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The fact is that when you buy lumber, it’s not smooth or even cut to size. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to make something like furniture or anything else where the dimensions are essential. Therefore a lunchbox thickness planer is a handy tool to have in your woodworking arsenal.
Planing and dimensioning rough lumber in the workshop or on the job site can be pretty challenging. It can be tougher to get the perfect thickness when dimensioning lumber by the bare hand. The best lunchbox planer can take on that challenge and make the process a lot faster and more precise.
This article will discuss the top 10 most ideal benchtop thickness planers. Our discussion will also cover some essential factors to consider when choosing the right one, along with some frequently asked questions.
DEWALT Lunchbox Thickness Planer (DW735X)
WEN Three-Blade lunchbox Thickness Planer (‎PL1303)
Craftsman 15-Amp Lunchbox Planer (CMEW320)
10 Picks For the Best Lunchbox Planer Reviews
A planer is a small, portable woodworking tool that allows you to trim and smooth the edges of boards and create custom thicknesses for your projects.
This handy little tool is perfect for anyone who loves DIY projects, from novice woodworkers to experienced artisans.
Here are our opinions for the top 10 best benchtop planers for trimming wood:
01. DEWALT Lunchbox Thickness Planer (DW735X)
The DEWALT (DW735X) is a high-quality benchtop thickness planer machine that can help you quickly achieve a smooth, finished surface on your woodworking projects.
Its two-speed design allows you to choose the right speed for the job, while its 13-inch width can accommodate even the most significant pieces of lumber.
With its three-knife cutter head, the machine delivers a 30% longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier.
The fan-assisted chip ejection vacuums chip off the cutter head and exhaust them out of the machine, making for a cleaner work area.
Due to the two-speed gear-box, users can change the feed speed to optimize cuts per inch at either 96 or 179. This wood planer is also durable, with this best benchtop thickness planer 20,000 RPM powerful 15 AMP motor (10,000 RPM cutter head speed).
Its 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base is twice as rigid as a conventional 10-inch base and folding table, making it incredibly stable and able to handle even the most challenging projects.
Moreover, It has an automatic carriage lock that reduces snipe, which can be frustrating with other thickness lunchbox planers.
A depth stop makes it easy to return to your most frequently used thicknesses. The planer also has an extra-large turret, which makes it easy to adjust the depth of the cut.
If you’re looking for a powerful thickness DeWalt planer that can handle even the most challenging projects, the DEWALT lunchbox Thickness Planer (DW735X) is worth considering.
This machine includes infeed and outfeed tables, as well as an extra set of knives so that you can get started on your project right away.
Highlighted Features:
- Two-speed gearbox with powerful 15 AMP motor
- Three-knife cutter head with 30% longer knife life
- Optimize cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
- Two times more rigid than a 10-inch base
- Features an automatic carriage lock that reduces snipe
- The extra-large turret allows for easy depth adjustment
02. DEWALT Lunchbox Planer (DW734)
The DEWALT (DW734) is a great tool to have if you’re looking to add a little more finesse to your carpentry projects. This planer is easy to operate and comes with various features that make it a powerful tool for any woodworking enthusiast.
With its single-speed 20,000 rpm motor, this planer can quickly get the job done. Additionally, its lightweight (weighs only 80 pounds) and compact design make it easy to transport and store.
It sports a three-knife cutter head with a speed of 10,000 rpm, providing 96 cuts per inch one of the most accurate finishes you’ll find in a portable planer.
With its disposable, reversible knives, quick and easy knife changes, and the blades last 30% longer.
Its four-column carriage lock drastically reduces the movement that causes snipe, meaning that your results will be much more accurate.
Additionally, it has a powerful 15-amp motor that can handle even the most challenging projects.
This benchtop thickness planer extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide plenty of support for your work, and the 33-inch cutting width ensures that you can get the job done quickly.
The planer offers accurate cuts with every pass with a large thickness gauge and a measurement gauge for material removal.
