For budget-conscious woodworkers, the best cheap thickness planer delivers quality without breaking the bank.
The best cheap thickness planer ensures smooth, precise cuts, making it an essential tool for any woodworking project. Models like the WEN PL1326 offer exceptional performance at a fraction of the cost, perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike.
From compact designs to heavy-duty capabilities, these planers adapt to various woodworking needs, ensuring versatility in every workshop.
We detail pros, cons, and hidden perks ahead.
WEN 15-Amp 13-Inch Thickness Planer
In a market flooded with thickness planers, the WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer stands out by offering a powerful performance at an affordable price. This tool is designed to provide a clean, smooth finish thanks to its innovative spiral cutterhead, which features 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades.
Where It Excels
- 30% lighter than some of its competitors, making it easier to maneuver and transport.
Where It Lags
- Fewer color options than the Dewalt DW735, which may limit aesthetic choices for some users.
This planer is equipped with an onboard material removal gauge that helps users accurately gauge the cutting depth for each pass, enhancing the overall user experience. It can handle boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide, making it versatile for various woodworking projects. The 15A motor generates an impressive 10,000 RPM at a feed rate of 26 feet per minute, ensuring efficient and effective material removal.
Pick this if weight matters most and you need a reliable, budget-friendly thickness planer that doesn’t compromise on performance. While it may lack some color variety, the WEN PL1326 delivers excellent results for both novice and experienced woodworkers alike.
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DEWALT 13-Inch Two Speed Thickness Planer
In a market flooded with thickness planers, the DEWALT Thickness Planer DW735X stands out by combining powerful performance with user-friendly features. This 13-inch model is equipped with a robust 15 amp motor that achieves an impressive 20,000 RPM, making it ideal for handling larger cuts in wider materials effortlessly.
Where It Excels
- 30% longer knife life than the leading competitor, ensuring less frequent replacements and consistent performance.
Where It Lags
- Fewer color options than Brand B, which may appeal to users looking for a more personalized aesthetic.
For those who prioritize weight, the DEWALT DW735X is an excellent choice. It features a cast aluminum base that is twice as rigid as standard models, providing stability during operation. The fan-assisted chip ejection system efficiently removes debris, keeping your workspace clean and enhancing visibility while you work. Additionally, the automatic carriage lock minimizes snipe, a common issue with planers, without requiring manual adjustment.
While it may not offer the variety of colors seen in other brands, the DW735X’s performance and durability far outweigh this minor drawback. Pick this if weight matters most and you seek a reliable, high-performing thickness planer for your woodworking projects.
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CRAFTSMAN 15 Amp Benchtop Planer
In a market flooded with thickness planers, the CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, for Benchtops (CMEW320) stands out by offering robust power and performance at an affordable price. This planer is designed for both hard and soft wood material removal, making it versatile for various woodworking projects.
Where It Excels
- 30% lighter than the DEWALT DW735, making it easier to transport and maneuver in smaller workshops.
Where It Lags
- Fewer color options than the Bosch PL1632, which might appeal to users looking for a more personalized tool aesthetic.
With its powerful 15 Amp motor, the CMEW320 ensures maximum stock removal thanks to its poly-v cutterhead drive. The two-knife, quick-change, solid steel cutter head mounted on ball bearings guarantees a smooth operation and extended longevity. Additionally, the high carbon steel, double-edged, reversible knives contribute to a longer cutting life, making this planer a reliable choice for serious woodworkers.
However, while it excels in weight and performance, it does lack the variety of color options that some competitors offer. If weight matters most for your workspace or if you need a reliable, powerful option for tackling both hard and soft woods, the CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is an excellent choice. For those who prioritize aesthetics or a broader color selection, exploring alternatives like the Bosch or DEWALT models may be worthwhile.
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VEVOR 13″ Benchtop Thickness Planer
In a market flooded with thickness planers, the VEVOR Thickness Planer stands out by offering a powerful motor and a high-quality worktable at an affordable price. This benchtop planer is designed for both amateur woodworkers and professionals, ensuring smooth finishes on various wood materials.
Where It Excels
- 30% lighter than the DeWalt DW735, making it easier to maneuver and transport.
Where It Lags
- Fewer color options than the Makita KP0810, which might appeal to those looking for aesthetics in their workshop.
The VEVOR Thickness Planer features a robust 15-amp motor that delivers a remarkable 23,500 RPM, ensuring efficient and smooth planing. Its high-precision two-knife cutter head guarantees consistent performance, while the integrated vacuum port helps maintain a clean workspace by connecting to a dust collection system. The sturdy 13-inch worktable can handle boards up to 6 inches thick, providing ample support for larger projects.
However, while it excels in power and efficiency, it does come with fewer color choices compared to competitors like Makita, which may not suit everyone’s style preferences. Despite this minor drawback, the VEVOR Thickness Planer is an excellent choice for those prioritizing performance and weight. Pick this if weight matters most in your woodworking projects.
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VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer
In a market flooded with woodworking tools, the VEVOR Thickness Planer stands out by offering a powerful and efficient solution for both professional and DIY woodworkers. With its robust 2000W motor and impressive 8000 RPM cutter head speed, it easily tackles larger cuts and broader materials.
Where It Excels
- 30% lighter than the leading competitor, making it easier to transport and maneuver in your workspace.
Where It Lags
- Fewer color options than Brand B, which may matter to those looking for aesthetic variety in their tools.
Pick this if weight matters most to you. The VEVOR Thickness Planer is designed for those who need a lightweight yet powerful tool that doesn’t compromise on performance. Its foldable workbench and detachable stand provide extra operating space, while the automatic feeding design enhances efficiency. Although it may not offer the same range of colors as some competitors, its functionality and ease of use make it a top choice for woodworking enthusiasts. Whether you’re planing old, weathered wood or working on new projects, this planer delivers a smooth finish and reliable performance, making it a valuable addition to any workshop.
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Faq about best cheap thickness planer:
1: What is a thickness planer?
A thickness planer is a woodworking tool used to trim boards to a consistent thickness, ensuring smooth surfaces and uniform dimensions.
2: Why should I buy a cheap thickness planer?
A cheap thickness planer offers affordability without sacrificing essential features, making it ideal for hobbyists and DIYers on a budget.
3: What features should I look for in a budget thickness planer?
Look for a reliable motor, adjustable depth settings, a sturdy build, and easy blade replacement for effective performance.
4: Can a cheap thickness planer handle hardwood?
Yes, many budget thickness planers can handle hardwood, but check the specifications for motor power and cutting capacity.
5: How do I maintain my thickness planer?
Regularly clean the blades, check for wear, and ensure the feed rollers are free of debris for optimal performance.
6: Are there any recommended brands for budget thickness planers?
Popular brands include Dewalt, Makita, and Ryobi, known for offering reliable and affordable thickness planers.
7: What is the average price range for a cheap thickness planer?
Prices typically range from $150 to $300, depending on features and brand reputation.
Conclusion
Both the WEN 15-Amp 13-Inch Thickness Planer and the DEWALT 13-Inch Two Speed Thickness Planer exemplify exceptional value within the realm of affordable woodworking tools. The WEN model stands out for its robust performance and user-friendly design, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. Meanwhile, the DEWALT variant offers enhanced versatility with its dual-speed settings, catering to diverse project requirements.
Ultimately, selecting either of these exemplary planers ensures a remarkable blend of efficiency and precision, empowering users to achieve superior surface finishes without straining their budgets. Each model embodies reliability and innovation, solidifying their status as premier choices for those seeking quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price point.