Whether you are an experienced or beginner woodworker, you should consider buying a tabletop jointer to make your wood smooth and straight. However, it is crucial you buy one that suits all your needs. In addition, you can choose from the many varieties of jointers in the market.
Looking at all the choices available in the market can be daunting. For this reason, we have tested and compiled some of the benchtop jointer reviews to help you find out popular models. To find the find the best benchtop jointers for your woodworking tasks, read the reviews and buying guide.
Top 10 Benchtop Jointers Reviews
1. Powermatic 1610086K 60HH 8-Inch Jointer
On top of our list of jointer reviews is the Powermatic 1610086K. An amazing Powermatic model that is vibration-free, durable, and sturdy. A huge and heavy benchtop jointer that will definitely occupy a huge space of your workshop.
The 1610086K is the best benchtop jointer because it is very quiet compared to other jointers. Unlike other jointers, this machine makes your woodworking process quieter as it does not produce heavy thuds, or loud noises.
Furthermore, this large machine has an extra-large sized table. The ends of this table extends to offer additional workspace and enough spots of moving the jointer back and forth. It has a four-sided clutter head. This means it offers fast, quality, and smooth work for quality outcomes. In addition, the design of this unit ensures it produces better performance, yet working quietly.
The other bonus feature of this machine is an adjustable level. This adjust level allows you to easily alter the position of your table. Indeed, this functionality makes the process easier like a child play, because you just need to pull the lever. Moreover, this adjuster enables you to tune the lever, and adjust the cutting depth of your cutter.
Finally, the Powermatic 1610086K jointer has a powerful motor with two horsepower. This ensures you grind and polish anything via the cutting head. Besides that, it has a great fence that does not need clumsy or screws changes.
Pros
- A powerful and quiet cutting head.
- Easy adjustment lever.
- The handwheel provides comfort
- Makes smooth cuts.
- An extra-large sized table
Cons
- The unit has a heavy, so 2 person job to unpack
2. RIKON Power Tools 20-600H 6-Inch Tabletop Jointer
This is one of the best budget jointer on our list. To understand why this unit has higher ratings than other units do, look at its performance and correlate that with its costs. The RIKON 20-600H is your perfect solution if you want a lightweight jointer with great performance.
A 6-inch tabletop jointer that is compact in size, making it a perfect solution if you have a limited solution. Despite taking a little space in your workshop, this unit delivers an amazing finish. Similar to other 6-inch jointers, the 20-200H provides you with a maximum depth cut of 1/8 inch.
It features a 10-amp motor that spins the cutter head at a speed of 11,000RPM. The design of the cutter head is helical, and has six rows of steel inserts with high speed. This makes the unit to offer a smooth finish. In addition, you can sharpen both edges of these inserts. This increases their lifespan by double.
Dust collection functionality of this unit is amazing. However, the wood chips accumulate quickly. If you love a debris-free working workshop, it is advisable you connect this unit with a vacuum. Unlike most small jointer tables, this unit has a 30-inch table that offers you more working room. Moreover, it allows the adjustment of the fence from 90 to 135 degrees. Its depth setting is easy, similar to the easy to read scale.
Pros
- Easy access of the blade.
- An easy depth setting with scale for convenience.
- It has a lightweight and compact size that make ideal for small workshops.
- Reliable work life because of the durable steel construction.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- You need to invest in a vacuum because the shavings build up fast.
- The fence has unreliable adjusters.
3. Powermatic 1791317K 54 HH 6-Inch Jointer
The Powermatic 1791317K is a unique high-quality built tabletop jointer. The right option if you are looking for durable and user-friendly machine with amazing features. Without doubt, you will enjoy all your woodworking tasks.
This unit is one of the best jointer planer combo in the market. It has index carbide knife inserts and a helical cutter head. In addition, the design of the unit ensures you get maximum precision that you would like.
Apart from a superior finish, this jointer has a 1HP motor that gives sufficient power to spin the blades at higher speeds. In turn, you get to enjoy smooth work progress. Although this jointer comes pre-wired for 115V, you can change it to a 230V unit as it highly versatile.
Furthermore, it comes with a cast iron table that acts as a precision ground. In fact, this unit is among those with the longest tables. This enables the machine to accommodate even large pieces of wood.
Finally, this jointer has cast iron fence system that is 38 inches long and 4 inches in height. This finely polished table ground accurately to produce straight outputs. However, you can increase its accuracy by tilting it into various positions.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Highly durable due to the cast iron materials.
- The design ensures you get perfect finishing.
- It is easy to assemble.
- Quiet and smooth operation.
Cons
- You need to adapt using the fence, as it is not flat as expected.
4. PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Variable Speed 6’ Jointer
The other best budget jointer for a serious a wood worker is the PC160JT table jointer. Besides being a best jointer for money in regards to excellent precision, it is easy to use. Setting up this machine will take you some minutes.
One of the benefits of owing this machine is that it is highly portable. It has a lightweight of 35 pounds that make it more portable than most benchtop jointers in the market. You can easily move it from one place to another, as well as making adjustments.
