9 Best Benchtop Jointer for Woodworking | Reviews + Buyer’s Guide
You don’t have to be a full-fledged woodcutting professional to understand the real importance of a benchtop jointer. These products are eventually becoming the new talk of the town, as more people are these tools to handle their day-to-day material cutting requirements. However, the severe lack of buyer’s info regarding benchtop jointers could very well […] The post 9 Best Benchtop Jointer for Woodworking | Reviews + Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Homesthetics - Inspiring ideas for your home..
You don’t have to be a full-fledged woodcutting professional to understand the real importance of a benchtop jointer.
These products are eventually becoming the new talk of the town, as more people are these tools to handle their day-to-day material cutting requirements.
However, the severe lack of buyer’s info regarding benchtop jointers could very well lead you to purchase cheap, unreliable alternatives that struggle to offer average cutting accuracy.
That’s why our experts have handpicked nine of the best value-for-money options you’d find in the market, so that you may purchase the ideal unit . Also, don’t forget to check out our brief buyer’s guide to know which features to consider while choosing a benchtop jointer.
Now, let’s get down to business!
Best Benchtop Jointer for Woodworking
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Porter Cable Variable Speed Benchtop Jointer |
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PowerMatic 54HH 6-Inch Jointer With Helical Cutterhead |
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CRAFTSMAN 10-Amp Benchtop Jointer |
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JET 6-Inch 1 HP Jointer With Quick-Set Knife System |
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RIKON Power Tools 6" Benchtop Jointer With Helical Cutter Head |
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Delta Store 6" Bench Top Jointer |
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VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
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Jet JJ-8HH 8 Jointer With Helical Head Kit |
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Grizzly Industrial Parallelogram Jointer |
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WEN 10-Amp 6-Inch Corded Benchtop Jointer |
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VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Porter-Cable is a globally leading brand that doesn’t require any introduction; the rich and immensely successful brand history speaks for itself. We’ve recently tested the all-new 6-inch benchtop jointer, which stood out as a reliable ally for any woodworker with a wide array of features. Let’s check out its core specs and functions!
- Variable 6, 000 to 11, 000 RPM speed range allows the user...
- Two knife cutter head with jack screw knife leveling...
- Built-in cutter head lock facilitates knife replacement and...
- Extra large table provides ample work support and Surfacing...
Why Did We Like It?
First and foremost, this product is manufactured by Porter Cable co., which itself makes a statement. The brand has been best-known for manufacturing some of the most reliable and robust equipment across the globe, which can be observed in this benchtop jointer. Under a moderately reasonable price, it surprises you with a host of class-leading functionalities.
Speaking of performance, the ultra-smooth and uninterrupted experience we’ve had while testing this product had us sold, at least. As the name itself implies, you get the best-in-class variable speed technology, making it appropriate for both medium-scale and heavy-duty jobs. You can toggle through a vast 6,000-11,000 RPM speed range, depending on the type of material you’re cutting, which creates more room for flexibility.
Besides, you also get a unique knife cutter head, accompanied by a brilliant jackscrew knife leveling mechanism, which leads to higher accuracy while cutting. Not only that, but the unique arrangement also makes room for easy adjustment and replacement, in case the blades lose efficiency in the long run.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Although the manufacturers boast that the 6″ wide deck provides ample room for cutting, we feel that a little more surface area could provide an even more comfortable user experience. It’s not as satisfying when you’re working with large materials, restricting its usability to a fair extent.
- Variable speed adjustments
- An inbuilt cutting desk included
- Fencing for extra support
- Knife cutter head arrangement
- Could use some more desk area
For those looking for brands that never compromise on power and efficiency for heavy-duty work, we couldn’t have a better recommendation than PowerMatic co. Its all-new 54HH 6-inch benchtop jointer takes the cake for industrial-standard performance, and the credits go to its design and engineering. Let’s find out whether it suits your needs!
- Helical cutterhead with four-sided knife inserts provides...
- 6-inch long adjustable infeed and outfeed tables provide...
- Dust Collection Minimum CFM Required (CFM):450
Why Did We Like It?
This product indeed stands out as an excellent choice for full-time professionals, thanks to its brilliant design. It breaks the stereotype of industrial-grade benchtop jointers being bulky and heavy, with its thin, compact frame and moderately lightweight body. You won’t be needing to put in extra labor to carry it around, which raises the bar higher for portability.
One of the biggest concerns related to these tools is, without any doubt, optimal fencing. However, this product aces that criterion with its extremely sturdy and durable all-iron fence construction. To be precise, this 38″ x 4″ fencing adds greater stability while you’re cutting wood. Also, the supporting and tilt mechanism makes it twice as accurate as the typical benchtop jointer.
