Dewalt vs. Makita vs. Porter Cable vs. WEN vs. Delta Benchtop Planer

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Product
Dewalt DW735X
Makita 2012NB
Porter Cable PC305TP
WEN 6552
Grizzly G0505
Rating
-
-
-
-
-
Power Type
Corded
Corded
Corded
Corded
Corded
AMPS
15 AMP
15 AMP
15 AMP
15 AMP
15 AMP
No Load Speed
10,000 RPM
8500 RPM
8000 RPM
-
10,000 RPM
Feed Rates
14 FPM
28 FPM
28 FPM
26 FPM
32 FPM
Cuts Per Minute
-
17,000 CPM
16,000 CPM
25,000 CPM
-
Cutting Capacity
Width 13" Depth 1/8"
Width 12" Depth 1/8"
Width 12" Depth 1/8"
Width 13" Depth 1/8"
Width 12-1/2" Depth 1/8"
Thickness
6"
6-3/32"
6"
6"
6"
Number of Blades
3
2
2
3
2
Easy to Use
Dust System
Stand Included
Includes
Infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of knives
Blade Set, Wrench, Magnetic Holder, Tool Box
Components PC305TP Planer
Components WEN 6552 Planer
Knife, setting jig and wrench
Weight
105 pounds
73.2 pounds
64.8 pounds
66 pounds
78 pounds
Warranty
3 Year
3 Year
3 Year
2 Year
1 Year
Product
Dewalt DW735X
Rating
-
Power Type
Corded
AMPS
15 AMP
No Load Speed
10,000 RPM
Feed Rates
14 FPM
Cuts Per Minute
-
Cutting Capacity
Width 13" Depth 1/8"
Thickness
6"
Number of Blades
3
Easy to Use
Dust System
Stand Included
Includes
Infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of knives
Weight
105 pounds
Warranty
3 Year
Where to Buy
Product
Makita 2012NB
Rating
-
Power Type
Corded
AMPS
15 AMP
No Load Speed
8500 RPM
Feed Rates
28 FPM
Cuts Per Minute
17,000 CPM
Cutting Capacity
Width 12" Depth 1/8"
Thickness
6-3/32"
Number of Blades
2
Easy to Use
Dust System
Stand Included
Includes
Blade Set, Wrench, Magnetic Holder, Tool Box
Weight
73.2 pounds
Warranty
3 Year
Where to Buy
Product
Porter Cable PC305TP
Rating
-
Power Type
Corded
AMPS
15 AMP
No Load Speed
8000 RPM
Feed Rates
28 FPM
Cuts Per Minute
16,000 CPM
Cutting Capacity
Width 12" Depth 1/8"
Thickness
6"
Number of Blades
2
Easy to Use
Dust System
Stand Included
Includes
Components PC305TP Planer
Weight
64.8 pounds
Warranty
3 Year
Where to Buy
Product
WEN 6552
Rating
-
Power Type
Corded
AMPS
15 AMP
No Load Speed
-
Feed Rates
26 FPM
Cuts Per Minute
25,000 CPM
Cutting Capacity
Width 13" Depth 1/8"
Thickness
6"
Number of Blades
3
Easy to Use
Dust System
Stand Included
Includes
Components WEN 6552 Planer
Weight
66 pounds
Warranty
2 Year
Where to Buy
Product
Grizzly G0505
Rating
-
Power Type
Corded
AMPS
15 AMP
No Load Speed
10,000 RPM
Feed Rates
32 FPM
Cuts Per Minute
-
Cutting Capacity
Width 12-1/2" Depth 1/8"
Thickness
6"
Number of Blades
2
Easy to Use
Dust System
Stand Included
Includes
Knife, setting jig and wrench
Weight
78 pounds
Warranty
1 Year
Where to Buy

The importance of a benchtop planer for woodworking cannot be overemphasized. Also known as a portable thickness planer, the benchtop planer is used for making parallel sides, reducing the thickness of the wood, and smoothening the surface of the wood.

As the name suggests, a benchtop planer is portable and can be fitted anywhere without requiring many footprints. Its usability also varies across the spectrum with suitability level for both professionals as well as DIYers.

