Best Benchtop Planers with 2-Speed: 7 Spec-Based Picks
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Finding the best benchtop planers with 2-Speed requires looking at how feed rates affect your workflow. We compared 7 models using only the specifications published on their listings. The VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer leads because its 58.4-pound weight offers stable planing of long hardwood boards. This mass helps reduce vibration during heavy cuts. You need to know which tool fits your shop's power and space constraints. This guide helps you decide based on motor horsepower, cutterhead type, and physical dimensions.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- You need stability for long hardwood boards VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer It weighs 58.4 pounds and has a 13-inch width for steady planing.
- You want smooth finishing on wide boards WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer The spiral cutterhead reduces tearout on its 13-inch cutting width.
- You need both jointing and planing tools WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle This bundle includes a planer and jointer with spiral cutterheads.
- You work with wide stock in 230V shops JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer It offers a 15-inch capacity and a 3 HP motor for 230V power.
Our 7 picks
VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer
Best for: stable planing of long hardwood boards
- Feed Speed
- 2-Speed (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 13 in
- Max Stock Thickness
- 6 in
- Blade Count
- 3 blades
- Dimensions
- 28.2 × 13 × 6 inches
- Weight
- 58.4 pounds
View on Amazon: VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer Affiliate link
This VEVOR benchtop planer features a 13-inch cutting width and two feed speeds. It uses a 2000W motor to reach 24,000 CPM for efficient hardwood planing. The dual-roller system reduces vibration, while the 28.2-inch worktable supports longer boards. You get precise depth control in 1/8-inch steps. This machine suits woodworkers who need reliable stock removal and a stable surface for consistent results.
Pros
- Two feed speeds for efficiency or precision
- 2000W motor delivers up to 24,000 CPM
- Dual-roller feeding system reduces vibration
- 28.2-inch length accommodates long boards
Cons
- 58.4-pound weight limits portability
- Only 13-inch cutting width available
- No dust collection hose included
Good fit if
- You need a stable surface for long boards
- You want precise depth adjustment in 1/8-inch steps
- You require high cutterhead RPM for hardwoods
Skip if
- You need a 15-inch cutting width
- You prefer a spiral cutterhead
- You need a lighter machine for frequent moves
Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch 2-Speed Benchtop Planer offers strong motor power and a large worktable for serious benchtop work. It fits users who prioritize stability and precise depth control over maximum cutting width.
WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer
Best for: smooth finishing on wide boards
- Feed Speed
- 2-Speed (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 13 in
- Cutterhead Type
- Spiral
- Amperage
- 15 A
- Max Stock Thickness
- 6 in
- Blade Count
- 26 blades
View on Amazon: WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer Affiliate link
The WEN PL1337 is a 13-inch benchtop planer featuring a spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades. It offers two feed speeds: 16 FPM for fine finishes and 26 FPM for quick dimensioning. The 15-amp motor runs at 10,000 RPM, delivering up to 1354 cuts per inch. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick. This model suits users who want clean surfaces without tear-out, provided they do not need a jointer.
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered blades for smooth finish
- Two feed speeds: 16 FPM and 26 FPM
- 15-amp motor provides 10,000 cutterhead RPM
- Up to 1354 cuts per inch reduces tear-out
Cons
- Does not include a jointer function
- Heavier at 69 pounds, making it less portable
- Limited to 13-inch cutting width
Good fit if
- You need a clean finish on wide boards
- You want to reduce tear-out with a spiral head
- You work with stock up to 6 inches thick
Skip if
- You require a jointer for edge preparation
- You need to plane boards wider than 13 inches
- You prefer a lighter, more portable unit
Verdict: The WEN PL1337 Spiral Planer is a solid choice for woodworkers prioritizing surface quality over versatility. It fits those who need a dedicated planer for wide stock and do not require a jointer.
VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Two-Speed Planer
Best for: two-speed feed control with straight knives
- Feed Speed
- 2-Speed (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 13 in.
- Amperage
- 15 A
- Max Stock Thickness
- 6 in.
- Dimensions
- 27.4 × 20.7 × 18.9 inches
- Weight
- 61.9 pounds
View on Amazon: VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Two-Speed Planer Affiliate link
This 13-inch thickness planer pairs a 2000W motor with dual feed rates of 15 and 24 feet per minute. It handles stock up to 6 inches thick and includes pull-out extension tables providing 35 inches of total length support. A three-knife straight cutterhead spins to surface your lumber, making it suitable for shops milling figured or standard boards.
