DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer
The DW735X secures the top spot for Planers Power Tools with a two-speed cutter head and 13-inch capacity that provide industry-leading throughput and finish quality for production and professional shops. Compared with smaller or single-speed benchtop models in this list, it carries a higher upfront cost but delivers faster stock removal and reduced finishing time, which can lower per-piece labor costs over time.
Two-speed muscle
13-inch capacity
Two-speed muscle
13-inch capacity
Review Summary
"Users praise its powerful motor, two-speed cutterhead, and consistently smooth finish for production work; it's heavy and expensive but widely regarded as a professional, reliable machine."
Silky finish!
Two-speed gearbox for coarse stock removal and fine finishing cuts.
Silky finish!
Two-speed gearbox for coarse stock removal and fine finishing cuts.
Optimized Work Efficiency
Skill Development & Mastery
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
The DW735X secures the top spot for Planers Power Tools with a two-speed cutter head and 13-inch capacity that provide industry-leading throughput and finish quality for production and professional shops. Compared with smaller or single-speed benchtop models in this list, it carries a higher upfront cost but delivers faster stock removal and reduced finishing time, which can lower per-piece labor costs over time.
Two-speed muscle
13-inch capacity
Silky finish!
Two-speed gearbox for coarse stock removal and fine finishing cuts.
13-inch cutting capacity to handle wider boards and panels.
Two-speed muscle
13-inch capacity
Silky finish!
Two-speed gearbox for coarse stock removal and fine finishing cuts.
13-inch cutting capacity to handle wider boards and panels.
Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer
The Makita 2012NB is a market-leading 12-inch benchtop planer that balances precise cutting performance with a competitive price, making it a strong choice for small shops and serious hobbyists. Versus the heavier-duty DEWALT DW735X it offers a lighter footprint and better value for mid-volume work, while still outperforming compact handheld units for flat-surface finishing.
Smooth 12-inch
Quick-change knives
Smooth 12-inch
Quick-change knives
Review Summary
"Owners like its quiet operation, smooth cutting and excellent finish with minimal tear-out; it's a solid, well-built 12" planer though heavier and pricier than some budget alternatives."
Whisper-quiet!
12-inch width capacity designed for shop and jobsite thicknessing tasks.
Whisper-quiet!
12-inch width capacity designed for shop and jobsite thicknessing tasks.
Optimized Work Efficiency
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Makita 2012NB is a market-leading 12-inch benchtop planer that balances precise cutting performance with a competitive price, making it a strong choice for small shops and serious hobbyists. Versus the heavier-duty DEWALT DW735X it offers a lighter footprint and better value for mid-volume work, while still outperforming compact handheld units for flat-surface finishing.
Smooth 12-inch
Quick-change knives
Whisper-quiet!
12-inch width capacity designed for shop and jobsite thicknessing tasks.
Powerful motor and stable feed system for consistent, smooth passes.
Smooth 12-inch
Quick-change knives
Whisper-quiet!
12-inch width capacity designed for shop and jobsite thicknessing tasks.
Powerful motor and stable feed system for consistent, smooth passes.
DEWALT DW734 12-1/2-Inch Benchtop Planer
The DW734 is the value-oriented 12-1/2-inch benchtop planer that provides dependable performance for budget-conscious woodworkers and small shops. It forgoes the two-speed versatility of the DW735X in exchange for a lower purchase price, and it delivers more consistent full-width planing than handheld options like the Makita KP0810, making it a pragmatic economical choice.
Compact 12.5-inch
Snipe reducer
Compact 12.5-inch
Snipe reducer
Review Summary
"Reviewers find it a dependable benchtop planer that offers good value and respectable performance for hobbyists and small shops; some report more tear-out and strain under heavy continuous use compared with higher-end models."
Worksite tough!
12-1/2-inch cutting width in a compact benchtop footprint for small shops.
Worksite tough!
12-1/2-inch cutting width in a compact benchtop footprint for small shops.