The turret depth stop allows you to quickly and easily return to your most frequently used depths, making this Dewalt planer perfect for any project.
This DEWALT lunchbox planer (DW734) is a sturdy planer that can handle up to 1/8 inch of depth and a width capacity of 12-1/2 inches. This planer is perfect for those who need a durable and reliable tool for their projects.
Highlighted Features:
- Single-speed 20,000 rpm powerful 15 amp motor
- Lightweight (80 pounds) and compact design
- Three-knife cutter head with a speed of 10,000 rpm
- Disposable, reversible knives for quick and easy knife changes
- A four-column carriage lock reduces snipe movement
- Extra-large thickness scale and material removal gauge
- Turret depth stop with 1/8 inch depth capacity
03. Craftsman 15-Amp Lunchbox Planer (CMEW320)
The CRAFTSMAN (CMEW320) benchtop planer is a powerful and portable woodworking tool that can be used for various projects.
Its small size means it can easily be transported, and the 15 Amp motor provides plenty of power for both hard and softwood material removal.
A Poly-V cutter-head drive allows for maximum stock removal, making it the perfect tool for any DIY enthusiast.
With its precision depth adjustment, you can easily get the exact thickness you need. And with its ergonomic design, it’s easy to use and easy to transport.
The quick-change, two knives, solid steel cutter head ensure a smooth operation and long life.
This planer can handle even the most challenging woods with its high carbon steel, reversible knives, double-edged. Plus, it has a vacuum port for dust collector, which help keep your workspace clean.
Its powerful motor allows for superior stock removal, and its 8,000 RPM, cutter head speed, provides 16,000 cuts per minute.
This woodworking planer is perfect for small projects, and its compact design makes it easy to store when not in use.
The Craftsman 15-Amp lunchbox planer (CMEW320) is an excellent tool for dimensioning lumber to the desired thickness. It can also be used to plane glued-up materials, making it a versatile addition to any workshop.
Highlighted Features:
- 15 Amp motor with Poly-V cutter-head drive
- Quick change, two knives, solid steel cutter head
- 8,000 RPM cutter head speed
- Vacuum port for dust collection
- Provides 16,000 cuts per minute
04. WEN Three-Blade lunchbox Thickness Planer (‎PL1303)
The WEN (PL1303) benchtop thickness planer is a powerful and reliable tool that can help you create precise and consistent cuts.
It features three blades, and this planer can remove small amounts of material from the surface of a piece of wood quickly and easily.
This three-blade lunchbox thickness planer can easily plane boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. With its precision depth adjustment knob, you can get the desired thickness on every board.
A 15A motor can generate up to 30,000 cuts per minute, making it a great choice for larger projects. It also has a feed speed rate of 26 feet per minute, so you can get the job done quickly.
It comes with three SK5 blades with 13inchs length, so you can get the job done quickly and easily. This little powerhouse can adjust the maximum cut depth of anywhere from 0 to 1/8 of an inch with each pass, making it perfect for small projects and delicate workpieces.
It comes with height-adjustable infeed & outfeed tables to limit snipe while providing extra support to your workpiece during planning. This ensures that your final product is of the best possible quality.
The WEN three-blade lunchbox thickness planer (‎PL1303) is a portable tool that is easy to move around the shop. It has a footprint of 23 by 15.1 inches and weighs 63 pounds, making it easy to transport.
Highlighted Features:
- Thickness planer with three blades
- Planes boards as thick as 6 inches and as wide as 13 inches
- 15A motor generates up to 30,000 cuts per minute
- The feed rate of 26 feet per minute
- SK5 13-inch reversible blades included
- Height-adjustable infeed & outfeed tables to limit snipe
- Portable and weighs only 63 pounds
05. Mophorn 12.5inch Lunchbox Thickness Planer
If you’re looking for an easy way to add thickness to your woodworking projects, the Mophorn 12.5inch planer is a great option. It’s a 1500W machine that can handle even the most stubborn woods.
