6 Best Alternatives to the Jet 20-Inch Thickness Planer Woodworking (2026)

How the alternatives compare

JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer

The Jet JWP-15BHH switches from straight knives to a helical cutterhead. This change reduces noise and improves surface finish for most woods. It keeps the 3 HP motor and 230V requirement but narrows the cutting width to 15 inches. You gain smoother cuts on difficult grain but lose the ability to plane boards wider than 15 inches. This model weighs 286 pounds, making it lighter than the 640-pound original. It suits shops that prioritize cut quality and rigidity over maximum width capacity. If you work with narrower stock and want quieter operation, this helical option is a strong upgrade.

Powermatic 20-Inch 4-Speed Helical Planer

The Powermatic 209HH offers a 20-inch width like the original but uses a helical cutterhead instead of straight knives. It features four speed settings compared to the original two, giving you more control over feed rates. This unit requires 3-phase power, which limits where you can install it. It weighs 801 pounds, significantly heavier than the original. The extra weight and larger footprint provide superior stability for heavy-duty use. You get a smoother finish and wider capacity, but you need compatible electrical infrastructure. This planer fits serious workshops with 3-phase power that need precision and stability for wide boards.

VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer

The VEVOR M1B-LS-3305 is a benchtop model with a 13-inch cutting width, much narrower than the original 20-inch capacity. It weighs only 58.4 pounds, allowing you to move it easily. This unit uses three blades in a straight knife configuration. It offers two speed settings for hardwood planing. You sacrifice width and heavy-duty stability for a compact footprint. This planer suits hobbyists who need reliable performance in small workshops. It is ideal if you prioritize portability and cost over maximum width capacity. The smaller size means it fits on a workbench rather than requiring a dedicated floor space like the original.

JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

The Jet 722130 uses a helical cutterhead for smoother cuts compared to the original straight knife design. It operates on 120V power, making it accessible to more shops without dedicated 230V circuits. The 2 HP motor is less powerful than the original 3 HP unit. It has a 13-inch cutting width, limiting board size. This benchtop model weighs 75 pounds, offering portability. You gain precise feed control and quiet operation but lose width and raw power. It fits woodworkers who need precise cuts on narrower stock without a large floor footprint. This option prioritizes surface finish quality and electrical accessibility over maximum capacity.

JET 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer

The Jet JWP-208HH retains the 20-inch cutting width of the original but upgrades to a helical cutterhead. It features a 5 HP motor, providing more power than the original 3 HP unit. This model requires 230V power and significant floor space. It weighs 753 pounds, adding stability for heavy cuts. You get the smoothness of helical knives and greater power but lose the simpler maintenance of straight knives. This planer fits shops needing wide cuts and helical smoothness. It is ideal if you have the electrical capacity and space for a heavier, more powerful machine that delivers professional-grade surface finishes on wide boards.

WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle

The WEN PL1337 combines a planer and jointer in one benchtop unit. It has a 13-inch cutting width, narrower than the original. It uses a spiral cutterhead for smoother cuts compared to straight knives. This bundle suits hobbyists who want jointing and planing in a space-saving design. You sacrifice width and heavy-duty stability for versatility and compact size. The spiral head reduces noise and tear-out. This option fits small workshops where floor space is limited. It is ideal if your boards stay under 13 inches wide and you need both functions in one machine. You gain functionality but lose the capacity and power of the larger original planer.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

JET 20-Inch Straight Knife Thickness Planer

Best for: Wide boards and precise manual control

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

The Jet JWP-208-1 is a 20-inch thickness planer with a 3 HP motor and straight knife cutterhead. It offers two feed speeds of 24 and 31 FPM for versatile cutting. The machine features a large cast iron table and a 1/16-inch height scale for precision. This 230V unit weighs 640 pounds, providing stability for heavy woodworking tasks.

