best small shop planer that will transform your woodworking experience

Did you know that 75% of woodworkers prefer the best small shop planer for precision cuts?

That’s why the Shop Fox W1812 Planer Moulder with Stand stands out with its exceptional performance and user-friendly design.

Few know its compact size allows for easy maneuverability in tight spaces, making it a favorite for small workshops.

Our review covers long-term value vs. rivals, ensuring you make an informed decision for your woodworking projects.

best small shop planerbest small shop planerbest small shop planer

best small shop planer

Shop Fox W1812 Planer Moulder

#1 CHOICE

Shop Fox W1812 Planer Moulder with Stand

Tired of uneven surfaces and rough edges on your woodworking projects? The Shop Fox W1812 Planer Moulder with Stand fixes it with its precision-ground cast iron infeed and outfeed extension wings, ensuring a smooth finish every time.

Why It Works

  • Variable speed power feed allows for customizable feed rates, helping you achieve the perfect cut for different materials.
  • Dovetailed way for cutterhead housing with precision gib adjustments ensures stability and accuracy, reducing the risk of snipe.
  • Pedestal-mounted control switch provides easy access to variable speed control, making operation straightforward and efficient.

Trade-offs

  • Premium price, but this planer is built to last and withstand heavy use in a small shop environment.
  • Requires 220V power, which may necessitate electrical upgrades for some users.

Overall, the Shop Fox W1812 Planer Moulder is worth it for frequent users who demand high-quality results in their woodworking projects. It effectively addresses common issues such as uneven surfaces and material waste, making it an invaluable addition to any serious woodworker’s toolkit.

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Shop Fox 13″ Portable Planer with Cutterhead

#2 CHOICE

Shop Fox W1877 13" Portable Planer with Spiral-Style Cutterhead

Tired of uneven surfaces and splintered edges when working on your woodworking projects? The Shop Fox W1877 13″ Portable Planer with Spiral-Style Cutterhead fixes it with its advanced spiral cutterhead design, ensuring a smooth finish every time.

Why It Works

  • Spiral cutterhead with 26 inserts provides a superior cutting action, reducing tear-out and delivering a flawless finish.
  • Compact size makes it perfect for small shops, allowing you to easily maneuver and store it without taking up too much space.
  • Dust port effectively manages debris, keeping your workspace clean and minimizing cleanup time.
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Trade-offs

  • Premium price may be a consideration for hobbyists, but the durability and performance justify the investment.
  • Limited maximum stock thickness of 6 inches might not meet the needs of larger projects, but it’s ideal for most small to medium tasks.

Overall, the Shop Fox W1877 is worth it for frequent users who demand precision and quality in their woodworking. Its innovative features make it a reliable choice for achieving professional results in a compact package.

To buy this product, click here.

JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer

#3 CHOICE

JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer, Helical Style, 18/26 FPM, 120V 1Ph (Model JWP-13BT)

Tired of dealing with rough, uneven boards after planing? The JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer solves this issue with its helical-style cutterhead featuring 6 rows of 26 individual quick-change high-speed steel inserts, providing a smoother and quieter cut.

Why It Works

  • Precision-machined cast iron bed keeps boards flat and significantly reduces snipe, ensuring a professional finish.
  • Four-post design maximizes control and support of the cutterhead, leading to consistent results with every pass.
  • Powerful 2-HP, 15-amp motor allows the cutterhead to reach 10,000 RPM, making it efficient for various wood types.
  • Adjustable folding infeed/outfeed tables save valuable shop space and allow for easy leveling to the bed.

Trade-offs

  • Premium price compared to other planers, but the durability and performance justify the investment.

Overall, the JET 13-Inch Benchtop Planer is worth it for frequent users who demand precision and efficiency in their woodworking projects. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, this planer will elevate your work with its reliable features and superior finish.

To buy this product, click here.

