Best Benchtop Jointer: Well, in this post, I’ll walk you through various aspects of the best benchtop jointers to help you make an informed buying decision.
Furthermore, I’ll also throw light on NOT TO NEGLECT parameters so that you can narrow down the options and finally end up buying a benchtop jointer that suffices your requirements.
Lastly, I’ll respond to the queries related to the benchtop jointer reviews to help both beginners as well as professionals to negate any element of confusion that is stopping them from buying the jointer.
But, before we start, I’ve got a few questions for you.
Would you be interested in answering them?
Should I buy a 6-inch or 8-inch jointer?
What is the budget that you’re willing to spend on a jointer?
Best Benchtop Jointer For The Money
| Product Name (Check the current price on Amazon) | Voltage | Weight | Dimensions |
| Festool 574432 Domino Joiner DF 500 Q Set | 120 V | 13 Pounds | 15.5 x 11.5 x 6.4 Inches |
| Cutech 40160H-CT 6″ Bench Top Spiral Cutterhead Jointer | 120 V | 40 Pounds | 32 x 12.2 x 11 inches |
| Powermatic 1791317K 54HH 6-Inch Jointer with Helical Cutterhead | 230 V | 328 Pounds | 66 x 24 x 37.5 inches |
| JET 708457DXK JJ-6CSDX 6-Inch 1 HP Jointer with Quick-Set Knive System | 230 V | 256 Pounds | 71 x 26 x 13 inches |
| 6″ Bench Top Jointer 37-071 | 120 V | 76 Pounds | 17 x 28.5 x 13 inches |
| RIKON Power Tools 25-210H 12-Inch Planer/Jointer with Helical Head | 220 V | 580 pounds | 55.4 x 22.5 x 44.2 inches |
| PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer, Variable Speed, 6-Inch (PC160JT) | 120 V | 35 pounds | 32.1 x 12.4 x 11.2 inches |
| CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer, 10-Amp (CMEW020) | 120 V | 39.8 pounds | 32 x 12.4 x 11.2 inches |
| 220V | 1,265 pounds | 28 x 84 x 37 inches | |
| 230V | 365 pounds | 25 x 76 x 41.5 inches |
Best Benchtop Jointer Reviews
Without wasting any time, here we come with the top 10 benchtop jointer for you.
I along with my woodworking team have tried to the best of our capabilities to bring to you some of the best benchtop jointers available on the market.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Festool 574432 Domino Jointer DF 500 Q | Best Top-Rated Benchtop Jointer For The Money
It goes without saying that Festool 574432 is a well-known and well-trusted brand that is known to manufacture high-quality innovative products.
Needless to say, DF 500 Q Set matches the levels and expectations that end-users have with the brand Festool.
As I said earlier also, Festool is known for its innovative product line, and it can be well depicted from the model DF 500 Q Set.
It wouldn’t be wrong if I say that with this model, Festool is trying to revolutionize the joinery and also force you to think about woodworking in a totally different way.
Whether you’re a novice woodworker or an experienced professional, you’ll definitely agree that joining is NOT only a slow but difficult process as well.
The Festool Domino was introduced in the market with a motive to reduce the time that is involved in making joints along with enhancing the ease of use and user-friendliness.
Keeping in mind the importance of saving time in complex woodworking projects, the manufacturer has allowed highly repeatable work.
Moreover, with precise adjustment for five different mortising depths, you’ve great depth control on your woodworking projects thus mitigating the associated errors.
Not only that, but you can also adjust the width of the mortise making the alignment hassle-free when joining panels so that you can save your time and expedite the project at a speedy rate.
The USP of the DF 500 Q Set is a patented routing principle that is the backbone of the spiral cutter that creates perfect mortises.
On top of it, Fence creates angled mortises from 0-90 degrees with positive stops at 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 67.5 degrees.
The 7 lbs jointer consumes 420 watts and possesses a cutter spindle speed of 24,300 RPM which is definitely something that will grab your eyeballs.
The German-engineered Domino comprises of dust extraction system that will NOT only clean your Jobsite in an epigrammatic span of time but also, take care of fewer toxins by breathing them in.
