6 Best Alternatives to the WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral (2026)

How each alternative compares

Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

The Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Planer shares the 13-inch cutting width and spiral cutterhead style with the WEN PL1326. It uses 26 inserts for smooth finishes, matching the original’s blade count. However, the Cutech model is heavier and larger, measuring 24 inches long and weighing significantly more than the WEN’s 81 pounds. It lacks variable speed options, similar to the single-speed WEN. You should choose this if you prioritize noise reduction and premium build quality over portability. It is best for users who want professional-grade smoothness and do not need the compact footprint of the WEN. The fixed speed means you cannot adjust feed rates for different wood types.

Bucktool 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer

The Bucktool 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer offers a 13-inch cutting width, matching the WEN PL1326’s capacity. It uses a 3-blade straight cutterhead instead of a spiral design. This means you get faster material removal but potentially a rougher finish compared to the WEN’s 26-blade spiral head. The Bucktool is quieter than straight-knife planers but does not match the finish quality of the spiral WEN. It is a good choice if you need wide capacity but prefer the simplicity and lower cost of straight blades. You give up the smooth, tear-out-free surface of the spiral head. It fits users who prioritize quiet operation and width over the finest possible surface finish.

VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

The VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer matches the WEN PL1326’s 13-inch width and spiral cutterhead style. It uses 25 blades, one less than the WEN’s 26. The VEVOR is lighter at 61.7 pounds compared to the WEN’s 81 pounds, making it easier to move. It shares the single-speed operation, so feed rates are fixed. You get similar smooth finishes but with less weight. This model is best for users who want spiral performance in a lighter package. It lacks variable speed controls, just like the WEN. If you do not need the extra stability of a heavier machine, the VEVOR offers comparable cutting width and finish quality with improved portability. It is a solid budget-friendly spiral option.

VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Planer with Stand

The VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Planer with Stand provides a 13-inch cutting width, matching the WEN PL1326. It uses a standard straight blade setup, not a spiral cutterhead. This means you sacrifice the smooth, tear-out-free finish of the WEN’s 26-blade spiral head. However, it includes a foldable stand, which the WEN does not. The unit weighs 67 pounds, lighter than the WEN. It is best for users who need portability and an included stand over finish quality. You give up the premium spiral performance for the convenience of a ready-to-use setup. It fits those who prioritize ease of setup and transport over the finest possible surface finish on wide boards.

DEWALT 12.5-Inch Three-Knife Benchtop Planer

The DEWALT 12.5-Inch Three-Knife Benchtop Planer has a narrower 12.5-inch cutting width compared to the WEN PL1326’s 13 inches. It uses 3 straight blades, not a spiral head. This results in a different finish quality, potentially with more tear-out on difficult grains. The DEWALT is known for stability and fine finish on hardwoods, but it lacks the width and spiral advantage. It is best for users who prioritize cut density and brand reliability over maximum board width. You give up the 13-inch capacity and the smooth spiral finish. It fits woodworkers who work with narrower boards and value precision engineering over the wider cutting capacity of the WEN.

WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

The WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer matches the WEN PL1326’s 13-inch width. It uses only 2 blades, significantly fewer than the WEN’s 26. This means you get a rougher finish and higher risk of tear-out. The WOODER offers raw power and motor protection, appealing to users who prioritize durability over finish quality. It is best for those who need high-speed cutting and stability for serious woodworking tasks. You give up the smooth, spiral-cut surface entirely. It fits users who value motor protection and power over the refined finish provided by the WEN’s spiral cutterhead. It is a heavy-duty option for those who do not mind manual sanding to achieve a smooth surface.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: smooth finishes on wide boards

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 benchtop thickness planer featuring a 13-inch cutting width and a spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades. Its 15-amp motor runs at 10,000 RPM with a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. You can plane boards up to 6 inches thick. The onboard gauge helps you track cutting depth. This setup suits users who want a smooth finish without the tear-out common with straight knives.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades
• 13-inch cutting width for wider boards
• Onboard material removal gauge for depth control
• 15-amp motor delivers 10,000 RPM

Cons

• Single-speed operation limits feed rate options
• 81-pound weight adds bulk to your workspace
• Maximum 6-inch stock thickness restricts large lumber

Good fit if

• You want a smooth finish without tear-out
• You need to plane boards up to 13 inches wide
• You prefer staggered blades for easier maintenance

Skip if

• You require variable feed speeds for different materials
• You need to plane stock thicker than 6 inches
• You need a lighter unit for frequent moving

Verdict: WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Planer fits woodworkers who prioritize a clean surface finish and wide capacity. It handles standard board widths well but lacks the speed flexibility of two-speed models.

