Woodworking is an art that requires precision, skill, and patience. One of the essential tools of woodworking is a jointer, which is used to flatten and square lumber. A jointer is an indispensable tool for any woodworker, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best jointer for woodworking.
When it comes to jointers, there are two main types: benchtop jointers and stationary jointers. Benchtop jointers are portable and take up less space, making them ideal for small workshops or hobbyists. Stationary jointers, on the other hand, are larger and more powerful, making them suitable for professional woodworkers or those who work with larger pieces of wood.
When looking for the best jointer for woodworking, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is the size of the jointer. The size of the jointer determines the size of the lumber it can handle. If you work with large pieces of wood, you’ll need a jointer with a larger capacity. The second factor to consider is the power of the jointer. The more powerful the jointer, the easier it will be to cut through hardwoods and thicker pieces of wood.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the top jointers on the market and providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional woodworker, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the best jointer for your woodworking needs.
Best Jointers for Woodworking
If you’re a woodworking enthusiast, you know how important it is to have a jointer in your workshop. Jointers are essential tools that help you create perfectly flat and straight edges on your wood pieces, making it easier to glue them together and create seamless joints. With so many jointers available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best jointers for woodworking to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, we’ve got you covered.
WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable jointer for your woodworking projects, the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The spiral cutterhead system with 12 staggered HSS blades provides an ultra-fine finish to both hard and soft woods.
- The spacious 30-by-6-inch table allows you to work with larger pieces of wood.
- The adjustable fence can be beveled up to 45 degrees, allowing you to create angled cuts along the faces of your boards.
Cons
- The fence can be a bit tricky to set up and get right.
- The aluminum table can scratch easily if you’re not careful.
- The machine is designed for 110V, so if you’re in a country with a different voltage, you’ll need a step-down transformer.
Overall, the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is a great option for hobbyist woodworkers who don’t want to break the bank. It’s easy to set up and use, and the spiral cutterhead system provides a smooth finish that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a reliable jointer that won’t break the bank, the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is definitely worth considering.
In terms of performance, the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer delivers a consistently smooth finish that’s hard to beat. The spiral cutterhead system with 12 staggered HSS blades is a standout feature, providing an ultra-fine finish to both hard and soft woods. The spacious 30-by-6-inch table allows you to work with larger pieces of wood, and the adjustable fence can be beveled up to 45 degrees, allowing you to create angled cuts along the faces of your boards.
That being said, the fence can be a bit tricky to set up and get right, so it may take some trial and error to get it just right. Additionally, the aluminum table can scratch easily if you’re not careful, so you’ll want to be mindful of that when working with the jointer. Finally, the machine is designed for 110V, so if you’re in a country with a different voltage, you’ll need a step-down transformer.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable jointer for your woodworking projects, the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is definitely worth considering. It’s easy to set up and use, and the spiral cutterhead system provides a smooth finish that’s hard to beat.
PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer, Variable Speed, 6-Inch (PC160JT)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly jointer for woodworking, the PORTER-CABLE PC160JT is a great option.
Pros
- The variable speed range allows you to select the right speed for the size and hardness of the material being cut.
- The two-knife cutter head with a jack screw knife leveling arrangement makes knife replacement and adjustment easy.
- The built-in cutter head lock facilitates knife replacement and adjustment.
Cons
- The jointer is not suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
- The dust collection port is small and may require frequent emptying.
- The infeed and outfeed tables are not adjustable, which may limit the size of the stock you can work with.
This jointer is ideal for edging, flattening, or face jointing. The extra-large table provides ample work support and can surface stock up to a full 6 inches wide. The cutter head speed of 12,000 to 22,000 cuts per minute allows for efficient material removal.
The PORTER-CABLE PC160JT is a great option for hobbyists or those with small workshops. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty jointer, you may want to consider a more expensive model.
WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable jointer for your woodworking projects, the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The powerful 10-amp motor provides up to 22,000 cuts per minute, making it easy to remove up to 1/8 inch of material with each pass.
- The onboard depth-of-cut scale and adjustable infeed table make it easy to achieve precise and accurate cuts.
