WEN Thickness Planer 13-In Benchtop Two-Speed - Smooth Finish

In this review of the WEN Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-Inch Spiral Blade, Benchtop (PL1337) the bottom line is simple: this is a capable benchtop planer for hobbyists and small shop users who need consistent, smooth results without a commercial footprint. The standout reason to buy is the spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered HSS blades paired with a 15-amp motor and selectable feed rates, which delivers a clean finish on both soft and hard woods while letting users choose speed for quick dimensioning or a finer surface.

Key Features

• Two-speed operation: Choose 26 ft per minute for faster removal or 16 ft per minute when aiming for an extra smooth final surface.
• Spiral cutterhead: Twenty-six staggered, rotatable HSS blades reduce tear out and create a consistently smooth finish across a variety of woods.
• Capacity: Planes boards up to 13 in wide and 6 in thick, covering most small project and furniture prep needs.
• Powerful motor: The 15-amp motor spins the cutterhead up to 10,000 RPM for high cutting density and efficient passes.
• Onboard controls and gauges: Includes a depth stop and material removal gauge so users can easily monitor and limit pass depth for repeatable results.
• Dust and storage conveniences: Combination 2-1/2 in and 4 in dust port plus onboard wrench storage and return rollers for smoother workpiece handling.

Who It's For

This planer is best for woodworkers, DIYers, and small-shop builders who need a benchtop machine that balances power with finish quality. Its spiral cutterhead and two-speed feed make it especially useful for those restoring rough lumber or dimensioning boards for cabinetry and furniture without heavy sanding afterward.

Users who need industrial throughput, very wide stock beyond 13 in, or a portable field planer should look elsewhere; similarly, buyers seeking an ultralight hobby unit may find the heavy base and bench footprint more machine than necessary.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Produces smooth, clean cuts thanks to the 26 HSS blades in the spiral cutterhead.
• Flexible two-speed feed lets users prioritize speed or finish quality as needed.
• Robust 15-amp motor and high cutterhead RPM deliver efficient material removal.
• Thoughtful onboard features such as a material removal gauge, depth stop, and dust port improve workflow.

Cons

• Some users note mixed results with snipe control, so thicker or longer stock may require attention to support and technique.
• Benchtop size limits workpiece width to 13 in and thickness to 6 in, which may not suit larger projects.

Specifications

Brand	WEN
Cutterhead blades	26 staggered rotatable HSS blades
Feed rates	26 ft per min and 16 ft per min
Planing capacity	Up to 13 in wide and 6 in thick
Motor	15 amp, up to 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed
Dust port	Combination 2-1/2 in and 4 in
Warranty	Two-year warranty

Our Verdict

The WEN 13-in benchtop thickness planer is a strong value for hobbyists and small shops needing a reliable machine that produces a smooth finish with minimal tear out. Its spiral cutterhead, two-speed feed, and practical onboard features make it a sensible buy for anyone prepping lumber for furniture or restoration work, provided the 13 in width and 6 in thickness limits meet your projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How wide and thick of a board will this planer handle?
The planer planes boards up to 13 in wide and 6 in thick.

Can it deliver a finish that reduces sanding?
Yes, the 26-blade spiral cutterhead with staggered HSS blades is designed to produce a clean, smooth surface that often reduces the need for heavy sanding.

Does it include dust collection and storage features?
It includes a combination 2-1/2 in and 4 in dust port and onboard wrench storage, plus return rollers to aid workpiece handling.