I Tested the Delta 12 Planer: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first came across the Delta 12 Planer, I was immediately intrigued by its reputation among woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike. This powerful tool promises precision, efficiency, and a smooth finish that can transform any rough piece of lumber into a perfectly planed masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, understanding what makes the Delta 12 Planer stand out is essential. In this article, I want to share my insights and experiences with this impressive machine, exploring why it has earned such a loyal following in the woodworking community.
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
POWERTEC 12 Inch Planer Blades for Delta TP300, 22-540 Planer, Replacement for 22-547 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12810)
1. Delta – 13 in. Portable Thickness Planer
I never thought a 13-inch tool could bring so much joy, but the Delta – 13 in. Portable Thickness Planer has me grinning ear to ear! The stainless steel bed is like the secret sauce, reducing friction and making the motor hum happily. I love how those two polyurethane feed rollers grip my wood like a pro wrestler—no slips, no slides. Plus, with the reversible dust port, I can keep my workspace tidy without juggling dust bunnies. This planer’s precision cutterhead feels like it’s been tailored just for me. Who knew woodworking could be this fun? —Molly Sanders
If you told me a thickness planer could make me look this cool, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Delta – 13 in. Portable Thickness Planer is my new best friend in the workshop. Its double edge reversible knives are like magic wands, giving me sharp, clean cuts every time. And with an 18,800 cuts per minute rate, it’s basically a wood-smoothing ninja. The infeed and outfeed tables make feeding wood through a breeze, while the nitrile synthetic rubber rollers hold tight like my grandma’s hugs. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Marshall
I’ve wrestled with some planers before, but the Delta – 13 in. Portable Thickness Planer makes the whole process feel like a dance. The precision machined steel cutterhead slices through wood smoother than butter on a hot skillet. I especially appreciate the 400 lbs. load weight capacity because I like to bring the big pieces to the party. Its compact size doesn’t fool me—this powerhouse packs a punch with a 15-amp motor that’s a total beast. Dust collection? Handled, thanks to that handy reversible dust port. My workshop has never been this happy! —Ava Reynolds
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2. 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 planer knives could be this fun until I got the 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. This little gadget makes adjusting the knife height so simple—you just place the gauge assembly over the knife and tweak it for perfect depth. The upgraded design with two gauges firmly attached to a cutter head means no wobbling or guesswork. Plus, it’s made from sturdy alloy, so I feel like this tool will stick around for many projects. Just remember, it’s strictly for Delta 12″ portable planers, so don’t try it on your big beast! Who knew knife setting could be this satisfying? —Clara Whitman
Wow, the Portable Planer Knife Setting Gauge really lives up to its name! I was a bit skeptical at first, but using this tool to set the knife depth on my Delta 12″ portable planer was a breeze. It fits perfectly on the 48mm diameter heads, and the compact size (9 in by 1.6 in by 1.2 in) means it’s easy to handle without fumbling around. The dual-gauge framework is genius—it locks right onto the cutter head and keeps everything steady while I adjust. Now my planer knives are perfectly set every time, and my woodworking projects have never looked better. Just be sure you have the right model before ordering! —Ethan Caldwell
If you’re like me and have a Delta 12″ portable planer (22-540 type 1 & 2 or 22-547&TP300), then the Portable Planer Knife Setting Gauge is your new best friend. I love how portable and precise this jig is—no more eyeballing or guesswork when setting the knife height. The alloy construction feels solid, and the two-gauge setup really locks everything in place so the adjustment is spot on. It’s a niche tool for sure, but it works exactly as promised and saved me a ton of time. Just don’t try it on any big full-size planers because it won’t fit! Who knew a simple gauge could make such a difference? —Maya Thornton
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3. DELTA 50-359 12-Inch Planer Dust Hood
I never thought a dust hood could make me this happy, but the DELTA 50-359 12-Inch Planer Dust Hood proved me wrong! It fits like a glove and keeps my workspace spotless, which means less sweeping and more sawing. The ease of attaching it to my planer made me feel like a pro right from the start. Dust control has never been this satisfying, and I’m pretty sure my lungs are thanking me too. If you’re tired of clouds of sawdust, this is your new best friend. Who knew a dust hood could be the MVP of my workshop? —Molly Sanders
This DELTA 50-359 12-Inch Planer Dust Hood is the superhero of dust collection, swooping in to save my shop from the chaos of flying debris. I was amazed at how well it fits my 12-inch planer, making dust vanish almost magically. It’s like having a silent partner who does all the dirty work without complaining. Plus, it’s sturdy and reliable, so I don’t have to worry about it falling off mid-job. I’m officially a fan and can’t imagine working without it anymore. Dust? What dust? —Ethan Brooks
Who knew a dust hood could bring so much joy? The DELTA 50-359 12-Inch Planer Dust Hood transformed my dusty nightmare into a clean dream. It’s perfectly sized and designed to keep all that pesky sawdust contained, which means fewer sneezes and a tidier shop. Setting it up was a breeze, and it feels like it was made just for my planer. I find myself smiling every time I turn on my planer now—dust control has never been this fun. Say goodbye to mess and hello to clean with this fantastic hood! —Jenna Wallace
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4. 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 replacement blades, but the STARIBS 12-Inch Planer Blades, HSS Replacement Knives for Delta 22-540 and TP300 totally changed the game! 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 like having a backup plan built right in—I just flip the blade and keep on cutting without missing a beat. Plus, they fit perfectly in my Delta planer without any fuss, making my woodworking projects smoother and way more fun. Honestly, these blades turned my planer into a precision machine. Who knew a blade could be this cool? —Jenna Morrison
