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Read More10 Best Benchtop Jointers of 2024
- WWPN Staff
Among essential workshop tools, the benchtop jointer is perhaps the most important. These jointers are affordable and great alternatives for bulky traditional jointers that require ample working space.
But with so many manufacturers flooding the market today, finding a benchtop jointer that works well can be the biggest challenge. Getting the most out of rough lumber is simple when you have a machine ideal for your woodworking needs.
Therefore, the top 10 benchtop jointers of 2022 are listed below, followed by a thorough buying guide to help you choose the jointer that perfectly suits your needs.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Benchtop Jointers to Purchase in 2024
The best benchtop jointers for 2022 are chosen based on essential factors such as machine efficiency, cutting depth, and stability of the structure. Based on your project needs, you can select your ideal benchtop jointer.
1. PORTER-CABLE (PC160JT) Benchtop Jointer
Product Specification
- Size – 6 inches
- Amperage – 10 amps
- Weight – 35 pounds
- Speed – 6,000 – 11,000 RPM
Product Description
If you’re looking for a highly versatile benchtop jointer that can easily accommodate numerous woodwork projects, then the Porter-Cable benchtop jointer is your ideal pick in 2022. With a variable speed of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM, this jointer can take up DIY home projects.
The speed can be selected based on the size and hardness of the wooden board. The jointer also comes with a dual knife head, making it easy to replace or adjust different knives. A knife can be adjusted with the help of the in-built cutter head.
The surface can be stocked to tackle boards of 6 inches, and the jointer’s large head offers optimal work support. The ability to adjust the speed range also offers you complete control over the tool.
Moreover, assembling this jointer is easy, and its portability makes it suitable for modest spaces. If you’re enthusiastic about kitchen renovations and cabinet resizing, this jointer will come in handy. And don’t worry; even if you’re new to woodwork, the ins and outs of this jointer are pretty easy to understand.
- Variable 6,000 to 11,000 RPM speed range allows the user to select the right speed for the size and hardness of material being cut
- Two knife cutter head with jack screw knife leveling arrangement for easy replacement and adjustment of knives
- Built-in cutter head lock facilitates knife replacement and adjustment
- Extra large table provides ample work support and Surfacing stock up to a full 6″ wide
Pros
- Variable speed
- Optimal work support
- High versatility
- Dual knife head
Cons
- Given cord could be longer for convenience
2. WEN’s JT630H Spiral Benchtop Jointer
Product Specification
- Size – 6 inches
- Amperage – 10 Amps
- Weight – 36.8 pounds
- Speed – Upto 12,000 RPM
- Fence Bevel Adjustment – Upto 45 degrees
Product Description
The WEN JT630H benchtop jointer is a woodworking powerhouse, enabling you to make highly precise and smooth cuts on boards up to 6 inches. Be it hardwood surfaces or softwoods, this benchtop jointer can precisely cut them all smoothly because of a powerful spiral cutterhead that works on 12 staggered HSS blades.
The in-feed table can be adjusted to remove 0 to 1/8 inches of material with each smooth pass. This renders the jointer a high degree of accuracy. It comes with a strong 10-Ampere motor that achieves a rotational speed of 12,000 RPM.
Moreover, a spring-loaded blade guard prevents injuries, as only a portion of the cutterhead remains exposed. The package also comes with two push blocks that enhance jointing safety. There is also an in-built dust port that ensures minimal cleanup.
This jointer is the most suitable for light woodwork, which could be cutting down four to five pieces of lumber a couple of times per week. You can expect an extraordinary finish on the wooden surface. If you do not tolerate poor build quality and design, this is your ideal tool.
Pros
- Precise cuts possible
- Spring-loaded blade guard
- In-built dust port
- 12 HSS knife cutterhead for easy replacement
Cons
- Some customers faced voltage issues
3. RIKON Power Tools 20-800H Benchtop Jointer
Product Specification
- Size – 8 inches
- Weight – 49 pounds
- Amperage – 15 Amps
- Speed – 12,000 RPM
Product Description
The Rikon Power Tools 20-800H benchtop jointer has a six-helical cutterhead style and is made for quick and precise action. It consists of 16 double-head additional carbide inserts. This product, which has a simple knife adjustment feature, is appropriate for all types of woodworking.
