We spent hours researching and testing various models to identify the ones that offer the best combination of performance, durability, and value. Our top pick for the best benchtop jointer is the WEN 6-inch Benchtop Jointer.
A benchtop jointer is a woodworking tool that is used to flatten and straighten the edges of rough lumber. It is an essential tool for any woodworker who needs to prepare wood for furniture, cabinetry, or any other woodworking project.
Benchtop jointers are designed to be compact and portable, making them ideal for small workshops or for woodworkers who need to move their tools from job site to job site.
When shopping for a benchtop jointer, there are a few critical things to consider.
The first is the size of the jointer. Benchtop jointers come in a range of sizes, from 6 inches to 8 inches. The larger the jointer, the more wood it can handle, but also the more space it will take up in your workshop.
The second thing to consider is the quality of the blades. A good benchtop jointer will have sharp, durable blades that can be easily adjusted and replaced.
Finally, you will want to consider the overall build quality of the jointer, including the materials used and the overall design.
In this article, we will be discussing the best benchtop jointers on the market today. Whether you are a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, we believe that our recommendations will help you find the perfect benchtop jointer for your needs.
Best Benchtop Jointers
For woodworkers looking to create smooth, even surfaces on their lumber, a benchtop jointer is an essential tool. These machines can help you achieve precision cuts and flatten rough edges, making your woodworking projects look more professional.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best benchtop jointers on the market, taking into account factors such as cutting width, motor power, and overall durability.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s sure to be a jointer on this list that will meet your needs.
1. WEN 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer
If you’re looking for an affordable benchtop jointer that delivers excellent results, the WEN 6-inch Benchtop Jointer is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The 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 scale makes it easy to adjust the depth of the cut, ensuring maximum accuracy.
- The spacious 30-by-6-3/16-inch table provides ample space for working with larger boards.
Cons
- The adjustable fence is only 19-3/4 by 4-1/4 inches, which may limit the size of the boards you can work with.
- The jointer is relatively heavy at 42.9 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around your workshop.
- The dust port is only 2-1/2 inches, which may not be large enough to capture all of the sawdust generated during use.
If you’re looking for an affordable benchtop jointer that delivers excellent results, the WEN 6-inch Benchtop Jointer is an excellent choice.
The 10-amp motor provides plenty of power to remove up to 1/8-inch of material with each pass, while the onboard depth scale makes it easy to adjust the depth of cut to ensure maximum accuracy.
The spacious 30-by-6-3/16-inch table provides ample space for working with larger boards, and the adjustable fence can be beveled up to 45 degrees to create angled cuts along the faces of your boards.
However, the adjustable fence is only 19-3/4 by 4-1/4 inches, which may limit the size of the boards you can work with.
Additionally, the jointer is relatively heavy at 42.9 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around your workshop.
Finally, the dust port is only 2-1/2 inches, which may not be large enough to capture all of the sawdust generated during use.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the WEN 6-inch Benchtop Jointer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable benchtop jointer.
2. WEN JT630H 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly benchtop jointer, the WEN JT630H 10-Amp 6-inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer is worth considering.
Pros
- The spiral cutterhead system with 12 staggered HSS blades provides an ultra-fine finish on both hard and softwoods.
- The spacious 30-by-6-inch table allows you to work with larger pieces of wood.
- The adjustable fence can bevel up to 45 degrees, allowing you to create angled cuts.
Cons
- The aluminum table can scratch easily, so it requires careful handling.
- The fence can be tricky to set up and get right.
- Squaring the fence can be challenging, and it may move slightly once you tie it up.
This jointer is solidly built and offers a lot of features for its price point. The spiral cutterhead system is a standout feature, providing a smooth finish on a variety of woods.
The spacious table allows you to work with larger pieces of wood, and the adjustable fence adds versatility to your cuts.
However, the aluminum table requires careful handling to avoid scratches, and the fence can be tricky to set up. Squaring the fence can also be a challenge, and it may move slightly once you tie it up.
Overall, the WEN JT630H 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer is a good option for hobbyist woodworkers on a budget who want a versatile tool that can handle a variety of woods.
3. Wahuda Tools Benchtop Jointer (50180CC-WHD)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient jointer for your woodworking projects, the Wahuda Tools Jointer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The spiral cutterhead with 4-sided carbide inserts delivers precise and smoother cuts, even on tough or figured woods.
- The cast iron tables with pull-out extensions provide stability when working on longer, larger pieces.
- The fence that tilts from 90 & 135° allows for versatility in edging, jointing, flattening, or tapering surfaces.
Cons
- The adjustment screws on the infeed bed may need to be tightened frequently.
- The dust collection port may require an adapter to fit standard vacuum hoses.
- The noise level is slightly higher than some other benchtop jointers.
The Wahuda Tools Jointer is a solid choice for job sites or small shops, with 6, 8, and 10-inch options available. The fully adjustable and expandable cast iron tables enhance stability even when working on longer, larger pieces.
The spiral cutter head with 4-sided carbide inserts delivers precise and smoother cuts, even on tough or figured woods. The fence that tilts from 90 & 135° allows for versatility in edging, jointing, flattening, or tapering surfaces.
However, the adjustment screws on the infeed bed may need to be tightened frequently, and the dust collection port may require an adapter to fit standard vacuum hoses. Additionally, the noise level is slightly higher than some other benchtop jointers.
Overall, the Wahuda Tools Jointer is a reliable and efficient option for those looking for a portable and versatile jointer for their woodworking projects.
4. PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer, 6-Inch (PC160JT)
If you are looking for a benchtop jointer that can handle a range of materials, the PORTER-CABLE PC160JT may be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The variable speed range of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM allows the user to select the right speed for the size and hardness of the material being cut.
- The built-in cutter head lock facilitates knife replacement and adjustment, making it easier to maintain the jointer.
- The extra-large table provides ample work support and surfacing stock up to a full 6″ wide.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the jointer is a bit loud when the vacuum system is hooked up.
- The quality control of this machine has been questioned by some users, who have reported issues with accuracy and alignment.
- The jointer is relatively heavy and may not be easy to move around.
Overall, the PORTER-CABLE PC160JT is a solid benchtop jointer that can handle a range of materials.
While some users have reported issues with quality control and noise, the variable speed range and extra-large table make it a good choice for those who need a versatile jointer.
5. Grizzly Industrial G0946-6inches Benchtop Jointer
If you’re in the market for a benchtop jointer, the Grizzly Industrial G0946-6-inch Benchtop Jointer with Spiral-Type Cutterhead is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The spiral-type cutterhead provides a smoother finish compared to straight knives.
- The machine is sturdy and well-made.
- It is easy to set up and use right out of the box.
Cons
- The fence may not be perfectly aligned with the table, requiring some tinkering to get it straight.
- The fence may not always stay at a 90-degree angle, which can be frustrating when jointing.
- The machine is a bit noisy, which may be an issue for some users.
In terms of performance, the Grizzly Industrial G0946-6-inch Benchtop Jointer with Spiral-Type Cutterhead is a great option for those looking for a smooth finish on their woodwork.
The spiral-type cutterhead does a great job of reducing tear-out, which can be a common issue with other types of jointers. Additionally, the machine is well-made and sturdy, which is important when working with heavy pieces of wood.
That being said, some users have reported issues with the fence not being perfectly aligned with the table, which can make it difficult to get a straight cut.
Additionally, the fence may not always stay at a 90-degree angle, which can be frustrating when jointing. Finally, the machine is a bit noisy, which may be an issue for some users.
Overall, the Grizzly Industrial G0946-6-inch Benchtop Jointer with Spiral-Type Cutterhead is a solid choice for those looking for a benchtop jointer.
While it may have a few minor issues, its performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for any woodworker.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best benchtop jointer, there are a few key features to consider. Below are some factors to keep in mind when making your decision.
Size and Capacity
The size of the jointer determines the width of the board it can handle. The larger the size, the wider the board it can accommodate.
It is recommended to choose a jointer with a width that is at least equal to the widest board you plan to work with. Additionally, consider the length of the bed, which determines the length of the board you can work with.
Cutting Depth
The cutting depth of a jointer determines how much material can be removed in a single pass. A deeper cutting depth allows for more material removal but also requires more power.
It is important to choose a jointer with a cutting depth that matches the type of wood you will be working with.
Fence
The fence is an important feature to consider when choosing a jointer. A fence that is easily adjustable and can be locked in place is ideal for accuracy and precision.
Additionally, a longer fence allows for more support when working with longer boards.
Cutterhead
The cutterhead is responsible for removing material from the board. There are two types of cutterheads: helical and straight.
Helical cutterheads are more expensive, but provide a smoother finish and require less maintenance. Straight cutterheads are more affordable but require more maintenance and produce a rougher finish.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is an important feature to consider for both safety and convenience.
A jointer with a dust collection port allows for easy removal of sawdust and debris, keeping the workspace clean and safe.
By considering these factors, you can find the best benchtop jointer for your needs.
You might also be interested in checking out the comparison guide for planer vs jointer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should one look for in a high-quality benchtop jointer?
When searching for a high-quality benchtop jointer, there are several features to consider.
Firstly, it should have a sturdy and durable construction with a well-built fence that is easy to adjust for accuracy.
Secondly, it should have a powerful motor and a high cutting speed to handle various types of wood.
Thirdly, it should have a dust collection system to keep the workplace clean and safe.
Finally, a benchtop jointer should be compact and easy to move around.
How does a benchtop jointer compare to a full-size jointer in terms of performance?
While full-size jointers are more powerful and can handle larger pieces of wood, benchtop jointers are more compact and portable, making them ideal for smaller workshops or hobbyists.
Benchtop jointers are also less expensive than full-size jointers, making them a more affordable option for those on a budget.
However, benchtop jointers may not be as precise as full-size jointers and may require more frequent blade adjustments.
What are the top-rated benchtop jointers for precision woodworking?
There are several top-rated benchtop jointers for precision woodworking, including the Jet JJP-8BT, the Delta Power Tools 37-071, and the Cutech 40160H-CT.
These models have sturdy constructions, powerful motors, and accurate fence systems that make them ideal for precision woodworking.
Can you recommend a benchtop jointer that offers the best value for its price?
The Grizzly G0725 benchtop jointer is a great option for those looking for a benchtop jointer that offers the best value for its price. It has a powerful motor, a sturdy construction, and an accurate fence system, all at an affordable price.
What are the maintenance requirements for keeping a benchtop jointer in optimal condition?
To keep a benchtop jointer in optimal condition, it is important to keep the blades sharp and clean.
The dust collection system should also be regularly cleaned to prevent buildup and ensure safe operation. Additionally, the fence system should be checked for accuracy and adjusted as needed.
Are there any benchtop jointers that are particularly easy for beginners to use?
The Wen 6559 benchtop jointer is a great option for beginners. It has a simple and easy-to-use design, making it ideal for those who are new to woodworking. It also has a compact size, making it easy to move around and store in smaller workshops.
Be sure to check out our guide on the best electric hand planers.