Looking Beyond the Jet 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

Comparing Alternative Planers

WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer

The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer shares the 13-inch cutting width and dual feed speeds found in the Jet model. It uses a spiral cutterhead to reduce tear-out, similar to the Jet’s helical design. However, the WEN weighs 69 pounds, which is lighter than the Jet’s 75 pounds. It also features a longer footprint at 34.6 inches compared to the Jet’s 28 inches. This makes the WEN a more compact option for width but longer for depth. You should choose this if you want spiral cutting quality at a lower entry point. It fits those who prioritize budget over the cast iron bed found on the Jet.

Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead 2-Speed Planer

The Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead 2-Speed Planer offers a 13-inch capacity and two feed speeds, matching the Jet’s core functionality. It utilizes a spiral cutterhead for smoother finishes on figured woods. The Cutech is slightly larger in width at 22.25 inches compared to the Jet’s 22 inches. Its length is 34.625 inches, which is significantly longer than the Jet’s 28 inches. This extended length may help with board support but requires more shop floor space. You should pick this planer if you value quiet spiral cutting and precise feed control. It is a solid choice for milling hardwoods where snipe reduction is critical, offering a similar performance profile to the Jet.

WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle

The WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle includes both a planer and a jointer. This bundle provides a complete benchtop solution for woodworkers needing both tools. It features a spiral cutterhead and two feed speeds, matching the Jet’s cutting width and speed versatility. The bundle allows you to joint and plane boards in one setup. You should choose this if you need both capabilities without buying separate machines. It is ideal for starting a new shop or upgrading an existing one. While the Jet offers a single, robust planer, this bundle provides greater versatility for various projects. It fits those who prioritize a dual-function setup over a dedicated high-end planer.

VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

The VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer features a 13-inch cutting width and a spiral cutterhead with 25 blades. It lacks the two-speed feed option found in the Jet, offering only a single speed. This planer is lighter at 61.7 pounds compared to the Jet’s 75 pounds. It is also narrower at 13 inches wide, whereas the Jet is 22 inches wide. The VEVOR is designed for dense hardwoods with a focus on blade quality. You should pick this if you prioritize spiral blade performance over speed versatility. It is a solid choice for those processing hardwoods on a stable workbench. The single speed may limit control compared to the Jet’s dual feed options.

VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Two-Speed Planer

The VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Two-Speed Planer offers a 13-inch cutting width and two feed speeds, matching the Jet’s speed versatility. However, it uses a three-blade cutterhead instead of a helical design. This planer weighs 61.9 pounds, which is lighter than the Jet’s 75 pounds. It is also narrower at 20.7 inches wide compared to the Jet’s 22 inches. The three-blade head may produce a different surface finish than the Jet’s 26-insert helical head. You should choose this if you prioritize feed speed control and table length over a spiral cutterhead. It fits users who need dual speeds but are comfortable with a traditional blade setup. It is a practical alternative for those who do not require the quiet operation of a helical head.

JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer

The JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer shares the 13-inch cutting width and helical cutterhead with the original model. This unit is lighter at 66 pounds compared to the original’s 75 pounds. It is also narrower at 18.3 inches wide and shorter at 25 inches long. This compact design makes it suitable for small shops with limited space. The helical cutterhead provides quiet operation and smooth finishes. You should pick this if you need a smaller footprint without sacrificing cutting width. It is a practical tool for solid wood planing in constrained environments. The reduced weight and size make it easier to handle, though it may require assistance for setup due to its benchtop nature.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

JET 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

Best for: smooth finishes on wider boards

Cutting Width

13"

Cutterhead Type

Helical-style

Feed Speed

18 FPM / 26 FPM

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 13-inch cutting width and a helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change inserts. It delivers a smoother, quieter cut thanks to the individual high-speed steel blades. The two-speed feed offers 18 or 26 FPM options. A powerful 2-HP motor runs at 10,000 RPM. The cast iron bed helps keep boards flat and reduces snipe. It suits users needing precision and surface quality in a compact footprint.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change inserts for a smoother finish
• Two feed speeds: 18 FPM and 26 FPM
• Precision-machined cast iron bed reduces snipe
• Four-post design provides maximum cutterhead support

Cons

• 75-pound weight makes it less portable than lighter models
• Maximum depth of cut is limited to 1/8 inch
• Requires 120V power connection

Good fit if

• You prioritize a smooth surface finish over raw speed
• You need a 13-inch capacity for wider boards
• You want to adjust feed speed for different wood types

Skip if

• You need to plane stock thicker than 6 inches
• You require a 3-phase power connection
• You need a planer lighter than 75 pounds

Verdict: Jet 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer fits woodworkers who need a 13-inch capacity and a helical cutterhead for superior surface quality. The two-speed feed and cast iron bed make it a reliable tool for detailed benchtop work.

