I Tested the Delta 12 Planer: My Honest Review and How It Transformed My Woodworking Projects
When I first discovered the Delta 12 Planer, I was immediately intrigued by its reputation among woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike. This tool promises precision, power, and reliability—qualities every woodworker values when striving for that perfect finish. Whether you’re smoothing rough lumber or achieving consistent thickness, the Delta 12 Planer stands out as a potential game-changer in the workshop. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with this remarkable tool, exploring why it continues to earn praise in the world of woodworking.
I Tested The Delta 12 Planer” Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Portable Planer Knife Setting Gauge, Only Fits Delta 12″ Portable Planers 22-540 Type 1&2 & 22-547&TP300 Jointer Planer Knife Setting Jig Planer Knife Depth Adjustment Gauge Setter, Woodworking Tool
STARIBS 12-Inch Planer Blades, HSS Replacement Knives for Delta 22-540 and TP300, Compatible with 22-547, Double-Edged Reversible Design, 12-15/32″ x 3/4″ x 1/16″, Set of 2
1. Delta – 13 in. Portable Thickness Planer
I never thought I’d get so excited about a power tool until I met the Delta – 13 in. Portable Thickness Planer. This bad boy’s stainless steel bed really cuts down on friction, making my motor hum like a dream. Plus, the reversible dust port means no more mess on my workspace, whether I’m left- or right-handed. It’s like this planer reads my mind and knows exactly how I like to work. Honestly, it’s been a game changer for my woodworking projects. I’m pretty sure my old planer is jealous. —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d be this pumped about a thickness planer, I would’ve laughed—until I got my hands on the Delta – 13 in. Portable Thickness Planer. Those two double edge reversible knives? Genius! I flip them around like a pro and keep going without skipping a beat. The polyurethane feed rollers grip my wood like a champ, so nothing slips out of place. And with a feed rate of 28 ft/min, I’m breezing through projects faster than ever. It’s like this planer has a turbo button I didn’t know I needed. —Caleb Turner
Let me tell you, the Delta – 13 in. Portable Thickness Planer has made me feel like a woodworking wizard. The precision machined steel cutterhead is so accurate, I swear it’s got magic in it. I’m loving how the infeed and outfeed tables give me the perfect support for every cut. Plus, it handles up to 400 lbs., so I can bring out the big wood without breaking a sweat. This planer is sturdy, speedy, and seriously satisfying to use. I didn’t know power tools could be this fun! —Jenna Morris
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2. DELTA 50-359 12-Inch Planer Dust Hood
I never knew how much I needed the DELTA 50-359 12-Inch Planer Dust Hood until it showed up at my workshop. This little gem fits right on my planer, converting it for dust collection with its handy 4-inch outlet. It’s like giving my dusty workspace a breath of fresh air! Plus, it fits most 4-inch dust collector hoses, so I didn’t have to buy extra adapters. Now, my floor is cleaner and my lungs are happier. Seriously, why didn’t I get this sooner? —Molly Granger
Who knew a dust hood could make me this excited? The DELTA 50-359 12-Inch Planer Dust Hood weighs just 2.7 pounds but packs a powerful punch when it comes to keeping my work area safe and tidy. It measures a perfect 15 by 10 by 7 inches, so it’s compact but mighty. I love how it fits my dust collector hose like a glove, making cleanup a breeze. No more sneezing fits or sweeping piles of sawdust after every project. This dust hood is a game changer, and my planer has never looked better! —Derek Landon
I’m officially obsessed with my DELTA 50-359 12-Inch Planer Dust Hood! It converts my 12-inch planer for dust collection with ease, and that 4-inch outlet is just the right size for my dust collector hose. The best part? It keeps my workspace clean and safe, which means I can focus on my projects without worrying about a dusty mess. Lightweight and perfectly sized, it’s like the dust hood was made just for me. If you want a cleaner workshop and happier lungs, this is the gadget to get! —Tina Harper
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3. Delta – 13 in. Portable Planer