There are many companies producing various types of benchtop planers. This article is a review of five of the most popular benchtop planers – Dewalt vs. Makita vs. Porter Cable vs. WEN vs. Grizzly.

1. Dewalt DW735X Benchtop Planer

Sale
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
  • Purchase includes one stationary 13" Planer, in/out feed tables with fasteners (attached to the base of the Planer base), extra blades and dust hose adapter. Stand is not included.
  • Three knife cutter head of the thickness planer delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier
  • Two-speed gear box of the wood planer allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
  • Fan-assisted chip ejection vacuums chip off of the cutter head and exhausts them out of the machine
  • 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base is 2 times more rigid than a standard 10-inch base and folding tables

This is arguably one of the best benchtop planers out there in the market. Built almost to perfection, the performance and design of this planer remain unmatched.

With a powerful motor generating a speed of 20,000 RPM (10,000 RPM cutterhead speed), this planer can plane any wood whether hard or soft. The cutter head has three formidable knives and the package comes with an additional set of knives for easy replacement.

The gearbox system has two speeds – one for dimension cuts (reducing thickness) at 96 CPI, and the other for finishing cuts (smoothening surface) at 179 CPI. This dual feature is one of the most advantageous components of Dewalt DW735X.

Another significant feature of this planer is that the height adjustment remains constant without a lockdown. Also, with the turret depth stop, the level of required thickness is automatically controlled in case of mismanagement.

Pros

  • The cuts by this planer hardly produce any scalloping or snipe.
  • The dust ejection system is so good and powerful that it doesn’t require a separate system for collecting dust.
  • The finishing on the board is the smoothest and beats all other planers.

Cons

  • The placement of the dust ejection port may create some inconvenience.

2. Makita 2012NB Benchtop Planer

Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer
  • Compact with less weight for easy transporting to the jobsite
  • Engineered for faster, easier blade changes
  • Low noise (83dB) for operator comfort
  • 4-post design and diagonal cross supports for stability
  • Large table extensions to support the workpiece

With a humble motor speed of 8500 rpm, this planer comes with an ‘Interna-Lok’ automated head clamp to negate as many snipes as possible. The planer has a small footprint and is lightweight which makes it easily portable.

The cutter head has dual double-sided blades with a cutting width of 12 inches and an adjustable depth cut of 1/8 inches. This allows the planer to deliver precise cuts and smooth surface that will require no or very few sanding. The package also comes with an extra set of blades.

Despite being lightweight, the planer has a design with four posts and diagonal cross supports which ensures maximum stability during operation.

The machine is solidly built, but make sure not to go beyond the capacities of what the planer is built to handle.

Pros

  • It is one of the most silent planers in its class, not even requiring hearing protection.
  • The blades are fast and easy to change.
  • The planer comes fully assembled making it the easiest planer to use right out of the box.

Cons

  • The planer does not come with a dust boot but it is an optional purchase.
  • Despite its ‘Interna-lok’ system, sniping is not 100% prevented.

3. Porter Cable PC305TP Benchtop Planer

Porter-Cable 15 Amps 12 Inches Benchtop Planer (PC305TP)
  • Powerful 15 Amp motor of the woodworking planer is made for superior stock removal
  • The thickness planer featuring two knife, quick change, solid steel cutter, head mounted on ball bearings, assures smooth operation and long life
  • High Carbon Steel, double edged, reversible knives of the wood planer is made for twice the cutting life
  • Patented cutter elevation on four precision ground columns for superior cut stability
  • Poly V Belt cutter head drive with rugged gearbox/chain and sprocket feed roller drive for maximum power transfer

This planer is cost-efficient and performs effectively. It operates with a 15 amp motor producing 8000 rpm at 16,000 cuts per minute, which is decent enough for the price of this planer. However, with these figures, the smoothness won’t be glass-like.

The cutter head is fitted with two double-edged knives which are also reversible. And features the cutter elevation technology for reducing snipes. The cutting width is 12 inches and below. There is also a cranking system for adjusting the height of the blades.

