10 Best Portable Planers 2025 in the United States

The WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer is designed to offer powerful and efficient performance. Its 15-amp motor delivers a high cutterhead speed of 10,000 RPM, making it capable of handling tough materials with ease. The spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades ensures a smooth and clean finish, which is a significant advantage for users seeking precision in their woodworking projects.

Additionally, the planer can accommodate boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide, providing a decent cutting width and depth that should be satisfactory for most home and small workshop tasks. The onboard material removal gauge is a helpful feature as it allows users to monitor the cutting depth of each pass, adding to its user-friendliness.

The WEN PL1326 is relatively heavy, weighing 36.74 kilograms, which may impact its portability and make it less convenient to move around. While it excels in power and performance, the dust collection system might require additional accessories to be efficient, as dust management is crucial in maintaining a clean workspace. This planer is well-suited for users who need a robust tool for precise and smooth finishes but might find it challenging to move around due to its weight.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer (DCP580B) is a solid option for those needing a portable planer. One of its standout features is the impressive 30,000 cuts per minute, which ensures a fast and efficient removal rate, making it suitable for jobs that require quick and precise material removal. The maximum cutting depth of 2 mm allows for decent material shaving, and the depth adjustment knob provides fine control over cut depth, down to 1/256 inches.

The brushless motor is a significant advantage, offering both power and runtime, which is essential for extended use on various tasks. Additionally, the precision-machined aluminum shoes contribute to the accuracy and parallelism of the cuts, enhancing the quality of work. Its ergonomic handle design aims to reduce user fatigue, a thoughtful feature for prolonged operation.

Portability is a notable strength, given the tool's battery-powered nature and manageable weight of 7.4 pounds, making it easy to transport and use across different job sites. However, it’s important to note that the tool is sold as ‘bare tool only,’ meaning the battery is not included and must be purchased separately, which could be inconvenient for some users. The dust collection system isn’t highlighted, so users might need to manage dust manually or with additional equipment.

The Makita 1806B 6-3/4" Planer is a powerful tool designed for those who need to handle larger pieces of wood with precision. The 10.9 AMP motor running at 15,000 RPM ensures you get smooth and consistent results, which is a notable strength, especially for professional woodworkers. The ability to cut a width of 6-3/4 inches in a single pass can save you time and effort on larger projects. The planer also boasts a large, sturdy sole plate for added stability, making it easier to maintain a steady hand and achieve smooth finishes.

Additionally, the alignment of the front and back grips helps in better control, which is beneficial for both novice and experienced users. One of the standout aspects is the comfortable handle and easy depth setting, which adds to the user-friendliness of the tool. However, weighing nearly 20 pounds, the Makita 1806B may not be the most portable option for those who need to transport their planer frequently. This weight could also contribute to user fatigue during prolonged use.

Another potential drawback is the lack of advanced dust collection features, which means you might need additional equipment to manage wood shavings and maintain a clean workspace. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Makita 1806B offers solid performance and durability, making it a suitable choice for serious woodworking tasks.