Jet 20-Inch Planer Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How these alternatives compare

JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer

The JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer reduces the cutting width from 20 inches to 15 inches. It also lowers the motor power to 3 HP, though it keeps the 230V requirement. This model weighs 286 pounds, which is significantly less than the 753-pound original. You gain a more manageable footprint for smaller workshops. However, you lose the industrial-grade stability of the welded steel base found in the larger JET. The helical cutterhead remains, ensuring similar finish quality. This pick suits users who need wider capacity than benchtop models but lack the space for a full 20-inch jointer. It is a practical step down in power and width for serious woodworking projects.

VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

The VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer offers a 13-inch cutting width, which is narrower than the original 20-inch capacity. It is a benchtop model, weighing only 61.7 pounds compared to the original’s 753 pounds. This drastic weight reduction makes it portable and easy to store. The data does not specify horsepower or voltage, so you must check your shop’s power supply before purchase. It features a helical cutterhead with 25 blades. This planer prioritizes feed speed and board support over fine adjustment precision. It is a solid choice for users planning long runs on hardwoods who need high-volume planing without the industrial footprint. It gives up the robust build quality of the original.

WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

The WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer provides a 13-inch cutting width, smaller than the original 20-inch option. It weighs 81 pounds, making it much lighter and easier to move than the 753-pound original. This model is rated at 15 amps, which is a different power metric than the original’s 5 HP. It features a helical cutterhead for smooth finishes. The design prioritizes blade rotatability and depth gauging over maximum width or speed versatility. It is ideal for small project surface finishing in home shops. You give up the industrial stability and wide capacity of the original. This planer fits users who need reliable spiral cutting for smaller boards without the need for heavy machinery.

Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

The Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer offers a 13-inch cutting width, which is narrower than the original 20-inch capacity. It weighs 66 pounds, a fraction of the original’s 753 pounds. This model features a 26-insert spiral head for professional-grade surface quality. It is designed for small workshops needing quiet, smooth planing. The data does not list horsepower or voltage, so you must verify electrical compatibility. It gives up the industrial power and wide stock handling of the original. This pick suits hobbyists who prioritize finish quality and noise reduction over high-volume production speed. It is a practical alternative for those working with narrower boards who need a helical cutterhead without the massive footprint of a floor-standing planer.

JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer

The JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer reduces the cutting width from 20 inches to 13 inches. It weighs 66 pounds, which is significantly lighter than the 753-pound original. This model keeps the helical cutterhead for smooth finishes. It is designed for small shops that need 13-inch capacity without the large footprint of a floor-standing unit. The data does not specify horsepower or voltage, so you must check your shop’s power requirements. It delivers helical precision in a compact form. You give up the industrial stability and wide stock handling of the original JET 20-Inch Planer. This pick is ideal for users who value precision and finish quality on narrower boards in limited spaces.

FIND BUY TOOL 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer

The FIND BUY TOOL 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer offers a 13-inch cutting width, narrower than the original 20-inch capacity. It weighs 70 pounds, making it much lighter and more portable than the 753-pound original. This model features a helical cutterhead for reduced tear-out on difficult woods. It is designed for narrow board finishing and precision woodworking. The data does not list horsepower or voltage, so you must verify electrical compatibility before purchase. It gives up the industrial power and wide stock handling of the original. This pick suits hobbyists who value precision and finish quality over raw capacity. It is a practical alternative for users working with narrower boards who want to avoid tear-out without investing in heavy machinery.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

JET 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer

Best for: Wide stock and industrial stability

Cutting Width

20-Inch

Cutterhead Type

Helical

Feed Speed

24/31 fpm

Horsepower

5 HP

Voltage

230V

Dimensions

26 × 36.7 × 41.4 inches

View on Amazon: JET 20-Inch 5 HP Helical Planer Affiliate link

This heavy-duty planer features a 20-inch cutting width and a 5 HP motor for demanding woodworking tasks. The helical cutterhead reduces noise and tear-out. You get two feed speeds and precise height adjustments. The welded steel base provides stability. It suits professionals needing wide capacity and power.