This planer is also lightweight and can be carried around easily. The operation sound is also lesser than the high-end planers making it noise friendly.

For handling wider boards, the planer also has outfeed and infeed rollers. This planer makes a good machine for dimension cuts and leaves a smoother cut than what is normally expected from a look at the technical features.

Pros

  • For a weekend woodworker or a hobbyist who doesn’t want to shell out excessively, this planer will perfectly do the trick.
  • The planer’s portability strikes a high note.

Cons

  • Snipes will occur on both ends of the wood plant. So, proper support on the wood is required.
  • This planer might not be suitable for professional woodworkers.

4. WEN 6552 Benchtop Planer

WEN 6552 3-Blade 15 Amp Benchtop Thickness Planer, 13"
  • Onboard material removal gauge informs users about the cutting depth of each pass
  • Plane boards up to 6 Inch thick and 13 Inch wide
  • 15A motor generates 25,500 cuts per minute at a 26 feet per minute feed rate
  • Three-blade design makes easy work out of even the hardest of woods
  • Fan-assisted dust port removes sawdust from work piece

The WEN 6552 planer can essentially be considered as an upgraded version of the WEN 6550. With a phenomenal rate of 25,500 cuts per minute, the cuts are extremely precise and the surface is glass-smooth. This planer can accommodate boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick.

The planer has three double-sided blades which makes it one of the best priced yet quality planer with three blades. Another feature is the material removal gauge system that alerts users at each pass regarding the cutting depth. This system helps in delivering a perfect finish.

For the more organized collection of dust, this planer has a fan-assisted dust port which blows the shavings and sawdust into a designated place for easier cleanup.

Pros

  • With a thickness scale of 6 inches, this is an excellent feature of this planer.
  • Despite the heavy cast iron built, this planer is lighter than many, thereby improving its mobility.
  • The price-quality ratio of this planer is unbeatable compared to other planers.
  • The blades are easy to change.

Cons

  • Unlike the extra blades that come with most planers, this planer doesn’t have any.
  • Snipping isn’t full proof even in this machine.

5. Grizzly G0505 Benchtop Planer

Sale
Grizzly Industrial G0505 - 12-1/2" 2 HP Benchtop Planer
  • Motor: 2 HP, 110V, single-phase, 15 Amp
  • Maximum cutting width: 12-1/2"
  • Maximum cutting height: 6"
  • Maximum depth of cut: 3/32"
  • Minimum board thickness: 13/64"

The planer comes with a 10,000 rpm cutter head and two dual-sided blades for a clean, accurate, and smooth finish. The blades are long-lasting and durable which do not require constant replacement. Its maximum cut height is 6 inches and width is 12.6 inches.

As far as the planning is concerned, this planer works with any variety of hardwood. Built with solid metal throughout, the operation is free from vibration. With a little support on the wood, snipes are reduced to a bare minimum with this planer.

This planer has a thermal overload protection system that prevents your machine from overheating due to prolonged use. Overheated machine invariably results in damage.

The Grizzly G0505 boasts of an accurate height adjustment that guarantees the perfect cut size of wood that you would want.

Pros

  • The affordability and effectiveness of this planer give the other high-end planers a run for their money.
  • The full metal build of this planer guarantees durability and sturdiness that’ll last a lifetime.

Cons

  • The operation sound is loud.
  • Even though this planer has withstood the test of time, it may be high time to upgrade it for better competition with other planers.

Conclusion

Choosing a benchtop planer need not be that difficult once the needs of a woodworker are considered. Whatever the circumstance may be, quality shouldn’t be compromised as this will backfire and burn more of your wallet.

In this review of benchtop planers between Dewalt vs. Makita vs. Porter Cable vs. WEN vs. Grizzly, based on technical features, performance, and users review, the Dewalt 735X seems to be best and most raved about planer. This planer is ideal for professionals who can work from home.

As far as Makita 2012NB, WEN 6552, and Grizzly G0505 are concerned, they are most suitable for DIYers, hobbyists, and upcoming professionals. Lastly, Porter Cable PC305TP is best suited for strictly DIYers and hobbyists.