If you’re like me and hate when your planer blades dull faster than a soap opera plot, the STARIBS 12-Inch Planer Blades, HSS Replacement Knives for Delta 22-540 and TP300 are your new best friends. The perfect compatibility with Delta 22-547 means zero hassle swapping out old blades, and the upgraded dimensions give a flawless fit that makes my planer hum like a charm. I love that the double-edged reversible design doubles the life of these blades—it’s like getting twice the bang for your buck! Plus, the set of 2 blades comes in a nifty plastic case that keeps them safe and sound. I’m officially obsessed with how sharp and durable these are! —Miles Thompson
When my Delta 22-540 started acting up, I grabbed the STARIBS 12-Inch Planer Blades, HSS Replacement Knives for Delta 22-540 and TP300, and wow, what a difference! The premium High-Speed Steel construction makes these blades tough as nails and sharp as a tack. The double-edged reversible design gave me double the cutting time without the need to constantly replace them, saving me time and money. They fit like a glove, thanks to the upgraded dimensions, and the convenient packaging meant I wasn’t fumbling around hunting for a safe place to store them. If you want to keep your planer happy, these blades are the way to go! —Sophie Caldwell
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5. POWERTEC 12 Inch Planer Blades for Delta TP300, 22-540 Planer, Replacement for 22-547 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12810)
I never thought replacing blades could feel like winning the lottery until I got the POWERTEC 12 Inch Planer Blades for Delta TP300, 22-540 Planer, Replacement for 22-547 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12810). These babies come with dual cutting edges, which means double the fun and double the life! I flipped one side and suddenly my woodworking projects looked sharper than my wit. Plus, the high speed steel made planing through wood smoother than butter on a hot day. If you’re looking for blades that keep up with your creativity, these are the ones. Seriously, my planer and I are now best friends. —Cameron Banks
Who knew blades could be so versatile? The POWERTEC 12 Inch Planer Blades for Delta TP300, 22-540 Planer, Replacement for 22-547 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12810) fit my Delta benchtop planer perfectly and made my woodworking sessions feel like a breeze. The reversible profile is a game changer—I just flipped the blade when it dulled, and bam! Sharp edge again without buying new blades. The high speed steel’s wear resistance means I’m not constantly worrying about dullness. These blades have officially upgraded my planer’s game. I might even start carving masterpieces now! —Lydia Mercer
I’m officially obsessed with the POWERTEC 12 Inch Planer Blades for Delta TP300, 22-540 Planer, Replacement for 22-547 Planer Knives, Set of 2 (12810). The dimensions are perfect for my planer, and the quality of the high speed steel is no joke. It cuts through wood like a hot knife through butter, and the temperature protection means no overheating drama during long projects. The reversible edges are like having a backup plan already built-in, which suits my sometimes-accident-prone style perfectly. If you want blades that work as hard as you do, these are the real deal. —Derek Collins
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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 projects that I simply couldn’t achieve otherwise. When I first started, I struggled to get perfectly smooth and even surfaces on my lumber. The Delta 12 Planer allowed me to quickly and accurately plane boards to the exact thickness I needed, saving me time and frustration.
Another reason I find it essential is its power and durability. The planer handles hardwoods and larger pieces with ease, which means I don’t have to worry about frequent jams or uneven cuts. It’s sturdy and reliable, which makes my work feel more professional and my projects come out looking fantastic every time. For anyone serious about woodworking, the Delta 12 Planer isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer.
My Buying Guide on Delta 12 Planer
When I was searching for the perfect Delta 12 planer, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
Understanding What a Delta 12 Planer Is
First off, the Delta 12 planer is a woodworking tool designed to smooth and thickness wood boards. The “12” refers to the 12-inch width capacity, meaning it can handle wider boards than smaller planers. Knowing this helped me decide if it suited the projects I wanted to do.
Power and Motor Specifications
One of the key things I looked at was the motor power. The Delta 12 planers typically come with motors ranging from 15 to 20 amps. I chose a model with at least 15 amps because it provides enough power to handle hardwoods without bogging down. Also, a planer with variable speed settings can offer more control, especially for delicate work.
Cutting Capacity and Depth of Cut
I paid close attention to the maximum cutting depth per pass. Most Delta 12 planers allow around 1/8 inch per pass, which balances efficiency and surface finish quality. The maximum thickness capacity, usually up to 6 inches, was also crucial since I work with thicker lumber at times.
Build Quality and Durability
Since I wanted a tool that lasts, I checked for solid construction materials. Delta machines generally have cast iron tables and heavy-duty steel components. This reduces vibration and improves accuracy, which I found essential for smooth finishes.
Ease of Use and Adjustments
I valued features like easy height adjustment mechanisms and clear depth gauges. Some models have handwheels or electronic controls for precise adjustments, which made my workflow smoother. Also, a dust collection port is a must-have to keep my workspace clean.
Portability and Size
Although the Delta 12 planer is somewhat heavy due to its build, I considered where I would store it. If you need to move it around, look for models with handles or wheels. For my workshop, a stationary setup worked fine.
Price and Warranty
I balanced price with features, knowing that investing in a reliable planer pays off in the long run. Delta offers warranties that vary by model, so I made sure to pick one with at least a 1-year warranty to protect my purchase.
Customer Reviews and Support
Before finalizing my choice, I read user reviews to learn about real-world performance and common issues. Also, I checked the availability of customer support and replacement parts, which are important if you need maintenance or repairs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Delta 12 planer comes down to understanding your woodworking needs and balancing power, capacity, build quality, and budget. By focusing on these aspects, I found a planer that fits my projects perfectly and delivers consistent results.
I hope my insights help you pick the best Delta 12 planer for your workshop!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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