Furthermore, this product also gets a higher advantage over our previous recommendation, as it features quite a long and wide cutting deck for added user convenience. Not to forget, it features a cast-iron construction like the majority of its heavy-duty rivals, which ensures a long-lasting product life.
What Could’ve Been Better?
As we’re already aware, it’s an ideal choice for those looking for professional-level strength and accuracy. In that sense, it becomes quite an overkill for those with a lower budget and average power requirements. If you’re a beginner or a DIY enthusiast, we’d suggest that you look for cheaper alternatives.
- Wide cutting deck
- All-steel construction
- Powerful and reliable
- Great stability and accuracy
- Not recommended for light use
Although CRAFTSMAN initially started as a heavy-duty tool brand, it has eventually branched out to become a common household name with its immensely versatile portfolio. We were lucky enough to test its 10-amp benchtop jointer, which surprised us with the power and flexibility it offers for the price. Let’s find out what it offers, shall we?
- 10 amp benchtop Jointer features a variable speed range of...
- Variable speed: range of 6, 000 to 11, 000 RPM allows the...
- Easy replacement and knife adjustments: two-knife cutter...
- Accurate cutting: center-mounted fence gives needed support...
Why Did We Like It?
Craftsman is famous for its lineage of ultra-convenient and versatile tools for regular use, and the 10-amp benchtop jointer is a prime example of its brilliant engineering. With a vast palette of user-friendly features, this product gives you the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a full-time woodworking professional or just a DIY enthusiast, it caters to both needs precisely.
How come, you may be wondering? To be precise, this product comes with an iconic variable speed mechanism, giving you the freedom to toggle between various paces as per the need of the hour. As it can be set between 6,000 to 11,000 RPM, you can perform both medium-scale and heavy-duty jobs with ease.
Furthermore, the product comes with an incredible cutting mechanism, as you get a two-knife head. Like the Porter Cable model, it also gets a jackscrew leveling feature that makes it easier to adjust the knives per the material’s thickness. Not to forget, the blades can move at an incredible speed of 12,000-22,000 cuts under a minute.
What Could’ve Been Better?
According to numerous customer reviews, the fencing mechanism of this product is a tad complex. If you haven’t had any previous experience using high-functioning benchtop jointers before, it may take you a while to cut a whole square precisely.
- Exquisite and unique design
- Jackscrew leveling mechanism
- Variable speed toggling
- Sturdy all-steel construction
- Not recommended for beginners
JET Store is rapidly emerging as a best-selling brand in the power tool and equipment market, courtesy its trailblazing innovations. Its brand-new 1 HP jointer comes along with an incredible quick-set knife system, which allows you to get twice as precise and accurate cuts. Let’s take a brief look at its core features!
- The future built on great brands
- JPW is committed to providing unmatched service at every...
- U. S. based technical service for all of our brands
- Stock more than 40, 000 replacement parts
Why Did We Like It?
First and foremost, this product has surprised us with a best-in-class 1HP motor, which runs at higher RPMs without putting you through frequent vibration issues. Furthermore, we’re also very impressed with the fan-cooling technology that it features, ensuring a long-lasting engine life. To be precise, the TEFC mechanism functions brilliantly to offer excellent protection to the engine components from external dust particles.
Furthermore, we’re also in love with the long and wide cutting table, which helps obtain optimal accuracy while cutting. Its cast-iron construction protects it from scratches, dents, and damage while being used. Other than that, the deck features an ultra-smooth and precise finish that helps in making twice as accurate cuts.
Like our previous pick, this product also comes equipped with a steel cutter head, directly contributing to the clean cuts that it’s capable of making. It’s accompanied by a three knives mechanism, which gets the job done a lot quicker. You also get a brilliant dual cam mechanism that strictly locks the blades to avoid any unpredicted accident during work.
What Could’ve Been Better?
It’s a little disheartening how the fencing mechanism struggles to stay locked perpendicularly, leading to a drastic fall in the product’s overall user experience. Other than that, the motor also tends to start vibrating if used in a row for a couple of hours.
- Wide cutting deck
- All-steel construction
- Powerful and reliable
- Great stability and accuracy
- Fence locking issues
Rikon Power Tools is the ultimate one-stop brand to avail of the best options for the hardcore fans of the good old-fashioned helical cutters. The 6″ benchtop jointer by Rikon features one of the most helical cutter heads we’ve tested in a while, and it makes woodcutting a lot more fun and enjoyable. Let’s check out what it offers!
- RIKON BENCHTOP JOINTER - This 6” becnhtop jointer has a 6...
- HIGH SPEED - With a powerful 10 AMP motor, this benchtop...
- ALL STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Made from rigid, all-metal...
- SEE RESULTS - This benchtop jointer also has a spring loaded...
