If you’re struggling with uneven edges in your woodworking projects, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey most beginner woodworkers cite uneven boards as their top challenge. The solution? Invest in a benchtop jointer. This compact tool is designed to flatten one face of your board, providing a perfectly straight reference edge for gluing and construction. However, with numerous options available, selecting the right jointer can be daunting.
Here are a few essential factors to consider to help you choose the best benchtop jointer:
- Cutter Heads: Select from straight, spiral, or helical types. Opt for helical cutter heads for reduced noise and replaceable individual parts.
- Amps and Power: Look for a jointer with 10 to 12 amps for smooth and efficient operation, crucial for achieving flawless finishes.
- Bed Width and Cutting Depth: Find a jointer with a bed width around 6 inches and a cutting depth of about ⅛ inch to accommodate your project needs.
For more detailed guidance, refer to the “Buying Guide” section below. These considerations will steer you toward the ideal benchtop jointer for your woodworking endeavors.
Best Benchtop Jointers Table
| Best Benchtop Jointer | Cut Capacity (width and thickness) | Cutter Head | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer | 6 inches & 1/8 inch | Two-knife | Check On Amazon |
| WEN Benchtop Jointer | 6 inches & 1/8 inch | Spiral | Check On Amazon |
| CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer | 6 inches & 2 inch | Two-Knife | Check On Amazon |
| Wahuda Tools Benchtop Jointer | 8 inches & 1/8 inch | Spiral | Check On Amazon |
| RIKON Power Tools Benchtop Jointer | 6 inches & 3/16 inch | Helical | Check On Amazon |
| WEN JT833H Benchtop Jointer | 8 inches & 1/8 inch | Spiral | Check On Amazon |
| Shop Fox W1876 Benchtop Jointer | 6 inches & 1/8 inch | Spiral | Check On Amazon |
Also Check:
Best Benchtop Jointer Reviews
1. PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer
This Porter-Cable benchtop jointer is very versatile and very effective for all your woodwork projects at home. This is a perfect jointer for facilitating all your DIY woodwork projects.
The sheet metal material allows a variable speed of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM which enables the worker to choose depending on the hardness and size of the wooden board or the material being worked on. It features a dual knife head which makes the adjustment and replacement of the knives very simple. The in-built cutter head makes it easy for you to arrange the knives according to your preference.
The head is large which provides work support and the surface can be stocked up to handle 6-inch boards.
Best Features
- Amperage: 10 amps
- Size: 6-inch
- Speed: 6,000 to 10,000 RPM
- Weight: 35 lbs
Pros
- Good Variable speed.
- Two knives head.
- Easy to Assemble
Cons
- The fence is not easy to adjust
2. WEN Benchtop Jointer
Are you in need of a jointer to smoothen out your workpieces or wooden boards? These benchtop jointers from WEN allow precise cuts on all kinds of boards till the width of 6 inches.
This jointer features 12 high-speed steel cutter heads which allow smooth cuts in both hard and softwoods. Moreover, the 10-ampere motor enables 12,000 RPM. The infeed can be adjusted from 0 to ⅛ inches of the material with maximum precision and accuracy. The wide table allows a sturdy base to work freely. The spring-loaded blade guard prevents all kinds of injuries as only a portion of the cutter head is exposed to the user. The built-in dust port allows minimal cleanup.
There are two push blocks which enable safe jointing of the components. This jointer is compatible with all the replacement spiral blades.
Best Features
- Amperage: 10 amps
- Size: 6-inch
- Speed: Upto 12,000 RPM
- Weight: 36.8 lbs
Pros
- Allows precise cuts.
- 12 HSS cutter heads which allow easy replacement.
- Built-in dust port.
- Spring-loaded blade guard.
Cons
- Not very accurate with longer boards.
3. CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer
Want a variable speed cutter head ranging from 12,000 to 22,000 cuts per minute? This benchtop jointer from craftsman has this feature and so much more. It also has a variable speed range of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM.
These jointers also feature a dual knife cutter with an in-built head lock cutter, and easy levelling of jackscrew knife which enables a smooth functioning and easy adjustment and replacement. They are suitable for face jointing, flattening and edging. Also, the variable speed allows accurate speed for any length or width of the material.
The 10-ampere machine is capable of all kinds of wood DIY work with any thickness and depth.
Best Features
- Amperage: 10-amps
- Size: 6-inch
- Speed: 6,000 to 11,000 RPM
- Weight: 39.7 lbs
Pros
- Variable speed.
- Variable cutter head speed.
- Built-in lock head.
- Easy levelling of jackscrew knives.
Cons
- Some issues are in the electronic speed controller unit
4. Wahuda Tools Benchtop Jointer
The Wahuda jointer offers smooth and level edges and surfaces easily and quickly. So that you can achieve smooth and precise cuts on figured and tough woods.