- The spacious 30-by-6-3/16-inch table and adjustable fence that bevels up to 45 degrees make it easy to work with a variety of board sizes and shapes.
Cons
- The short table can make it difficult to work with longer pieces of wood.
- The fence can be tricky to adjust to a 90-degree angle.
- The limited blade guard may not provide enough protection for some users.
If you’re looking for a jointer that offers a great balance between power, precision, and affordability, the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is definitely worth considering. With its powerful 10-amp motor, adjustable infeed table, and spacious work surface, it’s easy to achieve precise and accurate cuts on a variety of board sizes and shapes.
One of the standout features of the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is its powerful 10-amp motor, which provides up to 22,000 cuts per minute. This makes it easy to remove up to 1/8 inch of material with each pass, ensuring that you can achieve smooth and accurate cuts with minimal effort. Additionally, the onboard depth-of-cut scale and adjustable infeed table make it easy to achieve precise and accurate cuts, even on more complex projects.
Another great feature of the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is its spacious 30-by-6-3/16-inch table, which provides plenty of room to work with a variety of board sizes and shapes. The adjustable fence that bevels up to 45 degrees is also a nice touch, making it easy to achieve angled cuts along the faces of your boards.
While the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is a great choice for many woodworkers, it does have a few drawbacks to keep in mind. The short table can make it difficult to work with longer pieces of wood, so you may need to invest in a sawhorse or other support to make it work. Additionally, the fence can be tricky to adjust to a 90-degree angle, which may be frustrating for some users. Finally, the limited blade guard may not provide enough protection for some users, so be sure to use caution when operating this tool.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable jointer for your woodworking projects, the WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is definitely worth considering. With its powerful motor, adjustable infeed table, and spacious work surface, it’s a versatile tool that can help you achieve precise and accurate cuts on a variety of board sizes and shapes.
CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer
If you’re looking for a reliable jointer that won’t break the bank, the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer is definitely worth considering. With its variable speed range and two-knife cutter head, this jointer is perfect for edging, flattening, or face jointing. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right jointer for you:
Pros
- The variable speed range allows you to select the correct speed for the material’s size and hardness, making it versatile for a variety of projects.
- The center-mounted fence ensures accurate cuts every time.
- The extra-large 6-3/16″ x 30″ table provides ample support for larger pieces of wood.
Cons
- Some assembly is required out of the box, and the instruction manual could be clearer.
- The infeed and outfeed tables are relatively short, which may be an issue for larger projects.
- The aluminum table is somewhat fragile and may not hold up well over time.
In conclusion, if you’re a beginner woodworker or looking for an affordable jointer for smaller projects, the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer is a great option. It’s versatile, accurate, and won’t break the bank. However, if you’re a more experienced woodworker or plan on working with larger pieces of wood, you may want to consider a more heavy-duty jointer.
AONLLEN Dual Spindle Dowel Jointer
If you’re looking for a powerful and precise dowel jointer, the AONLLEN Dual Spindle Dowel Jointer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The calibrated viewer allows for precise set-up and drilling, making it easy to achieve accurate joints.
- With the ability to drill double or single holes, this jointer is versatile and can handle a variety of jointing needs.
- The 17,000 rpm motor provides ample power for working with harder woods, and the ergonomically designed top grip handle makes it comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
Cons
- The dust port could be more effective at keeping the work area clean.
- Some users have reported difficulty with the machine’s accuracy, particularly when drilling multiple holes in a row.
- The included drilling bits and dowels may not be of the highest quality.
Overall, the AONLLEN Dual Spindle Dowel Jointer is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and powerful jointer that can handle a variety of jointing needs. With its precise calibration and powerful motor, it’s a great tool for any woodworking project.
Wahuda Tools Jointer – 10-inch Benchtop Wood Jointer
If you’re looking for a jointer that can handle tough or figured woods, the Wahuda Tools Jointer may be the perfect fit for you. Its solid built and adjustable cast iron tables enhance stability even when working on longer, larger pieces, with a fence that tilts from 90 &135° for versatility.
