Our Top Picks
Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-1/4-Inch PlanerOne Size14 x 9 x 8 inches7.2 PoundsCheck on Amazon
The best power planer for most DIY and light carpentry jobs is a handheld model whose blade width matches your boards, with a battery platform you already own if you choose cordless, and a corded WEN is the lowest-risk way to start. This guide reads ten listings against their own titles: eight handheld planers and two benchtop thickness planers, plus a note on which jobs each type suits and which listings leave the power source or cut depth unstated. It closes with a worked example and answers to common questions on blades, safety and batteries.
Top picks at a glance
DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth, Brushless Motor, Bare Tool Only (DCP580B)
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WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch
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WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 4-3/8-Inch
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Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-1/4-Inch Planer, Tool Only | Power Planers, Cordless Planers, Wood Planers, Handheld Planers, 7200 mAh, 3-1/4 in W, High power to weight ratio
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DEWALT Thickness Planer (DW735X) | 13-inch, Three Knife, Two Speed, 15 Amp
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MtiolHig Cordless Planer Compatible with DeWalt 20V Battery,Tool Only | 3-1/4 Inch Handheld Planer -30000 CPM Power Hand Wood Planer for Woodworking, Carpentry, and Home DIY
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Makita KP0800K 3-1/4" Planer, with Tool Case , Blue
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WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 2-3/8-Inch
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CRAFTSMAN 12.25 In. Benchtop Thickness Planer, 15 Amp, Two Knife (CMEW320) | 8,000 RPM Solid Steel Cutter Head Wood Planer, 16,000 Cuts per Minute, Longer Knife Life, Dust Port for Debris
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CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brushless Hand Planer, 3-1/4 In. Fast Cutting Wood Planer with Dust Bag, Up to 15,000 RPM, Tool Only (CMCW350B)
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| Model | Key point from title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCP580B | 20V MAX, 30,000 cuts per minute, 2 mm depth, brushless, bare tool | Mid-range | Cordless users on that battery system |
| WEN 6530 | 6-amp corded, 3-1/4 inch | Budget | First planer for doors and trim |
| WEN 6534 | 8-amp corded, 4-3/8 inch | Budget | Wider boards, corded power |
| Makita XPK01Z | 18V LXT cordless, 3-1/4 inch, tool only | Mid-range (price not listed) | Makita battery owners |
| DEWALT DW735X | 13-inch thickness planer, three knife, 15 amp | Premium | Shop work on rough lumber |
| MtiolHig Cordless | DeWalt 20V battery compatible, 30000 CPM, tool only | Budget | Occasional jobs, with caution |
| Makita KP0800K | 3-1/4 inch, tool case, power source not stated | Mid-range | Buyers who want a case and will verify specs |
| WEN 6528 | 3.8-amp corded, 2-3/8 inch | Budget | Small touch-ups |
| CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 | 12.25 inch benchtop, 15 amp, two knife | Mid-range | Home shop board thicknessing |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCW350B | Brushless cordless, 3-1/4 inch, dust bag, tool only | Mid-range | V20 battery owners |
What is changing in this category
Power planers have followed the wider shift in tools toward battery platforms. Several listings here are “tool only” or “bare tool”, which means the battery and charger are not included, and the real cost depends on whether you already own compatible packs. Brushless motors, which are commonly described as more efficient and longer lasting than brushed designs, now appear on cordless planers from established names as well as lesser-known sellers.
Another change is the rise of third-party tools that advertise compatibility with another brand’s batteries. These can be attractive for occasional use, though battery fit, warranty coverage and support deserve extra questions. Corded models remain popular because they do not depend on a battery and often deliver steady power for long sessions, and low-cost corded planers continue to anchor the entry level.
Finally, listings increasingly mix tool types. A search for planers now returns handheld models next to benchtop thickness planers, which do a different job, so titles and categories need careful reading. Expect more features such as dust bags, cut-depth scales and carrying cases to be advertised, and expect specification wording to vary from one seller to another. Another visible pattern is that cut depth and power details are often missing from titles of long-established models, because sellers assume buyers know them, so a quick check of the manufacturer’s page is worth the minute it takes. The practical effect for shoppers is more choice at the low end and more homework everywhere.