This jointer also features a spiral cutter head with 4-way carbide inserts for quieter and sharper operation. With the standard size of the blade makes the product cost-effective too and makes the replacement simple too. The 12,000 RPM is made possible with the 120V motor. It can easily take care of the flattening, jointing, handling, edging and tapering off any surface. The additional fence can be tilted at angles from 90° and 135° to increase versatility.
The expandable and adjustable iron cast tables can improve the stability to make it suitable for working on larger boards.
Best Features
- Amperage: 10 amps
- Size: 8-inch
- Speed: 12,000 RPM
- Weight: 49.9 lbs
Pros
- Precise cuts can be achieved easily and quickly.
- Spiral cutter head with 4-way carbide.
- 120V motor.
- Tiltable additional fence.
Cons
- The cast iron outfeed table is not flat.
5. RIKON Power Tools Benchtop Jointer
This Rikon jointer features a 6-row helical cutter head style along with additional double-edge 16-carbide inserts for smooth and swift action.
This product allows knife changes which makes it suitable for all kinds of woodwork activities. The fence can tilt at an angle of 90° to 45°. Also, there is an easy-read measurement scale and a safety switch for better and efficient performance. The extendable table makes enough room to work with all kinds of boards. Further, it also features dust ports and spring-loaded accurate safety guards.
The compact size and lightweight design make it portable and the user can easily store it away when not in use.
Best Features
- Amperage: 10 amps
- Size: 6-inch
- Speed: 12,000 RPM
- Weight: 57.9 lbs
Pros
- Helical cutter head.
- Options of knife change.
- Easy read measurement scale.
- Compact size.
Cons
- Not suitable for hardwood.
6. WEN JT833H Benchtop Jointer
The WEN benchtop jointer offers precise edge-smoothing capabilities, making it ideal for woodworking projects. Its compact design ensures easy integration into any workshop setup.
The JT833H jointer is impressive for its accuracy and effectiveness. It uses a spiral cutterhead system with 16 staggered HSS blades for a fine finish on various wood types. The powerful 10-amp motor ensures the cutterhead spins at 12,000 RPM for smooth material removal.
It has a spacious 33-by-8-inch table, with extendable support arms reaching up to 51 inches for longer workpieces. Its adjustable fence, sized at 19-3/4 by 4-1/4 inches, can be angled up to 45 degrees for different cuts.
Specifications:
- Motor Power: 10-amp motor
- Cutterhead Speed: 12,000 RPM
- Table Size: 33-by-8-inch
- Maximum Depth of Cut: 0 to 1/8-inch
- Fence Size and Adjustability: 19-3/4 by 4-1/4-inch, bevels up to 45 degrees
- Cutterhead System: Spiral with 16 staggered HSS blades
- Dimensions: 40 x 18 x 14 inches
- Weight: 78.8 pounds
- Dust Port Size: 2-1/2 and 4-inch
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
Pros:
- Superior finish with spiral cutterhead system.
- Large table with extendable arms accommodates longer workpieces.
- Powerful motor ensures high-speed operation.
- Adjustable fence allows for versatile angle cuts.
- Includes safety features like a spring-loaded blade guard and push blocks.
Cons:
- Weight of 78.8 pounds may limit portability.
- Some assembly required, which can be complex for beginners.
- The fence stability could be improved for heavier duty tasks.
- Dust collection could be better, as some wood chips escape.
7. Shop Fox W1876 Benchtop Jointer
The Shop Fox benchtop jointer combines robust construction with precision engineering, delivering seamless performance for all your woodworking projects. Its compact design ensures ease of use without compromising on quality or efficiency.
This benchtop jointer is perfect for serious woodworkers who want accuracy and ease. It has a strong 1-1/2 HP motor that handles different types of wood well. Its standout feature is the spiral-style cutterhead with 12 HSS indexable inserts, providing a smoother finish and quieter operation than regular models.
It is compact, great for small workshops, but still powerful. You can adjust the infeed table and aluminum fence for precise cutting depth and angle, making it versatile. Plus, it has an effective dust collection system to keep your workspace tidy.
Specifications:
- Motor Power: 1-1/2 HP, 120-Volt, 10 Amp
- Cutterhead Speed: 12,000 RPM
- Table Size: 6-1/4 x 30 inches
- Maximum Depth of Cut: 1/8 inch
- Fence Size and Adjustability: Adjustable, extruded-aluminum fence
- Cutterhead System: Spiral-style with 12 HSS indexable inserts
- Dimensions: 30 x 17-1/2 x 13-1/2 inches
- Dust Port Size: 2-1/2 inches
Pros:
- Compact design makes it easy to fit in smaller workshops.
- Spiral cutterhead provides a smoother finish and quieter operation.
- Adjustable infeed table and fence offer precise depth and angle control.
- Easy assembly with clear manual instructions.
- Efficient dust collection system.
Cons:
- Smaller table size limits the size of workpieces.
- Limited weight information could question stability during heavy use.
- The manual adjustments require a bit of learning curve for beginners.
Things to Consider When Looking for a Benchtop Jointer
There are many options in the market highlighting different features about their benchtop jointer which might make it difficult for you to choose the ideal product for you.
