Best WEN Benchtop Planers: 2 Models Compared

Quick picks

Our 2 picks

1 Best overall

WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: Wide boards needing a smooth spiral finish

Cutting Width

13 inches

Cutterhead Type

Spiral

Feed Speed

26 feet per minute

Amperage

15A

Max Stock Thickness

6 inches

Blade Count

26 blades

View on Amazon: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer Affiliate link

The WEN PL1326 is a 13-inch benchtop thickness planer with a spiral cutterhead. It uses 26 staggered HSS blades for a smooth finish. The 15-amp motor runs at 10,000 RPM with a 26 feet per minute feed rate. It planes boards up to 6 inches thick. An onboard gauge shows cutting depth. This model suits users who need precision and a clean surface on wider stock.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades
• 13-inch cutting width for wider boards
• Onboard material removal gauge for depth control
• 15-amp motor delivers 10,000 RPM

Cons

• Single-speed operation limits feed rate options
• 81-pound weight adds bulk to your workspace
• Maximum 6-inch stock thickness restricts large lumber

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch width for wider boards
• You want a smooth finish from a spiral head
• You value precise depth control via the gauge

Skip if

• You require variable feed speeds for different wood types
• You frequently plane stock thicker than 6 inches
• You need a lightweight tool for frequent transport

Verdict: WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer delivers a clean finish through its 26-blade spiral head. It fits users who prioritize surface quality and width capacity over variable speed adjustments.

2 Best budget

WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle

Best for: Shop space savings and dual tool functionality

Cutting Width

13 in

Cutterhead Type

Spiral

Max Stock Thickness

6 in

Feed Speed

2-Speed

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 30-by-6-inch jointer. The planer offers two feed speeds: 26 FPM for quick stock removal and 16 FPM for fine finishes. Both tools use spiral cutterheads with staggered blades for smooth results. The jointer fence tilts up to 45 degrees for angled cuts. It suits woodworkers who need both thicknessing and jointing capabilities in a compact footprint.

Pros

• Two-speed feed rates (26 FPM and 16 FPM) for versatile planning
• 13-inch cutting width for wide boards
• Spiral cutterheads on both machines for ultra-fine finishes
• Jointer table removes up to 1/8 inch per pass
• Jointer fence bevels up to 45 degrees

Cons

• Limited to 6-inch maximum stock thickness
• Jointer table width is only 6 inches
• Sold as a bundle, requiring separate setup for each unit

Good fit if

• You need both planing and jointing functions in one purchase
• You want the finish quality of spiral cutterheads
• You frequently work with boards up to 13 inches wide

Skip if

• You only need a planer and not a jointer
• You regularly plane lumber thicker than 6 inches
• You require a single unit rather than two separate machines

Verdict: WEN PL1337 JT630H Bundle delivers dual functionality with high-quality spiral cutterheads. It is ideal for shop owners who want to save space while maintaining precision in both thicknessing and jointing tasks.

Specifications side by side

WEN Benchtop Planer Lineup Overview

The WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer features a 15 Amp motor and a 13-inch cutting width. Its helical cutterhead uses 26 blades for a clean finish. This model suits users who prioritize surface quality and wide board capacity over variable speed adjustments. It weighs 81 pounds and comes in an orange finish.

The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle offers dual functionality with high-quality spiral cutterheads. It includes two-speed feed options for precision in both thicknessing and jointing tasks. This bundle is ideal for shop owners who want to save space. Both models help you maintain precision in your woodworking projects.

Who WEN Planers Suit

This range targets woodworkers who need wide capacity and precision finishes. The lineup centers on 13-inch models, accommodating broad boards that standard benchtop units cannot handle. You get spiral cutterheads for smooth surfaces and dual-function bundles for space-constrained shops. One model offers two-speed feed options, while others stick to single-speed simplicity. There are no narrower 6-inch or 8-inch options listed here. If you work with narrow stock, this specific collection may not fit your needs. The brand focuses on heavy-duty spiral technology rather than compact, entry-level tools. You should choose based on whether you need jointing capabilities or just thicknessing.

Choosing the Right WEN Benchtop Planer

1. Check cutting width capacity

   You must verify the maximum cutting width before purchasing. This spec determines the widest board your planer can handle in a single pass. The WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer offers a 13-inch capacity. This allows you to process wider stock than standard 6-inch models. If you work with wide lumber, this width is essential. Narrower models will require you to joint edges first. Always match the planer width to your largest board size to avoid bottlenecks in your workflow.

2. Evaluate cutterhead type

   The cutterhead design directly impacts surface finish quality. A helical or spiral cutterhead uses multiple small carbide inserts. This contrasts with traditional straight knives. The WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer features a helical cutterhead with 26 blades. This configuration reduces tear-out and produces a smoother surface. You will spend less time sanding afterward. If surface finish is your priority, choose a spiral head model. It delivers superior results for fine woodworking projects compared to standard knife heads.

3. Assess motor amperage

   Motor amperage indicates the power available for cutting. Higher amps generally mean more torque and better performance in dense woods. The WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer has a 15 Amp motor. This provides robust power for consistent cuts. You should check this spec if you plan to run the machine continuously. Adequate amperage prevents stalling when taking deep cuts. It ensures the motor does not overheat during heavy use. Always verify the amp rating matches your shop’s electrical capacity.

4. Consider dual-function bundles

   Some WEN models combine thickness planing and jointing. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle offers this dual functionality. This is ideal if you have limited shop space. You get both tools in one footprint. The bundle includes high-quality spiral cutterheads for precision. You save money and floor space by combining tasks. Check if you need jointing capabilities for board flattening. If space is tight, a bundle may be more practical than buying separate units.

5. Review feed speed options

   Feed speed affects how fast material moves through the cutterhead. Variable or two-speed options allow you to adjust for different wood types. The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle includes two-speed functionality. This lets you slow down for difficult grain or speed up for softwoods. Matching feed speed to material prevents tear-out. You gain more control over the finish quality. If you work with diverse materials, a two-speed model offers greater versatility than a single-speed unit.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• WEN vs WOODERS benchtop planer
• best WEN benchtop planers with 2-Speed
• best WEN benchtop planers
• best WEN generators