It can quickly and easily remove material from your project with four cutting blades, making it the perfect tool for adding thickness or preparing lumber for a finish. Plus, the heavy-duty dust collector exhaust system means you won’t have to worry about messes.
The 9000rpm blade speed and 315″/min (8m/min) feeding rate ensure that your projects are done quickly and efficiently.
Plus, the heavy-duty stand provides extra stability while the planer is in use, and the detachable design makes it easy to transport and store.
With 4pcs cutter blades, a workbench, and a steel floor stand, this machine is durable and easy to use.
The maximum cutting width of 13″ (330mm) and cutting thickness of 0.2″-6″ (5-150mm) make this machine perfect for any size project.
This machine is perfect for precision machining, with a crank handle for easy adjustment of the height of the cutter head and a scale ruler for precise measurements.
The grooves on both sides of the machine make it easy to move, while the automatic feeding design ensures quick and easy operation.
Mophorn 12.5inch lunchbox thickness planer features a power-off protection electromagnetic switch, meaning the planer will automatically turn off if it becomes overloaded. Additionally, it has an overcurrent protector to keep you safe while you work.
Highlighted Features:
- 1500W motor with 4pcs cutter blades
- Maximum cutting width is 13″ (330mm)
- Precision measurements with 9000rpm blade speed
- The heavy-duty stand provides extra stability
- Automatic feeding design ensures quick and easy operation
- Power-off protection electromagnetic switch
- Overcurrent protector for safety
06. WEN Two-Blade Lunchbox Thickness Planer (PL1252)
The WEN (PL1252) is a 15-amp thickness planer that can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide. With two blades, the benchtop thickness planer can quickly and easily remove material from the board to give you a perfect finish.
It is possible to plane sheets up to 12.5″ wide and 6″ thick using this machine. It’s a convenient tool to have for those who do woodworking as a hobby or profession, as it can quickly make boards the desired thickness and width.
It has a powerful 15A motor that can generate 20,000 cuts per minute. This planer also has a 26 FPM feed rate to handle even the most challenging projects.
Plus, this handy tool comes with two reversible 12.5inch SK5 blades, making it perfect for quickly and easily thinning down boards and planks.
It can easily adjust to depths of 0 to up to 1/8 of an inch with each pass, making it the perfect tool for fine-tuning your wood projects.
Moreover, this planer includes height-adjustable infeed and outfeed tables to limit snipe while providing additional support for your workpiece.
The WEN two-blade lunchbox thickness planer (PL1252) is lightweight (only 55.6 pounds) and easy to move around but still packs a lot of power.
With a 22 by 23.5 by 18.25 inches, it has a 20 by 12.5-inch footprint that takes up minimal shop space.
Highlighted Features:
- Blades are reversible and 12.5 inches long
- Powerful 15A motor with a 20,000 cutting per minute rating
- Height-adjustable infeed and outfeed tables reduce snipe
- Feed rate of 26 feet per minute
- Lightweight, only 55.6 pounds
07. Makita Portable Lunchbox Planer (2012NB)
Makita (2012NB) portable thickness planers are a great tool to have in your carpentry arsenal. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around, but don’t let its size deceive you; this planer can handle big projects. With a 12″ width capacity, the portable planers can plane wide boards quickly and easily.
The portable lunchbox planer is engineered for faster, easier blade changes, so you can spend less time fiddling with blades and more time getting the work done. Low noise levels of 83dB making it perfect for small projects and tight spaces.
In addition to the 4-post construction and diagonal cross braces. This planer is compact and weighs only 28.07 kilograms, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
It is a handy tool that can be easily transported to the job site. It has a large table extension to support the workpiece and the L.E.D. indicates that the planer has been connected to a power source. This planer has a paddle switch for ease of use.
Planers with 15 amp motors have no-load speeds of 8,500 RPM, making it the quietest operation in its class.
