If there is one tool that separates a hobbyist from a craftsman, it’s the planer. A reliable benchtop thickness planer is an essential tool for every woodworker. Whether you’re tackling DIY projects in your garage, crafting custom furniture, or running a professional workshop, this machine quickly turns rough-sawn lumber into smooth, dimensionally accurate boards.
WOODSTARTER offers two heavy-hitters in this category: the Standard 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer and the Pro Model. This guide provides operation tips, technical comparisons, and buying advice based on real workshop insights and popular Reddit woodworking threads.
1. Pre-Planning Preparation
Before feeding any wood into your benchtop thickness planer, prep work is key to safety and quality results.
Selecting Wood
- Inspect for Metal: Avoid nails, staples, or metal debris to protect your blades and prolong the machine's life. Hitting metal is the fastest way to ruin a set of knives.
- Check Recycled Lumber: Always use a magnet or a handheld metal detector when working with reclaimed barn wood or pallet wood.
Flattening the Wood
- Capacity: The Standard Model handles 0.2''–6.2'' thickness, while the Pro Model offers a range of 1/4"–6-3/16".
- Jointing First: A planer makes faces parallel, not flat. If a board is warped or cupped, flatten one side on a jointer (or use a planer sled) first to avoid snipe and uneven thickness.
Safety Check
- Power & Stability: Ensure your power source is grounded and the machine is mounted stably.
- Protection: Both models feature overload and overheat protection. The Pro Model specifically includes a depth stop to prevent over-planing, a great feature for batch work.
2. Standard Model Operation
The Standard 13-Inch Planer is the workhorse for most DIY enthusiasts.
- Blades & Planing: Equipped with 2 HSS (High-Speed Steel) blades, providing smooth planing on softwood, hardwood, and plywood. Max cut is roughly 0.11" per pass.
- Feed Rate: Operates at 21 ft/min. Always feed against the cutter head rotation (follow the grain) to reduce tear-out.
- Preventing Snipe: Snipe—that dip at the end of the board—can be minimized by lifting up on the board slightly as it enters and exits. The 29-inch extended tables help stabilize long stock.
- User Experience: Features a built-in thickness scale. We recommend adding the optional stand for maximum stability.
3. Pro Model Operation
For those needing higher precision and efficiency, the Pro Model is the upgrade choice.
- Blades & Planing: Features a 3-blade HSS cutter head. This higher cuts-per-inch (CPI) ratio results in a significantly smoother surface, reducing sanding time. Capable of up to 1/8" removal per pass.
- Feed Efficiency: Includes a top-mounted return roller, allowing for faster, continuous feeding of multiple boards.
- Snipe Prevention & Safety: The combination of 29-inch extended tables and a precise depth stop ensures consistent thickness across batch jobs without accidental over-planing.
- Ideal For: Advanced DIY users, professional workshops, and processing large volumes of hardwood lumber.
4. Dust & Chip Management
Planers generate a massive volume of chips. Proper extraction is vital for performance.
- Compatibility: The 3-in-1 multi-size dust port fits most American shop vacs and dust collectors.
- Safety First: Keep the dust port clear. Always wear a N95 mask and ANSI-rated safety glasses.
- Airflow: If using a smaller shop vac, ensure the hose is straight to prevent clogging. Clean the blade slots and rollers regularly to prevent pitch buildup.
5. Blade Protection & Replacement
Blade Protection Tips
- Avoid Metal: Metal fragments destroy HSS blades instantly. Use a metal detector on reclaimed wood.
-
Watch Your Depth: Do not exceed the maximum safe cut.
- Standard: ≤0.11"
- Pro: ≤1/8"
- Avoid Idle Running: Running the machine empty for too long generates heat, which dulls blades faster.
- Clean Regularly: Pitch and resin buildup reduce cutting efficiency. Clean blades with a pitch remover or mineral spirits.
Blade Replacement Steps
- Disconnect power (Unplug the machine!).
- Loosen the blade gib screws.
- Remove old blades carefully (use magnets if provided).
- Clean the cutter head slot thoroughly.
- Install and align new blades using the setting gauge.
- Test on a piece of scrap wood before running project lumber.
6. Standard vs Pro Comparison
Choosing the right benchtop thickness planer depends on your workflow.
| Feature | Standard | Pro | Recommended Use |
| Width/Thickness | 13" / 0.2–6.2" | 13" / 1/4–6-3/16" | DIY vs. Pro Projects |
| Blades | 2 HSS | 3 HSS | Pro = Smoother finish |
| Motor | 2000W / 10,000 RPM | 2000W / 10,000 RPM | Pro is more efficient |
| Tables | 29" extended | 29" + top return roller | Return rollers speed up workflow |
| Depth Stop | No | Yes | Pro prevents errors |
7. Planer Stand Benefits
Both models are compatible with the WOODSTARTER Planer Stand with Mobile Base & Storage Shelf (58”×21”×38”, 500 lbs load). A solid stand is often the unsung hero of a good planing setup.
- Stability & Precision: The telescoping roller support dramatically reduces snipe by supporting the board as it exits the machine.
- Ergonomics: With 6 height levels, you can save your back during long milling sessions.
- Mobility: In small American garages, space is premium. The mobile base lets you tuck the tool away when not in use.
- Synergy: The Pro Model combined with this stand creates a stationary-quality station with a small footprint.
8. Conclusion
Mastering planer operation, selecting proper wood, and controlling your feed rate are the hallmarks of a skilled woodworker. Whether you choose the reliable Standard Model or the efficiency-focused Pro Model, WOODSTARTER planers provide the precision required for high-quality furniture making.
