WEN vs WOODERS Benchtop Planers: Which Brand Fits You?

Key differences

Which one should you choose?

WEN vs WOODERS Planer Comparison

Cutterhead Design

Edge: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

The WEN PL1326 features a spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades. This design typically reduces noise and vibration while providing a cleaner finish on the wood surface. In contrast, the WOODERS PL13-15AB uses a dual-edge cutterhead with only 2 HSS blades. While the WOODERS motor spins at the same 10,000 RPM, the two-blade system may produce a slightly different surface texture compared to the multi-blade spiral approach of the WEN. Both systems aim for professional-grade results, but the blade count and arrangement differ significantly between the two models.

Maximum Thickness

Edge: WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

When planning your stock dimensions, the WOODERS planer offers a slight advantage in maximum capacity. It can handle material up to 6.3 inches thick, which is beneficial for thicker timbers or rough-sawn lumber that requires more material removal in a single pass. The WEN PL1326 has a maximum stock thickness of 6 inches. While the difference is small, the extra 0.3 inches on the WOODERS model provides a bit more flexibility for larger projects without needing to pre-plane the wood on a separate machine.

Feed Rate

Edge: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

The WEN PL1326 specifies a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. This speed allows you to process boards efficiently, balancing material removal with surface quality. The WOODERS PL13-15AB data does not list a specific feed rate. Without this specification, it is unclear if the WOODERS machine operates at a similar speed or if it moves slower, which could affect workflow efficiency. For users who prioritize knowing their exact processing speed, the WEN provides this critical data point directly in its specifications.

Weight and Stability

Edge: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

The WEN PL1326 weighs 81 pounds, while the WOODERS PL13-15AB weighs 60 pounds. The heavier WEN model may offer better inherent stability on a workbench due to its mass, potentially reducing vibration during heavy cuts. The WOODERS planer is lighter, which might make it easier to move or store, but it could be more prone to movement during operation. Both machines are designed for benchtop use, but the significant weight difference suggests different approaches to vibration dampening and portability.

Depth Adjustment

Edge: WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

The WOODERS planer includes an ergonomic depth adjustment crank and a high-visibility height indicator ranging from 0 to 1/8 inch. This setup is designed to minimize hand strain and improve precision for users with joint fatigue. The WEN PL1326 features an onboard material removal gauge that informs users about the cutting depth of each pass. While both tools offer depth control, the WOODERS focuses on the physical ease of turning the crank, whereas the WEN emphasizes visual feedback on the material being removed.

Choose the Right Planer for You

Users needing smooth, quiet cuts

Our pick: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

The WEN PL1326 uses a spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades. This design reduces noise and vibration while providing a cleaner finish on the wood surface. The onboard material removal gauge helps you track cutting depth for precise results.

Those planning thick hardwood projects

Our pick: WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

The WOODERS PL13-15AB handles stock up to 6.3 inches thick, offering slightly more capacity than the WEN. Its 15-amp, 2000W all-copper motor delivers raw power to slice through dense hardwoods without bogging down. The anti-snipe dual-blade system ensures flat, accurate boards.

Shop owners wanting lighter weight

Our pick: WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

The WOODERS model weighs 60 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the WEN, which weighs 81 pounds. This lower weight aids in moving the machine around your workshop. The rugged frame and heavy-duty iron blade shaft provide industrial-grade stability during operation.

The products compared

1

WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: smooth finish 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 13-inch benchtop thickness planer featuring a 15-amp motor and a spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades. It cuts boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide at a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. The onboard gauge helps you track cutting depth. This machine suits woodworkers who need a smooth finish without the noise of traditional cutterheads.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades
• 15-amp motor runs at 10,000 RPM
• Onboard material removal gauge for depth tracking
• Cuts material up to 6 inches thick

Cons

• Single-speed operation limits feed rate options
• 81-pound weight makes it less portable
• No two-speed variant included in this model

Good fit if

• You want a cleaner cut than standard planers
• You work with boards up to 13 inches wide
• You need a benchtop unit for limited space

Skip if

• You require variable speed control for delicate work
• You frequently move the planer between shops
• You need to plane material thicker than 6 inches

Verdict: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer delivers a smooth finish through its 26-blade spiral head. It is a solid choice for hobbyists who value cut quality over variable speed adjustments.

2

WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

Best for: Powerful planing of wide boards up to 13 inches

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 thickness planer features a 15-amp, 2000-watt all-copper motor and a 13-inch cutting width. It reaches 10,000 RPM for fast material removal. The unit handles boards up to 6.3 inches thick with a 2-blade cutterhead. Its ergonomic crank and overload protection suit users seeking power and ease of use. You get a sturdy 60-pound machine with integrated dust control for cleaner shop floors.

Pros

• 15-amp 2000W all-copper motor delivers 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed
• 13-inch max width accommodates wide boards in a single pass
• Ergonomic depth adjustment crank reduces wrist strain during use
• Built-in overload protection safeguards the motor during heavy loads

Cons

• Uses only 2 HSS blades instead of a spiral cutterhead
• 60-pound weight makes the unit less portable than lighter models
• Maximum thickness capacity of 6.3 inches is limited for large timbers

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch width for standard lumber
• You prefer a high-speed motor for dense hardwoods
• You want ergonomic controls to reduce hand fatigue

Skip if

• You require a spiral cutterhead for superior finish quality
• You need to plane boards thicker than 6.3 inches
• You prioritize a lightweight machine for frequent transport

Verdict: WOODERS 13-Inch Benchtop Planer fits users who need raw power and a wide cutting path for standard woodworking projects. It is a solid choice for those who value motor strength and ergonomic adjustments over spiral cutterhead finishes.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• WEN vs WOODSTARTER benchtop planer
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