10 Best Wood Planers With Two Speeds for Smoother, Faster Results in 2026

If you want cleaner passes, better control, and less tear-out, wood planers with two speeds are a smart upgrade for the shop. They give you a faster feed for rough stock and a slower setting for finer finishing.

Below, we’ve narrowed the field to ten strong options for serious hobbyists and working woodworkers, with a focus on cut quality, capacity, and day-to-day usability.

Best 10 Wood Planers with Two Speeds Picks for 2026

Top pick for power and versatility – DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch 2-Speed Thickness Planer

If you’re comparing wood planers with two speeds, the DEWALT DW735X is built for users who want a powerful benchtop machine with flexible feed settings. Its 15 amp motor, 13-inch capacity, and two-speed gear box make it a strong fit for smoothing wider stock while dialing in either faster material removal or a finer finish.

Best For: Woodworkers who want a high-capacity benchtop planer with two feed speeds and strong snipe control.

Pros:

• Two-speed gear box lets you choose 96 or 179 CPI for different cut quality needs.
• Three-knife cutter head is designed for longer knife life and faster knife changes.
• Automatic carriage lock helps reduce movement that can cause snipe.
• Fan-assisted chip ejection helps clear debris from the cutter head.

Cons:

• At 102 pounds, it is a heavy benchtop planer.
• Requires corded power and shop space for a 13-inch machine.

Overall, the DW735X stands out as a feature-rich option for users who want two-speed control, accurate thicknessing, and a planer that includes helpful setup accessories like infeed and outfeed tables.

Best for smooth finish control – Cutech 40800H 13-Inch 2-Speed Spiral Planer

For shoppers looking at wood planers with two speeds, the Cutech 40800H focuses on smoother cuts and easy adjustment for tougher stock. Its spiral cutterhead, 2-speed feed rate, and snipe-minimizing design make it a practical benchtop choice for hardwood, figured wood, and repeat thicknessing.

Best For: Beginners or home woodworkers who want smoother cuts and a slower feed option for harder or figured wood.

Pros:

• Spiral cutterhead with staggered inserts is designed for a smoother, quieter finish.
• Two-speed feed rate includes a slower 16-fpm setting for reducing tearout.
• Patented coupling design and four lead screws help minimize snipe.
• Board return rollers make repeat passes easier.

Cons:

• 13-inch capacity may be limiting for larger stock.
• Best results depend on choosing the right feed speed for the material.

This model is a good fit if finish quality matters more than raw speed, especially when working with hardwoods or boards that are prone to tearout.

Simple benchtop option – CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 15 Amp Benchtop Planer

The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is a straightforward benchtop planer for users who want dependable stock removal without extra complexity. It uses a 15 amp motor, a two-knife solid steel cutter head, and a vacuum port, making it a practical choice for general hardwood and softwood planning in a smaller shop.

Best For: Budget-conscious users who want a simple, compact benchtop planer for general woodworking.

Pros:

• 15 amp motor provides power for both hard and soft wood removal.
• Two-knife quick-change cutter head is mounted on ball bearings for smooth operation.
• High carbon steel reversible knives offer long cutting life.
• Vacuum port supports cleaner dust collection.

Cons:

• 12.25-inch cutting width is narrower than 13-inch planers.
• It does not offer a two-speed feed system.

If you do not need advanced feed-speed options, this model keeps the setup simple while still offering solid power and practical dust management for everyday shop use.

Premium helical planer choice – JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch 2-Speed Helical Planer

Among wood planers with two speeds, the JET JWP-13BT is aimed at users who want smoother, quieter cutting and repeatable results. Its helical-style cutterhead, 2-speed feed rate, and cast iron bed give it a more refined setup for serious benchtop woodworking.

Best For: Woodworkers who want a premium benchtop planer with helical cutting and two feed speeds.

Pros:

• Helical-style cutterhead uses 26 inserts for a smoother, quieter cut.
• Two-speed feed rate offers 18 FPM and 26 FPM for different jobs.
• Precision-machined cast iron bed helps keep boards flat and reduce snipe.
• Folding infeed/outfeed tables help with leveling and storage.

Cons:

• 13-inch width may not suit larger boards.
• Heavier 75-pound build is less portable than smaller units.

This JET model is a strong match if you want a planer that blends two-speed convenience with a more advanced cutterhead and sturdy table support.

