As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Planers are essential tools if you are a woodworking professional, or even if it’s just a passionate hobby for you. Buying a suitable one for your work is no easy task; many factors should be considered.
Hence, it is quite understandable if you are having a difficult time finding the right planer for yourself. That is why we are here to provide you with all the information that will get you the best planer.
Along with our top 10 picks, you will find a user buying guide here that will fill you in with the details of what you should be looking for. So, without further delay, let’s get started.
10 Best Planer Under $1000
Looking for a planer under 1000 dollars but don’t know where to start? Fret not. Go through our list of the top 10 selected ones, and you are sure to find a suitable one for your work.
13″ JET Helical Style Bench Top Planer, Jwp-13Bt
Benchtop planers certainly provide versatility and other benefits to its users. But, if the tool happens to be unreliable, then you surely won’t be able to make the best out of it. Fortunately, here’s a dependable product that you can trust.
First of all, the tool will provide neat and clean cuts, thanks to its helical style cutter head. The head comes with six rows of 24 individual fast change inserts, which will allow you to change the knives quite effortlessly.
Snipes can be quite unpleasant when it comes to planing. That is why, this tool comes with a cast iron bed, along with steel cover on its table, which reduces snipe and provides you with a convenient woodworking session.
For optimal stability and control, the tool comes with four post support. This feature makes sure the machine does not rattle while you are working with it and provides top-notch balance at all times.
When it comes to power, this tool doesn’t seem to fall back in that sector either. With its 2 HP 15 AMP motor, you can work with both tough and soft materials with the utmost ease. And of course, the 10,000 RPM speed only makes it better.
Furthermore, the machine comes with dual infeed speed control from 18 to 26 feet per minute. With this facility, you will be able to execute your woodworking projects in less time.
Sadly, the knives included with the tool don’t last long. They dull quite fast and break down eventually. Moreover, this tool is not quite suitable for large projects.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Planer Under $400
Grizzly Industrial G0505-12-1/2″ 2 HP Benchtop Planer
If you are going to spend a considerable amount of money on a planer, then you might as well make sure that it will be worth the investment. Fortunately, here’s a product that provides good value for money along with a lot more facilities.
For instance, the machine includes a powerful motor that ensures great performance at all times. With 2 HP, 110V, and 15 AMP, you can expect the tool to plane every type of wood quite well.
What makes it even better is that the tool has been manufactured while making your safety one of its top priorities.
That is why the machine comes with an on and off toggle switch, which includes a safety lock.
The cutting width and height of the tool make it suitable for a variety of projects.
With 12.5 inches of cutting width and 6 inches of cutting height, you won’t have to hesitate at all while working with different sizes of woods.
More importantly, the planer makes sure you get to work with larger projects comfortably, for which, it comes with extra-large table extensions. Hence, you can work with large stocks without any hassle whatsoever.
What makes the tool even more efficient is its cutter head, which comes with a speed of 10,000 RPM and double-sided blades.
These aspects ensure smooth operation at all times, no matter the kind of material you are working with.
Sadly, the tool isn’t very durable. It includes some fragile parts, which might make it break down soon.
Furthermore, the machine is not parallel from left to right, which can be quite an inconvenience for the users.
PROS
CONS
Cutech 40200HC-CT 13″ Spiral Cutterhead Planer W/Carbide Inserts
Finding a planer that is easy to use as well as accurate can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, here’s a tool that offers both of these aspects, along with a lot more, which makes it the best wood planer under 1000.
First of all, the machine comes with a 15 AMP motor, which provides great power and ensures top-notch performance at all times. You can rely on it for both tough and easy projects without any worries.
For added convenience, the tool includes a built-in dust port. Of course, woodworking generates a lot of debris and wood chips, which can make your work table quite messy. This feature takes care of the cleaning hassle for you.
But that’s not all. To ensure smooth operation at all times, the machine comes with a snipe lock and a slide depth stop. Hence, you can use these features for your convenience during work and extra efficiency.
To make sure you get to work with both large and small pieces of wood without any trouble, the machine comes with huge infeed and outfeed tables. Therefore, you can add diversity to your work.
When it comes to accuracy, this planer surely does not fall back. With its spiral head cutter, which comes with 26 double-sided carbide inserts, you can different types of material with top-notch accuracy.
The snipe lock included works great at first, but it might stop working after a few uses. Furthermore, the product isn’t very suitable for professional use so that you can purchase it for home tasks only.
PROS
CONS
Related Review: Drill Press Under $500
Grizzly G1037Z Planer/Moulder
If you have heard of this brand already, then you know that they are quite popular for producing reliable and trustworthy products. Of course, this one is no different, and you will find out more about it in this review.
If you are looking to save some costs and space, then this tool is more than perfect for you. It comes with a planer and molder, all in one machine, and its 13 inches of space allows it to work with projects of moderate sizes.
