The Best WEN Benchtop Planers in 2026: 2 Picks

Quick picks

Our 2 picks

1 Best overall

WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: Wide boards needing smooth spiral cuts

Cutting Width

13"

Cutterhead Style

Spiral

Blade Count

26 blades

Maximum Stock Thickness

6"

Feed Rate

26 fpm

Motor Power

15 A

View on Amazon: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer Affiliate link

The WEN PL1326 is a 13-inch benchtop thickness planer with a spiral cutterhead. It uses 26 staggered HSS blades for a smooth finish. The 15-amp motor runs at 10,000 RPM with a 26 fpm feed rate. You can plane boards up to 6 inches thick. The onboard gauge helps you track cutting depth. It suits users who want clean cuts without tear-out on wider stock.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades
• 15-amp motor delivers 10,000 RPM
• Onboard material removal gauge
• Planes boards up to 13 inches wide

Cons

• Single speed operation limits feed rate options
• 81-pound weight makes it less portable
• Maximum stock thickness is limited to 6 inches

Good fit if

• You need a smooth finish on wide boards
• You want precise depth control via the onboard gauge
• You prefer spiral cutterheads over straight knives

Skip if

• You require variable feed speeds
• You need to plane stock thicker than 6 inches
• You need a lightweight machine for frequent transport

Verdict: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer delivers clean results for wide boards thanks to its 26-blade spiral head. It fits woodworkers who prioritize finish quality and depth accuracy over variable speed flexibility.

2 Best budget

WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle

Best for: Hobbyists needing both planing and jointing

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 pairs a 13-inch spiral benchtop planer with a jointer. The planer offers two feed speeds: 26 FPM for quick cuts and 16 FPM for fine finishes. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick. The jointer features a 30-by-6-inch table and a fence that bevels up to 45 degrees. Both tools use spiral cutterheads for smooth results. This setup suits woodworkers who need thicknessing and edge jointing in one compact package.

Pros

• Two feed speeds allow you to choose between 26 FPM for speed or 16 FPM for finish quality.
• Spiral cutterheads on both machines provide ultra-fine finishes on wood.
• Jointer table is spacious at 30 by 6 inches for stable operation.
• Fence bevels up to 45 degrees for angled cuts.

Cons

• Maximum stock thickness is limited to 6 inches.
• Jointer removes only 0 to 1/8 inch per pass.
• No mention of dust collection ports in the data.

Good fit if

• You need both thicknessing and jointing capabilities.
• You want faster feed rates for rough dimensioning.
• You prefer spiral cutterheads for smoother surfaces.

Skip if

• You require more than 6 inches of thickness capacity.
• You need a single standalone unit without a jointer.
• You prioritize deep stock removal over finish quality.

Verdict: WEN PL1337 JT630H 2-Speed Planer Bundle delivers versatile thicknessing and jointing in one bundle. It fits hobbyists who value finish quality and adjustable feed speeds over raw power.

Specifications side by side

WEN Benchtop Planer Lineup Overview

WEN offers distinct options based on cutterhead design and speed settings. The PL1326 features a 13-inch spiral head with a single speed. It suits woodworkers prioritizing finish quality and depth accuracy. This model includes a 15-amp motor and weighs 81 pounds. It fits those needing smooth cuts for wide boards without variable speed flexibility.

The PL1337 JT630H bundle provides two-speed operation for both planing and jointing. This configuration appeals to hobbyists valuing versatility over raw power. Both units share the 13-inch swing capacity and orange color. You can choose the single-speed spiral model for dedicated thicknessing or the two-speed bundle for multi-function tasks. Each option targets specific workflow needs.

Where WEN Fits Your Shop

WEN targets hobbyists and woodworkers who need precise spiral cuts. The range centers on 13-inch capacity models. You get single-speed options for straightforward tasks or two-speed bundles that include jointing capabilities. All listed units feature spiral cutterheads for smoother finishes. You will not find smaller swing capacities or variable speed controls in this specific selection. The brand focuses on finish quality and depth accuracy rather than raw power or multi-function versatility. This makes WEN suitable if you prioritize surface quality over adjustable feed rates.

How to choose the right WEN planer

1. Check swing capacity

   Swing determines the maximum board width the machine can handle. WEN offers 13-inch models, which suit most hobbyists and small shop woodworkers. If you frequently work with wide lumber, ensure the swing meets your largest stock width. A 13-inch capacity allows for processing standard wide boards without jointing edges first. Verify the specification matches your typical project dimensions to avoid bottlenecks in your workflow.

2. Compare cutterhead styles

   The cutterhead design directly impacts surface finish quality. Spiral cutterheads use multiple small carbide inserts to shear wood fibers cleanly. This reduces tear-out compared to traditional straight knives. All listed WEN models feature spiral heads for superior results. You should prioritize this spec if finish quality is your main concern. The spiral design handles grain variations better, making it ideal for figured or difficult woods that might chip with other styles.

3. Evaluate speed settings

   Speed settings affect feed rate and surface smoothness. Single-speed models like the PL1326 offer consistent operation for straightforward tasks. Two-speed bundles provide flexibility for different wood densities or desired finishes. Choose a two-speed option if you need to adjust feed rates for rough or fine work. This versatility helps manage tear-out on tricky grains. Match the speed capability to your need for variable processing speeds versus simple, fixed-operation workflows.

4. Review amperage rating

   Amperage indicates motor power and cutting capacity. A 15-amp motor, as seen in the PL1326, provides robust power for dense hardwoods. Higher amperage helps maintain consistent feed rates under load. Check this spec if you plan to process thick or hard materials regularly. Insufficient power can cause bogging down or uneven cuts. Ensure the amperage rating aligns with your shop's electrical capacity and the demands of your typical lumber types.

5. Assess configuration needs

   Configuration defines the machine type and workspace requirements. Benchtop models are compact and portable, fitting smaller shops. Some bundles include jointer capabilities, adding versatility. If you need both thicknessing and jointing, consider a bundle. For dedicated thicknessing, a standalone benchtop unit saves space. Evaluate your shop layout and whether you require additional jointing functions or just planing. The configuration choice dictates your setup complexity and functional range.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• WEN vs WOODSTARTER benchtop planer
• WEN vs WOODERS benchtop planer
• WEN vs WOODERS benchtop planer
• best WEN generators