With a feed rate of 28 feet per minute and an easily-adjusted cutting depth setting, Makita portable lunchbox planer (2012NB) can handle projects of all sizes.
Highlighted Features:
- Low noise levels of 83dB
- 4-post construction and diagonal cross supports for stability
- L.E.D. light indicates when the planer is plugged in
- Compact and weights only 28.07 kilograms
- An 8500 RPM motor with a 15 amp rating
- 28 feet per minute feed rate with an easily adjustable cutting depth
08. Delta 13 In Portable lunchbox Thickness Planer (22-555)
This Delta portable thickness planer is perfect for your next woodworking project. Its precision and durable construction can handle even the most challenging projects.
With its 15A motor, this planer can quickly and easily take care of any woodworking needs you may have.
Its adjustable infeed and outfeed tables help better support long pieces, reducing the occurrence of snipes.
Its four-column design provides excellent stability and accuracy so that you can achieve smooth, precise results.
This planer is easy to transport and even easier to use, making it the perfect addition to your woodworking tool arsenal.
With its quick-change knife system, which uses disposable knives with dual edges, you may quickly replace blades without difficulty using alignment jigs, and you can get back to work quickly.
It’s small and lightweight (58 Pounds), making it easy to transport, and its reversible dust port allows you to collect chips from the right or left side of the planer.
The machine features two polyurethane feed rollers for a secure grip on the workpiece, which helps to produce a smooth finish.
The planer is also equipped with an auto-shutoff switch that helps prolong the cutter head’s life.
With a feed rate of 28 ft./minute and cuts per minute of 18,800, Delta 13 In portable lunchbox thickness planer (22-555) can handle any job you throw at it. Plus, the portable design means you can take it with you wherever you go.
Highlighted Features:
- Adjustable infeed and outfeed tables
- Four-column design for stability and accuracy
- Quick-change knife system
- Auto-shutoff switch with polyurethane feed rollers
- 28 ft./minute feed rate with 18,800 cuts per minute
09. Grizzly HP Lunchbox Planer (G0505)
The Grizzly (G0505) benchtop portable planer is an excellent tool for anyone looking to get into woodworking. With its durable construction and 2 HP motor, it can handle various projects with ease.
This planer features a 10,000 RPM cutter head. This planer is perfect for any woodworking enthusiast who needs a quality portable planer that is easy to use.
Its feed rate of 32 FPM ensures that your work will move quickly and smoothly, while its top-mounted return rollers keep the material in place. Plus, the extra-large table extensions provide plenty of space to work on your project.
This benchtop planer has several cuts per inch of 52 and features an on/off toggle switch with a safety lock.
This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable planer that they can count on to get the job done.
The planer is a portable planer that includes lifting handles for portability, a knife-setting jig, and a wrench. It is perfect for small projects and tight spaces.
It features thermal overload protection to help keep it from overheating and double-sided blades for quick and easy planing.
With a 78-pound shipping weight, it is not the lightest tool out there, but it is undoubtedly worth its heft.
Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, the Grizzly HP lunchbox Planer (G0505) is sure to be a valuable addition to your tool collection.
Highlighted Features:
- 2 HP motor with10,000 RPM cutter head
- 32 FPM feed rate
- Extra-large table extensions
- On/off toggle switch with safety lock
- Thermal overload protection
- Double-sided blades
- Lifting handles for portability
10. VEVOR Lunchbox Planer 2000W Wood Planer
This VEVOR planer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality wood planer. It has a powerful 2000W motor that can handle even the most stubborn pieces of wood and a 15Amp (8,000 RPM cutter head speed) motor that ensures smooth operation.
It also has a foldable design that makes it easy to transport and a 6m/min planing speed that ensures quick results.
Plus, the included iron stand ensures stable operation, and the dust exhaust keeps your work area clean.
With a feeding speed of 236″/min, a cutting width of 12″, and a planing depth of 0-0.12″, it can handle even the most challenging projects.