On the downside, you only get a 5 mm cutter with this set so you’ll have to purchase the 4,6,8, and 10 mm cutters.
The metal body Festool 574432 needs 120 volts to operate and comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Comprises of indexing pins
- Includes a dust extraction system
- Idiosyncratic rotation and oscillatory cutting action
- Capable of creating angled mortise between 0 and 90 degrees
- Equipped with a pivoting fence
- Has positive stops at 67.5°,45° and 22.5°
- 24,300 RPM
- Patented routing principle
Cons
- Flimsy power switch
- Soft return spring
All in all, a portable jointer that is known for its precision, accuracy, and performance.
So, what are you waiting for?
Grab your copy, today.
(Check out what customers have to say about the product on Amazon)
Festool Domino DF500 vs DF700 Joiner Model Comparison
In order to help you make an informed buying decision, we’re comparing the two models on certain parameters that are meant to influence the buying decision.
| Model | DF 500 Q | XL DF 700 |
| Available Domino Cutters | 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 mm | 8, 10, 12, 14 mm |
| Miters | 0-90° with stops at 22.5°, 45°, 67.5° | 0-90° with stops at 0°, 22.5°, 45°, 67.5° |
| Power Consumption | 420 Watts | 720 Watts |
| Weight | 7.0 lbs. | 11.4 lbs. |
| Maximum Mortising Stop Setting | 12,15,20,25,28 mm (5/8″ to 1-3/32″) | 15-70 mm, 5 mm increments (19/32″ to 2-3/4″) |
| Spindle Speed (RPM) | 23,400 | 21,000 |
| Fence Height Scale | 5 – 30 mm (13/64″ to 1-3/16″) | 10 – 50 mm (13/32″ to 1-31/32″) |
| Tool Dimensions | 15.5″ x 11.5″ x 6.4″ | 16.5″ x 11.5″ x 11.5″ |
| Included Cutter | 5 mm | 12 mm |
Cutech 40160H-CT Benchtop Jointer | Best Benchtop Jointer For Small Shop
Here, I come with a highly affordable, compact, portable, and value-for-money jointer offered by none other than the trustworthy brand Cutech.
So, you don’t have to worry about space anymore.
Even though you own a small or mid-sized woodworking shop, you can think of owning a Cutech 40160H-CT without having to worry about space.
From rugged looks to idiosyncratic features, everything is meant to grab your eyeballs.
The jointer is uniquely designed to compete with some of the best and high-end jointers in terms of both looks as well as functionality.
At the same time, affordability doesn’t mean that the Cutech 40160H-CT compromises its features.
In fact, the manufacturer has tried to the best of his capabilities to come up with a product that could suffice the needs of both novice woodworkers as well as professional ones.
On top of it, with the 2 ½” dust port and better chip evacuation, you can expect the 40160H-CT to last longer due to significantly reduced tear-out.
The 40 pounds 40160H-CT comes with a spiral-type cutter head featuring 12 2-sided inserts to help you achieve a smooth finish.
Furthermore, a one-piece 4 3/8” high by 19 5/8” adjustable fence can be tilted from 90 to 135 degrees without any hassle.
As per the requirement of your woodworking projects, you can adjust the cutter head guard spring tension to get the best possible outcome.
With a 6” width capacity and 1/8” maximum depth capacity, the jointer is meant to deal with any kind of woodworking project.
Not only that, to tackle the longer boards in an effective and efficient way, but it also sports 30” of total table length.
However, if you’re looking for a truly helical cutter then the probability is that you may get disappointed because it has a spiral head which means that it doesn’t have as many inserts as a true helical would’ve.
All in all, I would recommend this jointer to someone who owns a small shop and looking for a jointer that would handle up to 6” width material.
