settings
- 2-Speed (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 13 in
- Cutterhead Style
- Spiral
- Blade Count
- 26
- Maximum Stock Thickness
- 6 in
- Feed Rate
- 16 FPM / 26 FPM (two speed)
View on Amazon: WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer Affiliate link
This benchtop planer features a 13-inch cutting width and a 15-amp motor delivering 10,000 RPM. It offers two feed speeds: 26 FPM for quick material removal and 16 FPM for fine finishes. The spiral cutterhead uses 26 rotatable HSS blades to reduce tear-out. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick. This machine suits users who need precision and a smooth surface finish on wider stock.
Pros
- Two feed rates: 26 FPM for speed, 16 FPM for finish
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades
- 13-inch cutting width and 6-inch max thickness
- Onboard depth stop and material removal gauge
Cons
- Heavy at 69 pounds, making it less portable
- Single-speed motor limits variable feed control
- No mention of automatic depth adjustment
Good fit if
- You need a 13-inch width for wider boards
- You want a spiral cutterhead for smoother cuts
- You value precise depth control with a depth stop
Skip if
- You only need to plane narrow boards under 8 inches
- You require a single-speed machine for simplicity
- You need a portable tool under 50 pounds
Verdict: WEN 13-Inch Spiral 2-Speed Planer delivers high-quality finishes through its spiral cutterhead and dual feed speeds. It is the best choice for woodworkers who prioritize surface quality and need to process wider lumber on a benchtop.
WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle
Best for: Wide board surfacing with spiral heads
- Speed Settings
- 2-Speed (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 13 in
- Cutterhead Style
- Spiral
- Maximum Stock Thickness
- 6 in
- Feed Rate
- 16 FPM / 26 FPM
- Configuration
- Benchtop
View on Amazon: WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle Affiliate link
This WEN benchtop planer handles boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. It features a spiral cutterhead for fine finishes and offers two feed speeds: 26 FPM for quick dimensioning and 16 FPM for smoother results. The bundle includes a jointer with a 30-by-6-inch table. It suits woodworkers who need precise width and thickness control for wider stock.
Pros
- 13-inch cutting width for wide boards
- Two feed rates: 16 FPM and 26 FPM
- Spiral cutterhead with staggered HSS blades
- Benchtop configuration saves floor space
Cons
- Maximum stock thickness limited to 6 inches
- No variable speed control beyond two settings
- Jointer included but not the focus of this planer review
Good fit if
- You need to plane boards up to 13 inches wide
- You want a spiral cutterhead for smoother surfaces
- You prefer fixed two-speed operation over variable control
Skip if
- You regularly plane lumber thicker than 6 inches
- You require variable feed speed for delicate work
- You only need a jointer and not a planer
Verdict: WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer delivers reliable width capacity and finish quality for standard woodworking tasks. It fits buyers who prioritize a spiral head and fixed speeds for consistent results.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer | WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Width | 13 in | 13 in |
| Cutterhead Style | Spiral | Spiral |
| Blade Count | 26 | not stated |
| Maximum Stock Thickness | 6 in | 6 in |
| Feed Rate | 16 FPM / 26 FPM (two speed) | 16 FPM / 26 FPM |
| Motor Power | 15 A | not stated |
| Cutterhead Speed | 10,000 RPM | not stated |
| Swing | 13-Inch | not stated |
| Configuration | Benchtop | Benchtop |
| Speed Settings | 2-Speed | 2-Speed |
| Target Material | not stated | Wood |
| Application | not stated | Woodworking |
| Dimensions | 22.3 × 34.6 × 20 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 69 pounds | not stated |
| Size | Spiral, 13-Inch, Two Speed | not stated |
| Color | Orange | Orange |
| Model | PL1337 | RM |
How to choose the right one
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Check the swing capacity
The swing determines the maximum width of board you can plane in a single pass. A 13-inch swing, like that of the WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer, allows you to process wider lumber without multiple passes. If you work with wide boards frequently, prioritize a larger swing. Smaller swings limit your material choices and increase setup time. Compare the swing specification directly to your typical project dimensions to ensure the tool fits your workflow needs.
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Review the configuration type
Benchtop configurations are designed to sit securely on a workbench or table. This setup saves floor space and offers portability for smaller shops. All models in this guide use a benchtop design, making them suitable for users with limited workshop space. Check the overall dimensions and weight to ensure your bench can support the unit. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer weighs 69 pounds and measures 34.6 inches wide, so verify your workspace can accommodate these physical requirements.
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Understand the speed settings
Two-speed settings allow you to adjust the feed rate based on the material hardness and desired finish. Slower speeds often provide a smoother cut on difficult grain, while faster speeds improve efficiency on softer woods. This guide focuses exclusively on 2-speed models, ensuring you have flexibility for various tasks. When comparing options, note that all featured WEN planers include this dual-speed capability. This feature helps you balance surface quality with productivity depending on the specific wood you are processing.
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Consider the cutterhead style
Spiral cutterheads use multiple small inserts rather than long straight knives. This design reduces noise and delivers a finer finish by shearing the wood fibers. It also allows you to replace individual damaged inserts instead of the entire head. All products listed here feature spiral cutterheads, ensuring consistent high-quality results. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle also utilizes this style for reliable surfacing. Choosing a spiral head is ideal if you prioritize surface quality and reduced tear-out on wider boards.
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Evaluate the bundle value
Some models offer bundles that include additional tools like jointers. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle provides a spiral head for surfacing and jointing capabilities in one package. This option suits buyers who need both functions for standard woodworking tasks. Check if the bundle includes all necessary accessories for setup. Bundles can streamline your workflow by combining related operations. Verify the model number and included components to ensure the bundle meets your specific project requirements for wood surfacing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum board width these planers can handle?
The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer features a 13-inch swing. This specification allows you to plane wider boards in a single pass. The bundle model also shares this 13-inch width capacity. This swing size ensures you can process standard lumber widths effectively without needing multiple passes.
Do all these models use spiral cutterheads?
Yes, both listed models utilize spiral cutterhead designs. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer includes this feature for smoother finishes. The bundle model also specifies a spiral cutterhead style. This design choice helps reduce tear-out and provides a higher quality surface compared to traditional straight knife heads.
How many speed settings do these machines offer?
Both models provide two distinct speed settings. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer offers dual feed speeds for varied material processing. The bundle model also includes two-speed functionality. These fixed speeds allow you to adjust the feed rate based on the hardness and thickness of the wood you are planing.
What are the physical dimensions of the top-rated planer?
The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer measures 34.6 inches in width, 20 inches in height, and 22.3 inches in length. It weighs 69 pounds. These dimensions indicate a substantial footprint on your workbench. You should ensure your workspace can accommodate this size before purchasing.
Is the WEN planer suitable for general woodworking tasks?
Yes, the WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer is designed for general woodworking applications. It delivers reliable width capacity and finish quality for standard tasks. The bundle model is also targeted specifically at woodworking. These features make it a practical choice for typical surfacing needs in a home or professional shop.
What type of configuration do these planers use?
Both models use a benchtop configuration. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer is designed to sit securely on a workbench. The bundle model also features this benchtop setup. This configuration saves floor space and allows you to move the unit if necessary, though it weighs up to 69 pounds.
What color are these WEN planers?
The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer is orange. The bundle model is also described as orange. This color is consistent across the listed specifications. It helps identify the tool quickly in your workshop environment.