6 Best Alternatives to the WOODSTARTER 13-Inch Wood Planer (2026)

How each alternative compares

WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

The WOODERS 13-Inch Benchtop Planer matches the WOODSTARTER’s 15-amp motor but weighs 60 pounds versus 52.8 pounds, offering greater stability. It features a larger footprint at 22.4 inches long and 14.2 inches wide, which may affect bench space. Unlike the WOODSTARTER’s 10,000 RPM cutterhead, the WOODERS does not list a specific RPM, focusing instead on robust power for dense hardwoods. You get a blue finish and ergonomic controls, but you lose the explicit high-speed rating. This model suits users who prioritize motor strength and stability over the WOODSTARTER’s faster cutting speed and precise thickness control for demanding projects.

VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Planer with Stand

The VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Planer with Stand includes an integrated stand, a feature the WOODSTARTER lacks. It weighs 67 pounds, providing a heavier, more stable base compared to the WOODSTARTER’s 52.8 pounds. The VEVOR offers automatic feeding, which contrasts with the WOODSTARTER’s manual 21 FPM feed rate. While both use 15-amp motors, the VEVOR prioritizes a sturdy setup and automated operation. You gain convenience and stability but sacrifice the WOODSTARTER’s high 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed. This planer is ideal for users who value a complete, stable benchtop solution with automatic feeding over the raw speed and manual control of the WOODSTARTER.

WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer

The WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer keeps the same brand and 13-inch swing but adds a third blade. It weighs 52 pounds, slightly less than the original’s 52.8 pounds. This model prioritizes feed rate and board length over the smoothness of a spiral head. While the original offers 10,000 RPM with two HSS blades, the 3-blade version focuses on fast planing of long boards. You get increased blade count for potentially cleaner cuts, but you may lose some of the specific high-speed characteristics of the 2-blade TP10K. This option fits woodworkers who prioritize feed rate and board length over the spiral head smoothness or the exact RPM of the original.

VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

The VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer uses a spiral cutterhead with 25 blades, differing significantly from the WOODSTARTER’s 2 HSS blades. It weighs 61.7 pounds, heavier than the WOODSTARTER’s 52.8 pounds. This model is single-speed, whereas the WOODSTARTER offers 10,000 RPM. The spiral head reduces tear-out and provides smoother finishes on hardwoods, a benefit over the standard HSS blades. You gain professional-grade finish quality and reduced tear-out but lose the high-speed cutting capability of the WOODSTARTER. This planer suits users who value smooth hardwood planing and robust dust collection over the raw speed and simpler blade setup of the original.

WOODERS 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer

The WOODERS 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer features a helical cutterhead, contrasting with the WOODSTARTER’s 2 HSS blades. It weighs 62 pounds, offering more stability than the 52.8-pound WOODSTARTER. This model focuses on smooth hardwood finishes and quiet operation, prioritizing finish quality over raw speed. Unlike the WOODSTARTER’s 10,000 RPM cutterhead, the helical head minimizes sanding needs and tear-out. You get professional-grade smoothness for demanding hardwoods but sacrifice the high cutting speed of the original. This planer is the right choice if you want to minimize sanding and work with difficult woods, rather than prioritizing the faster feed and speed of the WOODSTARTER.

JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

The JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer offers dual feed speeds, a feature absent in the single-speed WOODSTARTER. It uses a 2 HP motor, providing more power than the WOODSTARTER’s 15-amp unit. The helical cutterhead reduces tear-out, similar to other spiral options, but the 2-speed capability adds versatility. Weighing 75 pounds, it is significantly heavier and more stable than the 52.8-pound WOODSTARTER. You gain finish quality and machine stability but lose the portability and high 10,000 RPM speed of the original. This planer is ideal for serious woodworkers who prioritize finish quality and dual feed speeds over the lower cost and higher speed of the WOODSTARTER.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

WOODSTARTER 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

Best for: High-speed planing of wide hardwood boards

Cutting Width

13 in

Blade Count

2 HSS blades

Maximum Stock Thickness

6.2 in

Feed Rate

21 FPM

Motor Power

15 A (2,000 W)

Cutterhead Speed

10,000 RPM

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

The WOODSTARTER 13-Inch Benchtop Planer uses a 2,000W motor spinning at 10,000 RPM to plane wood up to 13 inches wide and 6.2 inches thick. It features two HSS blades and a 21 feet-per-minute feed rate for efficient material removal. The cast iron base keeps boards flat. This machine suits woodworkers needing high-speed cutting on hardwoods with precise depth adjustments.