Pros

• 20-inch cutting width handles wide boards
• 5 HP motor delivers strong performance
• Helical cutterhead reduces noise and tear-out
• Two feed speeds (24/31 fpm) for flexibility

Cons

• 753 pounds makes it difficult to move
• Requires 230V power outlet
• Large footprint requires dedicated shop space

Good fit if

• You need to plane boards wider than 15 inches
• You have a dedicated workshop with 230V power
• You prioritize stability and wide capacity over portability

Skip if

• You only work with narrow stock under 13 inches
• You only have standard 110V outlets available
• You need a lightweight tool for job site use

Verdict: Jet 20-Inch Planer 5 HP Helical is a robust choice for shops requiring wide capacity and industrial stability. It fits professionals who need to process large stock and have the space and power to support its substantial build.

2 Best premium

JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer

Best for: Wider boards and helical cutterhead finish

Cutting Width

15"

Cutterhead Type

Helical

Feed Speed

16 fpm or 20 fpm

Max Stock Thickness

6"

Blade Count

48 carbide knives

Horsepower

3 HP

View on Amazon: JET 15-Inch 3 HP Helical Planer Affiliate link

The JET 15-Inch Planer offers a 15-inch cutting width and 3 HP motor for substantial stock removal. It features a helical cutterhead with 48 carbide knives for smooth finishes. You get two feed speeds, 16 or 20 fpm, to match your workflow. The 230V power draw supports heavy-duty use. This unit suits woodworkers needing wider capacity than standard benchtop models.

Pros

• 15-inch cutting width accommodates wider boards
• 3 HP motor provides strong cutting power
• Helical cutterhead with 48 carbide knives
• Dual feed speeds of 16 or 20 fpm

Cons

• 15-inch width is narrower than the 20-inch JET alternative
• 286-pound weight makes it difficult to move
• Requires 230V power supply

Good fit if

• You need a 15-inch cutting width for wider lumber
• You prefer the smooth finish of a helical cutterhead
• You have a 230V outlet available in your shop

Skip if

• You require a 20-inch cutting width for wide panels
• You only have standard 120V household outlets
• You need a lightweight benchtop planer for easy storage

Verdict: JET 15-Inch Planer Helical Cutterhead delivers professional-grade width and power for serious woodworking projects. It fits users who need wider capacity than benchtop models but lack the space or power for a full 20-inch jointer.

3 Best budget

VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

Best for: High-volume hardwood planing on long boards

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

The VEVOR 13-inch benchtop planer features a spiral cutterhead with 24 alloy blades. Its 2000W motor delivers 8,000 CPM for smooth hardwood planing. The 28.2-inch table supports long boards, while dual rollers reduce vibration. You get 1/8-inch depth increments for precision. This tool suits users needing a sturdy, high-speed option for consistent results on wider stock.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 24 alloy blades
• 2000W motor reaches 8,000 CPM
• Dual-roller feeding system reduces vibration
• 28.2-inch worktable handles long boards

Cons

• Single-speed motor limits low-RPM fine finishing
• 1/8-inch depth increments are coarse
• 61.7-pound weight makes it heavy to move

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch cutting width
• You prefer spiral blades for smoother cuts
• You want high feed speed for production

Skip if

• You require fine 1/32-inch depth adjustments
• You need variable speed control
• You plan to move the planer often

Verdict: VEVOR 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer fits users who prioritize feed speed and board support over fine adjustment precision. It is a solid choice for those planning long runs on hardwoods.

4 Also great

WEN 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: Small project surface finishing

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 planer featuring a spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades. It handles boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide. The 15-amp motor runs at 10,000 RPM with a feed rate of 26 feet per minute. An onboard gauge helps you track cutting depth. This compact unit suits woodworkers needing precise surface finishing for smaller projects.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades
• Onboard material removal gauge for depth tracking
• 15-amp motor delivers 10,000 RPM
• Handles stock up to 6 inches thick

Cons

• Single-speed operation limits feed rate options
• 13-inch width restricts wider board processing
• 81-pound weight adds bulk for portability

Good fit if

• You need a clean finish on smaller boards
• You want rotatable blades for easy maintenance
• You work in a dedicated benchtop setup

Skip if

• You regularly plane boards wider than 13 inches
• You require variable speed control for fine tuning
• You need a heavy-duty industrial capacity planer

Verdict: WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Planer provides reliable spiral cutting for small to medium projects. It fits users who prioritize blade rotatability and depth gauging over maximum width or speed versatility.