How we picked these
This roundup is built from published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews as reflected in each listing, and it keeps to what the titles say. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. We included handheld and benchtop planers because the keyword covers both, flagged where they differ, and show relative price tiers rather than amounts. Where a title is unclear, we say so and suggest what to check. Each entry covers what the title states, who the tool may suit, pros and cons, items to check on the listing page and one question to put to the seller. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for blades, power and safe operation with any of them.
The ten listings
DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth (DCP580B)
The title states a 20V MAX platform, 30,000 cuts per minute, a 2 mm cut depth, a brushless motor and “Bare Tool Only”, with the model number DCP580B. The last phrase matters most to your budget: no battery or charger is implied, so the real cost depends on what you already own. The cuts-per-minute figure refers to how quickly the cutter head produces cuts, and higher numbers are generally associated with smoother surfaces, though feed speed and blade condition matter too. A remodeler who already carries the same battery system and wants to ease a sticking door or trim a shim would find the cordless convenience appealing. Someone who owns no batteries on that platform should price the full kit before deciding, since the saving over a corded model can disappear quickly.
- Pro: brushless motor and 2 mm depth stated
- Pro: model number makes manuals easy to find
- Con: bare tool, so battery and charger are extra
- Con: blade width is not in the title
Check the listing for blade width, which batteries fit, dust port design, depth-adjustment style and warranty. Look for any mention of a kickstand or blade guard, which protects both the blade and the surface you set it on. Question to ask: what blade width does this model have, and are replacement blades widely available?
WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch
This one is simple: a corded 6-amp motor and a 3-1/4 inch width, as the title states. A corded design avoids battery questions, which makes it a gentle entry point for a household that planes a door or two a year. The amp rating describes electrical draw, not output quality, so use it as a rough indicator of motor capability. The lower cost tier fits a shopper who is unsure how often the tool will be used. A basic planer can still do good work if the blades are sharp and the passes are shallow. It also makes sense as a spare tool in a toolbox that already holds a cordless kit, because it never runs out of charge halfway through a door.
- Pro: low cost tier in this group
- Pro: no battery to buy or charge
- Con: cord limits where you can work
- Con: title gives no cut depth or speed
Check the listing for maximum depth of cut, rabbeting capability, dust collection, cord length and warranty. A cord that is too short pushes people toward extension cords, so choose one rated for the tool’s amperage. Question to ask: how are blades changed, and are spare blades easy to buy?
WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 4-3/8-Inch
The 6534 steps up to an 8-amp motor and a 4-3/8 inch width, both from the title. The wider cut is the key difference in this group of handheld models, since a broader blade covers more of a board in a single pass, which helps with consistency. It still sits in the budget tier. A household prepping long edges, such as straightening a plank or leveling a tabletop edge, may prefer the extra width. Wider tools also feel heavier and need steadier hands, so a beginner should practice on scrap wood first. It may suit someone planing the edges of fence boards, shelves or a workbench top, where the extra coverage per pass saves time.
- Pro: widest handheld blade width in the set
- Pro: corded power with an 8-amp rating
- Con: more tool to control than the narrow models
- Con: depth adjustment details are not in the title
Check the listing for depth-of-cut range, base length, dust port, blade type and warranty. Ask how easily the blades can be removed and reinstalled, because a wider cutter head means longer blades to handle carefully. Question to ask: is the front shoe flat and smooth enough to give a consistent finish?
Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-1/4-Inch Planer, Tool Only
The Makita XPK01Z title lists an 18V LXT cordless design, 3-1/4 inch width, tool only, and “high power to weight ratio”. It also shows “7200 mAh”, which is confusing for a tool that arrives without a battery, so treat that figure as possibly a battery reference, and verify it. No price appears in the data, so the tier here is an estimate based on class. Makita owners who already stock LXT batteries may find this the logical extension of their kit, particularly for trim work where a cord would snag. A buyer with no LXT batteries should treat the listing as the cost of the tool alone and price the rest separately.
- Pro: 3-1/4 inch width and cordless design stated
- Pro: model number is clear for research
- Con: tool only, no battery or charger
- Con: confusing “7200 mAh” wording in the title
Check the listing for what ships in the box, which battery sizes fit, cut depth, dust port and warranty. Because the data shows no price, compare the current listing price against equivalent tool-only models before you decide. Question to ask: does the 7200 mAh figure describe a battery, and is a battery included?