Pros

• 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed for smooth cuts
• 2,000W motor handles demanding workloads
• 29-inch total worktable length for long boards
• Adjustable depth from 0 to 6.2 inches

Cons

• Only two HSS blades in the cutterhead
• 52.8 pounds weight limits portability
• No mention of helical or spiral cutterhead design

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch width for wide boards
• You want high RPM for hardwood planing
• You require a sturdy cast iron base

Skip if

• You prefer helical cutterhead technology
• You need more than two blades for longevity
• You require a lighter machine for frequent moves

Verdict: WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 10,000 RPM Planer fits woodworkers who prioritize high cutting speeds and a stable base for wide boards. It delivers precise thickness control for demanding hardwood projects.

2 Best budget

WOODERS 13-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Planer

Best for: Dense hardwoods and ergonomic operation

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

The WOODERS 13-inch benchtop planer uses a 2000W all-copper motor to drive a cutterhead at 10,000 RPM. It handles boards up to 13 inches wide and 6.3 inches thick. The machine includes two HSS blades and an overload protection system. Its ergonomic depth crank aids users with joint strain. This tool suits woodworkers needing raw power and stability for dense hardwoods.

Pros

• 2000W all-copper motor delivers 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed
• 13-inch cutting width accommodates wide boards
• Overload protection safeguards the motor during extreme loads
• Ergonomic depth adjustment crank reduces hand strain

Cons

• Includes only two HSS blades
• 60-pound weight makes it less portable
• No mention of a spiral helical cutterhead option

Good fit if

• You need a powerful motor for dense hardwoods
• You value ergonomic controls for long sessions
• You require overload protection for heavy stock removal

Skip if

• You prefer spiral helical cutterheads for smoother finishes
• You need more than two blades included
• You require a lighter machine for frequent transport

Verdict: The WOODERS 13-Inch Benchtop Planer, 15A offers robust power and ergonomic controls for serious woodworking tasks. It fits users who prioritize motor strength and stability over blade count or portability.

3 Also great

VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Planer with Stand

Best for: stable benchtop setups with automatic feeding

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

The VEVOR 13-inch benchtop planer features a 15-amp motor running at 8000 rpm. It includes two HSS blades and a 67-pound heavy-duty stand. The unit offers a 13-inch cutting width and 236 inches per minute feed rate. You get foldable extension plates and a dust exhaust interface. This setup suits woodworkers needing a stable, space-saving tool for repurposing worn lumber.

Pros

• 15-amp motor with 8000 rpm cutterhead speed
• Includes heavy-duty stand with foldable extension plates
• 236 inches per minute automatic feeding speed
• Dust exhaust interface connects to collectors

Cons

• Only two HSS blades included
• Heavier build at 67 pounds
• Lower cutterhead speed than some competitors

Good fit if

• You need a stable benchtop setup with a dedicated stand
• You want automatic feeding for consistent results
• You prioritize dust collection integration

Skip if

• You prefer higher cutterhead speeds for finer finishes
• You need more than two blades for faster material removal
• You require a lighter, more portable unit

Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Planer fits users who value a sturdy, integrated stand and automatic feeding over higher blade counts or speeds.

4 Best 3 blades

WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 3-Blade Benchtop Planer

Best for: Fast planing of long boards

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

This benchtop planer features a 2,000 W motor running at 10,000 RPM. It includes three HSS blades for smooth cuts and a 21 ft/min feed rate. The 13-inch width handles standard lumber, while the 6-1/4-inch max thickness covers thick slabs. The 29-inch table with adjustable infeed and outfeed sections reduces snipe. It suits woodworkers who need a fast, reliable tool for finishing boards.

Pros

• Three HSS blades for finish-ready surfaces
• 21 ft/min feed rate for fast processing
• 2,000 W motor maintains 10,000 RPM under load
• 29-inch worktable with adjustable tables reduces snipe

Cons

• HSS blades require more frequent sharpening than spiral heads
• 52-pound weight makes it less portable than lighter models
• Benchtop configuration requires a sturdy, dedicated workbench

Good fit if

• You need a fast feed rate for high-volume work
• You want to minimize snipe on long boards
• You prefer the sharpness and ease of HSS blades

Skip if

• You need a spiral helical cutterhead for tear-out-free cuts
• You require a planer with a wider 15-inch capacity
• You need a lightweight unit for frequent transport

Verdict: WOODSTARTER 13-Inch 3-Blade Planer delivers high speed and a long table for clean results. It fits woodworkers who prioritize feed rate and board length over spiral head smoothness.