The product includes a safety switch and measurement scale to enhance cutting performance and efficiency. In addition, the fence of the jointer can be easily tilted at an angle between 90 and 135 degrees.
Additionally, it has built-in dust ports and safety guards that spring into place. Since this jointer is fairly portable and light, you can easily store it away when not in use. You can anticipate accurate cuts through cedar and pine wood with this benchtop jointer.
The installation process is pretty easy, even for those new to woodworking. Finally, a front safety on/off switch is provided, including two push blocks for smooth edges. The Rikon’s benchtop jointer is a bang for the buck at this price range.
Pros
- Six-helical knife cutterhead
- Easy to read measurement scale
- Knife replacement available
- Compact size
Cons
- May not be suitable for hardwood
4. Wahuda Tools (50180CC-WHD) Benchtop Jointer
Product Specification
- Size – 8 inches
- Weight – 49.9 pounds
- Amperage – 10 Amps
- Speed – 12,000 RPM
Product Description
Even on tough and figured wood, the Wahuda benchtop jointer can help make smooth and levelled cuts. To facilitate sharper and quieter operation, this jointer features a spiral cutterhead that includes 4-way inserts of carbide.
The blade is standard, making the product not only replacement-friendly but also cost-effective. The 120 V motor allows it to achieve a rotational speed of 12,000 RPM. Meaning, the Wahuda Tools benchtop jointer can easily handle woodwork such as cutting, flattening, handling, jointing, and tapering off of surfaces.
To achieve greater levels of versatility, the fence can be tilted at an angle of 90 to 135 degrees. Iron-cast tables are also available to increase stability and enhance suitability for larger working surfaces.
If you notice the blades getting dull, you need to loosen the insert, rotate the setting to the succeeding edge, and tighten the same back into place. With a user-friendly setup, this benchtop jointer is available in three variants – 6, 8, and 10 inches which can be purchased based on woodwork requirements.
Pros
- Low-noise operation
- Conveniently moveable and portable
- Hassle-free adjustments
- High performance
Cons
- The installation process may be tedious
5. VEVOR Woodworking Benchtop Jointer
Product Specification
- Size – 6 inches
- Weight – 20.71 pounds
- Amperage – 8 Amps
- Speed – 2,000 RPM
Product Description
This benchtop jointer by Vevor may come across as incredibly lightweight and compact, but its frail appearance may be deceptive. Meaning, it is extremely heavy-duty and stable even when large pieces of wood are involved.
This jointer also features an aluminium fence that can be tilted at 90 to 135 degrees. The machine affords accurate and continuous cuts at a rotational speed of 12,000 RPM.
The jointer’s motor is constructed of 100% copper. This makes it durable and can easily handle material thicknesses of 0 to 3 mm. The knives of the jointer have been tested rigorously to ensure there are no scratches to the edges. You can expect smooth finishes, especially with the in-built dust collection port designed to enhance work site cleanliness.
The jointer has other features, such as ergonomic knobs, an overload protector, push blocks, and electromagnetic switches. An extra scale ruler is also provided to ensure only precise cuts are made on the wooden surfaces.
Pros
- Comes with an aluminium fence that is rotatable
- High-performance machine
- Scale ruler that adds precision
- Built to last
Cons
- Rough-cut feed
6.Grizzly G0725 Benchtop Jointer
Product Specification
- Size – 6 inches
- Weight – 81 pounds
- Amperage – 10 Amps
- Speed – 10,000 RPM
Product Description
Even if your woodwork requires cutting directly perpendicular to the wood, the Grizzly G0725 benchtop jointer can make it happen. This jointer can precisely cut onto wooden boards with high-speed steel.
The spiral cutterhead of the jointer ensures quiet and smooth operation and is also low-maintenance. Treated with heat, this jointer can resist hardness and wear-and-tear easily. Also, it comes with dual side inserts to ensure sharper cuts and noise-free woodworking.
This benchtop jointer is also easy-to-use, being compact in size and highly portable. With an in-built dust collection system, the sawdust created by the machine is finer and gets neatly aligned into clogged lines for easy cleaning.