Pros
- The spiral cutterhead with 4-sided carbide inserts provides sharper and quieter cutting precision.
- Its fixed 12,000 RPM motor allows for a steady performance in edging, jointing, flattening, or tapering.
- The Wahuda Jointer is available in 6, 8, and 10-inch sizes, perfect for job sites or small shops.
Cons
- The Wahuda Jointer is relatively new to the market, so there may be limited reviews to help make an informed decision.
- The jointer may not be suitable for larger projects due to its benchtop size.
- Some users may find the jointer’s weight of 70.9 pounds to be too heavy to move around frequently.
Overall, the Wahuda Tools Jointer is a great option for woodworkers looking for a jointer with cutting-edge sharpness and capable steady performance. Its solid built and expandable cast iron tables make it a convenient choice for job sites or small shops.
RIKON 20-800H | 8″ Benchtop Jointer with a 6-Row Helical-Style Cutter Head with 16 Carbide, 2-Edge Insert Cutters
If you’re looking for a jointer that can handle a wide range of woodworking projects, the RIKON 20-800H could be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The helical-style cutter head with 16 two-sided carbide inserts provides super cutting action and flat surfacing results.
- The adjustable fence tilts from 90° to 45° quickly and accurately, allowing for precise cuts.
- The large work surface can be expanded from 30-1/2″ to 51-1/2″ with the table extensions, giving you plenty of space to work with.
Cons
- The jointer is heavy, making it difficult to move around.
- Long stock can be a challenge due to the bed size.
- The price point may be a bit steep for some hobbyists.
This jointer is built to last with its all-metal construction and machined aluminum tables. The quick depth setting mechanism with scale and spring-loaded safety guard make it easy to use, even for beginners.
The RIKON 20-800H is ideal for straightening wood and producing clean, accurate cuts. It also features a safety on/off switch and two push blocks for added safety.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality jointer that can handle a variety of woodworking projects, the RIKON 20-800H is definitely worth considering.
Shop Fox W1876 6″ Benchtop Jointer with Spiral-Style Cutterhead
If you’re looking for a compact jointer that packs a punch, the Shop Fox W1876 is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The spiral-style cutterhead with indexable carbide inserts ensures precise and clean cuts every time.
- The infeed table is knob-adjustable and lockable, allowing for ultra-precision cutting depth adjustments.
- The extruded-aluminum fence is easy to adjust, making it simple to achieve accurate cuts.
Cons
- The assembly instructions are not very helpful, and it may take some time to figure out how to put the jointer together.
- The dust port is a bit small, so you may need to use an adapter to connect it to your dust collection system.
- The jointer is relatively loud, so you may want to wear hearing protection when using it.
The Shop Fox W1876 is a great choice for woodworkers who need a compact jointer that doesn’t sacrifice performance. The spiral-style cutterhead with indexable carbide inserts ensures that you get clean and precise cuts every time, and the infeed table is knob-adjustable and lockable, allowing for ultra-precision cutting depth adjustments. The extruded-aluminum fence is also easy to adjust, making it simple to achieve accurate cuts.
One downside of the Shop Fox W1876 is that the assembly instructions are not very helpful, so it may take some time to figure out how to put the jointer together. Additionally, the dust port is a bit small, so you may need to use an adapter to connect it to your dust collection system. Finally, the jointer is relatively loud, so you may want to wear hearing protection when using it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact jointer that delivers excellent performance, the Shop Fox W1876 is definitely worth considering.
Cutech 40180HI 8-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient jointer for your woodworking projects, the Cutech 40180HI 8-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The spiral cutterhead with 6 rows and 16 staggered inserts provides a smooth finish and low amp draw.
- The two-sided inserts ensure perfect alignment with the cutterhead for superior precision.
- The fence enhancement brackets stabilize both ends of the fence for flawless cuts.
Cons
- The jointer is on the heavier side, weighing almost 80 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported that the jointer requires some adjustments out of the box to ensure optimal performance.
- The jointer may produce some noise during operation, which may be a concern for some users.