Why Did We Like It?
Not your average jointer, this iconic Rikon tool comes with a perfect blend of superiority and practicality, setting the bar higher for user convenience. If you’re searching for uncompromised, raw, and rugged power that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, this product is our best bet.
First, this product comes with an incredibly torquey and convenient 10 amp motor that outperforms numerous rivals in its segment. You can smoothly chop up both thin and thick quality wood with the cutting speed it generates. On top of that, you also get an incredible high-speed steel insert knife mechanism that gets the job with utmost accuracy in a short time.
Furthermore, we’re also very impressed with the durability it offers, making itself highly appropriate as a long-lasting power tool. To be precise, the Rikon benchtop jointer features an incredibly sturdy and reliable frame, and the credits go to the all-steel construction. The machined aluminum cutting deck also prevents it from getting scratched or dented while the knives are running at high RPMs.
What Could’ve Been Better?
It’s slightly disappointing how the manufacturers haven’t provided sufficient blades for cutting, as a two-blade-per channel setting feels a little underwhelming for the price you pay. Also, like our previous recommendation, even this product could use a slight improvement at the fencing mechanism.
- Premium build quality
- Advanced safety features
- High-speed cutting
- Affordable price range
- Fewer blades per channel
Delta store has recently launched a brand-new 6″ benchtop jointer, which had initially caught our attention with its subtle yet sassy appearance. If you’re looking for a Porter Cable tool’s power, with the ease of use of a PowerMatic tool under a budget, this product is quite an option to consider. Let’s check out its core features!
- Durable cast iron construction increases weight providing...
- Precision-machining of the table and fence ensures long term...
- Heavy duty, cast iron fence support system for accurate...
- Simple fence adjust system with adjustable positive stops at...
Why Did We Like It?
Most of us are often concerned about durability whenever it comes to power tools such as these. However, the manufacturers have eradicated this issue with utterly sturdy and long-lasting construction that significantly protects the engine. Thanks to the premium cast iron frame that it features, it’s comparatively sturdier and more efficient than the typical benchtop jointer.
Furthermore, we’re also very much satisfied with the power that the patented Delta engine generates, making it ideal for both small-duty and medium-range jobs with precision. Other than that, it’s fascinating how the chassis absorbs the engine vibrations when you’re running it at higher speeds. Thanks to this feature, this tool smoothly qualifies to be used for regular jobs.
Not to forget, the real magic here lies within its cutting accuracy, which is second to none. To be precise, this model comes with a precision-machining and fencing system that helps in boosting the accuracy, giving itself an advantage over most of its rivals.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Various existing users have reported that during the break-in period, the engine tends to overheat quite frequently. Although it’s nothing to be worried about, it still hampers user experience for the time being. Besides, we’re also not very satisfied with the interface, as it’s not very appropriate for inexperienced users.
- Extremely sturdy build quality
- Powerful and reliable
- Great stability and accuracy
- Large cutting deck
- Overheats fast during the break-in period
As we’re nearing the end of our list, let’s look at another premium innovation from the Jet Store. However, unlike its previous product, the brand has completely changed the game with this surprisingly powerful and heavy-duty jointer with a helical head kit. We’ve recently had hands-on experience at it, and here’s what we think!
- Helical cutterhead with indexable carbide inserts for a...
- Extra-long, heavy-duty cast iron infeed and outfeed tables...
- Large chrome handwheels and easy-to-reach locks make table...
- Tall, rigid fence provides added support
Why Did We Like It?
To begin with, this product has amazed us with the incredibly convenient and industrial-standard design and frame. Despite being compact and reasonably lightweight, it features quite a spacious cutting deck for a more accurate and precise woodcutting experience. To be exact, it comes with an incredible cast iron infeed and outfeed, which provides plenty of space while ensuring durability.
Furthermore, we’re very impressed with the fencing mechanism, which gives itself a higher advantage over some of its rivals in the segment. To be precise, it comes with a dual-way tilt and support mechanism that can be locked securely for higher accuracy while working.
Finally, it is quite an ideal product for beginners because it features a very user-friendly interface. Other than that, it’s also comparatively less complex to assemble.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Although we couldn’t find any severe performance glitch as such, this product indeed comes with a few itsy-bitsy flaws. For instance, we’ve found it a little tough to operate the adjustment wheel mechanism at times, as it takes a lot of muscle to get the wheels moving. However, it’s not something that proper maintenance and timely lubrication can’t fix.
- Exquisite and unique design
- Helical cutter head
- Variable speed toggling
- Sturdy all-steel construction
- The adjustment wheels get jammed often
Are you looking for a mighty wood cutting equipment that maintains the utmost stability at higher RPMs? Grizzly Industrial Store has just the right product you should consider, as its Parallelogram jointer makes professional jobs a lot easier with its extremely convenient features. Let’s take an in-depth look at what it offers!
