Jet 13" Benchtop Thickness Planer Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How these planers differ from JET

FIND BUY TOOL 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer

This FIND BUY TOOL model matches the 13-inch cutting width and helical cutterhead style of the JET but weighs 4 pounds more at 70 pounds. Its footprint is wider, measuring 22 inches across compared to the JET’s 18.3 inches, which may affect bench stability for some users. It targets precision hardwood planing with minimal tear-out, offering a premium finish quality. You gain a slightly heavier, more stable base for serious DIYers who value quiet operation. You trade the JET’s included spare inserts and depth stop presets for this unit’s robust build. Pick this if you prioritize finish quality over included accessories and have the bench space for its larger width.

JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

The JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer adds a second feed speed setting, a feature the original JET 13 lacks. It weighs 9 pounds more at 75 pounds and is significantly longer at 28 inches, requiring more floor space. The cast iron bed and four-post design offer enhanced stability for precision woodworking. You get dual feed speeds for better control on different wood types, but you lose the folding tables found on the original. This model is heavier and less portable. Choose this alternative if you need variable feed rates for specialized projects and have a dedicated shop space for its larger dimensions and weight.

VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Planer

This VEVOR model uses a three-blade straight knife system instead of the helical cutterhead found on the JET. It weighs slightly less at 62.8 pounds and is narrower at 13 inches wide, matching the cutting capacity. The straight knives produce a noisier cut but are generally easier and cheaper to replace than carbide inserts. You gain a budget-friendly option with high power and feed stability. You sacrifice the smooth, quiet finish and the ability to rotate dull inserts. Pick this if you are on a tight budget and do not mind the noise and finish difference of straight knives over helical cutters.

WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

The WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer features a 26-blade spiral head, similar to the JET’s helical design, but weighs 15 pounds more at 81 pounds. It operates at 10,000 RPM, which is 500 RPM faster than the JET’s 9,500 RPM cutterhead speed. The unit is single-speed, lacking the JET’s feed rate versatility. You get a clean finish with a spiral head that reduces tear-out. You trade the JET’s included accessories and lighter weight for a heavier, faster-spinning head. This model suits users who prioritize surface quality and do not need variable speed controls or the included extras of the original JET.

VEVOR 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

This VEVOR 12.5-Inch Foldable Benchtop Planer has a narrower cutting width of 12.5 inches, limiting it compared to the JET’s 13-inch capacity. It weighs 12 pounds more at 78 pounds but features a foldable design for storage. The unit is designed for portability and limited storage spaces. You gain a compact footprint that folds up, unlike the JET’s fixed folding tables. You lose the wider planing width and the helical cutterhead. Choose this alternative if you have limited bench space and need a portable tool for occasional use on narrower stock, accepting the trade-off in width and cutterhead style.

DEWALT 12.5-Inch Three-Knife Benchtop Planer

The DEWALT 12.5-Inch Three-Knife Benchtop Planer uses a straight three-blade system, differing from the JET’s helical cutterhead. It has a narrower cutting width of 12.5 inches and a deeper 2-inch cutting capacity. It weighs 14 pounds more at 80 pounds. The unit prioritizes cut quality and motor power for narrower stock. You gain a superior finish on hardwoods through high-speed cutting with straight knives. You sacrifice the wider 13-inch capacity and the quiet, low-vibration benefits of a helical head. Pick this if you primarily plane narrower boards and value the specific cut quality of DEWALT’s straight knife system over width.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: Solid wood planing up to 13 inches wide

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

This JET benchtop planer planes boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. It uses a helical cutterhead with 30 carbide inserts for a smoother finish. The 2 HP motor runs at 9,500 RPM. It weighs 66 pounds and includes folding tables. You get a quiet cut rated at 91 dB. It suits small shops and serious hobbyists needing full-width capacity.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 30 carbide inserts
• Planes boards up to 13 inches wide
• Quiet 91 dB operation
• Folding infeed and outfeed tables
• Rotate dull inserts instead of replacing knives

Cons

• Not suitable for plywood or painted lumber
• Boards must be at least 14 inches long
• Stand and dust collector sold separately

Good fit if

• You need to plane full 13-inch wide stock
• You want a quieter helical cutterhead system
• You work with solid hardwoods or softwoods

Skip if

• You plane plywood or reclaimed lumber
• You need a built-in dust collector
• You require a stand included with the unit

Verdict: JET 13" Helical Benchtop Planer fits small shops needing full 13-inch capacity. It delivers smooth cuts on solid wood without the noise of straight knives.