DEWALT Thickness Planer (DW735X), 13-inch, Three Knife, Two Speed, 15 Amp
This is a different tool class: a benchtop thickness planer, not a handheld one. The title says 13-inch, three knife, two speed and 15 amp. A thickness planer feeds a board through and shaves the top face to a consistent thickness, which is a different job from smoothing an edge by hand. It sits in the premium tier here, and it is the most serious shop tool in the group. Woodworkers who buy rough lumber and want even thickness would look at this class, while someone trimming doors would not. Two speeds usually trade finish quality against speed. The tool also produces a lot of chips, noise and weight to move, so the purchase makes the most sense for someone who will use it regularly.
- Pro: 13-inch width and three knives stated
- Pro: two speed settings named
- Con: much larger and costlier than handheld planers
- Con: needs bench space, dust collection and hearing protection
Check the listing for weight, infeed and outfeed support, dust hood details, knife replacement and the maximum and minimum board thickness. Plan the power circuit as well: a 15-amp machine should have its own suitably rated outlet, following local codes. Question to ask: how is the stand or bench setup handled, and what is the knife replacement process?
MtiolHig Cordless Planer Compatible with DeWalt 20V Battery, Tool Only
MtiolHig’s title says it is compatible with DeWalt 20V batteries, tool only, 3-1/4 inch, 30000 CPM, and aimed at woodworking, carpentry and home DIY. “Compatible with” means the tool is not made by DeWalt, so the battery fit, warranty, and support all belong to a different company. It is among the lowest-cost options here, which makes it tempting for occasional work. A homeowner with spare 20V packs who needs to plane a couple of edges might be satisfied, but this is a listing to approach with realistic expectations and a careful look at returns. Because the title mentions woodworking, carpentry and home DIY in one breath, ask how heavy a workload the seller expects the tool to handle.
- Pro: low cost tier
- Pro: 30000 CPM and 3-1/4 inch stated
- Con: brand not associated with the battery maker
- Con: tool only, with unclear brushless or brushed motor
Check the listing for battery fit photos, motor type, blade type, warranty, return terms and a manual. Keep the packaging until you have confirmed that the battery seats firmly and the tool runs smoothly. Question to ask: if a battery does not seat properly, what is the seller’s response?
Makita KP0800K 3-1/4″ Planer, with Tool Case, Blue
The KP0800K is a 3-1/4 inch planer, and the title mentions a tool case and a blue finish. The title does not say whether it is corded or cordless, and power rating, cut depth and speed are absent too, so the listing page must carry the specification. The tool case is a practical extra, since planer blades and shoes are easier to protect in a fitted case. This could appeal to a tradesperson or serious DIYer who wants a planer that stores neatly in a truck, once the listing confirms how it is powered and what the battery situation is. Ask what kind of blades it uses and where to buy spares, because a case holds spares neatly but cannot replace a clear parts source.
- Pro: tool case included per the title
- Pro: 3-1/4 inch width stated
- Con: power source, amp, speed and cut depth are missing from the title
- Con: mid-range tier for a title with few specs
Check the listing for whether it is corded or cordless, motor amperage, depth range, blade type and warranty. Question to ask: what is included in the case, and are spare blades supplied?
WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 2-3/8-Inch
The 6528 is the smallest tool in the group, with a 3.8-amp motor and a 2-3/8 inch width, per the title. It is also the lowest-cost listing here. A narrow blade means more passes across a wide board, so it suits small, careful jobs such as easing a sticking cabinet door edge, flattening a small shim or chamfering. It is not intended to hog off material across large panels, and a user attempting that would find it slow. For a beginner who wants to learn technique cheaply, it may be a reasonable start. It could also serve as a second tool for tight spots where a bigger planer feels clumsy.
- Pro: lowest cost in the set
- Pro: small and likely easy to handle
- Con: narrowest blade means more passes
- Con: lower amp rating suggests lighter duty
Check the listing for depth of cut, base size, dust port, cord length and whether replacement blades are sold. Ask whether the base plate is flat out of the box, since an uneven shoe is a common source of ridges. Question to ask: what is the maximum depth per pass, and does the shoe stay flat?