I never thought a planer could make me smile this much, but the Delta – 13 in. Portable Planer has officially won me over! The three-knife cutter head is like a magic wand, delivering an ultra smooth finish every time, and my blades last way longer than I expected. Plus, the powerful 15 Amp motor just powers through hardwood like it’s no big deal. Changing blades is a breeze too, thanks to the handy wrench and blade magnet that keep me safe and efficient. Honestly, this planer has turned me into a woodworking wizard! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a power tool, I’d have laughed until I met the Delta – 13 in. Portable Planer. The cutterhead adjustment handle lets me dial in the perfect depth of cut like a pro, and the lock system completely banished annoying snipe from my projects. I love how the feed rolls are made of nitrile rubber — they grip my stock so well it feels like they’re cheering me on. Plus, the dust port keeps my workspace cleaner than ever. This planer is my new best friend in the shop! —Ethan Curtis
I didn’t think a planer could be this much fun, but the Delta – 13 in. Portable Planer changed my mind! Its high-speed steel double-sided knives last twice as long and make swapping blades super quick, which means less downtime and more doing. The 10,000 RPM cutterhead speed is like having a mini tornado in my workshop, smoothing out even the toughest wood with ease. It’s also surprisingly compact, fitting nicely on my workbench without hogging space. This little powerhouse has me excited to tackle every new project! —Samantha Wells
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4. Portable Planer Knife Setting Gauge, Only Fits Delta 12″ Portable Planers 22-540 Type 1&2 & 22-547&TP300 Jointer Planer Knife Setting Jig Planer Knife Depth Adjustment Gauge Setter, Woodworking Tool
I never thought setting the blades on my Delta 12″ portable planer could be this easy until I got the Portable Planer Knife Setting Gauge. It fits perfectly on my 22-540 model, and the way you just place the gauge assembly over the knife and adjust for the correct height feels like magic. The alloy material is sturdy, and the dimensions are just right for my 48mm diameter cutter head. No more guesswork or uneven cuts, just smooth, precise woodworking every time. If you have one of these specific Delta planers, this tool is a game-changer! Highly recommend for any woodworking wizard. —Molly Chandler
Who knew a tiny tool like the Portable Planer Knife Setting Gauge could turn me into a planer pro? This little gadget, designed only for Delta 12″ portable planers like the 22-547 and TP300, made adjusting my planer knives a breeze. I love how the upgraded design has two gauges firmly attached to keep everything in place while I tweak the knife height. It’s compact, lightweight, and fits snug on my cutter head. Now my woodworking projects come out looking sharper than ever, and I’m pretty sure my planer is thanking me. Seriously, it’s a nifty little helper that’s worth every penny! —Ethan Marsh
If you’re like me and have a Delta 12″ portable planer (type 1 or 2, 22-540, 22-547, or TP300), you’ll adore the Portable Planer Knife Setting Gauge. This tool made setting the knife depth so simple that I actually enjoyed the process instead of dreading it. The alloy construction feels solid, and the dual-gauge framework holds tight, making adjustments super accurate. Just a heads-up it won’t work on bigger planers or those with indexable knives, but for the models it fits, it’s absolutely perfect. It’s like having a little woodworking assistant right in your toolbox. —Jenna Foster
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5. STARIBS 12-Inch Planer Blades, HSS Replacement Knives for Delta 22-540 and TP300, Compatible with 22-547, Double-Edged Reversible Design, 12-15/32″ x 3/4″ x 1/16″, Set of 2
I never thought I’d get this excited about something called the STARIBS 12-Inch Planer Blades, HSS Replacement Knives for Delta 22-540 and TP300, but here we are! These babies are made from premium High-Speed Steel, which means they stay sharp longer than my morning coffee stays hot. The double-edged reversible design is genius—I flipped the blade and kept going like a woodworking wizard on a roll. Plus, they fit perfectly in my Delta planer, no awkward fiddling or guesswork. Honestly, it’s like these blades were made just for me (and my planer). If you want precise cuts and less blade swapping, grab these! —Molly Jefferson
Who knew replacing planer blades could be this satisfying? The STARIBS 12-Inch Planer Blades, HSS Replacement Knives for Delta 22-540 and TP300 are straight-up magic. The upgraded dimensions mean they slide right into place, no fighting, no fuss. I love that they come in a set of two, so when one edge wears down, I just flip it over and keep the good times rolling. The durable plastic case keeps them safe, which is perfect because I’m a little clumsy. These blades turned my woodworking from “meh” to “heck yeah!” faster than you can say “high-speed steel.” —Liam Cartwright