Pros
- Comparatively affordable
- Newbie friendly
- Good customer service
- Equipped with a powerful 120 V 10 Amp motor
- Comes with a 6-inch width capacity
- Adjustable tension spring and fence
- Easy to assemble
- Extremely efficient cutters
Cons
- The motor might bog down sometime
- Flimsy fence
Powermatic 1791317K 54HH Jointer | Best 6-Inch Jointer
To be honest, Powermatic 1791317K 54HH 6-Inch Jointer is one of the best jointers that you could think of adding to your woodworking kitty if you’re mostly involved in complex projects that demand a smooth finish.
The helical cutter head that the 1791317K would definitely grab your eyeballs as it features 40 indexable carbide knife inserts that are basically four-sided to help you achieve a superlative outcome with putting in extra effort.
Other than the high-quality superlative finish, the Powermatic 1791317K is also known for its ability to perform the operation quietly.
With an all-steel cabinet that sets its table surface 32 inches above the ground, stability wouldn’t be any problem for you.
Furthermore, the powerful 230-volt, one-phase motor is fitted in this low-lying cabinet.
In order to enhance the efficiency and precision of the jointer, the installation of a motor is done on a specialized mount that allows for easier belt-tension adjustments.
The thing that I really love about the Powermatic 1791317K is its ability to perform wood-straightening tasks in the easiest and most accurate way so even a novice woodworker would enjoy working on this superlative tool, isn’t it?
Moreover, the jointer is idiosyncratically designed to mitigate tripping accidents with the help of a dust collection chute that evacuates the debris below the cutter’s head so you don’t have to worry at all about safety.
However, in spite of the brand taking measures for its users’ safety, I would suggest you should be careful and well-informed about the way the 1791317K operates.
Trust me, the review of 1791317K would be incomplete if I don’t talk about a high-performance fence system.
The 38 inches-long and four inches-taller all-cast-iron fence system uses a well-defined tilt mechanism to enhance versatility by allowing the fence to tilt 45 degrees towards and away from tables.
Not only that, you can expect the system to be accurate, repeatable, and durable.
Lastly, the 54HH is backed by a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Center-mounted fence control
- Fine adjustment lever
- 1-HP motor
- 5-year warranty
- Easy to set up
- Relatively quiet operation
- High-precision and stability
Cons
- The helical cutter may leave very small scallop marks on the edge
JET 708457DXK JJ-6CSDX Jointer | Best 6-Inch Woodworking Jointer
Well, the 708457DXK JJ-6CSDX Jet Jointer is well-known among professional woodworkers for offering the largest working surface in its category.
However, if you’ve got a budget constraint or you’re on a shoestring budget then definitely, JET 708457DXK isn’t the jointer that I would suggest to you.
It goes without saying that the jointer is packed with features that enhance both the convenience and performance elements helping the professional woodworkers in delivering high performance.
Not only the all-steel enclosed base cabinet provides a stable platform but it also puts the table surface at a comfortable 31-1/4 inches above the floor to give the end-users an idiosyncratic superlative operating experience.
Furthermore, the cabinet also comprises the 1 HP, 1 phase 115/230-volt TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) motor (pre-wired 115-volt) which can be easily reached by the door present at the rear of the base cabinet.
Needless to say, the motor is powerful and spins the JJ-6CSDX cutter head at a very consistent 6000 RPM.
The jointer is meant to make a balance between speedy material removal and a silky smooth surface on the wood so that the user has a great overall experience.
Further, it goes without saying that the manufacturer gives special importance to precision and accuracy to tackle the demands of complex woodworking projects.
Keeping in mind the problem faced by novice woodworkers, the table height adjustment is made easy and accurate with the help of front-mounted handwheels.
Even you can manually override the depth limiter for additional convenience by asking the operator to intentionally release it.
The JJ-6CSDX comes with a steel cutter head comprising three high-quality knives, and for longevity, each knife has two cutting edges.
The manufacturer has given a high weightage to the user-friendliness and ease of use by inculcating features such as a two-way tilting fence with positive stops at 45 and 90 degrees, industrial push-button controls, a built-in dust chute, etc.
On top of it, the length of the jointer is 56 inches, and it offers a cutting depth of up to 1/2 inches.
All in all, a great jointer is capable of handling even the toughest of jointing projects.