CRAFTSMAN 12.25 In. Benchtop Thickness Planer, 15 Amp, Two Knife (CMEW320)
The second benchtop thickness planer in the set, with a 12.25 inch capacity, 15 amp motor, two knives, an 8,000 RPM cutter head, 16,000 cuts per minute, longer knife life and a dust port. As with the DEWALT thickness planer, it is a different type of tool than the handheld models, so do not compare it directly on blade width. It sits in the mid-range tier of this set. A hobbyist with a garage shop who mills rough boards to size might consider it, while a person who only needs to ease a door should not. Buyers should also measure the shop: a benchtop machine needs room for boards to enter and exit along their full length.
- Pro: dust port and 12.25 inch capacity stated
- Pro: 16,000 cuts per minute and two knives named
- Con: benchtop tool needs space and a stable surface
- Con: wood chips and noise require protective gear
Check the listing for weight, depth settings, infeed and outfeed support, knife replacement steps and the maximum board width and thickness. Ask what spare knives cost and how they are installed. Question to ask: does the dust port fit my vacuum or collector hose?
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brushless Hand Planer, 3-1/4 In. (CMCW350B)
The title lists a V20 cordless brushless planer, 3-1/4 inch width, a dust bag, speeds up to 15,000 RPM and “Tool Only”. As with other cordless entries, battery and charger are not included, so existing V20 owners get the most value. The dust bag is a handy feature, since planers throw chips quickly, and a bag keeps the work area cleaner. At a mid-range tier, it may suit a DIYer who already uses the platform and wants a cordless option for fitting doors or shaping edges. Anyone with a different battery platform should ignore it, since the listing is tied to that system.
- Pro: brushless motor and dust bag named
- Pro: model number simplifies research
- Con: tool only, no battery or charger
- Con: cut depth is not in the title
Check the listing for depth range, battery compatibility, dust bag fit, blade replacement and warranty. Ask whether the dust bag can be swapped for a vacuum hose, which keeps more fine dust out of the air. Question to ask: which V20 battery sizes are recommended for this planer?
Buying guide for power planers
How power planers work
A handheld planer has a rotating cutter head with two or more blades mounted under a motor, with a front shoe you adjust to set the depth of cut. As you push it along the surface, the blades remove thin shavings, leaving a flatter surface. A thickness planer works differently: the board is fed through rollers under a cutter head so that the whole face is reduced to a set thickness. Know which job you need before you shop. Many first-time buyers think of a planer as a sander substitute, but a planer removes material faster and leaves a flatter surface when set up well, while a sander only refines what is already close.
Corded or cordless
Corded planers offer steady power and no battery cost, but the cord can snag. Cordless tools are convenient on job sites, and tool-only listings are best for people who already own batteries. Third-party tools that borrow another brand’s battery fit should be evaluated for fit, warranty and support before purchase. Whichever route you choose, store lithium batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions and never charge a damaged pack.
Blade width and depth of cut
Blade width determines how much surface each pass covers. Widths in this set range from 2-3/8 to 4-3/8 inches for handheld tools. Depth of cut is how much material each pass removes. A stated 2 mm maximum implies several light passes for larger reductions, which usually produces a cleaner result than one heavy pass. Cuts per minute and RPM figures describe cutter speed, not finish quality on their own, because the pace at which you move the tool across the wood also shapes the surface.
Handheld versus benchtop
Handheld planers are for fitting doors, smoothing edges and trimming. Benchtop thickness planers are for milling boards to consistent thickness. They are not substitutes for each other, and the thickness planers in this guide need a stable bench, outfeed support and dust collection. Thickness planers can leave the ends of a board slightly deeper cut than the middle, a defect woodworkers call snipe, so buy a little extra length and trim the ends afterward.
Features that matter
Look for a depth scale you can read, a flat shoe, a rabbeting option if you cut shallow grooves, a dust port or bag, and a stand or kickstand that protects the blades when you set the tool down. A case helps with storage. Check whether blades are reversible or must be replaced, whether the tool locks off to prevent accidental starts, and whether the manual shows how to align blades with the shoe, since misalignment causes steps and ridges.
Safety
Remove the battery or unplug the tool before changing blades or adjusting. Wear eye and hearing protection, and a dust mask or respirator suited to wood dust. Clamp the work, keep hands clear of the cutter head, check reclaimed wood for nails and screws, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes for electrical connections. Keep the tool clear of the work before powering it on, and let the cutter stop before putting it down.