- Motor: 3 HP, 230V, single-phase
- Total table size: 8" x 76"
- Fence size: 4-1/2" x 38"
- Maximum depth of cut: 1/8"
Why Did We Like It?
Hands down, the Grizzly parallelogram jointer is one of the most precise and accurate products we’ve tested by far. The manufacturers have loaded the model with an excellent engine that can easily outperform some of the best-selling professional rivals in its segment.
To be precise, it comes equipped with a fantastic 3HP single-phase motor that produces excellent torque for a smooth wood cutting session.
Furthermore, we’re also pretty impressed with the overall build quality, making it an appropriate choice for long-term use. It features an all cast-iron construction that protects the motor components from external dirt and damage.
Other than that, it’s incredible how the manufacturers have brilliantly designed the jointer frame, which helps in dampening the excessive vibrations at higher RPMs.
What Could’ve Been Better?
To begin with, this product is very costly, which is bound to restrict many users from purchasing. Other than that, it’s a little disappointing how the manufacturers haven’t offered a variable speed control feature, which limits its usability by a great deal.
- Parallelogram cutting deck
- All-steel construction
- Powerful and reliabl
- Great stability and accuracy
- Very expensive
Finally, our list ends with yet another WEN Tools recommendations; only this time, it’s twice as big and powerful. The 10-Amp 6″ corded benchtop jointer makes an appropriate choice for your active DIY jobs and small-time wood cutting gigs as it comes with insane punchy torque. Let’s see what more it offers!
- Heavy duty cast iron base and tabletop prevent wobbling and...
- Features a spacious 6-1/4 x 28-1/2-inch table and a 2-blade...
- 10-amp motor generates up to 20,000 cuts per minute anywhere...
- Adjustable 20-3/4 by 4-1/2-inch cast iron fence bevels up to...
Why Did We Like It?
First, we’re amazed by this product’s unique and bold design, reflecting the iconic WEN Tools DNA at its finest. The metallic finish gives this piece of equipment a premium feel, which isn’t so common amid models within this price segment.
Other than that, this product’s build quality is also pretty sturdy and long-lasting, offering you excellent value for money experience. To be precise, it’s protected with a heavy-duty cast iron frame for long-lasting engine life.
Finally, the manufacturers have also done a commendable job on the engine, as the 10 amp motor can smoothly deliver about 20,000 cuts under a minute. Whether you’re cutting thick wooden pieces or thin material, it caters to all sorts of jobs with precision.
What Could’ve Been Better?
There isn’t much to speak about it, except that it also comes with the prevalent fencing problems. Due to this issue, accuracy while cutting is hampered to a certain degree. Other than that, it’s a pretty good deal for the price.
- Wide cutting deck
- All-steel construction
- Powerful and reliable
- Excellent stability at high RPMs
- Fence locking needs to be improved
Benchtop Jointer Buyer’s Guide
The following section consists of the essential features that a good-quality benchtop jointer must have, which helps you get a clear picture of whether the product suits your needs. Keeping these in mind can prevent you from making a purchase that you’d regret later.
That said, let’s check out the most important factors to consider before buying one of these tools!
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Benchtop Jointer Type
As evident as it is, before you plan to purchase these tools, it’s necessary to evaluate what you’d be using it for. Depending on the most common user requirements, benchtop jointers have been divided into various types, ranging from beginner-friendly to heavy-duty alternatives. That’s why it’s recommended to choose the right variant not to face a lack of power or an overkill.
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Cutter Head Type
As we’re already aware by now, cutter heads are of two main types, such as knife cutters and helical cutter heads. If you’re searching for ultra-smooth operation and high precision while working, it’s better to choose helical cutter heads. However, if you’re okay with a highly cost-effective and DIY-friendly alternative for small-duty jobs, knife cutters are just about OK.
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Cutting Deck and Fencing
Finally, these two criteria are critical to cross-check while buying, as the entire cutting accuracy depends upon it. The sturdier, smoother, and broader the table, the more room you get for working. Also, better fencing and locking leads to higher accuracy while working.
Verdict
Have you found the best tool for your requirements yet? If not, here’s a quick recap of our favorites from the list!
The Porter-Cable jointer is undoubtedly the best choice to make if you’re searching for a reliable product that can be used for both medium-range and heavy-duty jobs.
If you need unmatched accuracy while cutting wood, give the PowerMatic 54HH variant a try. Finally, the Craftsman 10-amp product is a suitable choice for those with a meager budget and light-duty requirements.
Till next time!
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The post 9 Best Benchtop Jointer for Woodworking | Reviews + Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Homesthetics - Inspiring ideas for your home..
