The Craftsman 21759 is a strong machine that leaves an excellent surface. It includes two feed speeds. The low feed speed setting increases the cuts per inch creating a better surface. It has a consistent, repeatable digital depth gauge and impressive dust collection. The turret-style depth stop broke on the first model we tested, but Craftsman provided us with another planer, and the stop didn’t break on that one (we tried). In any case, the stops on all the machines were less than accurate, and the Craftsman includes a digital depth gauge, which is very accurate. It tied with the DeWalt 735 in my pick for best overall.

Editor’s Note 5/15/2009: The Craftsman 21759 planer has been discontinued and no longer available online.

Photo: Anissa Kapsales

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

JessEm Mite-R Excel II Miter Gauge

The gauge has a quick and easy method for fitting the guide bar precisely to your tablesaw’s miter slot. This means the gauge can be recalibrated if necessary for continued accuracy. The face of the protractor head can be adjusted square to the table and also square to the guide bar. This ensures accurate cuts, and it, too, can be readjusted if the need arises. The protractor head has stainless-steel knobs and fittings and high-contrast, easy-to-read white numbers and increments.

Buy at Amazon

Freud Super Dado Saw Blade Set 8" x 5/8" Bore

Leaves a dado with a flat bottom and even performs excellent on plywood and melamine.

Buy at Woodcraft

Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM

You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you.

Buy at Rockler