Optimized Work Efficiency
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The DW734 is the value-oriented 12-1/2-inch benchtop planer that provides dependable performance for budget-conscious woodworkers and small shops. It forgoes the two-speed versatility of the DW735X in exchange for a lower purchase price, and it delivers more consistent full-width planing than handheld options like the Makita KP0810, making it a pragmatic economical choice.
Compact 12.5-inch
Snipe reducer
Worksite tough!
12-1/2-inch cutting width in a compact benchtop footprint for small shops.
Reliable cutter assembly with easy-access blade changes and solid performance.
Compact 12.5-inch
Snipe reducer
Worksite tough!
12-1/2-inch cutting width in a compact benchtop footprint for small shops.
Reliable cutter assembly with easy-access blade changes and solid performance.
Makita KP0810 3-1/4-Inch Planer
The Makita KP0810 excels in the handheld planer category with a compact 3-1/4-inch design that is ideal for edge work, trim and on-site adjustments where portability and control matter most. It cannot match the stock-removal rate or depth capacity of benchtop planers, but its low cost, light weight, and precision make it the preferred tool for contractors and finish carpenters who need mobility and fine control.
Pocket-sized precision
3¼-inch accuracy
Pocket-sized precision
3¼-inch accuracy
Review Summary
"Users appreciate the KP0810's compact size, smooth finish, and precise depth control, making it ideal for trim and portable work; it can feel underpowered for heavy stock removal."
Chamfer pro!
3-1/4-inch cutting width tailored for edge planing and finish work.
Chamfer pro!
3-1/4-inch cutting width tailored for edge planing and finish work.
Skill Development & Mastery
Optimized Work Efficiency
The Makita KP0810 excels in the handheld planer category with a compact 3-1/4-inch design that is ideal for edge work, trim and on-site adjustments where portability and control matter most. It cannot match the stock-removal rate or depth capacity of benchtop planers, but its low cost, light weight, and precision make it the preferred tool for contractors and finish carpenters who need mobility and fine control.
Pocket-sized precision
3¼-inch accuracy
Chamfer pro!
3-1/4-inch cutting width tailored for edge planing and finish work.
Ergonomic, slim body for comfortable two-handed control and precision.
Pocket-sized precision
3¼-inch accuracy
Chamfer pro!
3-1/4-inch cutting width tailored for edge planing and finish work.
Ergonomic, slim body for comfortable two-handed control and precision.
DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Cordless Planer
The DEWALT DCP580B stands out as the top cordless planer by leveraging the 20V MAX battery platform to give contractors cordless convenience without requiring a generator or extension cords. While its sustained power and heavy-duty removal capability trail corded benchtop units like the DW735X, it offers clear financial advantages for users already committed to the DeWalt battery ecosystem through tool interoperability and improved jobsite efficiency.
Cordless freedom
Brushless power
Cordless freedom
Brushless power
Review Summary
"Buyers like the convenience of cordless operation and the brushless motor for light to medium tasks, but many note limited runtime and noticeably less power than corded planers for heavy-duty work."
On-the-go smooth!
Cordless 20V platform offering mobility for jobsite and remote work.
On-the-go smooth!
Cordless 20V platform offering mobility for jobsite and remote work.
Tech-Savvy Living
Time-Saving Convenience
The DEWALT DCP580B stands out as the top cordless planer by leveraging the 20V MAX battery platform to give contractors cordless convenience without requiring a generator or extension cords. While its sustained power and heavy-duty removal capability trail corded benchtop units like the DW735X, it offers clear financial advantages for users already committed to the DeWalt battery ecosystem through tool interoperability and improved jobsite efficiency.
Cordless freedom
Brushless power
On-the-go smooth!
Cordless 20V platform offering mobility for jobsite and remote work.
Brushless motor efficiency for longer runtime and reduced maintenance.
Cordless freedom
Brushless power
On-the-go smooth!
Cordless 20V platform offering mobility for jobsite and remote work.
Brushless motor efficiency for longer runtime and reduced maintenance.