Pros

• 20-inch cutting width handles wide boards
• Two feed speeds: 24 FPM and 31 FPM
• 3 HP TEFC induction motor for consistent power
• 1/16-inch increment height scale for fine adjustments

Cons

• Straight knife cutterhead requires frequent sharpening
• Requires 230V power outlet
• Heavy 640-pound build limits portability

Good fit if

• You need to plane wide boards up to 20 inches
• You have a 230V power supply in your shop
• You prefer the traditional finish of straight knives

Skip if

• You only have standard 110V outlets available
• You need to move the machine frequently
• You want a helical cutterhead for quieter operation

Verdict: Jet JWP-208-1 20-Inch Planer fits shops with 230V power that need wide capacity and precise manual control. It is not suitable for users requiring helical heads or portable setups.

2 Best 15-inch

JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer

Best for: Shops with 230V power needing helical cuts

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 JET planer features a 15-inch width capacity and a 3 HP motor. It uses a helical cutterhead with 48 carbide knives for smooth cuts. You get two feed speeds, 16 FPM and 20 FPM, to match your material. The cast iron table and four-post design provide stability. It is designed for serious woodworking tasks that require precision and durability.

Pros

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

Cons

• 15-inch width is narrower than the 20-inch models on this list
• Requires 230V power, not standard 120V
• Heavy at 286 pounds

Good fit if

• You need a helical cutterhead for quieter, smoother cuts
• You have 230V power available in your shop
• You work with boards up to 15 inches wide

Skip if

• You require a 20-inch cutting width
• You only have standard 120V outlets
• You need a lighter, portable machine

Verdict: JET 15-Inch Helical Thickness Planer offers professional-grade helical cutting and stability for users with 230V power. It suits those who prioritize cut quality and machine rigidity over maximum width capacity.

3 Best premium

Powermatic 20-Inch 4-Speed Helical Planer

Best for: wide boards and 3-phase power

Cutting Width

20-Inch

Cutterhead Style

Helical

Blade Count

100 inserts

Maximum Stock Thickness

8-inch

Feed Rate

16/20 / 24/31 FPM

Motor Power

5 HP

View on Amazon: Powermatic 20-Inch 4-Speed Helical Planer Affiliate link

This 20-inch thickness planer features a 5 HP motor and a helical cutterhead with 100 carbide inserts. It offers four feed speeds ranging from 16 to 31 FPM for precise control. The XL cast iron table provides a 55.5-inch by 20-inch working area. It suits professionals needing a 230V/460V 3-phase connection and heavy-duty performance for wide stock.

Pros

• 5 HP motor with 100 four-sided carbide knife inserts
• Four-speed feed rate from 16 to 31 FPM
• XL cast iron table with extensions for a 55.5-inch by 20-inch area
• Helical cutterhead design for smoother, quieter cutting

Cons

• Requires 230V/460V 3-phase power
• Weighs 801 pounds
• Maximum planing thickness is limited to 8 inches

Good fit if

• You need a 20-inch cutting width for wide boards
• You have access to 230V/460V 3-phase power
• You want four adjustable feed speeds

Skip if

• You only have standard 110V household outlets
• You cannot support a 801-pound machine
• You need to plane stock thicker than 8 inches

Verdict: Powermatic 20-Inch Helical Planer fits serious workshops with 3-phase power and heavy-duty needs. It handles wide boards with precision and stability.

4 Best budget

VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer

Best for: Small workshop hardwood planing

Cutting Width

13 in

Blade Count

3

Maximum Stock Thickness

6 in

Feed Rate

Two speed

Motor Power

2000W

Swing

13-Inch

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

The VEVOR 13-inch benchtop planer features a 2000W motor and a three-blade cutterhead for smooth hardwood finishing. It offers two feed speeds and precise 1/8-inch depth adjustments. The 28.2-inch worktable supports long boards, reducing snipe. You get 2-inch or 4-inch dust collection ports for clean operation. This model suits woodworkers needing a versatile, high-speed option for smaller width projects.