Lastly, this 237 pounds jointer is backed by a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Capable of reaching up to 6,000 RPM
- 1 HP 230-volt motor
- Equipped with three high-quality knives
- Comprises of a large cast-iron working table
- Two-way tilting fence with positive stops at 45 and 90 degrees
- 5-year warranty
- Built-in dust chute with four-inch port
Cons
- May find some issues with fence locking
Bench Top Jointer 37-071 | Best 6 Inch Benchtop Jointer
Again, I’ve come up with yet another affordable benchtop jointer that has some amazing features and would definitely grab your eyeballs.
If you’re on a shoestring budget and still want to buy a jointer that would take care of most of your woodworking requirements then definitely Delta Power Tools 37-071 MIDI-Bench Jointer is a perfect choice for you.
From providing stability to reducing vibration, the 37-071 is a name that you can rely on.
To be honest, the unique blend of design, accuracy, and easy-to-use nature of Delta Power Tools 37-071 MIDI-Bench Jointer makes it a perfect choice for novice carpenters and woodworkers.
With the jointer capability to cut up to a maximum width of 6″ and depth of 1/8″, the machine can easily take care of most of your woodworking requirements.
Furthermore, the durable cast iron construction enhances stability by increasing weight.
The 76 pounds 37-071 comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
To help you with easy assembling it comes with assembly instructions so in spite of being a first-time user, you wouldn’t need a professional to help you with the assembling work.
On top of it, you don’t have to struggle at all with the fence adjust system as it is simple, easy to operate, and also comes with adjustable positive stops at 90˚ and 45˚ in and out.
Needless to say, with the capability of 20, 000 cuts per minute, the jointer is meant to deliver even against the toughest of woodworking projects.
All in all, if you’re looking for a benchtop jointer below $500 then definitely, the 37-071 could be a RIGHT PICK for you.Pros
- Affordable benchtop jointer
- Capable of cutting up to a depth of 1/8 inches
- Comes with an adjustable fence system
- Operates with reduced vibration
- Durable cast iron construction
- 20, 000 cuts per minute
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Customer service may offend you
RIKON Power Tools 25-210H Planer | Best 12-Inch Jointer For DIYer
As the name suggests, RIKON Power Tools 25-210H is one of the most powerful benchtop jointers available on the market.
Needless to say, with a 220V 3 HP powerful motor and 3400 RPM, the 25-210H is meant to come up with flying colors even against the toughest and most complex woodworking projects.
Of course, it isn’t as affordable as the one we discussed before.
It is equally good for small shops as well as industrial purposes.
Time and again, I’ve brought to the notice of my readers and clientele that a jointer with a helical head is a great option to opt for, and the same holds true with 25-210H.
Just for your information, 25-210H comes with 4 rows helical cutter which is meant to help you with an ultra-smooth finish.
With a feed speed rate of 23 feet per minute, you can expect this little beast to deliver high performance without compromising on quality, and other related attributes.
Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a novice, trust me, changing 56, 4 Sided Indexable Carbide Inserts wouldn’t cause you any pain.
Keeping in mind the problem faced by the newbies, the manufacturer has taken special steps to make the entire process smooth and hassle-free.
Be it engineering the machine, features, process, or anything else, you would definitely find a difference and for a good reason.
TRUST ME, the 580 pounds 12” Planer/Jointer is one of the best in its category for industrial uses, and I’m giving this statement after receiving quite a little feedback from my clientele.Furthermore, in spite of the cast iron table being heavy, the machine comes with an idiosyncratic feature of easily lifting up and out of the way for jointer use or convenient access to the cutter head for maintenance, and it will definitely grab your eyeballs, isn’t it?
On the downside, the machine lacks freedom of adjustment as compared to other close competitors.
On the other hand, if we consider larger less precise industrial applications, the jointer is well regarded.
The 580 pounds 25210H comes with a 5-year warranty.
All in all, a great product for both hobbyists as well as industrial applications.