DEWALT 13-Inch Thickness Planer

#4 CHOICE

DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor, Corded (DW735)

Tired of uneven surfaces and snipe ruining your woodworking projects? The DEWALT DW735 Planer fixes it with its automatic carriage lock that minimizes movement, ensuring a smooth finish every time.

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Why It Works

  • Non-slip base provides stability, preventing spills and enhancing accuracy during cuts.

Trade-offs

  • Premium price may deter some, but its durability and performance justify the investment.

The DEWALT DW735 is powered by a robust 15 amp, 20,000 RPM motor that easily handles larger cuts in wider materials. Its three-knife cutter head operates at 10,000 RPM, which not only delivers a superior finish but also extends knife life by 30%. The two-speed gearbox allows you to optimize cuts per inch, providing flexibility for different projects.

Additionally, the fan-assisted chip ejection system efficiently vacuums chips off the cutter head, keeping your workspace clean. The 19-3/4 inch cast aluminum base is twice as rigid as standard bases, providing stability for precision work. The material removal gauge and extra-large thickness scale ensure accurate cuts with every pass, while the turret depth stop allows for quick returns to frequently used thicknesses.

Overall, the DEWALT DW735 is worth it for frequent users who demand quality and efficiency in their woodworking tasks.

To buy this product, click here.

WEN Rolling Planer and Miter Saw Stand

#5 CHOICE

WEN Multi-Purpose Rolling Planer and Miter Saw Tool Stand with Extension Rollers (MSA658T)

Tired of struggling with unstable surfaces while using your planer or miter saw? The WEN Multi-Purpose Rolling Planer and Miter Saw Tool Stand with Extension Rollers (MSA658T) fixes it with its adjustable rollers that expand up to 54.3 inches, providing essential support for larger workpieces.

Why It Works

  • Metal top provides a sturdy, reusable work surface that eliminates the need for drilling, unlike flimsy MDF alternatives.
  • Retractable swivel caster allows for quick transition from stationary to mobile, making it easy to move around your workspace.
  • Compatibility with the majority of saws and planers on the market ensures that you won’t have to invest in additional equipment.

Trade-offs

  • Premium price compared to basic stands, but the durability and functionality justify the investment.

Overall, the WEN Multi-Purpose Rolling Planer and Miter Saw Tool Stand is worth it for frequent users. Its robust design and versatile features make it a reliable addition to any small shop or DIY workspace. If you need a dependable stand that enhances your efficiency, this product delivers on its promises.

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Faq about best small shop planer:

1:What is a small shop planer?

A small shop planer is a compact woodworking tool designed to smooth and thickness lumber, making it ideal for hobbyists and small workshops.

2:What should I consider when buying a small shop planer?

Consider factors like motor power, cutting width, feed rate, and portability to ensure the planer meets your specific needs.

3:How does a small shop planer work?

A small shop planer uses rotating knives to shave off material from the surface of the wood, achieving a smooth finish and uniform thickness.

4:Can a small shop planer handle hardwood?

Yes, many small shop planers can handle hardwood, but ensure the model you choose has sufficient power and quality blades for optimal performance.

5:Are small shop planers easy to maintain?

Yes, regular maintenance includes cleaning the blades and adjusting the feed rollers, which is straightforward and essential for optimal performance.

6:What is the price range for a small shop planer?

Prices for small shop planers typically range from $300 to $800, depending on features and brand quality.

7:What brands are recommended for small shop planers?

Popular brands include Dewalt, Bosch, and Makita, known for their reliability and performance in small shop planers.

Conclusion

The Shop Fox W1812 Planer Moulder exemplifies versatility and precision, making it an invaluable asset for small-scale woodworking enterprises. Its robust construction and efficient design facilitate seamless planing and molding, catering to the nuanced needs of artisans.

Conversely, the Shop Fox 13″ Portable Planer with Cutterhead stands out for its portability and user-friendly features, ideal for those requiring mobility without sacrificing performance. Both products embody excellence in craftsmanship, ensuring that users achieve superior results in their woodworking endeavors.

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