First of all, the tool includes two adjustable molding fences, which allow it to serve its purpose as a molder quite well.
In fact, the 4-column table support only makes the tool more stable, which lets it make accurate cuts at all times.
On the other hand, the 1.5 HP motor included generates a speed of 5,000 RPM. At this rate, you can easily plane or mold thick pieces of wood without any hassle whatsoever.
Moreover, the cutter head accepts both molding and planer knives, which makes the tool function well in both cases. You can effortlessly replace the blades as well when necessary.
Woodworking can get a little messy with all the debris and wood chips being produced. To make sure you don’t get tired cleaning all that mess, the tool comes with a 4-inch dust port.
If you are a professional woodworker, then this tool is not for you, sadly. It is suitable for home uses mostly. Moreover, some parts of the product are made of plastic, which makes it fragile.
PROS
CONS
Festool 576612 Planer HL 850 E-F-Plus
The sound produced while planing can be a real inconvenience for woodworkers. However, this planer has been made keeping your comfort well in mind, which is why it produces little to no sound whatsoever.
But, apart from that, the tool has a lot of great facilities to offer as well. For instance, it comes with a single knife cutter head, which includes a spiral design as well as a replaceable cutting knife.
If you want to create rustic architectural effects on your piece of work, then this tool will be quite handy for you. With its multiple head options, you will be open to diversity and experiments with your work.
Furthermore, for unlimited rabbiting depth, the product comes with a flush cutter design. Along with that, the design includes a retractable spring-loaded guard.
What makes the machine even better is that it comes with a rotary handle. Now, the task of this handle is to adjust the cutting depth from 1/256 inches to 9/64 inches, which will only add more convenience to your work.
More importantly, this compact tool can be carried pretty easily. Hence, if you have multiple workplaces and are looking for something portable yet powerful, then this is the right product for you.
One of the biggest disadvantages of this product is that it does not include dust ports, so you will have to clean all the debris by yourself.
Moreover, some parts of the tool are made of plastic, which makes it pretty fragile.
PROS
CONS
Delta Power Tools 22-590 Portable Planer
If you are looking for a portable planer that is upgraded and technologically advanced, then we have good news for you.That is, you have stumbled across the perfect product for your work.
For longer blade life, the tool comes with a three-knife cutter head. In fact, this aspect also ensures smoother operation, whether you are working with tough materials or relatively softer ones.
Most planers don’t ensure snipe reduction, which can make working with them quite hassle-some. That is what sets this tool apart from the rest. The infeed and outfeed tables provided to reduce snipe.
Furthermore, the machine also includes a patented cutter headlock system, which also reduces snipe. As a result, both of these aspects will only make planing more convenient for you.
On the other hand, the tool has been designed in such a way that it ensures decreased vibration and noise. Therefore, you can work comfortably without facing much sound pollution during work.
For repeatable and accurate cutting depth, the machine comes with an adjustable depth stop. With this feature, you can conveniently alter the cutting depth in accordance with the material you are working with.
Sadly, the product is not very durable, and it might die sooner than expected, so you should be a little cautious with it. Furthermore, you will have a tough time finding replaceable parts for this machine.
PROS
CONS
MAKITA 6-3/4″ PLANER, 1806B
It is often difficult to find a planer that provides accuracy, stability as well as comfort for its users. However, here comes a product that offers all of these three aspects, along with a lot more that will only make you love the tool.
First of all, when it comes to power, the tool will surely never disappoint you. With 10.9 AMP motor, which comes with a speed of 15,000 RPM, you can work conveniently with different types of materials.
On the other hand, the machine includes a comfortable handle, which will make woodworking much less tiresome for you.
In fact, its large and heavy-duty soleplate provides stability, which also makes the task easier for you.
For top-notch accuracy, the tool includes a precision machined aluminum base. Along with that, it also offers better control, thanks to the perfect alignment of front and rear grips.
Once you start woodworking with this tool, you won’t necessarily have to stop. Thanks to its lock-on button, you can plane continuously without any sort of interruptions whatsoever.
Furthermore, the tool is perfect for stocks/boards of moderate sizes. It can cut about 6.75 inches of width in a single pass so that you can execute your projects pretty effortlessly.
However, the power cord of the planer is a bit too long, which can raise safety issues from time to time. Moreover, it makes unnecessary sounds while working, which can be quite unpleasant.
PROS
CONS
RIKON Power Tools 25-130H 13-Inch Planer with Helical Head
Are you looking for a reliable planer that will work efficiently and is suitable for large projects? In that case, here’s a tool that you shouldn’t miss out on. Find out more about this amazing product in this review.
This tool is not one to disappoint when it comes to power. With a 15 AMP 115V motor, you can expect it to perform well no matter which type of material you are working with.