Additionally, the planing height can be adjusted from 0.24″-6.3″, making it the perfect tool for any woodworking project.
The foldable tables and detachable stand make it easy to use in various spaces, while the automatic feeding design ensures that boards are fed through smoothly and safely.
Moreover, the comfortable crank handle indicates the thickness of the board being machined so that you can obtain the best results.
The planer has a dust exhaust interface to keep the work area clean, two return rollers and an electromagnetic switch to ensure a smooth finish, and carrying handles for easy transport.
With its powerful motor and precision engineering, the VEVOR Lunchbox Planer 2000W Wood Planer can handle even the most challenging woodworking projects.
Highlighted Features:
- Powerful 2000W 15Ampmotor
- 8,000 RPM cutter head speed
- Dust exhaust interface to keep work area clean
- Two return rollers and electromagnetic switch
- Foldable design for easy transport
This is the list of our top ten selections for the best benchtop thickness planers for planing a lunchbox. We hope that this list has helped you in your decision-making process and find the best benchtop thickness planers for your needs.
But before shopping, there are some essential factors to consider for finding the ideal lunchbox planer according to your needs.
Things to Consider Before Buying Lunchbox Planer
A lunchbox planer is a small, lightweight electric wood planer perfect for precision woodworking on the go. It can be used to smooth rough lumber, reclaim salvaged boards, and clean up sawn edges.
Following are some considerations you need to take into account whenever you choose a lumber planer:
01. Motor Power
Motor power is the first and foremost criterion to consider while choosing a planer. The more powerful the motor, the more thick boards the benchtop planer can handle. A motor with 12 Amp or more is ideal for handling most types of wood projects.
02. Cutter Head Speed
The helical style cutter head speed is also an important criterion to consider as it determines the smoothness of the finished product. A cutter head speed of 8000 RPM or more is ideal for the best finish.
03. Feed Rate
The feed rate is how fast the benchtop planer moves the wood through the blades and is measured in feet per minute (FPM). A 25 to 32 FPM or more feed rate is ideal for quick, smooth planing.
04. Table Size
The table size of the benchtop planer should be large enough to support the wood that you are planning to work on. Table size of 12-inch by 18-inch or more is ideal.
05. Cutter Depth
The cutter depth is how deep the blades can cut into the wood and should be adjustable to suit different wood thicknesses. An adjustable cutter depth of â…› inch or more is ideal.
06. Depth Stop
A depth stop is a handy feature that allows you to preset the maximum depth of cut so that you don’t have to keep adjusting it manually.
07. Thickness Scale
A thickness scale is a handy feature that allows you to measure the thickness of the wood before and after planing. This ensures that you are getting the desired thickness after planing.
08. Planing Width
The planing width is how wide the wood can be planed and should be at least 6 inches for most projects.
09. Weight
The weight of the benchtop planer is also an important factor to consider as you need to carry it easily from one workstation to another.
10. Portability
Portability is another essential criterion to consider as you need a benchtop planer that can be easily transported from one job site to another.
11. Thermal Overload Protection
The thermal overload protection feature prevents the motor from overheating and burning out. This is an important safety feature to look for in a benchtop planer.
12. Foldable Design
A foldable design is also a handy feature to look for in a benchtop planer as it makes transportation and storage much easier.
13. Cutting Blade
The cutting blades should be made of high-quality steel and sharp enough to provide a smooth finish.
14. Dust Exhaust
The dust exhaust feature allows the dust and shavings to be expelled from the planer, thus keeping the work area clean.
These are some of the essential factors to consider while choosing a benchtop planer.
It is always recommended to read the reviews of different benchtop portable planers before purchasing to get an idea of the best options in the market.
Why Should a Wood Crafter Buy a Wood Planer?
