Craftsman 13 Planer: Specs, Use & Common Issues

Updated November 12, 2026

The Craftsman 13 planer is a 13-inch benchtop thickness planer sold under the Craftsman brand, designed to smooth and dimension rough lumber to a consistent thickness. This article covers its specifications, how it works, common problems, and what to consider before buying one.

Background and Model History

Craftsman has sold several 13-inch planer models over the years, primarily under the Craftsman Professional and Craftsman Evolv lines. The most common versions are the Craftsman 351.217170 (a 13-inch, 15-amp planer) and the older 351.217160, both made by the same OEM manufacturer that produced similar units for other brands like Ryobi and Delta. These machines were sold in Sears stores and online from the mid-2000s through the early 2010s. They are no longer in production, but used units remain common on the resale market.

The 13-inch designation refers to the maximum width of lumber the planer can accept. The cutterhead on these models typically uses a two-blade (knife) design, spinning at around 10,000 RPM, and can remove up to 1/8 inch of material in a single pass. The feed rate is roughly 20 to 26 feet per minute, depending on the exact model.

How a Thickness Planer Works

A thickness planer performs a simple but precise job: it cuts the top surface of a board parallel to the bottom surface, reducing the board’s thickness while leaving a smooth finish. The Craftsman 13 planer uses a cutterhead with two straight knives (HSS or carbide) that spin at high speed. The board is fed through the machine by powered rubber rollers—one in front of the cutterhead and one behind—while a chip breaker and pressure bar keep the board flat against the table.

The depth of cut is set by raising or lowering the table via a hand crank. Each full turn of the crank typically changes the cut depth by 1/16 inch, and the built-in scale shows the resulting board thickness. The machine is a benchtop model, meaning it sits on a stand or workbench rather than having its own floor-mounted base.

Key Specifications and Features

Here are the typical specs for the Craftsman 13-inch planer (model 351.217170):

Motor: 15-amp, 2 HP induction motor (120V)
Max cutting width: 13 inches
Max cutting depth: 1/8 inch per pass
Max board thickness: 6 inches
Min board thickness: 1/8 inch
Cutterhead speed: 10,000 RPM
Feed rate: 26 feet per minute
Cutterhead: 2-knife, straight knife design
Table size: 13 x 17 inches
Weight: approximately 90 pounds

Some models include a dust chute with a 4-inch port for connecting a shop vacuum or dust collector. The machine uses a standard 120V outlet, though a dedicated 15-amp circuit is recommended to avoid tripping breakers.

Common Problems and Fixes

Owners of the Craftsman 13 planer report a few recurring issues:

Sniping (deeper cut at the start or end of a board). This is common on all planers. Minimize it by using infeed and outfeed support, and by lifting the board slightly at the start and end of the pass.
Chatter marks (ripples across the board). Usually caused by dull knives, loose belts, or a loose cutterhead. Check knife sharpness and tighten all fasteners.
Feed roller marks (indentations on the board surface). Often caused by resin buildup on the rollers. Clean the rollers with a solvent like mineral spirits.
Motor won’t start or trips the breaker. Check the power cord, switch, and the motor’s thermal overload reset button (usually on the motor housing).
Knife alignment issues. If one knife is set higher than the other, you’ll get a stepped finish. Use a knife-setting jig or a dial indicator to align the knives.

Replacement knives are widely available online; they are sold as a set of two, and some aftermarket options are carbide-tipped for longer life.

How to Choose a Used Craftsman 13 Planer

If you’re considering buying a used Craftsman 13 planer, inspect it carefully:

Run the machine without a board to listen for unusual noises (grinding or rattling indicates bearing or belt issues).
Check the table for flatness with a straightedge. A warped table will produce uneven cuts.
Look at the knives—they should be free of nicks and still have a sharp edge. Replacement knives cost about $20–$40.
Test the depth crank: it should turn smoothly without excessive play.
Check the dust port for cracks or missing parts.
Ask if the motor has been serviced or if the brushes have been replaced (if it’s a brush-type motor).

Also, consider that parts like belts and bearings are still available from third-party suppliers, but the machine is no longer supported by Craftsman directly.

Comparison with Other Benchtop Planers

The Craftsman 13 planer competes directly with the DeWalt DW734 (13-inch, 3-knife, 15-amp) and the DeWalt DW735 (13-inch, 3-knife, 15-amp, with a faster feed rate and a two-speed gearbox). The Craftsman is generally lighter and less expensive on the used market, but the DeWalt models have a better reputation for cut quality and fewer snipe issues. The Craftsman’s two-knife design produces a slightly rougher finish than the three-knife DeWalt, but it is perfectly adequate for most woodworking projects.

Another common alternative is the Delta 22-555 (13-inch, 2-knife), which is mechanically very similar to the Craftsman. Many parts are interchangeable between the two, which is a plus for finding replacement parts.

Safety and Maintenance Tips

Using a planer safely is straightforward but essential:

Always wear hearing protection—planers are loud (often above 90 dB).
Never feed your hands near the cutterhead. Use push blocks or push sticks.
Unplug the machine before changing knives or cleaning.
Do not plane boards with nails, screws, or other embedded metal—they will ruin the knives and could cause kickback.
Plane wood with the grain, not against it, to reduce tear-out.
Check the board for warps or twists; a badly twisted board can cause the planer to jam.
Keep the table clean and waxed for smooth feeding.

For maintenance, replace the knives when they dull (you’ll notice a rougher finish or burn marks). Clean the rollers and chip breaker regularly. Check the belt tension every few months—a loose belt will cause slipping and poor feed.

Costs and Value

When new, the Craftsman 13 planer sold for around $300–$400. On the used market today, prices range from $100 to $250 depending on condition and whether it includes the stand or a set of extra knives. Replacement knives cost about $20–$40 for a set of two. A dust collector or shop vacuum is recommended (a 2 HP unit is sufficient), but not included. Overall, it’s a good value for a hobbyist who needs a reliable 13-inch planer without spending $600+ on a new DeWalt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a helical cutterhead on the Craftsman 13 planer?

Yes, some aftermarket manufacturers sell helical cutterheads that fit the Craftsman 13 planer, but installation requires removing the original cutterhead and replacing it with the new one. This is a significant upgrade that costs around $200–$300, but it dramatically reduces noise and produces a cleaner finish. However, it’s not a straightforward swap for everyone—you’ll need mechanical skills and possibly a bearing puller.

What is the maximum board thickness it can handle?

The Craftsman 13 planer can plane boards up to 6 inches thick. That’s the distance between the table and the cutterhead at maximum height. Boards thicker than that won’t fit.

Why does my planer leave snipe on every board?

Snipe is caused by the board tilting as it enters or exits the planer, allowing the cutterhead to dig deeper at the ends. To reduce snipe, use infeed and outfeed roller stands to keep the board level. Also, some users find that lifting the board slightly at the start and end of the pass helps. If snipe persists, check that the table is level and the rollers are not worn.

Can I sharpen the knives instead of replacing them?

Yes, you can sharpen the straight knives using a sharpening jig and a bench grinder, but it’s tricky to get a perfectly flat edge. Many owners prefer to replace them because they are inexpensive and sharpening takes time and skill. If you do sharpen, be sure to keep the bevel angle consistent (usually 40–45 degrees).

Is this planer suitable for a beginner?

Yes, the Craftsman 13 planer is a good entry-level machine. It’s easy to set up, the depth crank is intuitive, and the safety features (like the magnetic switch) are standard. However, beginners should read the manual and practice on scrap wood first to understand snipe and feed direction.

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