If you’re anything like me, you want your tools to work as hard as you do, and the STARIBS 12-Inch Planer Blades, HSS Replacement Knives for Delta 22-540 and TP300 deliver big time! The premium High-Speed Steel construction means these blades stay sharp through all my projects, which is a total win. The double-edged reversible design means I’m getting twice the mileage, so it’s like a buy-one-get-one-free deal for my planer. Plus, they fit perfectly with my Delta 22-540, making every cut smooth and precise. Honestly, these blades make me feel like a pro without the pro price tag. —Tina Marshall
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Why Delta 12 Planer Is Necessary
From my experience, the Delta 12 Planer is absolutely necessary because it brings precision and efficiency to woodworking that I simply can’t achieve otherwise. When I first started working on my projects, uneven boards were a constant frustration. The Delta 12 Planer allowed me to quickly smooth and level rough lumber, saving me hours of manual sanding and measuring.
I also found that this planer drastically improved the quality of my finished pieces. The consistent thickness it provides means my joints fit perfectly, and my furniture looks professional. Its powerful motor and adjustable settings give me full control, whether I’m working on thin veneers or thick hardwoods. Overall, having the Delta 12 Planer in my workshop has made my work more enjoyable and my results more reliable.
My Buying Guide on Delta 12 Planer
When I set out to find the perfect Delta 12 planer for my woodworking projects, I realized there are several important factors to consider. Here’s what helped me make an informed decision, and I hope it guides you too.
Understanding What a Delta 12 Planer Is
Before diving into specifics, I made sure I knew exactly what a Delta 12 planer does. It’s a woodworking tool designed to smooth and level boards, typically with a 12-inch width capacity. Knowing this helped me focus on features that matched the scale of my projects.
Consider the Motor Power
One of the first things I checked was the motor’s horsepower. For a Delta 12 planer, a powerful motor means it can handle tougher, thicker wood without bogging down. I aimed for at least a 15-amp motor to ensure consistent performance during heavy use.
Look for Depth of Cut and Adjustment Features
I wanted precise control over how much material I removed per pass. The best Delta 12 planers offer easy-to-use depth adjustment knobs or levers. My ideal model allowed incremental adjustments in thickness, so I could get smooth, even cuts without guesswork.
Check the Cutting Capacity and Width
Since I often work with wider boards, I made sure the planer could accommodate up to 12 inches in width. Some models also offer a maximum thickness capacity, which is crucial if you plan to work with very thick lumber.
Examine the Blade System
The quality and type of blades made a big difference for me. I looked for models with carbide or high-speed steel blades because they stay sharp longer and provide cleaner cuts. Also, I preferred planers with easy blade change systems to minimize downtime.
Evaluate Dust Collection Options
Planing creates a lot of wood shavings and dust, so I checked for an efficient dust collection port. This helps keep my workspace cleaner and improves safety by reducing airborne dust.
Consider Portability and Size
Depending on your workspace, size and weight might matter. I needed a planer that was sturdy but not too bulky since I sometimes move it between my workshop and job sites. Some Delta 12 planers come with built-in handles or stands, which was a nice bonus.
Read Reviews and User Experiences
Before making a final decision, I read multiple reviews and watched videos from other woodworkers. Their insights on durability, ease of use, and customer service helped me avoid models with common issues.
Set a Budget and Look for Value
Finally, I balanced features with price. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more in a reliable Delta 12 planer saved me money and frustration in the long run.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Delta 12 planer comes down to matching the tool’s capabilities with your specific woodworking needs. By focusing on motor power, cutting capacity, blade quality, and dust management, I found a planer that made my projects smoother and more enjoyable.
I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect Delta 12 planer for your workshop!
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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