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- 3-HP powerful motor
- The feed rate of 23 feed per minute
- 3400 RPM
Cons
- Expensive
PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer (PC160JT) | Best Variable Speed 6-Inch Jointer For Woodworking
Well, the brand Porter has a great offering for you with amazing features including a variable 6, 000 to 11, 000 RPM speed range.
The PC160JT gives you a wider option to select RPM depending on the size and hardness of the materials being used in your woodworking project.
On top of it, the manufacturer has taken into consideration the importance of easy adjustment and replacement of knives.
So, it has provided two knife cutter heads with jackscrew knife leveling arrangements.
And, also the built-in cutter head lock adds easy adjustment and replacement.
Whether you’re a novice woodworker or a professional one, features such as a center-mounted fence and extra-large table enhance accuracy and precision to make your project a success.
Well, with the machine’s capability to surface stock up to a full 6″ wide, you can expect it to perform really well even against complex projects as well as in ambiguous situations.
In layman’s language, the PC160JT could be a perfect fit if you’re DIYer or a woodwork hobbyist because of its features as well as its affordable price.
Pros
- Variable 6, 000 to 11, 000 RPM
- Affordable
- Built-in cutter headlock
- Center mounted fence
Cons
- Novice woodworkers may face problems with quick adjustment
CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer (CMEW020) | Best Benchtop Jointer Under $500
Here, I come with one of the most versatile and affordable benchtop jointers for both novice and professional woodworkers.
With the powerful 10 amp motor, you can expect the CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 Benchtop Jointer to perform well against almost all types of woods.
It goes without saying that the 39.7 pounds portable benchtop jointer is a perfect choice for edging, flattening, or even face jointing.
Not only does it possesses great power but it also gives you an option to select from variable RPM depending upon the material size and hardness.
Well, you can select from 6, 000 to 11, 000 RPM.
At the same time, the cutter head speed of 12, 000 to 22, 000 cuts per minute puts the jointer in a league of the extremely versatile machine.
For the perfect cut, accuracy, and precision, the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer comes with a two-knife cutter head, a Jackscrew knife leveling arrangement, and a built-in cutter headlock.
With the aforementioned amazing features, you can expect the benchtop jointer to perform extremely well irrespective of the type of wood and project complexity.
The center-mounted fence plays a crucial role in accurate edge jointing by providing the necessary support.
Trust me, irrespective of whether you are a novice or a professional woodworker, you’ll NOT at all face any problem with both the replacement and adjustment of knives.
The 39.7 pounds CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 is uniquely designed to help you reap maximum benefits it.
Pros
- 6, 000 to 11, 000 RPM
- 12, 000 to 22, 000 cuts per minute
- heavy duty 10 amp motor
- Relatively affordable
- Center-mounted fence
Cons
- May get a delayed response from the customer service
Grizzly Industrial G9860 | Best Benchtop Jointer On A Budget
As the name suggests, the G9860 12″ 3 HP Jointer is the product line of Grizzly that caters to the needs of the industries.
To be honest, the 1265 pounds G9860 comprises all the elements required by professional woodworkers.
To ensure stability and reduced vibration, the G9860 is loaded with a large cast-iron table and heavy-duty cast-iron base measuring 12-1/2 inches by 80 inches.
On top of it, the hardened close-tolerance beds, robust and solid construction ensures the longevity of the machine.
Keeping in mind the problem faced by the industries, the G9860 is well-prepared to tackle any ambiguous situation related to the process and operation.
Furthermore, the bulkiness ensures stability and smooth functionality, and the built-in noise-dampening system helps in controlling excessive operating noise.
It goes without saying that precision and accuracy are well taken care of by the hassle-free hand-wheel adjustment.
Well, the Grizzly Industrial G9860 also comes with a noise-dampening system to make the operation as quiet as possible.
Not only that but even the dust particles and other debris are also taken care of properly with the help of a 4″ built-in dust chute.
To help the novice woodworker achieve better control of the machine, the manufacturer has included features such as pedestal-mounted switch controls, and center-mounted fences with positive stops at 45, 90, and 135 degrees.
