Best Double Housing Planer Machine Options for Woodworking Projects
When selecting a double housing planer machine, builders seek reliable performance, precise thicknessing, and robust construction. This article highlights five strong options from trusted brands, with practical features for hobbyists and professionals alike. Each entry includes a brief overview, key features, and how it fits into common shop workflows. A buying guide afterward helps compare capabilities, maintenance considerations, and value across different models.
| Product | Brand | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Double Planer Board | Downriggers | BigWater applications; high-visibility chamber design |
| WEN PL1303 | WEN Store | Three-blade performance; solid motor power |
| WEN PL1326 | WEN Store | Spiral cutterhead; smooth finish; depth gauge |
| DEWALT Planer DW735 | DEWALT Store | Two-speed; durable cutter head; wide-cut capability |
| Brocraft Planer Reel Board | Brocraft Store | Marine-grade aluminum; adjustable mast |
Double Planer Board By Downriggers
The Double Planer Board by Downriggers is designed for big-water applications, featuring 28″ x 8″ HI VIS plastic chambers and sealed foam construction. Its large dimensions support broader stock processing, and the bright materials aid visibility during demanding tasks. This option emphasizes buoyant, sealed design for stable planing in challenging conditions, making it suitable for specialized marine or large-board projects where consistent thicknessing is needed.
WEN PL1303 13-Inch Thickness Planer
The WEN PL1303 offers a 15-amp motor capable of 30,000 cuts per minute, with a 13-inch wide capacity and a three-blade setup. It accepts boards up to 6 inches thick, enabling substantial stock removal for thicker components. The model balances power and affordability, making it a practical choice for shops that require frequent, reliable planing across a range of projects.
WEN PL1326 Spiral Benchtop Planer
The WEN PL1326 features a spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades, delivering a smoother finish and easier blade changes. An onboard material removal gauge helps monitor depth per pass, and it supports boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. This design reduces tear-out and provides precise, repeatable results for fine woodworking and general thicknessing tasks.
DEWALT Planer, 13-Inch, DW735
The DEWALT DW735 is a 13-inch thickness planer with a 2-speed option and a heavy-duty 15-amp motor. It includes a dust hose adapter and a three-knife cutter head delivering extended knife life and faster changes. The motor power and wider-cutter head enable efficient removal on larger stock, making it a staple for versatile shops needing durability and rugged performance.
Brocraft Planer Reel Board System
The Brocraft Planer Reel Board System features a marine-grade aluminum build with CNC processing and an anodized finish. Its heavy-duty welded base and adjustable mast—from 40″ to 72″—make it suitable for larger, outdoor, or marine applications where stability and modular mounting are essential. This setup is ideal for projects requiring flexible positioning and corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing a double housing planer machine, consider board size, cutterhead design, motor power, and dust management. For smooth finishes, spiral cutterheads (as seen in the WEN PL1326) reduce tear-out and improve surface quality. If you frequently work with thicker stock, a planer with a robust motor and adequate depth capacity (like the DEWALT DW735 or WEN PL1303) helps maintain efficiency. Durable construction, ease of blade replacement, and onboard depth gauges also contribute to long-term value. For marine or outdoor applications, corrosion resistance and adjustable mounting options (as with the Brocraft system) add versatility. Finally, compatibility with existing shop dust collection systems enhances cleanliness and safety.
Performance And Fit
Evaluate how much material you plan to remove per pass and how often you work with wide boards. A spiral cutterhead provides smoother surfaces, especially on end grain. A dual-speed or thicker-capable model reduces fabrication time on larger pieces. Match the machine’s width capacity to your common stock to minimize re-sawing and transitions between operations.
Maintenance And Longevity
Look for a cutter head with longer blade life and easy access for replacements. Solid bearings and durable housings extend tool life in demanding environments. Dust collection compatibility reduces clogs and keeps the work area clean, which is important for accuracy and safety.
Feature Trade-offs
High-end features like spiral cutterheads and onboard gauges add cost but improve finish quality and control. Simpler models with standard blades may be more affordable but require more frequent maintenance and blade changes. Consider your typical project scale, storage space, and budget to find the best balance.
Usage Scenarios
Choose a model that aligns with your most common projects: cabinetry and furniture fabrication benefit from precise thicknessing and smooth finishes; marine or outdoor projects require rugged, weather-resistant builds; hobbyists may prioritize affordability and ease of use. The included features in each model should map to these scenarios for optimal performance.