To ensure you always get a clean cut, the blades are easier to remove, sharpen, and re-fit. Likewise, the knives of this machine are easy to replace if you opt to replace with new blades. Furthermore, it allows you to easily make a clean 90 degrees cut. This adjustment enables you to fit any piece of wood that is big or small without struggles.
The other unique feature of this benchtop jointer is the variable speed at the range of 6,000 to 11,000RPM. This enable you to choose an appropriate speed based on the hardness and size of your material. Besides that, it has a larger table that is perfect for use with both big and thick woodworking projects.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Variable blade speed for convenience.
- Great value for the affordable price.
- Highly portable.
- The blades are easy to replace.
Cons
- The aluminum fence is not sturdy.
5. Grizzly Industrial G0813 Benchtop Jointer
The unit is your best option if you want a heavy-duty and durable tabletop jointer. In fact, the build materials for tables and fence are cast-iron and steel on other parts. However, the power switch of the machine has plastic material.
It is one of the best jointer for the money because the cast-iron fence and table come attached on this unit. This means you can access the infeed table by adjusting the height. Adjusting the fence is easy using the adjustment knob. In addition, this unit has an integrated dust collection via dust port. This dust collection system makes the jointer good for use in an enclosed garage. It is efficient in keeping you air free from sawdust.
Unlike most of its competitors, this jointer has a longer table. This gives you the benefit of working with long boards on the additional space. It has a cutterhead and double-sided knife, powered by a two horsepower moto at the rate of 10,000 RPM.
Nothing beats owning this machine if you on a tight budget. You will get to enjoy fast and powerful cutting depth of up to 1/8 inch.
Pros
- The integrated dust collection keeps your air clean.
- Great cutting depth of 1/8 inch
- Strong and durable build materials.
- A long infeed table for extra working space.
Cons
- It is difficult to adjust the infeed table height.
6. Shop Fox W1829 6-Inch Tabletop Jointer
If you are on a tight budget but in need of the best jointer for the money, Shop Fox W1829 jointer is your ideal option. It features in our benchtop jointer reviews list because of its amazing features. These includes a dependable built table and dust port. One of the benefits of owning this powerful machine is its ease of use.
This benchtop jointer operates using a 1.5HP single-phase 12-amp motor that has enough power for all woodworking needs. The motor powers a cutter head featuring two knives that rotate at a speed of 10,000 RPM.
Furthermore, this tabletop jointer is adjustable and offers a performance of 20,000 CPM. These numbers are sufficient evidence that the W1829 offers great performance, making it best jointer for the money.
Moreover, this unit has a large cast-iron table, whose measurements are 6.25 inches wide by 28.5 inches in length. Although this size is not powerful enough for some projects, it is good for handling most woodworking requirements. Likewise, the fence is of iron-cast, and you can modify without difficulties.
The other amazing feature of this unit is the impeller. This functionality makes the machine collect dust effectively. The design of this feature enables this tabletop jointer to remove bits and chips from blades using the dust port. Nonetheless, the Fox W1829 jointer at times chips the wood away. Thus, you need to be careful when using this equipment.
Pros
- It has a powerful and effective motor.
- The knives are easy to remove.
- An affordable price for great features.
- Highly durable and sturdy build of cast iron.
- Offers clean cuts and great performance.
Cons
- The tables do not line up as expected.
- Chips the wood sometimes because the fence fails to tighten well.
7. Grizzly Industrial G0814 Jointer
The G0814 benchtop jointer is the right option if you want to enhance your woodworking productivity. A uniquely designed cabinet-stand jointer from Grizzly. The design of this machine makes it highly portable. It features an economy stand with built-in mobile base.
This benchtop jointer might be the smallest machine from this manufacturer. However, it has amazing features and desirable performance. It features dovetailed-way tables and a three-knife cutterhead that rotates at a speed of 5,000RPM.
The presence of table adjustments offers convenience. These adjustments are a precision handwheel on the outfeed side, and lever-action on the infeed side. These cast-iron built tables slide on the dovetailed ways while at work.
On the center of this machine is an adjustable heavy-duty fence. You can adjust it at 45, 90, and 135 degrees. To enable you have full control as you set the bevel angle, the fence has a large handle. This tabletop jointer has a 1HP single-phase motor, prewired at 110V. In addition, it features a power switch that is cabinet-mounted and a 4-inches dust port.
Pros
- Highly portable.
- Durable cast-iron design.
- Built-in dust collection to keep you air dust-free.
- Clear, smooth cuts.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- Takes time to assemble.
8. Jet JJP-8BT 8” Jointer/Planer Combo
If you are looking for a machine that is more than a tabletop jointer, the Jet JJP-8BT is your right choice. This machine works like a jointer and planer. Actually, it is the best jointer planer combo in this list. The two in one design of this unit maximizes your works space. In addition, the design offers comfort by ensuring you enjoy precision by locking the planer and jointer tables.
One of the major benefits of using this unit is robust performance. It comes with a powerful heavy-duty 13-amp motor, which offers 18,000 CPM. Moreover, this best jointer-planer combo has a feed speed at the rate of 19.5 ft. /minute. This high speed enables you to make more cuts within a short duration.
