Planers
Stationary and Benchtop Thickness Planers
Thickness planers mill boards to a consistent thickness with the top face parallel to the bottom. This collection focuses on shop machines. Jet offers the JWP-13BT benchtop planer, 15-inch and 20-inch planers, and JJP jointer/planer combos. Powermatic adds the 15HH and the 209 and 209HH 20-inch planers. Laguna PX|12, PX|16, and PX|20, Rikon jointer/planers, and Shop Fox planers round it out, along with Jet and Shop Fox planer/molders.
What to Look For
- Width capacity. Machines here range from 7 inches to 20 inches wide. Size to the widest boards you plane often.
- Cutterhead. Helical and spiral heads, marked HH or helical in the title, handle figured wood with less tear-out than straight knives.
- Power supply. Larger planers list 230V single phase or three phase motors. Check your circuit first.
- Molding capability. Planer/molders like the Jet JPM-13CS and Shop Fox W1812 also cut trim profiles with the right knives.
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Planers FAQ
Benchtop or floor-standing planer?
A benchtop planer like the Jet JWP-13BT or Laguna PX|12 moves between a bench and a shelf and suits hobby shops. Floor planers in the 15-inch and 20-inch class have heavier tables and stronger motors for production and wide hardwood.
Can a planer flatten a warped board?
Not by itself. A planer makes the top face parallel to the bottom, so a cupped board stays cupped. Flatten one face on a jointer first, then plane to thickness.