Pros
- Dual feed speeds of 15 FPM for finishing and 24 FPM for dimensioning
- Three-knife cutterhead hardened to HRC 55-60
- Pull-out extension tables create 35 inches of total support length
- 2000W motor with built-in 20A over-current protection
Cons
- Uses straight knives rather than a spiral or helical cutterhead
- Maximum stock thickness is limited to 6 inches
Good fit if
- You need two feed speeds to switch between fast thicknessing and slow finish cuts.
- You prefer a three-knife straight cutterhead setup for surfacing boards up to 13 inches wide.
Skip if
- You require a spiral or helical cutterhead with rotatable carbide inserts.
- You regularly mill stock thicker than 6 inches.
Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch 3-Blade Two-Speed Planer gives you dual-rate feed control and a wide 13-inch bed for managing lumber up to 6 inches thick. It fits woodworkers who want two feed speeds paired with traditional straight knives.
Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead 2-Speed Planer
Best for: Hardwood finish work and tearout reduction
- Feed Speed
- 2-Speed (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 13 in
- Cutterhead Type
- Spiral
- Blade Count
- 26 inserts
View on Amazon: Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead 2-Speed Planer Affiliate link
The Cutech 40800H is a 13-inch benchtop planer featuring a spiral cutterhead with 26 tungsten carbide inserts. It offers a 2-speed feed rate, including a slower 16 FPM setting for hardwoods. The unit includes a snipe minimizer, an 8-position depth stop, and board return rollers. This machine is designed for woodworkers seeking smoother finishes and reduced tearout on difficult grain patterns.
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 26 two-sided tungsten carbide inserts
- 2-speed feed rate with 16 FPM setting for hardwoods
- Patented snipe minimizer with 4 lead screws
- 8-position repeat cut depth stop for batch work
- Board return rollers for easier next-pass handling
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier build compared to standard single-speed models
- Limited to 13-inch cutting width
- No mention of digital readout for depth settings
Good fit if
- You need a smoother finish on figured or hardwoods
- You want to minimize tearout without slowing down manually
- You plan to plane multiple boards to the same thickness
Skip if
- You require a cutting width wider than 13 inches
- You prefer a lighter, more portable benchtop unit
- You only work with softwoods and do not need 2-speed control
Verdict: Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer is a solid choice for woodworkers who prioritize finish quality and tearout reduction on hardwoods. The spiral head and snipe minimizer make it well-suited for detailed joinery and batch processing.
JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer
Best for: Smooth cuts on boards up to 13 inches wide
- Feed Speed
- 2-Speed (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 13"
- Cutterhead Type
- Helical-style
- Amperage
- 15-amp
- Max Stock Thickness
- 6"
- Blade Count
- 26 inserts
View on Amazon: JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer Affiliate link
This JET benchtop planer features a 2 HP motor and a helical cutterhead with 26 inserts. It offers two feed speeds: 18 FPM and 26 FPM. The 13-inch width capacity handles wide boards. The cast iron bed and four-post design help keep boards flat. It is suitable for woodworkers who need a quiet, smooth cut with precise depth control.
Pros
- 2 HP motor delivers 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed
- Helical cutterhead uses 26 quick-change inserts
- Two feed speeds: 18 FPM and 26 FPM
- Precision-machined cast iron bed reduces snipe
Cons
- Weighs 75 pounds, making it heavy to move
- Maximum depth of cut is limited to 1/8 inch
- 13-inch width capacity is narrower than 15-inch models
Good fit if
- You want a quieter cut from a helical head
- You need two feed speeds for different materials
- You work with boards up to 13 inches wide
Skip if
- You need to plane boards wider than 13 inches
- You require a depth of cut greater than 1/8 inch
- You need a lighter unit for frequent transport
Verdict: JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer suits users who prioritize cut quality and speed options over maximum width capacity. It is a solid choice for those who value the stability of a cast iron bed.
JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer
Best for: Wide stock and 230V shops
- Feed Speed
- 2-Speed (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 15"
- Cutterhead Type
- Helical
- Max Stock Thickness
- 6"
- Blade Count
- 48 carbide knives
- Horsepower
- 3 HP
View on Amazon: JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer Affiliate link
This JET benchtop planer features a 15-inch cutting width and a 3 HP motor. It uses a helical cutterhead with 48 carbide knives for smooth results. You get two feed speeds: 16 fpm or 20 fpm. The 286-pound cast iron table adds stability. This machine suits you if you need a wide capacity and a powerful motor for hardwoods.
Pros
- 3 HP motor for heavy stock removal
- 15-inch width capacity
- 48 staggered carbide knives
- 16 or 20 fpm feed speeds
Cons
- 286 pounds is heavy for a benchtop unit
- Requires 230V power
- 6-inch max stock thickness limits tall boards
Good fit if
- You need a 15-inch width capacity
- You have 230V power available
- You want a helical cutterhead
Skip if
- You only have 110V outlets
- You need to plane stock over 6 inches thick
- You need a lightweight tool under 200 pounds
Verdict: JET 15-Inch Helical Planer fits you if you need a wide 15-inch capacity and a 3 HP motor. It is best for shops with 230V power.
WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle
Best for: Small shops needing both tools
- Feed Speed
- 2-Speed (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 13 in
- Cutterhead Type
- Spiral
- Max Stock Thickness
- 6 in
View on Amazon: WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle Affiliate link
This bundle pairs a 13-inch spiral benchtop planer with a jointer. The planer offers two feed speeds: 26 FPM for quick work and 16 FPM for fine finishes. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. Both tools use helical cutterheads for smooth results. You get two machines in one purchase, making it a compact solution for small shops that need both thicknessing and jointing capabilities.
Pros
- Two feed speeds for speed or finish
- 13-inch cutting width
- Spiral cutterhead on both tools
- Jointer table is 30 by 6 inches
Cons
- Planer max thickness is only 6 inches
- Requires two separate machines for setup
- Jointer removes only 1/8 inch per pass
Good fit if
- You need both planing and jointing in a small space
- You want spiral cutterheads for better finish
- You work with boards up to 13 inches wide
Skip if
- You only need a single tool
- You regularly plane stock thicker than 6 inches
- You prefer a single unit with a built-in jointer
Verdict: WEN PL1337 and JT630H Bundle gives you two spiral tools for the price of one. It fits buyers who need jointing and planing but have limited bench space.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer | WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer | VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Two-Speed Planer | Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead 2-Speed Planer | JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer | JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer | WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Width | 13 in | 13 in | 13 in. | 13 in | 13" | 15" | 13 in |
| Cutterhead Type | not stated | Spiral | not stated | Spiral | Helical-style | Helical | Spiral |
| Feed Speed | 2-speed | 2-speed (16 / 26 FPM) | 15 f/m, 24 f/m | 2-speed (16 FPM) | 18 FPM / 26 FPM | 16 fpm or 20 fpm | not stated |
| Amperage | not stated | 15 A | 15 A | not stated | 15-amp | not stated | not stated |
| Max Stock Thickness | 6 in | 6 in | 6 in. | not stated | 6" | 6" | 6 in |
| Blade Count | 3 blades | 26 blades | not stated | 26 inserts | 26 inserts | 48 carbide knives | not stated |
| Cutterhead Speed | not stated | 10,000 RPM | not stated | not stated | 10,000 RPM | not stated | not stated |
| Horsepower | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 2 HP | 3 HP | not stated |
| Voltage | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 120V | 230V | not stated |
| Dimensions | 28.2 × 13 × 6 inches | 22.3 × 34.6 × 20 inches | 27.4 × 20.7 × 18.9 inches | not stated | 28 × 22 × 19 inches | 25.5 × 46.5 × 48 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 58.4 pounds | 69 pounds | 61.9 pounds | not stated | 75 pounds | 286 pounds | not stated |
| Size | Two Speed | Spiral, 13-Inch, Two Speed | 13inch | 22¼" x 34⅝" x 19⅞" | 28 x 22 x 19 inches | 15-inch | not stated |
| Color | Two Speed 3 Blade | Orange | 13" Three-blade | Rifle Green | White | White | Orange |
| Model | M1B-LS-3305 | PL1337 | Raboteuse Dégauchisseuse | 40800H | 722130 | JWP-15BHH | RM |
How to choose the right one
-
Check cutterhead type
The cutterhead determines cut quality and noise. Helical or spiral heads use multiple small carbide inserts to reduce tearout, especially on figured hardwoods. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer features this design for smoother finishes. Standard straight-knife heads, like those on the VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Two-Speed Planer, are easier to sharpen but may leave slight chatter marks. Choose helical heads for finish work and straight knives for general stock removal. Verify the head type in the attributes section before purchasing.