Premium two-speed pick – DEWALT DW735 2-Speed Thickness Planer

If you want wood planers with two speeds for thicker stock and cleaner finish work, the DEWALT DW735 is built for both. Its 13-inch capacity, 15-amp motor, and two-speed gearbox let you choose between faster stock removal and a finer feed rate, while the three-knife cutter head is designed for longer knife life and easier blade changes.

Best For: Woodworkers who want a rugged benchtop planer with true two-speed flexibility and strong dust handling.

Pros:

• Two-speed gearbox offers 96 or 179 cuts per inch to match roughing or finishing passes
• Three-knife cutter head is rated for 30% longer knife life and simpler knife changes
• Fan-assisted chip ejection helps clear debris from the cutter head and out of the machine
• Rigid cast aluminum base and automatic carriage lock help reduce movement that causes snipe

Cons:

• Corded design means you need a nearby power outlet
• Heavier-duty build may be more planer than a casual DIY user needs

Overall, this is the most feature-rich option here for buyers who want speed control, better chip management, and a planer that’s designed for larger cuts in wider materials.

Smooth-finish spiral pick – WEN PL1326 Spiral 13-Inch Planer

Among wood planers with two speeds, this WEN model is a good fit if you care more about a smooth surface than speed switching. It uses a spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades and a 15-amp motor that runs at 10,000 RPM, making it a straightforward benchtop thickness planer for boards up to 13 inches wide.

Best For: Buyers who want a spiral cutterhead planer for smooth, consistent results on standard-width boards.

Pros:

• Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades for a clean finish
• Onboard material removal gauge helps track each pass
• Handles boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide
• Includes a depth stop and adjustable dust port

Cons:

• Listed style name is one speed, so it does not offer two-speed feed control
• No feed-speed flexibility for switching between rough and fine cutting modes

This is a practical choice if your priority is finish quality and simple operation rather than variable feed speed, but it is not the pick to make if two-speed performance is the feature you need most.

Budget two-speed workhorse – VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer

If you’re shopping for wood planers with two speeds and want a lot of capability for the money, this VEVOR benchtop planer is worth a close look. It planes boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick, uses a three-knife cutter head, and gives you two feed speeds so you can choose faster planing or a slower, smoother pass on figured stock.

Best For: Buyers who want a two-speed planer with wide-board capacity and a strong feature set for general shop use.

Pros:

• Two feed speeds: 24 f/m for faster removal or 15 f/m for smoother cuts
• 13-inch widened worktable with pull-out extensions for better stock support
• Three-knife cutter head and hardened steel construction for consistent performance
• Built-in over-current protection and vacuum port add practical everyday safety and cleanup help

Cons:

• Bulkier build may take more bench or storage space
• Strong 20A protection suggests it’s best used with appropriate power planning

For buyers who want two-speed control without giving up wide capacity or modern convenience features, this VEVOR is a well-rounded option that covers the basics and then some.

Heavy-Duty Benchtop Pick – VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer

If you want a practical entry in the wood planers with two speeds conversation, this VEVOR benchtop model is built more around raw capacity and job-site convenience than finesse-only features. It offers a 13-inch cutting width, a 15-amp motor, and a 6 m/min feed speed, making it a straightforward choice for resurfacing old boards and handling general woodworking cleanup.

Best For: DIYers and woodworkers who want a compact, heavy-duty planer with a stand and easy material handling.

Pros:

• 13-inch width and up to 6.3-inch cutting thickness for broad project compatibility
• 15-amp motor with 8000 rpm blade speed for efficient planing
• Foldable extension plates and a detachable stand for more flexible storage
• Dust exhaust interface plus dust cover option to help keep the workspace cleaner

Cons:

• Only one feed speed is listed, so it is not a true two-speed planer
• At 67 pounds, it is portable but still fairly heavy for frequent moving
• Best suited to general planing rather than precision finish customization

Overall, this is a solid utility-focused thickness planer if your priority is dependable stock removal and practical setup features. It makes the most sense for users who need a rugged benchtop machine more than a finish-tuning two-speed system.

Two-Speed Smooth Finish Pick – WEN 13-Inch Spiral Blade Planer

Among wood planers with two speeds, this WEN model is the most clearly aimed at letting you choose between faster dimensioning and a cleaner final pass. Its two feed rates, spiral cutterhead, and 13-inch capacity make it a practical benchtop option for woodworkers who want more control over the finish.