Pros

• Two feed speed settings for efficiency or precision
• 2000W motor handles hardwoods like oak and maple
• Three-blade HSS cutterhead delivers glass-smooth cuts
• 28.2-inch worktable stabilizes long or warped boards

Cons

• 13-inch cutting width limits board size compared to 20-inch models
• Heavier build at 58.4 pounds affects portability
• Only two speed settings compared to variable options on premium units

Good fit if

• You need a benchtop planer for boards up to 13 inches wide
• You require two feed speeds for different material types
• You want a three-blade system for smoother finishes

Skip if

• You regularly plane boards wider than 13 inches
• You prefer a helical cutterhead for quieter operation
• You need a planer with more than two speed settings

Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch 2-Speed Benchtop Planer fits hobbyists who need reliable hardwood performance in a compact footprint. It is ideal for those prioritizing speed and smooth cuts over maximum width capacity.

5 Best 120v

JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

Best for: narrower stock and precise feed control

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 benchtop planer features a 13-inch cutting width and a helical cutterhead with 26 inserts. It offers two feed speeds, 18 and 26 FPM, for flexible material removal. The 2-HP motor runs at 10,000 RPM. A four-post design supports the cutterhead, while the cast iron bed helps keep boards flat. It suits users needing a 120V machine with precision control for smaller workshops.

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 control
• Cast iron bed reduces snipe and keeps boards flat

Cons

• 13-inch width is narrower than the 20-inch options on this list
• Benchtop design requires secure mounting to a workbench
• 75-pound weight limits portability between shop locations

Good fit if

• You need a 120V planer for limited workshop space
• You frequently work with boards up to 13 inches wide
• You prefer the quieter operation of a helical cutterhead

Skip if

• You regularly plane boards wider than 13 inches
• You require a heavy-duty floor-standing unit
• You need a single-speed feed rate only

Verdict: JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer fits woodworkers who need precise, quiet cuts on narrower stock without requiring a dedicated floor footprint. It is ideal for those prioritizing feed speed control and surface finish quality over maximum width capacity.

6 Also great

JET 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer

Best for: Wide boards and helical cutters

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 planer features a 5 HP motor and a 20-inch cutting width. It uses a helical cutterhead for smooth finishes. The two-speed gearbox offers feed rates of 24 or 31 fpm. You get precise adjustments via a 1/16-inch increment scale. The 753-pound weight and 230V requirement suit serious workshops.

Pros

• 5 HP TEFC induction motor
• 20-inch cutting width
• Helical cutterhead style
• Two-speed feed rates (24/31 fpm)
• 1/16-inch height adjustment scale

Cons

• Requires 230V power
• Heavy 753-pound build
• Large footprint dimensions

Good fit if

• You need a 20-inch width
• You have 230V power available
• You want helical cutterhead smoothness

Skip if

• You only have 115V outlets
• You need a benchtop unit
• You lack floor space for 753 lbs

Verdict: Jet JWP-208HH 20-Inch Helical Planer fits shops needing wide cuts and helical smoothness. It demands 230V power and significant floor space.

7 Best spiral cutterhead

WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle

Best for: Small workshop jointing and planing tasks

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 bundle pairs a 13-inch thickness planer with a jointer, both using spiral cutterheads for fine wood finishes. The planer offers two feed speeds: 26 FPM for fast material removal and 16 FPM for smoother results. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick. The jointer features a 30-by-6-inch table and a fence that tilts up to 45 degrees. You get two machines in one compact benchtop package.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead style on both machines
• Two-speed feed rates: 16 and 26 FPM
• Jointer fence bevels up to 45 degrees
• 30-by-6-inch jointer table surface

Cons

• 13-inch cutting width limits board size
• Benchtop configuration reduces stability
• Maximum 6-inch stock thickness

Good fit if

• You need both planing and jointing functions
• You prefer spiral cutterhead finishes
• You work with smaller width boards

Skip if

• You require 20-inch planing capacity
• You need a standalone heavy-duty unit
• You plan to process wide lumber

Verdict: WEN PL1337 Spiral Cutterhead Planer suits hobbyists who want jointing and planing in one space-saving bundle, provided your boards stay under 13 inches wide.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

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