Worked example with stated assumptions
Suppose you want to take 6 mm off the edge of a door. With a 2 mm maximum depth, you need at least three passes, and for a smooth finish you might choose four or five lighter ones (an assumption). For a standard 2×4, the actual width is commonly 3-1/2 inches, so a 3-1/4 inch blade needs two overlapping passes per face, while a 4-3/8 inch blade covers it in one. For a thickness planer reducing a 1 inch board to 3/4 inch, assume 1/16 inch per pass, which means about four passes.
| Spec concept | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Blade width | Matches typical board width | Fewer passes, more even surface |
| Depth of cut | Fine adjustment, readable scale | Control and finish quality |
| Power source | Corded or compatible battery | Runtime and total cost |
| Dust handling | Port or bag | Cleaner work area |
| Blades | Replacement availability | Sharpness drives quality |
| Warranty | Terms and support | Peace of mind |
Mistakes buyers make
The most common mistake is buying the wrong class of tool. A thickness planer cannot trim a door in place, and a handheld planer cannot mill a board to uniform thickness across its full width.
A second mistake is ignoring “tool only”. Battery and charger can cost as much as the planer itself. A third is chasing speed numbers such as cuts per minute without considering blade sharpness and feed technique. Fourth, buyers take cuts that are too deep, which can tear the grain and leave ridges. Fifth, they skip dust control and hearing protection. Sixth, they buy a third-party tool without reading the battery fit and return terms. Finally, they forget to check reclaimed wood for metal, which can nick blades and create a hazard. A last common error is working without a clear plan for support: long boards should rest on stands, and the workpiece should be secured so that both hands can stay on the tool.
Verdict by use case
First planer: WEN 6530 or 6534, depending on blade width. Smallest, tightest budget: WEN 6528. Cordless with a platform: DEWALT DCP580B, Makita XPK01Z or CRAFTSMAN CMCW350B if you already own the batteries. Case included: Makita KP0800K, once you confirm how it is powered. Low-cost battery-compatible option: MtiolHig, with caution. Shop thicknessing: CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 for the home shop, DEWALT DW735X for heavier work. Match the tool class to the job, then compare blade width and power source. Strongest titles on specs: DEWALT DCP580B and CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 state the most numbers. Most to verify: Makita XPK01Z and KP0800K, whose titles leave questions open. Finally, count the full cost of tool-only models before you compare them with corded ones.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a handheld planer and a thickness planer?
A handheld planer is moved across the surface to smooth edges, fit doors and trim material. A thickness planer feeds a board through rollers under a cutter head to produce a consistent thickness across the board. They solve different problems, so decide which job you have before comparing models, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Many shoppers end up owning a handheld planer first and adding a benchtop machine later if their projects grow.
What does tool only mean on a cordless planer?
Tool only, or bare tool, means the battery and charger are not included. If you already own compatible batteries on that platform, you may only need the tool. If not, add the cost of a battery and charger to your budget, and confirm which battery sizes the manufacturer recommends for the planer. Also check the battery voltage and platform name, because similar-sounding systems are not interchangeable between brands.
Is a third-party planer that fits DeWalt batteries a good idea?
It can work for occasional jobs, but the tool maker, not the battery brand, is responsible for fit, warranty and support. Check photos and reviews for battery seating, ask about returns, and treat the listing’s compatibility claim as a seller statement. Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions, and stop using any battery that overheats. Keep the packaging until you have confirmed the tool works properly, and read the warranty terms before you use it.
How deep should each pass be?
Lighter passes generally give a cleaner finish and reduce tear-out, so a stated maximum depth such as 2 mm is a limit, not a target. For larger reductions, plan several passes and check progress between them. Hardwoods and knots may call for even lighter cuts, and sharp blades make a large difference. A trial pass on scrap wood of the same species is a safe way to set the depth before touching the real workpiece.
What safety gear do I need for planing?
Wear eye and hearing protection and a dust mask or respirator suited to wood dust, and clamp your workpiece. Unplug the tool or remove the battery before changing blades. Check reclaimed lumber for nails and screws, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes for electrical supply and dust collection. Make sure the cutter has fully stopped before you set the tool down or reach near the blades.
Do I need a thickness planer for home projects?
Most door fitting, trimming and edge smoothing is handled by a handheld planer. A thickness planer makes sense if you buy rough lumber and want boards of consistent thickness, and it needs bench space, dust collection and hearing protection. Consider how often you would use it before taking on the extra size and cost. If you only plane a few doors a year, renting or borrowing a thickness planer may cover the occasional need.