The Cutech 40180HI jointer is equipped with a spiral cutterhead that provides a smooth finish and low amp draw, making it an efficient tool for your woodworking projects. The two-sided inserts ensure perfect alignment with the cutterhead for superior precision, while the fence enhancement brackets stabilize both ends of the fence for flawless cuts.
While the jointer is on the heavier side, weighing almost 80 pounds, this also means that it is sturdy and durable. Some users have reported that the jointer requires some adjustments out of the box to ensure optimal performance, but once set up correctly, it works like a charm. The jointer may produce some noise during operation, which may be a concern for some users, but it is quieter than some other jointers on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient jointer for your woodworking projects, the Cutech 40180HI 8-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking to buy a jointer for your woodworking needs, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your money. Here are some key features to look for when choosing a jointer:
Cutting Width
The cutting width of the jointer determines the maximum width of the board that can be flattened. Jointers typically come in widths ranging from 6 to 16 inches. Consider the size of the boards you will be working with and choose a jointer with a cutting width that accommodates those sizes.
Cutting Depth
The cutting depth of a jointer determines how much material can be removed with each pass. Jointers typically have a cutting depth of 1/8 to 1/2 inch. Consider the type of wood you will be working with and choose a jointer with a cutting depth that can handle the material without causing tear-out or other damage.
Fence
The fence is an important feature to consider as it provides support for the board and ensures a straight edge. Look for a jointer with a sturdy fence that can be adjusted easily and accurately.
Cutterhead
The cutterhead is the part of the jointer that cuts the wood. There are two types of cutterheads: helical and straight knives. Helical cutterheads are more expensive but provide a smoother cut and require less maintenance. Straight knife cutterheads are less expensive but require more maintenance and can produce more tear-out.
Dust Collection
Jointers produce a lot of sawdust, so having a dust collection system is important for keeping your workspace clean and safe. Look for a jointer with a dust collection port that can be easily attached to a dust collector or shop vacuum.
By considering these key features, you can ensure that you choose the best jointer for your woodworking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I consider when selecting a high-quality wood jointer?
When selecting a high-quality wood jointer, there are several features to consider. Firstly, the size of the jointer is important, as it determines the width of the boards that can be jointed. Secondly, the type of cutterhead is important, as it affects the quality of the cut. Thirdly, the length of the bed is important, as it determines the length of the boards that can be jointed. Finally, the power of the motor is important, as it affects the speed and efficiency of the jointer.
How does a helical cutterhead compare to a straight cutterhead in jointers?
A helical cutterhead has several advantages over a straight cutterhead. Firstly, it produces a smoother cut, with less tear-out and less noise. Secondly, it requires less power to operate, as it has more cutting edges in contact with the wood at any given time. Finally, it is easier to change the blades on a helical cutterhead, as the blades are usually indexed and can be rotated to a fresh edge.
What are the advantages of an 8-inch jointer over a 6-inch model?
An 8-inch jointer has several advantages over a 6-inch model. Firstly, it can handle wider boards, which is useful for larger projects. Secondly, it has a longer bed, which allows for longer boards to be jointed. Finally, it has a more powerful motor, which allows for faster and more efficient operation.
Can you recommend durable brands for woodworking jointers?
Yes, there are several durable brands for woodworking jointers. Some of the top brands include Powermatic, Jet, Grizzly, and Delta. These brands are known for their quality construction, reliable performance, and long-lasting durability.
What is the significance of choosing a jointer with a longer bed length?
Choosing a jointer with a longer bed length is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for longer boards to be jointed, which is useful for larger projects. Secondly, it provides more support for the board, which reduces the risk of snipe and other defects. Finally, it allows for more precise and accurate jointing, as the board can be supported throughout the entire length of the cut.
How do benchtop jointers perform compared to floor-standing models for small workshops?
Benchtop jointers are a great option for small workshops, as they are compact and easy to store. However, they may not perform as well as floor-standing models in terms of power and accuracy. If you are working with smaller boards and do not require the power and precision of a floor-standing model, a benchtop jointer may be a good choice. However, if you are working with larger boards or require more precise jointing, a floor-standing model may be a better option.