2 Best premium

FIND BUY TOOL 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer

Best for: Precision hardwood planing with minimal tear-out

Cutting Width

13"

Cutterhead Style

Helical

Blade Count

40 carbide inserts

Feed Rate

21/12 FPM

Motor Power

2.5 HP, 15A

Configuration

Benchtop

View on Amazon: FIND BUY TOOL 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer Affiliate link

The FindBuyTool FB132H is a 13-inch benchtop thickness planer featuring a helical cutterhead with 40 carbide inserts. It uses a 2.5 HP motor and offers dual-speed feed rates of 12 or 21 FPM. The ball-screw adjustment provides precise depth control. This machine suits woodworkers seeking a quiet, smooth finish on hardwoods and softwoods without the tear-out common with straight blades.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 40 carbide inserts reduces tear-out
• Dual-speed feed rate switches between 12 and 21 FPM
• Ball-screw height adjustment ensures ±0.05 mm precision
• Built-in overload protection safeguards the 2.5 HP motor

Cons

• Heavier build at 70 pounds may limit portability
• Lacks digital readout for thickness settings
• No mention of automatic chip ejection system

Good fit if

• You need a quiet planer for hardwoods like oak
• You want precise depth adjustments for fine furniture
• You prefer carbide inserts for longer blade life

Skip if

• You require a lightweight tool for frequent moving
• You need digital thickness readouts
• You plan to plane very wide boards over 13 inches

Verdict: FindBuyTool 13" Helical Benchtop Planer delivers professional-grade finish quality for serious DIYers and woodworkers who value precision and quiet operation over portability.

3 Best 2-speed

JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

Best for: users needing dual feed speeds and helical cutters

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 quick-change inserts. It includes a 2 HP motor and offers two feed rates: 18 FPM and 26 FPM. The four-post design supports the cutterhead for stability. You get a precision-machined cast iron bed to reduce snipe. This tool suits woodworkers who need smooth finishes and adjustable speeds for different materials.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 26 inserts for a quieter, smoother cut
• Two feed speeds: 18 FPM and 26 FPM
• Four-post design for maximum cutterhead support
• Cast iron bed helps keep boards flat and reduces snipe

Cons

• Heavier build at 75 pounds compared to lighter benchtop models
• Limited to 120V single-phase power
• Maximum depth of cut is only 1/8 inch

Good fit if

• You need two feed rates for different wood types
• You want a helical cutterhead for quieter operation
• You prioritize stability with a four-post design

Skip if

• You require a 3-phase power connection
• You need a cutterhead with more than 26 inserts
• You prefer a lightweight unit under 50 pounds

Verdict: JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer fits users who value feed speed versatility and a stable four-post design. It delivers a smooth finish through its helical cutterhead and cast iron bed, making it a solid choice for precision woodworking.

4 Best budget

VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Planer

Best for: Budget buyers needing 13-inch width

Cutting Width

13 in

Blade Count

3 HSS blades

Motor Power

2,000 W

Swing

13-Inch

Configuration

Benchtop

Target Material

Wood

View on Amazon: VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Planer Affiliate link

This VEVOR benchtop thickness planer offers a 13-inch cutting width and a 2,000-watt motor. It uses three HSS blades and a dual-roller feeding system to reduce vibration. The large worktable supports long boards, and depth control adjusts in 1/8-inch increments. It weighs 62.8 pounds and fits well for hardwoods like oak. You get reliable performance for consistent results.

Pros

• 2,000W motor for hardwood planing
• Dual-roller feeding system reduces vibration
• 13-inch cutting width
• Three HSS blades for smooth cuts
• Compatible with 2-inch and 4-inch dust hoses

Cons

• Single-speed motor limits feed rate options
• Heavier build at 62.8 pounds
• Uses standard HSS blades instead of helical

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch width for wider boards
• You prefer a dual-roller system for stability
• You work with hardwoods like oak or maple

Skip if

• You require a helical cutterhead for noise reduction
• You need variable speed control for delicate work
• You want a lighter unit for easy moving

Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch 3-Blade Planer provides a sturdy, high-power option for users who prioritize feed stability and cutting width over helical blade quietness. It fits woodworkers who need a robust benchtop tool for hardwoods.