5 Best spiral cutterhead

VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

Best for: smooth hardwood planing with spiral blades

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 13-inch cutting width and a 2000W motor. It uses a spiral cutterhead with 24 alloy blades to reduce tear-out. The dual-roller feeding system helps stabilize boards during planing. You get precise depth control in 1/8-inch increments. It supports both 2-inch and 4-inch dust collection hoses. This machine suits woodworkers who want a smooth finish on hardwoods like oak or maple.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 24 alloy blades
• 2000W motor handles hardwoods
• Dual-roller feeding system reduces vibration
• Compatible with 2-inch and 4-inch dust hoses

Cons

• Single-speed feed rate limits versatility
• Heavy build at 61.7 pounds
• Depth control increments are coarse at 1/8 inch

Good fit if

• You need a spiral cutterhead for smoother cuts
• You work with hardwoods like oak or maple
• You want flexible dust collection options

Skip if

• You require variable feed speeds
• You need fine depth adjustments under 1/8 inch
• You prefer a lighter machine for easy moving

Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer is a sturdy option for those prioritizing a spiral cutterhead and robust dust collection. It fits users who value reduced tear-out and can handle a heavier, single-speed machine.

6 Also great

WOODERS 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer

Best for: smooth hardwood finishes and quiet operation

Cutting Width

13 in

Cutterhead Style

Spiral helical

Maximum Stock Thickness

6-1/4 in

Motor Power

15A, 2000W

Cutterhead Speed

10,000 RPM

Swing

13-Inch

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

The WOODERS 13-Inch Thickness Planer uses a spiral helical cutterhead with tungsten carbide inserts for smooth cuts. Its 15-amp, 2000W motor runs at 10,000 RPM, handling hardwoods with minimal tear-out. You get a 13-inch planing width and micro-adjustable precision. The solid aluminum top cover aids durability. This machine suits woodworkers seeking a quiet, professional finish without excessive sanding.

Pros

• Spiral helical cutterhead with tungsten carbide inserts reduces tear-out and noise
• 15-amp, 2000W all-copper motor maintains speed for continuous hardwood planing
• 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed balances aggressive feed with fine cuts
• Micro-adjustable controls and high-visibility thickness indicator ensure repeatable precision

Cons

• Heavier at 62 pounds than basic two-blade models
• Maximum cutting depth of 1/8 inch per pass limits aggressive stock removal
• No mention of dust collection port in specifications

Good fit if

• You need a glass-smooth finish on hardwoods without heavy sanding
• You prioritize a quieter operation during long planing sessions
• You require precise, repeatable cuts for detailed woodworking projects

Skip if

• You need to remove large amounts of stock in a single pass
• You require a lighter, more portable benchtop unit for frequent moves
• You are on a tight budget and need a basic two-blade planer

Verdict: WOODERS 13-Inch Spiral Helical Planer delivers professional-grade smoothness for serious woodworkers who value finish quality over raw speed. It is the right choice if you want to minimize sanding and work with demanding hardwoods.

7 Best premium

JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

Best for: smooth finishes and reduced tear-out

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 helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change inserts for a smoother finish. It includes a powerful 2-HP motor running at 10,000 RPM and offers two feed speeds: 18 FPM and 26 FPM. The cast iron bed helps keep boards flat. It handles a 13-inch width and up to 6 inches of stock thickness. This machine suits woodworkers who value precision and reduced snipe.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 26 individual HSS inserts
• Two feed speeds: 18 FPM and 26 FPM
• Precision-machined cast iron bed reduces snipe
• Four-post design for cutterhead control
• Adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables

Cons

• Heavier build at 75 pounds
• Smaller footprint may limit stability for very wide boards
• Higher price point than basic models

Good fit if

• You need a smoother cut with less tear-out
• You want adjustable feed rates for different wood types
• You value a durable cast iron bed

Skip if

• You are on a tight budget
• You need a planer for very thick stock over 6 inches
• You prefer a lighter, more portable unit

Verdict: JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer is ideal for serious woodworkers who prioritize finish quality and machine stability over low cost. Its helical head and dual feed speeds make it a strong alternative to basic HSS blade planers.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best 13-Inch benchtop planers
• apple ipad air 13 inch alternatives