WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-in Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer - Smooth

Our review of the WEN PL1326 finds it best suited to DIY woodworkers and small-shop users who need a reliable benchtop planer that delivers a clean finish without a lot of setup fuss. The single biggest reason to consider this model is its spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades, which consistently produces a smooth surface on both hard and soft woods while keeping edge tearout to a minimum. For anyone restoring rough boards or preparing stock for fine projects, this planer balances power and control in a compact package.

Key Features

• Spiral cutterhead: The 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades deliver a cleaner, quieter cut and a smoother finish than a single-knife head.
• 15-amp motor: Generates the power to spin the cutterhead at over 10,000 RPM and maintain a 26 ft per minute feed rate for steady material removal.
• Capacity: Planes boards up to 13 in wide and 6 in thick, making it suitable for most small-scale furniture and trim work.
• Onboard material removal gauge: Lets users see the cutting depth per pass so adjustments can be made with confidence to avoid overcutting.
• Depth adjustment knob: Permits precise cuts from 0 to 1/8 in per pass for controlled stock removal and predictable results.
• Cast iron base: Provides stability during operation to reduce walking or wobble when planing longer boards.

Who It's For

The WEN PL1326 is ideal for hobbyists, weekend woodworkers, and small shop owners who need a benchtop planer that produces a finish-ready surface without expensive tooling or complex setup. Its combination of a robust 15-amp motor and a rotatable HSS blade cassette makes it practical for restoring rough lumber and preparing panels for glue-ups.

Those who require industrial throughput, extremely wide capacity, or sub-0.001 in precision for commercial production should look elsewhere; this model is tuned for value, ease of use, and consistent finished surfaces rather than heavy continuous production in a high-volume shop.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Produces a smooth surface with minimal tearout thanks to the 26-blade spiral cutterhead.
• Powerful 15A motor maintains cutterhead speed and a steady 26 ft per minute feed rate under load.
• Clear onboard gauge and easy depth knob make pass planning straightforward for beginners.
• Sturdy cast iron base helps keep the unit stable during use.

Cons

• Benchtop capacity (13 in wide, 6 in thick) limits use to small- and medium-sized stock.
• Like most benchtop planers, users may still see some snipe without proper technique or support.

Specifications

Brand	WEN
Motor	15 amp
Cutterhead	Spiral with 26 staggered rotatable HSS blades
Width capacity	13 in
Thickness capacity	6 in
Cutterhead speed	Over 10,000 RPM
Feed rate	26 ft per minute

Our Verdict

The WEN PL1326 is a well-balanced benchtop planer for DIYers and small shops that need consistent, smooth results without a steep learning curve. Its 26-blade spiral head and solid motor deliver finish-ready surfaces and good value, making it a smart pick for restoring rough boards and routine planing tasks while remaining compact enough for limited workshop space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this planer handle hard woods?
Yes; the spiral cutterhead with HSS blades is designed to provide a clean finish on both hard and soft woods when fed at recommended depths.

How much material can be removed per pass?
The depth adjustment allows removal from 0 up to 1/8 in per pass for controlled stock removal.

Will the unit stay stable during use?
The heavy cast iron base helps minimize walking or wobble, though longer boards benefit from infeed and outfeed support.