Pros
Great value for money
Solid performance for the price
Easy to set up
Handles a variety of woods well
Adjustable infeed and outfeed tables
Compact and lightweight
Works well with dust collection systems
Smooth and consistent planing results
Little to no snipe in many cases
Good for hobbyists and DIYers on a budget
Generally good reviews and customer satisfaction
Cons
Needs frequent manual adjustments
Nylon gears may have limited lifespan
Blades may require more frequent changes
Main Product Advantages
9 Value for Money
The WEN PL1252 offers great value for its price, especially considering comparable planers are more expensive. Users appreciate the cost-effectiveness for hobbyist and small-scale projects.
8 Performance
The planer performs well on various types of wood, including hardwoods and softwoods. Users have noted that it handles tough and knotty wood effectively and produces smooth surfaces.
7 Ease of Setup
Setup is relatively straightforward although some minor adjustments are needed. Users with basic mechanical skills found it easy to set up and start using the planer quickly.
7 Durability
The construction is considered sturdy but not as durable as higher-end models. Some users mentioned concerns over the longevity of components like the nylon gears.
7 Dust Collection
The dust collection system works adequately but is not perfect. Users have found that it catches most but not all of the debris.
7 Snipe Control
Snipe is present but minimal, and can be controlled with proper setup and technique. Users found it manageable and not a significant issue.
7 Included Accessories
Comes with useful accessories like a dust chute, adjusting handle, and T-handle hex wrench. Users appreciated the onboard storage for these items.
6 Portability
Weighing around 73 lbs, the planer is heavy but manageable for short-term moving. Users with limited space found this to be a minor drawback.
6 Noise Level
The noise level is high, typical of planers, necessitating the use of hearing protection. Users noted the planer is loud but not unusually so for its category.
6 Instruction Manual
The included manual is slightly lacking, often noted as a translation that could be better. However, it provides sufficient guidance for basic setup and use.
WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer Review
Remember when you brought those old jagged boards back to life? The WEN 12.5-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer repurposes rough and worn wood for an exceptionally smooth finish. This planer stands out in the market for its powerful 15-amp motor that provides up to 20,000 cuts per minute at a 26 feet per minute feed rate, making it a versatile and efficient tool for any woodworking enthusiast.
Performance
The WEN PL1252 can plane boards up to 12.5 inches wide and 6 inches thick with ease. The handy depth adjustment knob allows each pass to take off anywhere from 0 to 1/8 of an inch, providing precision and control over the thickness of the material. The 2-inch dust port is effective at removing chips and sawdust from the workpiece, helping to maintain a clear and clean workspace.
Design and Usability
One of the key features is the onboard workpiece return rollers, which make multiple passes a breeze. The height-adjustable infeed and outfeed tables limit snipe and provide extra support to your workpiece during planing. This planer measures in at 55.6 pounds with dimensions of 22 by 23.5 by 18.25 inches, along with a 20 by 12.5-inch footprint, making it compact yet sturdy. The onboard rubber-grip handles make it easy to move around the shop, while the predrilled base holes offer options for mounting it to your work surface or a stand, such as the WEN MSA658T Rolling Planer Stand.
Customer Support and Durability
As a WEN product, the PL1252 comes with a friendly customer support line and a stocked inventory of replacement parts, ensuring that your investment remains functional and durable for years to come. This adds an extra layer of reassurance, knowing that help and parts are readily available when needed.
Conclusion
The WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer is a highly capable and versatile tool that excels in performance and usability. With features like a powerful motor, depth adjustment, effective dust port, and height-adjustable tables, this planer is an excellent choice for both amateur and professional woodworkers. Its manageable weight and compact design make it a convenient addition to any workshop. Backed by WEN’s reputable customer support and availability of replacement parts, this thickness planer offers a reliable solution for wood planing tasks.