The oversized ergonomic knobs are a unique feature in this machine. These knobs ensures your operation is safe and secure. They are easy to use, and helps you to avoid errors from a slippery grip. Further, they ensure you are not wasting time looking for switches or buttons. The knobs are easy to see, giving you total control.
Other amazing features of this machine are steel knives and sheet metal outfeed table. These features offers precision and versatility. The outfeed table comes with height adjustment to accommodate materials of various sizes. On the other hand, the durable steel knives has two-high speed to ensure you get accurate and smooth cuts.
Pros
- A powerful 13-amp motor.
- Robust performance for both jointing and planing.
- Easy to use controls ensures your operation is secure.
- Great value for two in one design.
Cons
- Design flaw for the dust collector.
Benchtop Jointer Buying Guide
What is a Tabletop Jointer?
Making wood free of warping, twists and flat is the sole purpose of a jointer. In turn, this makes your woodwork much easier. Therefore, a tabletop jointer is a woodworking tool that you use to flatten boards or woods sides for a smooth polish. In addition, these machines enables you to square your wood pieces for easier joining.
Things to Considers When Buying a Benchtop jointer?
Our jointer reviews list has various machines. Therefore, you need to get more specific on the best jointer for the money. To do so, here are some factors you need to consider:
- Size of the jointer
Before you settle on the size of the jointer that you will buy, look at the size of your workshop and the wood sizes to use. To avoid wastage of money and space, buy a benchtop jointer that meets all your needs. This helps you to determine the length and width of an appropriate jointer to buy.
There are various types of jointers based on the length of the knives. On the other hand, the widest board that a jointer can perfectly corresponds to its measurement. Therefore, you need to check the bed and blade lengths to determine the size of you jointer.
- Type of fence
The fences have different designs. However, the design of the fence and its size determines if it will clean cuts. For example, some projects require backup at tilted angles. In such a case, you need a fence that is able to make stops at particular angles to make accurate cuts.
Some fences are capable of making stops at 135, 90, and 45 degrees. For this reason, ensure the fence is durable, rigid, and flat to offer necessary support. Otherwise, you will buy a flimsy machine, which will destroy your wood.
- Dust collection port
Any woodworker knows that a tabletop jointer produce a lot of debris and dust. Therefore, check if the jointer comes with a built-in dust collector. Alternatively, one with a port that allows you to connect a vacuum. Safety is essential in any workshop, and it starts with ensuring your tools are dust-free for safe operation.
- Type of head
Different jointers have different types of heads. Consider the type of head your chosen unit uses. For example, the spiral cutter heads have a spiral shape and use 4-sided cutters that are efficient in shaving off woods with high accuracy. In addition, the spiral heads operates using less power and are easy to change.
- Motor size
The power needs of a jointer depends on the motor size. Certainly, you are looking for powerful jointer to make your woodwork smooth. In your search, you will find that most benchtop jointers have either a 1HP or 2HP motor. However, the horsepower should not a thing to consider, because even the 1HP motor is powerful for most tasks.
Instead, you should consider the power of the machine by looking for the voltage. Home use benchtop jointers have single-phase outlets of between 110-220Volts. On the contrary, heavy commercial jointers have a 440Volts outlet.
- Table
The main work of a tabletop jointer is making straight and flat surfaces. Therefore, you should go for a flat table. In fact, you need to make sure you choose a table that is parallel to the cutting head. This enables you to make clear cuts. Besides that, you should look at the length of the table. A longer table is good if your pieces are long and unnecessary if your pieces are small. However, this depends on your needs.
FAQ for Benchtop Jointer
- Are tabletop jointers beginner friendly?
Any woodworking machine is not beginner-friendly. In fact, you need someone to teach or guide you on how to use any machine.
- How do you clean a benchtop jointer?
The best method of cleaning a benchtop jointer is using a handheld vacuum cleaner. Remember, sawdust is the only dirt.
- Why is a longer table preferred?
A benchtop with a longer table offers you enough space to accommodate both big and small materials. This means it is easy to produce precise results.
- How do you determine the size of tabletop jointer to buy?
First, you need to know decide if you are buying a machine for commercial or domestic use. Second, consider the length of the cutter and the table. For simple domestic woodworking use, get a 6-inch jointer. For commercial purposes, buy an 8-inch to 12-inch jointer.
- Should I buy a jointer or planer?
Any serious woodworker needs a jointer and planer for maximum woodworking results. If possible, you can buy any of the best jointer planer combo. However, you should first buy a planer then a jointer.
- What does a benchtop jointer do?
From the name, the work of a benchtop jointer works as a jointer for two pieces of wood. In addition, it works by flattening board surfaces.
- Are benchtop jointer any good?
If you want to preserve space in your workshop, then a benchtop jointer is the best. For this reason, any woodworker should consider buying one. However, long bed jointers takes more space.
Final Thoughts
Benchtop jointers are essential for any workshop, as they help you to make wood surfaces flat and smooth. However, choosing the best benchtop jointer is not easy in a market with many different brands. These benchtop jointer reviews and buying guide will help you choose the best jointer for money to use in your workshop.
