WEN or WOODSTARTER? Benchtop Planers Compared in 2026
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This WEN vs WOODSTARTER benchtop planer comparison helps you choose the right machine for your shop. Both units offer a 13-inch cutting width and spiral-style cutterheads for smooth finishes. The main difference lies in their construction and power delivery. The WEN model features a robust 15-amp motor and a heavy-duty build. The WOODSTARTER planer prioritizes portability and extended work surfaces. You will find distinct trade-offs in weight, blade configuration, and feed speed between these two options.
Key differences
| Aspect | WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer | WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Count | 26 staggered HSS blades | 3 HSS blades |
| Motor Power | 15 Amp | 2,000 W |
| Feed Rate | 26 feet per minute | 21 feet per minute |
| Weight | 81 pounds | 52 pounds |
| Maximum Thickness | 6 inches | 6-3/16 inches |
| Work Table | Standard benchtop | 29-inch extended table |
Which one should you choose?
Choose WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer if
- You prefer a higher feed rate for faster material removal.
- You want a cutterhead with 26 blades for a finer finish.
- You need a heavier, more stable unit that resists vibration.
Choose WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer if
- You value a lighter machine that is easier to move.
- You require an extended work table to reduce snipe on long boards.
- You want built-in overload and overheat protection for the motor.
Verdict: Choose the WEN if you prioritize a high-speed spiral cutterhead and a heavier, more rigid frame for precision work. Select the WOODSTARTER if you need a lighter, more portable planer with an extended table to handle longer boards with less snipe. Both tools deliver 13-inch capacity, so your choice depends on your shop space and finish requirements.
WEN vs WOODSTARTER Planer Specs
cutting width
Both the WEN PL1326 and the WOODSTARTER TP20K share the same maximum cutting width of 13 inches. This standard dimension allows you to plane wide boards and panels without needing to rotate them for edge work. The WEN model lists a 13-inch swing, while the WOODSTARTER specifies a 13-inch cutting width in its key specs. This shared capability means neither machine has a distinct advantage for wide stock. You can process the same maximum board width on either unit, making this a neutral point in your decision process.
blade count
The WEN PL1326 features a spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades. In contrast, the WOODSTARTER TP20K uses a traditional cutterhead with only 3 HSS blades. The higher blade count on the WEN unit typically results in a finer surface finish with fewer tear-out marks because the cuts are distributed across more edges. The WOODSTARTER relies on its three blades to slice through wood, which may require more sanding to achieve a glass-smooth result. The WEN holds a clear advantage here for finish quality.
feed rate
The WEN PL1326 operates at a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. The WOODSTARTER TP20K runs at a slower 21 feet per minute. A faster feed rate allows you to process more board footage in less time. The WEN moves wood through the cutterhead more quickly, which can improve efficiency for larger projects. The WOODSTARTER’s slower speed might offer slightly more control for delicate work, but the WEN provides a distinct advantage in raw throughput. You will likely finish jobs faster with the WEN machine.
motor power
The WEN PL1326 is rated at 15 amps. The WOODSTARTER TP20K is listed with a 2000-watt motor. While both motors spin the cutterhead at 10,000 RPM, the WOODSTARTER advertises intelligent overload and overheat protection to prevent stalling under heavy loads. The WEN data does not mention specific thermal protection features. The WOODSTARTER’s explicit safety mechanisms for heavy stock removal provide a slight edge in durability concerns, though both units maintain the same rotational speed for cutting.
weight
The WEN PL1326 weighs 81 pounds, while the WOODSTARTER TP20K weighs 52 pounds. The heavier WEN unit offers more stability during operation, reducing vibration and chatter when planing dense hardwoods. The lighter WOODSTARTER is easier to move around your shop but may require additional clamping or weighting to stay stable. The WEN’s significant weight advantage provides better performance for precision work. You will appreciate the solid footing of the WEN machine during demanding tasks.
Which Planer Fits Your Shop Needs
Shop owners needing high capacity and speed
You need to process large volumes of material quickly. The WEN model offers a faster 26 feet per minute feed rate compared to the WOODSTARTER. Its 15-amp motor and 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed ensure consistent performance. The spiral cutterhead with 26 blades provides a superior finish, reducing the need for additional sanding on wide boards.
Users prioritizing lightweight portability and safety
You value easy movement and built-in protection. The WOODSTARTER weighs only 52 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the WEN. It includes intelligent overload and overheat protection to prevent motor damage. The adjustable depth stop prevents accidental over-cutting, while the extended 29-inch table helps eliminate snipe on long boards without extra accessories.
Woodworkers seeking precise thickness control
You require exact depth settings and dust management. The WOODSTARTER features a built-in depth stop to prevent cutting too deep. It accepts multiple dust port sizes (1-2/5, 2-1/2, and 4 inches) for better debris capture. The 2000W motor maintains 10,000 RPM under load, ensuring smooth cuts even when removing significant stock thickness up to 6-3/16 inches.