5 Best spiral cutterhead

WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: smooth finish with helical cutterhead

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 featuring a spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades. It uses a 15-amp motor to reach 10,000 RPM with a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. You can plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. The onboard gauge tracks cutting depth. This model suits users seeking a smooth finish from helical-style cutters.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades
• 15-amp motor generates 10,000 RPM
• Onboard material removal gauge for depth tracking
• Planes boards up to 6 inches thick

Cons

• Single-speed operation limits feed rate control
• 81-pound weight makes it less portable
• No two-speed variant available for this specific model

Good fit if

• You want a spiral cutterhead for a smoother finish
• You need to plane boards up to 13 inches wide
• You prefer an onboard gauge for depth control

Skip if

• You require variable speed feed rates
• You need a lighter machine for frequent transport
• You prefer a two-speed motor for precision

Verdict: WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer delivers a clean finish through its 26-blade spiral head and 10,000 RPM motor, fitting users who prioritize surface quality over variable speed control.

6 Also great

VEVOR 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

Best for: Portable woodworking projects with limited storage space

Cutting Width

12.5"

Blade Count

2

Maximum Stock Thickness

6.3"

Feed Rate

236"/min (6 m/min)

Motor Power

15 A, 1800 W

Cutterhead Speed

8000 rpm

View on Amazon: VEVOR 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer Affiliate link

The VEVOR 12.5-inch benchtop planer features a 15-amp, 1800-watt motor and a 2-blade cutterhead. It offers a feed rate of 236 inches per minute and cuts stock up to 6.3 inches thick. The foldable design with a heavy-duty stand saves space. This tool suits woodworkers needing a portable solution for repurposing old or weathered lumber with a smooth finish.

Pros

• 15-amp, 1800-watt motor delivers strong cutting power
• Foldable design with detachable stand for space saving
• Automatic feeding design with metal return rollers
• Stainless steel infeed and outfeed tables ensure smooth processing

Cons

• Only two cutter blades compared to helical alternatives
• Feed rate of 236 inches per minute is slower than competitors
• Maximum cutting width is 12.5 inches, narrower than 13-inch models

Good fit if

• You need a portable planer that folds for storage
• You work with smaller stock widths under 12.5 inches
• You want a heavy-duty stand included for stability

Skip if

• You require a 13-inch cutting width for wider boards
• You prefer a helical cutterhead for quieter operation
• You need a faster feed rate for high-volume work

Verdict: VEVOR 12.5-Inch Foldable Benchtop Planer fits hobbyists who prioritize portability and a sturdy base over maximum width and speed. It is a solid choice for occasional use on reclaimed wood.

7 Best 2-inch

DEWALT 12.5-Inch Three-Knife Benchtop Planer

Best for: Fine finish on narrower hardwood stock

Cutting Width

12-1/2-Inch

Blade Count

3

Motor Power

15-Amp

Cutterhead Speed

10,000 rpm

Configuration

Benchtop

Dimensions

24 × 17 × 21 inches

View on Amazon: DEWALT 12.5-Inch Three-Knife Benchtop Planer Affiliate link

The DEWALT DW734 is a 12.5-inch benchtop planer with a 15-amp motor and 20,000 rpm speed. It uses a three-knife cutterhead spinning at 10,000 rpm for 96 cuts per inch. This high cut density delivers a smooth finish. The machine handles 2-inch depth of cut. It includes reversible knives and a four-column carriage lock to reduce snipe. You get 33.5 inches of table support for stable feeding.

Pros

• 15-amp motor with 20,000 rpm speed for hardwoods
• Three-knife cutterhead provides 96 cuts per inch
• Reversible knives offer 30% more knife life
• Four-column carriage lock reduces snipe
• 33.5 inches of infeed and outfeed table support

Cons

• 12.5-inch cutting width is narrower than the 13-inch competitors
• Uses three straight knives instead of a helical cutterhead
• Weighs 80 pounds, making it heavier than some alternatives

Good fit if

• You need a high cut density for a fine finish
• You work with hardwoods requiring deep material removal
• You want reversible knives to extend maintenance intervals

Skip if

• You require a 13-inch or wider cutting capacity
• You prefer the noise reduction of a helical cutterhead
• You need a lighter machine for frequent relocation

Verdict: DEWALT DW734 12.5-Inch Benchtop Planer suits woodworkers prioritizing cut quality and motor power over maximum width. It delivers a superior finish for narrower stock through high-speed cutting.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• honeywell 13 alternatives
• durostar ds13000mx 13 alternatives