A wood crafter should buy a wood planer to get a smooth, consistent finish on their woodworking projects. There are several reasons behind this:
01. A wood planer gives a smoother finish to the wood and removes any splinters or rough edges.
02. It is a time-saving tool as it allows you to plane large pieces of wood in a short amount of time.
03. It helps to achieve a constant thickness in the wood, which is important for making furniture or other wood projects.
04. With a wood planer, you can easily adjust the thickness of the wood to suit your needs.
05. It is a portable planer tool that can be easily transported from one workstation to another.
So, if you are a wood crafter and are looking for a tool that can help you achieve a smoother finish on your projects, then the best option for you is a wood planer.
How to Trim Wood With a Planer?
There are several ways to trim wood with a planer. The most common way is to use the fence to guide the wood through the blades. Here are the steps involved:
01. Adjust the height of the blade according to the thickness of the wood that you want to trim.
02. Set the planer fence according to the width of the wood that you want to trim.
03. Feed the wood through the planer while keeping it against the fence.
04. Hold the wood firmly against the fence and run it through the planer a few times to get a smoother finish.
05. If the wood is not entirely smooth, run it through the planer again.
In this way, you can easily trim wood with a planer by using the fence to guide it through the blades. It is essential to adjust the height of the blade and the fence according to the thickness and width of the wood you are trimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s talk about a few frequently asked questions about benchtop thickness planers for further information:
01. Are Benchtop Thickness Planers Worth it?
Yes, benchtop planers are definitely worth the investment as they help you save time and achieve a perfect finish on your woodworking projects.
02. What are the Main Benefits of Owning a Benchtop Thickness Planer?
The main benefits of owning a benchtop planer include the ability to plane large pieces of wood quickly and easily, achieve a consistent thickness, and get a perfect finish on the wood.
03. Does a Planer Make Wood Smooth?
Yes, a planer can make wood smooth by removing splinters or rough edges. It also gives a consistent thickness to the wood, which is vital for furniture-making and other woodworking projects.
04. Can I Use a Planer to Trim Wood?
Yes, you can use a planer to trim wood by using the fence to guide it through the blades. You need to adjust the height of the blade and fence according to the thickness and width of the wood that you are trimming.
05. What are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Using a Planer?
Some common mistakes people make when using a planer include not adjusting the height of the blade or fence according to the thickness and width of the wood, not holding the wood firmly against the fence, and running the wood through the planer multiple times.
06. Which Type of Stock Should Never be Run Through the Planer?
The laminated stock should never be run through the planer as it can cause the blades to break.
Avoid cutting stock that contains loose knots, defects, splits, or foreign objects (for example, metal stones).
07. Can You Plane Wood Across Grain?
No, you should not plane wood across the grain as it can cause the planer blades to break. You should only plane wood with the grain to avoid damage to the planer blades.
08. Will a Planer Flatten a Board?
A planer will not flatten a board, but remove any splinters or rough edges. The most common method of flattening warped, twisted, or cupped boards is first to use a jointer to create a perfectly flat face.
After this, you run the board through a portable thickness planer from the flat side down, making the top and bottom parallel.
09. Can a Planer Remove Cupping?
With a thickness planer, a cupped board can be challenging to remove because of the downward pressure applied by the feed rolls, preventing the planer straight knives from flattening the board.
10. Do Planers Create a Lot of Sust?
Planers create a lot of dust, and it is vital to wear a dust mask while using one. It is also essential to clean the planer blades regularly to avoid any build-up of wood dust.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to make your woodworking projects more smooth and beautiful, then investing in the best lunchbox planer is a good decision.
These machines are designed to plane large pieces of wood quickly and efficiently while achieving consistent thicknesses at an affordable price point.
Benchtop planers are definitely worth the investment as they help you save time and achieve a smooth finish on your woodworking projects. With a benchtop planer, you can easily trim wood by using the fence to guide it through the blades.
We hope this article has helped you better understand the importance of owning a benchtop planer, as well as some of the critical benefits and mistakes to avoid when using one. Happy woodworking!