5 Also great

Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer

Best for: Small workshops needing quiet, smooth planing

Cutting Width

13 in

Cutterhead Type

Spiral

Feed Speed

Single speed

Blade Count

26 inserts

Dimensions

24 × 34.3 × 20 inches

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

The Cutech 40600H is a 13-inch benchtop planer featuring a spiral cutterhead with 26 tungsten carbide inserts. It operates at a single feed speed. The design includes a snipe minimizer and an 8-position depth stop for consistent results. Its compact footprint suits smaller workshops. You get a smooth finish with reduced noise, making it a practical option for woodworkers needing precision without the bulk of larger industrial machines.

Pros

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 tungsten carbide inserts
• Built-in snipe minimizer using 4 lead screws
• 8-position repeat cut depth stop
• Two-sided inserts for better alignment

Cons

• Single speed feed limits cutting options
• 13-inch width restricts board capacity
• Benchtop form factor requires secure mounting

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch planing width
• You want reduced noise during operation
• You value consistent thickness via depth stops

Skip if

• You require multiple feed speeds
• You regularly plane boards wider than 13 inches
• You need a heavy-duty cabinet-style unit

Verdict: Cutech 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer delivers professional-grade surface quality through its 26-insert spiral head. It fits well for hobbyists prioritizing finish quality and noise reduction over high-volume production speed.

6 Best 2 hp

JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Thickness Planer

Best for: Small shops needing 13-inch helical precision

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 offers a 13-inch cutting width and 6-inch thickness capacity. It uses a helical cutterhead with 30 carbide inserts for quieter operation at 91 dB. The 2 HP motor runs at 9,500 RPM. You get controlled height adjustment via a four-post head support. It suits small shops needing a full-width planer without a stationary footprint.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 30 carbide inserts
• 13-inch cutting width and 6-inch thickness
• Quieter 91 dB operation
• Four-post head support for stability

Cons

• Smaller 13-inch width than the 20-inch JET alternative
• Benchtop design limits portability despite handles
• Requires two people to unbox due to 66 lb weight

Good fit if

• You need a 13-inch planing width
• You prefer quieter helical cutterheads
• You work in a small shop

Skip if

• You require 20-inch capacity
• You plane plywood or painted lumber
• You need a stationary machine

Verdict: JET 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer fits small shops that need 13-inch capacity. It delivers helical precision without the footprint of a larger model.

7 Best diy projects

FIND BUY TOOL 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer

Best for: narrow board finishing and precision woodworking

Cutting Width

13"

Cutterhead Type

helical

Feed Speed

21/12 FPM

Amperage

15A

Blade Count

40 carbide inserts

Horsepower

2.5 HP

View on Amazon: FIND BUY TOOL 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer Affiliate link

This FindBuyTool benchtop planer features a 13-inch cutting width and a helical cutterhead with 40 carbide inserts. Its 2.5 HP motor runs at 20,000 RPM, offering dual-speed feed rates of 12 or 21 FPM. The unit includes a ball-screw height adjustment for precision and an anti-snipe device. It is designed for woodworkers who need a quiet, smooth finish on hardwoods and softwoods without the bulk of a larger machine.

Pros

• Helical cutterhead with 40 carbide inserts for smooth finishes
• Dual-speed feed rate allows switching between 12 and 21 FPM
• Ball-screw height adjustment provides ±0.05 mm precision
• Anti-snipe device helps reduce end-of-board snipe
• LED work light and six preset thickness settings

Cons

• 13-inch cutting width limits board capacity compared to 15-inch or 20-inch models
• 2.5 HP motor is less powerful than the 5 HP option in the JET 20-Inch Planer
• Benchtop design requires mounting for stability, unlike stationary planers

Good fit if

• You need a compact planer for a small workshop
• You prioritize quiet operation and smooth surface finishes
• You frequently plane hardwoods like oak or maple

Skip if

• You regularly plane boards wider than 13 inches
• You require heavy-duty industrial power for thick stock removal
• You prefer a stationary planer that does not need mounting

Verdict: FindBuyTool 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer is a solid choice for hobbyists who value precision and finish quality over raw capacity. It suits those working with narrower boards who want to avoid tear-out on difficult woods.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• borgusi 20 inch treadmill alternatives
• dgleyisu 20 inch lpg alternatives