Moreover, this aspect allows the planer to cut wood to a depth of 1/8 inches maximum. Therefore, you can plane the wood lumber to your desired thickness only in a few passes.
Furthermore, the tool comes with a 6-row helical cutter head. This feature allows the product to cut cleanly for a neat and smooth finish on both soft and hardwoods.
On the other hand, when it comes to replacing blades, you don’t have to worry at all. The machine comes with 26 dual-sided HSS inserts, which can be changed easily once they go dull.
This planer is absolutely perfect for both small and large projects. With a maximum width of 13 inches and a thickness of 6 inches, you will never face any trouble while woodworking.
However, the high-speed inserts wear out quite quickly. As a result, you will need to replace them frequently.
Furthermore, the tool might seem to be a little overpriced, considering its features aren’t up to the mark.
PROS
CONS
Makita PC5000C 5-Inch Concrete Planer
Are you looking for a planer that offers power as well as full control over your applications? In that case, here’s a product that you should not miss out on. Find out more about this wonderful planer in this review.
Speaking of which, the product comes with a 10 AMP motor, which will allow you to keep up with the toughest of operations. Despite that, the tool offers soft starts, to avoid giving its users a sudden push of force.
On the other hand, the tool includes a constant speed control feature, which allows it to maintain a constant speed even under load. As a result, you can set the speed in accordance with the material you are planing.
For continuous operation, the machine comes with a large two-finger trigger switch, which includes a lock-on. This aspect allows the tool to plane continuously without any interruptions whatsoever.
The tool keeps your safety in mind as well, which is why it comes with an ergonomic soft-grip handle, which provides enhanced comfort throughout the entire woodworking session.
But that’s not all. The machine also includes a dust bag, which will allow you to get rid of all the debris and wood chips without any hassle whatsoever.
However, if you are looking for a planer for professional projects, then this is surely not for you. Furthermore, some parts of the tool are made of plastic, which makes it relatively fragile.
PROS
CONS
Delta Power Tools 22-590X Bench Top Planer
This brand is well-known for producing reliable and amazing woodworking tools, which is why a lot of people tend to trust it.
Of course, this product is no different from the rest, and you are about to find out how wonderful it is.
First of all, for an extra smooth finish, the tool comes with a three-knife cutter head. This aspect also allows the tool to have a much longer blade life, which relieves you from the hassle of changing the knives every now and then.
In fact, the blades included are made of steel and are double-sided. As a result, you don’t have to worry about the blades getting dull anytime soon, no matter which material you are working with.
For optimal snipe reduction, the machine comes with a patented cutter headlock system, along with infeed and outfeed tables. Both of these aspects produce less waste as well.
On the other hand, the cutter head also includes a height adjustment handle, along with an indexing ring, which will allow you to make macro and micro cutter head adjustments.
When it comes to power, this tool surely does not fall back at all. Its 15 Amp motor, which generates a voltage of about 120V, can keep up with the most demanding operations without any hassle whatsoever.
However, the planer generates a lot of unnecessary noises, which can be quite unpleasant for the users. Furthermore, the product comes with some plastic parts, which makes it quite fragile.
PROS
CONS
What to Look for Before Buying
Whether you are new in the field of woodworking or are quite a professional, getting a planer that will cater to your exact requirements is a little difficult.Apart from that, a lot of factors play a role in making a planer great, or at least good.
If you overlook these factors, then you might as well end up with a product that will not benefit you in the long run; and you surely wouldn’t want that. So, let’s take a look at all the features that you should be focusing on.
Motor Power
The motor power of a planer determines its performance, which in turn decides how easily you will be able to execute your tasks with it.
If the motor does not generate enough power, then you will have a tough time while working with hardwoods and such.
Hence, you should make sure the tool comes with a 12-15 AMP motor. Anything less than that will only be good for small and easier projects, and won’t be able to provide you with much versatility.
On the other hand, when choosing a motor, make sure to go for an induction motor rather than the universal one.
That is because induction motors will generate good performance, no matter which type of wood you choose to plane.
Noise Generated
The noise generated by planers can be quite unpleasant for the users. That is why it would be wise to choose a tool that generates little to no sound.
Go through the specifications or the reviews of a certain product, and you will get an idea about whether or not it generates noises. And even if it does, what is the intensity of the sounds being produced.
Cutter Head
Cutter head and its speed are very important aspects when it comes to planers. For instance, you can find cutter heads that come with two or three knives, all of which increase the efficiency of the tool.
Moreover, the cutter speed should be around 5000-10000RPM. If it happens to be less than the mentioned range, then the tool will not be able to plane smoothly while working with hardwoods and rough materials.
Table Size and Cutting Area
The table size, as well as the table design, are very necessary if you want to accomplish proper woodworking. If you neglect both of these aspects, then you will face a hard time when working with materials of different shapes and sizes.
