Over the years, benchtop planers have evolved from crude job-site workhorses to tools that can fill the needs of exacting furniture makers. Nowadays, ergonomics plays a role in planer design, blade changes are far easier, innovative dust-collection systems are incorporated, and added gadgets let you preset a depth stop. Contributing editor Roland Johnson reviews 11 benchtop planers: Craftsman 21758, Craftsman 21759, Delta 22-580, DeWalt 734, DeWalt 735, Makita 2012NB, Ridgid 14673, Ryobi AP1301, Steel City 40200, Sunhill SM-346, and Woodtek 115-946.

From Fine Woodworking #195

A more recent review of available benchtop planers can be found here.

More on FineWoodworking.com:

• Get better cuts with your planer – Eliminate tearout, banish snipe, and get smooth results every time
• Workshop tip: Folding extension tables for benchtop planer
• Video: Rolland Johnson – Get the most from your planer

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

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

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon

Shop Fox W1826

The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.

Buy at Amazon