The jointer assembly is hassle-free. The motor is highly powerful for its size and ability to make smooth and sharp cuts into all kinds of wood – rosewood, oak, purpleheart, and more. This jointer is a great investment if you have a small home workshop with limited space.
Pros
- Noise-free operation
- Compact and portable
- Low-maintenance
- High-speed steel make
Cons
- More quality control measures needed
7. Shop Fox W1876 Benchtop Jointer
Product Specification
- Size – 6 inches
- Weight – 80 pounds
- Amperage – 10 Ampere
- Speed – 12,000 RPM
Product Description
Again, suitable for all boards that are 6 inches wide, the Shop Fox benchtop jointer is made of pure cast iron. This makes it sturdy and durable. It also weighs comparatively more than other jointers on the list.
The extra weight does not allow the jointer to vibrate excessively while cutting. Running on 10 Ampere, this jointer can cut as deep as 1/8 of an inch. It comes with an in-built dust collection system that cleans the residue.
This jointer’s base is also large, which means, it can accommodate a number of woodworking projects. The 12 spiral carbide heads it comes with can be changed in periodic intervals.
Moreover, the speed of the cutter is also good, at 12,000 RPM. Flat out of the box, this jointer can be set up with minimal effort and direction. Even connecting it to the dust collection port is easy. It is suitable for small-scale woodworking projects.
Pros
- Heavy, cast iron material
- Large and sturdy table
- Solid dust port that keeps the bench clean
- 10 Ampere, which makes it suitable for all kinds of woodwork
Cons
- The instruction manual can be a little complex to follow
8. CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer
Product Specification
- Size – 6 inches
- Weight – 39.7 pounds
- Amperage – 10 Ampere
- Speed – 6,000 to 11,000 RPM
Product Description
Need your wood surfaces to be perfectly flat? Then, you can rely on the versatility provided by the Craftsman benchtop jointer. This jointer is suitable for woodworking enthusiasts and general woodworkers alike.
If you fancy decorating your house with DIY hand-crafted masterpieces, then this jointer is ideal. It will help you make fences, chairs, frames, tables, and more. The power control can be adjusted, ensuring you’re in complete control each time you use the jointer for flattening, edging, or face jointing.
The rotational speed of the cutterhead is impeccable, ranging between 12,000 and 21,000 cuts per minute. This coupled with the jointer’s variable speed of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM, is what renders butter-smooth cutting and edging.
Like its name, this jointer is true craftsmanship unlike any other. Since the outfeed and infeed are perfectly flat, you can expect your wood boards to come out smooth and neat. The installation manual is also easy to follow.
Pros
- Variable speed
- In-build lock head
- Butter smooth cuts
- Impeccable cutter head speed
Cons
- Problems with wiring in some cases
9. Jet JJP 8BT Benchtop Jointer Planer
Product Specification
- Size – 8 inches
- Weight – 67 pounds
- Amperage – 13 Amps
- Speed – 18,000 RPM
Product Description
This benchtop jointer is extremely unique as it is more than merely a jointer. The Jet JJP BT is a benchtop jointer and planer which maximizes your workspace. The dual function allows you to enjoy highly precise cuts as well as perfectly flattened lumber.
The 13 Ampere motor is suitable for various cutting applications, and the ergonomic knobs offer maximum control and ease of use. The strong aluminum fence can be angled at 45 degrees, making jointing accurate and stable.
Also, the feed speed of 19.5 feet per minute allows you to make more cuts in relatively less time. This jointer is easy to assemble and use, with no hard-to-understand switches or knobs that prevent time wastage.
Plus, it also comes with an integrated cord wrap, so you don’t have to struggle with hanging wires and plugs. If your woodwork projects involve complex lumber that needs to be flattened perfectly, this jointer + planer is an ideal choice.
Pros
- Versatile
- Easy to install and use
- Dual function of jointer and planer
- Accurate and stable jointing
Cons
- No adjustment screws for the table
- Fence may be slightly bowed
10. Delta Benchtop Jointer
Product Specification
- Size – 12 inches
- Weight – 76 pounds
- Amperage – 12 Amps
- Speed – 20,000 RPM
Product Description
Sporting a heavy-duty cast iron body, the Delta benchtop jointer is the definition of accurate jointing. With a cutter head speed that goes up to 20,000 RPM, this jointer can make cuts as deep as 1/8th of an inch.