In the following section, we have listed some of the basic things that will assist you while you pick your ideal benchtop jointer. However, while keeping these guidelines in your mind, it is also important for you to carry out primary research on the testing of different products and brands to know about your selected product.
1. Type of Cutter Head
Choosing the cutter head is one of the eminent things while selecting the benchtop jointer. This is that thing which decides the noise produced, sawdust amount accumulated and the energy required for it to function properly. There are three basic types of cutter heads. We have discussed them below.
- Straight Knives Cutter Heads: They usually feature three blades meant for spinning the entire width of the drum. With each pass, they cut through the piece of wood with the entire width. They are easy to maintain but they make a lot of noise. But, if they strike a rock or nail, they become trash.
- Helical Cutter Heads: These are high-quality heads that feature several small blades arranged in a spiral position. They have smooth functioning and make much less noise. Additionally, these blades can be replaced individually if they go bad.
- Spiral Cutter Heads: These heads have smooth functioning and make less noise than the first alternative but you need to replace the whole unit if they need repair.
2. Amps and Power
To get the work done in the stipulated time and to work effortlessly, woodworkers need powerful machines to work efficiently.
Yes, the power of the motor is important but the amperage and speed of the motor are even more essential. The 10-ampere jointers are ideal for all jobs. They prevent overheating even when working heavy-duty. They are also very efficient as they can perform 20,000 or more cuts in a minute.
3. Cutting Depth and Bed Width
The cutting depth specifies how much wood can be removed at one time. The task of achieving the perfectly carved wood is all about precision and patience. The average depth of the cut should be ⅛ of an inch as it allows the worker to easily remove a good amount of waste.
The bed width of the jointer is another important feature to look for when selecting the benchtop jointer. It decides the length of the board which can be handled by the jointer.
For small woodwork projects, the 6-inch benchtop jointers are suitable for 6-inch wood boards. The bed width of the jointer should match the length of the boards that you usually work with. The 8-inch and the 10-inch wooden boards usually require a standing jointer which can be really expensive.
4. Fence
Arguably, the bed is the most eminent part of the jointer but the fence is just as important. The main purpose of these are to work as a sturdy base while the worker planes the wooden board to a plane surface. However, it has more uses which makes this part much more important.
Once the wooden piece is milled perfectly, the workers pass the board against the fence to achieve an adjustable or square edge which is hard to find in a readymade board. For high-quality wood projects, this step is crucial which makes the fence very important.
5. Dust Accumulation
Hygiene and aesthetics go side by side. If you are a beginner in woodwork, you probably do not have any idea about how much time and effort goes into collecting the minute dust particles after the completion of the work. So, it is important for you to select a jointer with an in-built vacuum system which can collect all the dust for you to work in a healthy environment.
6. Stability
Your money should be put into a jointer which gives you a well-built frame which is stable and does not produce a lot of noise or vibrate furiously in the long run. For a stable structure, you can go for cast iron frames as the carbon flyaways guarantee a non-vibrating process and also a stable structure.
7. Safety
The safety features should always be considered when buying the jointer or any product for any physical task. Safety should always take precedence over the budget as life is more important and power tools are hazardous. Therefore, it is better to go for the jointer which keeps safety in mind and possesses features like front power buttons, spring safety guards, push sticks and push blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: The benchtop jointers are essentially power tools that are used to flatten the surfaces and smoothen the edges of a rough piece of wood. They can also be used to get rid of the hacksaw impressions on the wooden boards and smoothen the warped woods.
Ans: Jointer is used to create flat surfaces and planes on wooden surfaces. It can also alter warped, bowed, twisted, or cupped timbers. While the planer can be only used to reduce the thickness of the wooden board.
Ans: The basic parts of the benchtop jointer are a cutter head, outfeed tables, infeed, and power motor. Some of the additional features are fence, safety push sticks, safety push blocks, and dust port which adds to the benefits.
Ans: The main application of the benchtop jointer is to smoothen the edges of the wooden boards so that they can be joined together to make smooth door edges, tabletops and cabinets. You can also use it to strengthen the curvatures for window panes, door handles and others.
Ans: While working with the benchtop jointer, you should never make free-hand adjustments while the machine is running.
Conclusion
When choosing a benchtop jointer, it’s important to focus on precision cutting, and stability. These aspects play a key role in finding the right jointer for your woodworking tasks. A good quality benchtop jointer can greatly enhance your work efficiency and the overall quality of your projects. Remember to prioritize these features when making your purchase.
Our Top Recommendations for you:
- If you are looking for recommendations, we have listed our top three favourites from our list. The first recommendation from our list is PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer. It is a very versatile product and proves efficiency by allowing variable speed.
- The second suggestion from our list of products is CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer. This product features variable speed and adjustable cutter head speed to work on several boards.
- The third and final product from our list is WEN Benchtop Jointer. It features 12 HSS cutter heads which allow smooth functioning and easy replacement.