2 Also great

WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Spiral Benchtop Planer

Best for: Budget spiral planer with two speeds

Cutting Width

13 in

Cutterhead Type

Spiral

Feed Speed

2-speed (16 / 26 FPM)

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 with a spiral cutterhead and 26 rotatable HSS blades. It features a 15-amp motor running at 10,000 RPM. You get two feed speeds: 26 FPM for quick work and 16 FPM for fine finishes. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick. This model suits those who want clean cuts without buying a helical head.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades
• Two feed speeds: 16 and 26 FPM
• 15-amp motor delivers 10,000 cutterhead RPM
• Includes depth stop and onboard wrench storage
• Handles up to 6 inches thick stock

Cons

• Heavier at 69 pounds than single-blade models
• Shorter 2-year warranty than JET competitors
• Uses HSS blades instead of carbide inserts

Good fit if

• You need a two-speed feed rate for finish work
• You want a spiral cutterhead for smoother cuts
• You are on a tight budget

Skip if

• You require a carbide cutterhead
• You need a longer warranty period
• You prefer a lighter machine for portability

Verdict: WEN PL1337 13-Inch Spiral Planer offers a spiral head and two feed speeds at a lower entry point. It fits woodworkers who want better finish quality than a standard planer but cannot afford the helical heads of the JET or Cutech options.

3 Also great

Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Cutterhead 2-Speed Planer

Best for: figured wood and quiet spiral cutting

Cutting Width

13 in

Cutterhead Type

Spiral

Feed Speed

2-speed (16 FPM)

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 two-speed feed rate of 16 FPM to reduce tearout on figured wood. The unit includes a snipe minimizer and eight-position depth stop for consistent results. Its rifle green finish and flip dust hood add practical utility for your workshop.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 inserts for smooth finish
• Two-speed feed rate reduces tearout on hardwood
• Patented snipe minimizer with four lead screws
• Two-sided inserts prevent skewing during planing

Cons

• 13-inch cutting width limits wider board capacity
• Benchtop design requires secure mounting for stability
• No remote or app control for operation

Good fit if

• You need a spiral cutterhead for quieter operation
• You want two-speed feed control for figured wood
• You prefer a built-in snipe minimizer

Skip if

• You regularly plane boards wider than 13 inches
• You require a heavy-duty cabinet-style planer
• You need single-speed simplicity only

Verdict: Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Planer fits woodworkers who value spiral cutterhead precision and snipe reduction. It is a solid benchtop choice for those planning to mill hardwoods and figured woods with controlled feed rates.

4 Best premium

WEN 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer and Jointer Bundle

Best for: woodworkers needing both planer and jointer

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 WEN bundle pairs a 13-inch spiral thickness planer with a 30-by-6-inch jointer. The planer offers two feed speeds: 26 FPM for quick cuts and 16 FPM for fine finishes. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick. The jointer removes up to 1/8 inch per pass and includes a fence that bevels to 45 degrees. Both tools use spiral cutterheads with staggered HSS blades. This setup suits woodworkers needing both machines in one purchase.

Pros

• Two feed speeds: 26 FPM and 16 FPM
• 13-inch cutting width for wide boards
• Spiral cutterhead with staggered HSS blades
• Jointer fence bevels up to 45 degrees

Cons

• Sold as a bundle, not a standalone planer
• Jointer table is only 6 inches deep
• Orange color may not suit all workshops

Good fit if

• You need both a planer and a jointer
• You want two feed speed options
• You prefer spiral cutterhead technology

Skip if

• You only need a thickness planer
• You require a larger jointer table
• You prefer a single-speed machine

Verdict: WEN PL1337/ JT630H Bundle offers a complete benchtop solution for woodworkers needing both planing and jointing capabilities. Its dual feed speeds and spiral cutterheads provide versatility for various projects, making it ideal for those starting a new shop or upgrading their current setup.

