# TLDR Review: WEN PL1326 Planer

*Published: 2025-04-30 | Updated: 2025-04-30 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/wen-pl1326-planer*

---

## Product: WEN PL1326 Planer
**Brand:** WEN

## Pros
- Excellent quality and reliable performance noted upon arrival.
- Spiral cutterhead provides a remarkably smooth finish, comparable to sanding with 400 or even 600 grit paper.
- Effectively planes hardwoods such as oak, wenge, hickory, and maple.
- Minimal initial setup required; easy to set up in less than 30 minutes.
- Operates significantly quieter than competing models.
- Produces an exceptionally smooth finish on materials after initial use.
- Individual blade replacement offers better maintenance than straight-bladed versions.
- Fantastic value for the quality, especially compared to more expensive spiral planers.

## Cons
- Multiple complaints about receiving used or refurbished units when new ones were promised.
- Base of the product showed signs of prior damage and touch-up paint, leading to quality distrust.
- Initial assembly may require checking and tightening screws as many were found loose.
- Generates a significant amount of small shavings, overwhelming standard shop vac dust extraction.
- Users may need a homemade dust management setup like a leaf blower system for effective operation.

## Bottom Line

The WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer impresses with its excellent build quality, smooth finish comparable to high-grit sanding, and ease of use. However, be aware of potential issues with receiving refurbished units and manage dust effectively for best results. Overall, it's a fantastic value for those seeking superior performance at a reasonable price. If condition concerns are significant to you, ensure purchase from a reliable source.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Excellent quality and reliable performance noted upon arrival. | Multiple complaints about receiving used or refurbished units when new ones were promised. |
| Spiral cutterhead provides a remarkably smooth finish, comparable to sanding with 400 or even 600 grit paper. | Base of the product showed signs of prior damage and touch-up paint, leading to quality distrust. |
| Effectively planes hardwoods such as oak, wenge, hickory, and maple. | Initial assembly may require checking and tightening screws as many were found loose. |
| Minimal initial setup required; easy to set up in less than 30 minutes. | Generates a significant amount of small shavings, overwhelming standard shop vac dust extraction. |
| Operates significantly quieter than competing models. | Users may need a homemade dust management setup like a leaf blower system for effective operation. |
| Produces an exceptionally smooth finish on materials after initial use. |  |
| Individual blade replacement offers better maintenance than straight-bladed versions. |  |
| Fantastic value for the quality, especially compared to more expensive spiral planers. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Workbbe | $79.99  | Check |
| Horronline | $100.00  | Check |
| Bonanza | $328.99  | Check |
| litvon | $422.85  | Check |
| BuildClub | $457.83  | Check |
| Storepaperoomates | $606.49  | Check |

---

*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*