Feeding tables are a top priority, so you should focus on that. Make sure you are getting a planer that comes with a conventional as well as a comfortable feeding table.
On the other hand, when it comes to the table size, it depends on the size of your projects, mostly. If you work with large lumbers, then you should go for a table that is 20 inches long. However, for smaller boards, you can choose smaller table sizes.
Along with all that, the cutting area is equally essential. Basically, the blades of the tool come in a variety of styles. Some contain a helical head, which moves around fast, others come with a more spiral design.
Dust Collection System
Woodworking always generates a lot of dust, which can create quite a mess. And of course, planers are no different in this case. Cleaning all that dust and debris can be quite hassles-some.
That is why you should look for planers that include a very convenient dust collection system. Different models come with a variety of systems to collect wood chips and debris; you just have to check how useful they really are.
Replaceable Parts
Tools such as planers include a lot of replaceable parts — or at least they should. That is because some parts may fail or get damaged before anything happens to the entire tool.
So, if you have to throw away the entire planer just because you are unable to replace that one damaged part, it would be quite inconvenient. Therefore, make sure the machine comes with sufficient replaceable parts.
Furthermore, also make sure the product includes proper instructions on how to replace those parts. For instance, replacing knives are quite essential, so make sure the process is easy for the users.
Warranty
The warranty for a planer will give you a better idea of how long it is going to last. Therefore, you should check whether or not the tool comes with a warranty, and if it does, then the warranty should be of 2-3 years, at least.
Your Budget
Woodworking tools are mostly on the expensive side; that is why your budget plays quite a role here. You should determine as to how much you are willing to spend on a good planer and then start looking.
You will surely find some great ones in different price ranges; however, if you are looking for more expensive options, then your budget should be within 600-1000 dollars.
Types of Planers
Before you get a planer for yourself, you need to get familiar with all the types of planers available out there.
There are mainly five types of planers that you need to know about, and of course, they come with their own unique sets of features that set them apart.
Power Handheld Planers
These are basically compact planers, which will allow you to hand plane while providing benefits of a powerful tool.The machine is designed in a way that includes a handle at its top.
This aspect allows its users to grip the planer and move it across the stock/board. In fact, this feature also allows the tool to be transported easily.
Another benefit of this type of planer is that these are relatively cheaper than their counterparts.
As a result, you can purchase these if you have multiple workplaces and would like to resort to a more reasonably priced option.
Thickness Planers
These planers are more suitable for industrial/professional work, rather than the woodworking done at home.
All of them feature three different parts: a table, a roller, and a cutter. Three of these parts obviously come with distinct functions that allow them to plane various types of wood efficiently.
For instance, the table can be adjusted to help you cut through woods of various sizes, and it also controls the thickness to which the wood should be planed.
The roller, on the other hand, moves the wood to the cutting area for smooth operation.
Portable Planers
People often tend to confuse portable planers with power handheld planers, but they are actually quite different. In fact, these are more suitable for professional projects and such.
They weigh more than power handheld planers do, and come with a table that can be removed with ease.
What’s more, these can also function as joint planers, which will allow you to smoothen boards before you can plane them.
Overall, they are a very versatile and reasonably priced option for professional woodworkers, so you might want to look into them.
Benchtop Planers
These ones are the heavier and sturdier versions of portable planers. Although this factor prohibits them from being transported, they are still pretty great and are preferred by many professionals.
Some models even include removable planers, which can be used on other tables and benchtops. Furthermore, they come with a variety of features and functions that make them versatile.
Jointer Planers
As the name suggests, this tool will provide you with the facilities of two different machines. It will work both as a jointer and a planer, which will save you extra cost and space of buying and storing two separate tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose of a planer is to give smooth surfaces and overall parallelism to stocks/boards.
For that, the machine planes only one side of a board at first, providing it with consistent thickness along with smooth surfaces.
If you are really into woodworking, then yes, a planer is worth the purchase. You may need to invest quite a lot at first; however, once you get once of these, you won’t need to incur extra costs. So, it would be a win-win deal for you.
Yes, you can, if you meet some conditions. For instance, you need to take an extra-thick chunk of wood, as table saws are way more powerful than planers in general.
However, there is still no guarantee that a table saw will be able to work as accurately as a planer.
Yes, you can. However, for that, you should use some old and dull blades that you won’t be needing anymore.
That is because paints usually ruin blades, and you wouldn’t want to do that to your new set of knives.
On average, you can find planers that cost between 400-600 dollars. However, if you are looking for something more heavy-duty and expensive, then you can find one within 800-1000 dollars.
Final Words
Even if you haven’t found the high-quality planer under $1000, fret not. Just keep all the important factors and your work requirements in mind, and you will find the most suitable one in no time.