One unique aspect of this benchtop jointer is that it has a five-year warranty period instead of the average three. Even this jointer is capable of making 1/8-inch cuts at the speed of 20,000 cuts per minute.
The fence adjustment system is simple and easy-to-use, with the angles changeable at 90 and 45 degrees. The jointer is not too heavy but not too lightweight either. Its weight is best-suited for small to medium-scale woodworking projects.
The installation manual is also easy to follow, and the machine can be set up within an hour. Even those who are new to woodworking can figure out the ins and outs of this model.
Pros
- Clean, precise cuts
- Good for medium-scale projects, also
- Stable enough to withstand vibrations
- Simple fence adjustment system
Cons
- Surface lineup can be challenging at times
Complete Buying Guide
It is true that choosing the right machinery, especially when it comes to one that is as complex as a benchtop jointer, can be extremely challenging. It may seem overwhelming, given a myriad of factors that need your consideration. However, all factors can be condensed into a few vital ones, which, if taken care of, will help you pick out the best-suited benchtop jointer as per your woodworking needs.
This buyer’s guide features those factors in detail.
1. Lumber Width
First, look at the wood pieces that you frequently work with. If their sizes range between 4 to 6 inches, the benchtop jointers mentioned in this article will work fine. However, if your lumber width usually varies between 8 to 10 inches, most of the abovementioned jointers won’t do the trick.
There are some for which the 8 and 10-inch variants are available. You can opt for those. So, take a good look at the lumber width you usually work with and choose a jointer that is suitable for the said width.
2. Machine Size
By the name itself, it is clear that benchtop jointers are most suitable for benchtops. This means they should be compact enough to fit onto a bench and also lightweight enough for you to leave it there if needed.
While you need to look for a benchtop jointer that is compact enough for your bench, it is also important that you take care of machine vibration. Usually, small benchtop jointers are notorious for causing loud, disturbing vibrations that may cause them to shift on the bench.
While this is not a major issue, it can still be challenging to work with. So, ensure you look at the specs for machine build and motor power.
3.Setup
Most of the benchtop jointers mentioned in the list above are out-of-the-box kinds. This means they require minimal adjustments, such as ensuring the tabletops are coplanar, the fence is secure and straight, etc.
Such machines will take only an hour at most to set up. However, be careful as there are machines in the market that cannot be aligned well. Some do not even come equipped with the necessary screws for alignment.
Such benchtop jointers may need additional screw purchases and hours to set up. So, the third factor to consider is the setup time.
4. Lumber Length
Just like lumber width, lumber length is also an important factor to consider. This is because some of the machines mentioned above are incredibly compact. Their benches may not extend far, allowing lumber lengths of not more than 4 inches.
If you work with greater lumber length, these machines may be unsuitable. Do look out since some of these machines come with extendable tables that can make the task easier. So, consider the lumber length you usually work with while choosing a suitable benchtop jointer.
The Bottom Line
While every benchtop jointer included in the list above stands in a class of its own, the one that tends to tick all boxes is the CRAFTSMAN benchtop jointer. This is precisely due to its paradoxical make – compact and lightweight enough to sit comfortably on benchtops but highly sturdy to not budge from its place while woodworking.
Moreover, the benchtop jointer has a variable cutting speed feature and a three-year warranty. When it comes to the best bang for the buck, you can opt for the PORTER-CABLE benchtop jointer.
Also covered through a three-year warranty, this benchtop jointer is built to last. You can even adjust the cutting speed between 6,000 to 11,000 RPM. Feel free to use it for lumber of different kinds and sizes.
Finally, another affordable yet robust benchtop jointer is the WEN benchtop jointer. This jointer is a premium choice that is durable, sturdy, and features an impressive build. Even the machine’s fence is strong enough to resist its vibrational force while cutting.
Everyone’s woodworking needs are unique. Only you are the best judge of your requirements. Make an informed choice, and your benchtop jointer will easily last for years down the line!