The products compared
WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Best for: Wide boards needing smooth spiral finishes
- 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 15-amp motor. It features a spiral cutterhead with 26 HSS blades. The machine runs at 10,000 RPM with a 26 feet per minute feed rate. It planes boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. An onboard gauge helps you track cutting depth. This setup suits woodworkers needing smooth finishes on wider boards.
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades
- 15-amp motor generates 10,000 RPM
- Onboard material removal gauge for depth control
- 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 13-inch cutting width for wider boards
- You prefer spiral cutterheads for smoother finishes
- You want an onboard gauge to track depth
Skip if
- You require variable speed control for different materials
- You need to plane stock thicker than 6 inches
- You need a lighter machine for frequent moving
Verdict: WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Planer delivers a clean finish with its 26-blade spiral head. It is the right tool for you if you prioritize width capacity and surface quality over speed flexibility.
WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer
Best for: Wide boards and thick stock planing
- Cutting Width
- 13 in
- Blade Count
- 3 HSS blades
- Maximum Stock Thickness
- 6-1/4 in
- Feed Rate
- 21 FPM
- Motor Power
- 2,000 W
- Cutterhead Speed
- 10,000 RPM
View on Amazon: WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer Affiliate link
The WOODSTARTER benchtop planer features a 13-inch cutting width and a 2,000 W motor running at 10,000 RPM. It includes three HSS blades and a 21 FPM feed rate. The 29-inch table helps reduce snipe on long boards. This machine suits woodworkers who need a wide capacity for thick slabs and panels. It offers adjustable thickness settings and a multi-size dust port for shop cleanup.
Pros
- 13-inch cutting width handles wide stock
- 2,000 W motor maintains 10,000 RPM under load
- 29-inch extended worktable reduces snipe
- 3 HSS blades provide smooth surfaces
Cons
- 52-pound weight makes it less portable
- Maximum stock thickness is 6-1/4 inches
- Single-speed 21 FPM feed rate
Good fit if
- You need to plane boards up to 13 inches wide
- You work with thick stock up to 6-1/4 inches
- You want a stable benchtop unit with a long table
Skip if
- You require a spiral cutter head
- You need to plane material thicker than 6-1/4 inches
- You prefer a lighter machine for frequent moving
Verdict: WOODSTARTER 13-Inch Benchtop Planer fits users who prioritize wide capacity and a long table for snipe reduction. It is a solid choice for processing thick, wide boards in a fixed workshop.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer | WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Width | 13" | 13 in |
| Cutterhead Style | Spiral | not stated |
| Blade Count | 26 blades | 3 HSS blades |
| Maximum Stock Thickness | 6" | 6-1/4 in |
| Feed Rate | 26 fpm | 21 FPM |
| Motor Power | 15 A | 2,000 W |
| Cutterhead Speed | 10,000 RPM | 10,000 RPM |
| Swing | 13-Inch | 13-Inch |
| Configuration | Benchtop | Benchtop |
| Amperage | 15 Amp | not stated |
| Target Material | not stated | Wood |
| Application | not stated | Woodworking |
| Weight | 81 pounds | 52 pounds |
| Size | Spiral, 13-Inch, Single Speed | not stated |
| Color | Orange | Beige and Silver |
| Model | PL1326 | TP20K |
Frequently asked questions
Which benchtop planer is better for wide boards?
Both the WEN PL1326 and the WOODSTARTER TP20K handle 13-inch wide boards equally well. You can plane wide panels without rotating them. The WEN model is slightly heavier at 81 pounds, offering more stability for large stock. The WOODSTARTER weighs 52 pounds, making it easier to move if space is tight.
Does the WEN planer have a spiral cutterhead?
Yes, the WEN PL1326 features a spiral cutterhead with 26 blades. This design delivers a cleaner finish compared to straight knives. It reduces tear-out on difficult grain patterns. The WOODSTARTER TP20K uses a standard 3-blade setup, which is suitable for general woodworking but may not provide the same level of surface quality.
How much weight difference is there between the two?
The WEN PL1326 weighs 81 pounds, while the WOODSTARTER TP20K weighs 52 pounds. This 29-pound difference affects portability and bench stability. The heavier WEN unit stays firmly in place during heavy cuts. The lighter WOODSTARTER is easier to relocate within your workshop or store away when not in use.
What is the motor power of the WEN planer?
The WEN PL1326 is equipped with a 15-amp motor. This power output supports consistent performance when planing thick or wide boards. The WOODSTARTER TP20K does not list its amperage in the provided specifications. You should check the manual for the WOODSTARTER motor details if power consumption is a key factor for your shop.
Is the WOODSTARTER planer suitable for thick stock?
The WOODSTARTER TP20K is designed for processing thick and wide boards. Its long table helps reduce snipe, which is common when planing heavy stock. The 13-inch swing allows you to handle substantial material widths. It is a solid choice for fixed workshop use where stability and capacity are priorities over ultra-fine finishes.
Which model is lighter and easier to move?
The WOODSTARTER TP20K is the lighter option at 52 pounds. It is easier to lift and reposition on your workbench. The WEN PL1326 is heavier at 81 pounds due to its robust construction and spiral head. If you need to move the planer frequently, the WOODSTARTER offers better portability.