2 Also great

Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

Best for: smooth finishes and quiet operation

Cutting Width

13 in

Cutterhead Style

Spiral

Blade Count

26 inserts

Feed Rate

Single speed

Swing

13-Inch

Configuration

Benchtop

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

The Cutech 40600H is a 13-inch benchtop planer featuring a spiral cutterhead with 26 tungsten carbide inserts. It operates at a single feed speed. The design includes a snipe minimizer and a flip dust hood. This unit suits woodworkers seeking smoother finishes and quieter operation than standard knife planers. It is ideal for those who value precision and reduced tear-out in their projects.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered tungsten carbide inserts
• Patented snipe minimizer using four lead screws
• Two-sided inserts prevent skewing for better alignment
• Flip dust hood for flexible chip removal

Cons

• Single-speed feed rate limits cutting flexibility
• Large footprint requires significant bench space
• No variable speed control for different wood types

Good fit if

• You want a quieter planer with smoother finishes
• You need precise depth stops for batch work
• You prefer carbide inserts over traditional knives

Skip if

• You require variable feed speeds for hard woods
• You have limited bench space for a large unit
• You prefer a lighter, more portable tool

Verdict: Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Planer delivers professional-grade smoothness and noise reduction through its 26-insert spiral head. It fits users who prioritize finish quality and precision over variable speed adjustments.

3 Best 6-inch

Bucktool 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer

Best for: Users needing 13-inch width and quiet operation

Cutting Width

13"

Blade Count

3

Maximum Stock Thickness

6"

Feed Rate

24.6 FPM

Motor Power

15 A

Voltage

120V/60Hz

View on Amazon: Bucktool 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer Affiliate link

The Bucktool PT330MTHK-3 is a 15-amp benchtop planer with a 13-inch cutting width. It features a 3-blade cutterhead and a 6-inch thickness capacity. The motor runs at 24.6 FPM and includes automatic speed adjustment for quieter operation. A dust extraction connector and carrying handle are included. This model suits woodworkers needing moderate stock removal with precise depth control.

Pros

• 15-amp motor delivers 24.6 FPM feed speed
• 13-inch planing width handles wide boards
• 3-blade cutterhead provides consistent cuts
• Automatic speed adjustment reduces noise
• Includes dust extraction connector

Cons

• Only 3 blades compared to spiral alternatives
• 1/8-inch max cut depth per pass
• 2-year limited warranty is shorter than some competitors

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch planing width
• You prefer quieter operation with automatic speed adjustment
• You want a benchtop unit with a carrying handle

Skip if

• You require spiral cutterhead technology
• You need a 4-blade or higher cutterhead
• You want a warranty longer than 2 years

Verdict: Bucktool 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer fits users who prioritize quiet operation and a 13-inch width over spiral cutterhead performance.

4 Also great

VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

Best for: Wide boards and smooth spiral finishes

Cutting Width

13 in

Cutterhead Style

Spiral

Blade Count

24

Maximum Stock Thickness

6 in

Feed Rate

Single speed

Motor Power

2000W

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

This VEVOR benchtop planer features a 2000W motor and a spiral cutterhead with 24 alloy blades. It offers a 13-inch cutting width and handles stock up to 6 inches thick. The dual-roller feeding system reduces vibration, while the 28.2-inch worktable supports long boards. You get precise 1/8-inch depth adjustments and compatibility with 2-inch or 4-inch dust hoses. It is built for hardwoods and consistent results.

Pros

• 2000W motor delivers up to 8,000 CPM for hardwoods
• 24-blade spiral cutterhead reduces tear-out
• Dual-roller feeding system minimizes vibration
• 28.2-inch worktable supports long boards
• Compatible with 2-inch and 4-inch dust hoses

Cons

• Single-speed feed rate limits versatility
• 61.7-pound weight makes it heavy to move
• 1/8-inch depth increments are coarse for fine tuning

Good fit if

• You need a wide 13-inch capacity for broad boards
• You want a spiral cutterhead for smoother finishes
• You have a shop with space for a heavy benchtop unit

Skip if

• You require variable feed speeds for different wood types
• You need finer than 1/8-inch depth adjustments
• You prefer a lighter tool for easy portability

Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer suits woodworkers who prioritize a wide cutting width and a spiral cutterhead for smooth results. It fits those who can manage its 61.7-pound weight and do not need variable feed speeds.