5 Also great

VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

Best for: Hardwood planing with spiral blades

Cutting Width

13 in

Cutterhead Type

Spiral

Max Stock Thickness

6 in

Blade Count

24 blades

Dimensions

28.2 × 13 × 6 inches

Weight

61.7 pounds

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

This VEVOR benchtop planer features a 13-inch cutting width and a spiral cutterhead with 24 blades. It is driven by a 2000W motor that reaches 8,000 cuts per minute. The unit weighs 61.7 pounds and includes a dual-roller feeding system to stabilize boards. It accepts both 2-inch and 4-inch dust hoses. This tool suits woodworkers who need precision depth control in 1/8-inch increments for hardwoods like oak and maple.

Pros

• 24-blade spiral cutterhead for smooth finishes
• 2000W motor delivers 8,000 CPM
• Dual-roller feeding system reduces vibration
• Compatible with 2-inch and 4-inch dust hoses

Cons

• Single-speed operation limits cutting speed options
• 61.7-pound weight adds bulk to benchtop use
• Lacks two-speed functionality found in competitors

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch width for wider boards
• You prefer spiral blades to reduce tear-out
• You want a powerful 2000W motor for hardwoods

Skip if

• You require variable speed control for different materials
• You need a lighter unit for easy transport
• You prefer a three-blade straight cutterhead design

Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer fits users who prioritize spiral blade quality and motor power over speed versatility. It is a solid choice for those planning to process dense hardwoods on a stable workbench.

6 Best budget

VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Two-Speed Planer

Best for: Users needing two feed speeds

Cutting Width

13 in.

Feed Speed

15 f/m, 24 f/m

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 VEVOR benchtop planer offers a 13-inch cutting width and handles stock up to 6 inches thick. It features a 2000W motor with two feed speeds: 24 f/m for quick removal and 15 f/m for smooth finishes. The 61.9-pound unit includes a 35-inch extended table for long board support and a dust collection port. It suits users needing a robust, two-speed option with a wide capacity.

Pros

• 13-inch cutting width for wide boards
• Two feed speeds for finish control
• 2000W motor for consistent power
• 35-inch total table length

Cons

• Heavier at 61.9 pounds
• Three-blade cutterhead, not spiral
• No mention of helical design

Good fit if

• You need two feed speeds
• You plane wide boards
• You support long stock

Skip if

• You want a spiral head
• You prefer lighter tools
• You need helical cutters

Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch Three-Blade Planer fits users who prioritize feed speed control and table length over a spiral cutterhead design.

7

JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: Solid wood planing in small workshops

Cutting Width

13"

Cutterhead Type

helical

Feed Speed

24.6 FPM

Amperage

15A

Max Stock Thickness

6"

Blade Count

30 carbide inserts

View on Amazon: JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer Affiliate link

This JET benchtop planer features a 13-inch helical cutterhead with 30 carbide inserts. It planes stock up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. The 2 HP motor runs at 9,500 RPM with a 24.6 FPM feed rate. It includes a depth stop and folding tables. This model suits small shops needing a quiet, smooth finish without buying a stationary machine.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 30 carbide inserts for a smoother surface
• Rated at 91 dB for quieter operation than straight-knife models
• Carbide inserts rotate to a fresh edge instead of full knife replacement
• Folding infeed and outfeed tables support longer boards

Cons

• Not suitable for plywood, painted lumber, or reclaimed wood
• Requires two people to unbox due to 66 lb weight
• Stand and dust collector are sold separately

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch capacity for wide boards
• You prefer a quieter operation with a helical cutterhead
• You work with solid hardwood or softwood only

Skip if

• You require a planer for plywood or painted stock
• You need a fully assembled unit with a stand included
• You cannot lift or move a 66 lb machine alone

Verdict: JET 13-Inch Helical Planer fits small shops that need a 13-inch capacity with a quiet helical cutterhead. It is a practical tool for solid wood only, provided you have help for setup.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

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