Best For: Woodworkers who want a true two-speed planer for switching between faster material removal and finer results.

Pros:

• Two feed speeds: 26 FPM for quick dimensioning and 16 FPM for better finishes
• Spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered, rotatable HSS blades for smooth cutting
• Handles boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick
• Includes depth stop, onboard gauge, dust port, and workpiece return rollers

Cons:

• Benchtop design still requires dedicated workspace
• At 69 pounds, it is not the lightest option to move around
• Best results depend on taking advantage of the slower feed setting

This is the strongest fit if two-speed operation is the feature you care about most. It gives you a straightforward way to balance speed and surface quality without stepping up to a more complex machine.

Precision Two-Speed Choice – VEVOR 13-Inch Dual-Roller Planer

If you are comparing wood planers with two speeds and want a model focused on control, this VEVOR benchtop planer is built around steady feeding and repeatable depth adjustment. It combines a dual-roller system, three HSS blades, and two feed speeds to help balance efficient stock removal with cleaner finishing passes.

Best For: Users who want a two-speed benchtop planer for steadier feeding, hardwood use, and more repeatable results.

Pros:

• Two feed speeds for switching between efficiency and precision
• Dual-roller feeding system helps reduce vibration and alignment issues
• Three-blade cutterhead and up to 24,000 CPM for smooth cutting
• Compatible with 2-inch and 4-inch dust hoses for easier cleanup

Cons:

• The notes do not specify exact feed-speed values
• Benchtop footprint still needs dedicated shop space
• At 58.4 pounds, it is easier to move than some rivals, but still not ultra-light

For buyers who care about feeding stability and a more controlled cut, this is a compelling two-speed option. It looks especially useful if you work with both hard and soft woods and want a planer that emphasizes consistency.

How We Picked the Best Wood Planers with Two Speeds

We focused on Wood Planers with Two Speeds that offer a practical mix of power, cut quality, and shop-friendly features. That means enough motor strength to handle hardwoods, a stable benchtop design, and feed options that actually improve workflow rather than just adding a spec line.

We also looked for useful details such as spiral or helical cutterheads, dust collection, snipe reduction, cutterhead design, and overall capacity. For most buyers, the best machine is the one that balances surface finish with how often you’ll use the slower, smoother setting versus the faster stock-removal mode.

Quick Comparison

In simple terms, two-speed planers usually split into two buyer types: models built for heavier stock removal and models tuned for smoother finishing passes. Spiral and helical cutterhead machines tend to prioritize quieter operation and better finish quality, while knife-based designs often deliver strong value and straightforward maintenance.

Benchtop 13-inch units are the most common sweet spot for home shops, offering enough width for furniture parts without taking over the workspace. If you process rough lumber often, a stronger feed system and deeper cut capacity matter more than extra convenience features.

Key Buying Factors for Wood Planers with Two Speeds

Feed Speed Range

The main advantage of Wood Planers with Two Speeds is control. Use the faster setting when you want to remove material quickly, then switch to the slower setting for cleaner passes and reduced risk of tear-out. If you work with figured wood, the slower mode is especially valuable.

Cutterhead Type

Spiral and helical cutterheads typically leave a better finish and can be quieter than straight-knife systems, though they often cost more. Straight-knife planers can still be a smart buy if you value lower upfront cost and simpler blade replacement.

Motor Power and Capacity

Look closely at horsepower, amperage, and maximum width and thickness capacity. A planer that looks capable on paper should still have enough reserve power to keep feed consistent in hardwoods and wider boards.

Snipe Control and Dust Management

Even a strong planer can frustrate you if it leaves noticeable snipe or clogs your workspace with chips. Features that minimize snipe and improve chip evacuation are worth prioritizing, especially if you plane long boards regularly.

Who Should Buy Which Wood Planers with Two Speeds?

If you want the best overall mix of finish quality and efficiency, choose a spiral or helical model with two speeds. If your priority is budget-friendly performance for general shop use, a straight-knife planer with dual feed rates can be a better value.

For furniture makers and anyone working with hardwoods or figured lumber, slower finishing passes are a major advantage. For remodelers, makers, and general-purpose woodworkers, a reliable benchtop unit with good capacity and easy blade service may be the most practical choice.