5 Also great

VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Planer with Stand

Best for: portable thick stock planing

Cutting Width

13"

Blade Count

2

Maximum Stock Thickness

6.3"

Feed Rate

236"/min (6 m/min)

Motor Power

15 A, 1800W

Cutterhead Speed

8000 RPM

View on Amazon: VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Planer with Stand Affiliate link

This 13-inch benchtop planer features a 15-amp motor running at 8,000 rpm with a 2-blade cutterhead. It offers a feed rate of 236 inches per minute and handles stock up to 6.3 inches thick. The unit includes a foldable stand and stainless steel infeed and outfeed tables. It suits woodworkers needing a portable, heavy-duty tool for smoothing weathered or worn lumber.

Pros

• 2-blade HSS cutterhead for efficient planing
• 8,000 rpm cutterhead speed
• 236 inches per minute feed rate
• Foldable stand for space saving

Cons

• Only 2 blades compared to 3 or 4 on competitors
• Heavier build at 67 pounds
• Lower feed rate than many alternatives

Good fit if

• You need a portable planer with a foldable stand
• You work with thick stock up to 6.3 inches
• You want a 13-inch cutting width

Skip if

• You require a 3-blade or spiral cutterhead
• You need a faster feed rate than 236 inches per minute
• You prefer a lighter machine under 60 pounds

Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Planer fits users who prioritize portability and thick stock capacity over blade count. It is a solid choice for those who need a foldable stand and do not mind a heavier unit.

6 Best premium

DEWALT 12.5-Inch Three-Knife Benchtop Planer

Best for: Fine finish hardwood planing

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 15-amp benchtop planer with a 12-1/2-inch cutting width. It features a three-knife cutterhead running at 10,000 rpm for 96 cuts per inch. The motor reaches 20,000 rpm to handle deeper cuts in hardwoods. It includes a four-column carriage lock to reduce snipe. This tool suits users who need a precise finish and extra material support from long infeed and outfeed tables.

Pros

• 15-amp motor delivers 20,000 rpm for deeper cuts
• Three-knife cutterhead provides 96 cuts per inch
• Four-column carriage lock reduces snipe
• Extra-long tables offer 33.5 inches of support

Cons

• 12-1/2-inch width is narrower than the 13-inch competitors
• Three-blade cutterhead yields fewer cuts per inch than spiral alternatives
• 80-pound weight makes it less portable than lighter models

Good fit if

• You need a fine finish with 96 cuts per inch
• You work with hardwoods requiring deeper material removal
• You value the stability of a four-column carriage lock

Skip if

• You require a 13-inch or wider cutting capacity
• You prefer the smoother finish of a spiral cutterhead
• You need a lighter unit for frequent transport

Verdict: DEWALT 12.5-Inch 15-Amp Benchtop Planer delivers a high-quality finish for hardwoods but lacks the width and cutterhead style of the top-listed spiral options. It fits users prioritizing cut density and stability over maximum width.

7 Best budget

WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

Best for: High-power hardwood planing

Cutting Width

13 in

Blade Count

2

Maximum Stock Thickness

6.3 in

Motor Power

15A, 2000W

Cutterhead Speed

10,000 RPM

Swing

13-Inch

View on Amazon: WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer Affiliate link

This benchtop planer features a 15-amp, 2000W all-copper motor and a 13-inch cutting width. It delivers a cutterhead speed of 10,000 RPM for efficient material removal. The machine handles stock up to 6.3 inches thick and includes a dual-blade system to reduce snipe. Its heavy iron frame and overload protection provide stability. This tool suits woodworkers needing high power and consistent finishes on dense hardwoods.

Pros

• 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed for fast stock removal
• 15-amp, 2000W all-copper motor handles dense hardwoods
• Dual-blade system reduces snipe on boards
• Overload protection safeguards the motor during heavy loads
• Integrated dust port connects to vacuum systems

Cons

• Only includes two HSS blades per pass
• Heavier at 60 pounds, requiring a sturdy bench
• No mention of a spiral cutterhead option

Good fit if

• You need high RPM for dense hardwoods
• You want overload protection for motor safety
• You prefer a heavy, stable iron frame

Skip if

• You require a spiral cutterhead for smoother finishes
• You need a lighter unit for easy transport
• You want more than two blades for finer cuts

Verdict: WOODERS 13-Inch 15A Benchtop Planer offers raw power and stability for serious woodworking tasks. It fits users who prioritize motor protection and high-speed cutting over blade count.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• wen mm1015 15 amp 10 inch dual alternatives
• kicker comp 15 inch alternatives