-
Verify voltage requirements
Most 13-inch benchtop planers operate on standard 120V circuits, making them suitable for home shops. The JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer runs on 120V, fitting typical outlets. However, larger models like the JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer require 230V power. Always check the voltage specification before buying. Using the wrong voltage can damage the motor or create safety hazards. Ensure your shop wiring supports the required amperage and circuit breaker rating for the specific model you select.
-
Assess motor horsepower
Horsepower indicates the motor's ability to handle thick stock and dense hardwoods without bogging down. The JET 15-Inch model offers 3 HP for heavy-duty tasks, while the JET 13-Inch provides 2 HP. Lower horsepower units may struggle with wide boards or deep cuts. Match the horsepower to your typical material thickness. If you plane thick oak or maple regularly, higher HP ensures consistent feed rates and cleaner cuts without stalling the motor during operation.
-
Consider unit weight
Weight affects stability during planing. Heavier machines vibrate less and produce smoother results. The JET 15-Inch Helical Planer weighs 286 pounds, offering exceptional stability for wide stock. Lighter models, like the VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer at 58.4 pounds, are portable but may require additional clamping or weighting for precision work. If you plane long boards, prioritize weight to minimize snipe and vibration. Check the weight specification to determine if the unit needs a sturdy bench.
-
Compare cutting width
Cutting width determines the maximum board size you can process. Most listed models offer a 13-inch capacity, suitable for standard lumber and door panels. The JET 15-Inch Helical Planer provides a 15-inch width for wider stock. Ensure the width matches your largest project pieces. A wider capacity offers flexibility but increases cost and space requirements. Measure your typical board widths against the specification to avoid purchasing a unit that is too narrow for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose a two-speed feed rate on a benchtop planer?
A two-speed feed rate lets you match the feed speed to the wood type and desired finish. Slower feeds reduce tearout on figured hardwoods, while faster feeds improve efficiency on softwoods or rough stock. The VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer and the WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer both offer this dual-rate control for versatile workflow management.
What is the difference between straight knives and helical cutterheads?
Straight knives use two or three long blades that can produce tearout on difficult grains. Helical or spiral cutterheads use many small carbide inserts, which slice the wood for a smoother finish with less noise. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer and the JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer feature helical heads for superior surface quality.
How much power do 13-inch benchtop planers typically have?
Most 13-inch benchtop planers operate on 120V power with motors ranging from 1 to 2 horsepower. The JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer includes a 2 HP motor for robust performance. You should verify your shop’s electrical capacity, as higher horsepower supports wider cutting widths and consistent feed rates under heavy loads.
Do I need a 230V outlet for a 15-inch planer?
Yes, larger capacity planers often require 230V power to drive their heavier motors. The JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer is designed for 230V shops and offers a 15-inch cutting width. Standard 13-inch models usually run on 120V, so check the voltage specification before purchasing a wider unit to ensure your shop can support it.
Which planer is best for reducing tearout on hardwoods?
Planers with helical or spiral cutterheads are best for reducing tearout. These heads use multiple carbide inserts that shear the wood fibers cleanly. The Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead 2-Speed Planer and the WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer are specifically suited for smooth finishing on wide boards and figured hardwoods where surface quality is critical.
Can I get a planer and jointer bundle with two-speed control?
Yes, some bundles offer both tools with two-speed capabilities. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle provides two spiral tools for jointing and planing. This setup fits buyers who need both functions but have limited bench space, allowing you to manage flatness and thickness with consistent feed speed control.
How heavy are typical 13-inch benchtop planers?
Weight varies by construction, but most 13-inch models range from 58 to 75 pounds. The VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Three-Blade Planer weighs 58.4 pounds, while the JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer weighs 75 pounds. Heavier units generally offer more stability during operation, which helps maintain consistent depth and reduces vibration on long boards.