The Grizzly Industrial G9860 scores are really high on safety measures as it NOT only includes a pair of safety push blocks but also a cast aluminum guard.
All in all, an all-rounder in the true sense.
Pros
- 4″ inch dust port
- Noise dampening system
- Powder-coated finish
- Cam table adjustments
- Pedestal-mounted switch controls
- 4-knife cutter head
Cons
- Relatively less portable
Shop Fox W1860 | Best Jointer For Hobbyist
So, here I come with my last offering for you, and it is none other than Shop Fox W1860 which is known for its unique parallelogram table design and trouble-free service.
With 3 HP, 230V, a single-phase motor, and a cutter head speed of 5500 RPM, the jointer is meant to deliver high performance without any hassle.
Not only that, the number of cutter head inserts are 36 to help you experience one of the best smooth finish.
Furthermore, the Shop Fox W1860 is capable of a maximum depth of cut of 1/8″.
Needless to say, the machine is highly stable due to the center-mounted fence that comes with rack and pinion adjustment.
For safety purposes, a free pair of safety push blocks have been included.
With its fully adjustable 4-5/8″-by-38″ cast-iron fence, the Shop Fox W1860 is capable of handling planing, edge jointing, bevel cutting, and rabbeting in a hassle-free manner.
Keeping in mind the 365 pounds weight of W1860, a built-in mobile base is added for easy movement.
Lastly, the Shop Fox W1860 comes with a 2-year warranty.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Parallelogram table design
- 5500 RPM
- 1/8″ maximum depth of cut
- Built-in mobile base
- 1/2″ of rabbeting capacity
- 3 HP single-phase motor
Cons
- Customer service may offend you
How does a wood jointer work?
Well, being familiar with the way a wood jointer works would definitely help a novice woodworker in making an informed buying decision.
Needless to say, it would be a cakewalk when it comes to understanding how a wood jointer work in case you’re familiar with the various components that a jointer possesses.
Some important components that a jointer comprises are the cutter head, blades, tables, etc.
Each of them has a unique defined function to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Depending upon the size of the jointer the number of blades varies between two and three.
The jointer comprises two tables, that is, infeed and outfeed.
The infeed tables are the first one and the stocks are pushed to them for either straightening or flattening.
Moving further, the stocks are pushed through the cutter head and then through the second table also known as the outfeed table.
Depending upon the amount of material you need to move through the infeed table you can adjust the height accordingly.
On the other hand, the outfeed table doesn’t come with an option of an adjustable height.
Then, the board is then passed through the fence to square it up or bevel its edges.
For expediting the aforementioned step, you need to set the fence in a way that it is perpendicular to both the cutter and the table.
The good thing about the fence is that you can adjust it as per your need and can be tilted as well.
Benchtop Jointer Components
I’ve seen many novice woodworkers making an assumption that a jointer is a complex machine that is not correct.
In spite of you being a newbie, I can assure you that the chances are very rare that you’ll find both the operation and the function complex.
At least, I can assure you that all jointers that we’ve reviewed come with hassle-free operation and smooth functionality.
Let’s have a quick look at each one of them.
Infeed Table
As the name suggests, the infeed table is the first of the two that a benchtop jointer possesses.
It is the first table that receives the board or the stock, and once the board is received on the infeed table, it pushes it forward.
Most of the newbies wouldn’t be aware of the fact that the infeed table doesn’t have any fixed height and it can be adjusted to suit the amount of material that is to be shaved off the cutter.
Outfeed Table
Well, unlike the infeed table, the outfeed table comes with a fixed height, and the height that it possesses is almost similar to the cutter head.
The table comprises a very thick layer and is the one that presents the outcome of a straightened or flattened stock.
Before the stock passes through the outfeed table, it must pass through the infeed table and cutter.
Cutter Head
As the name suggests, a cutter head is the one that shoves off the unwanted materials not needed away from the board.
Once the cutter head has done its job, the board is passed through the outfeed table.
In layman’s language, a cutter head is mainly used to clear off any extensions that contour the wood.
Fence
The fence plays a crucial role when it comes to straightening or flattening the wood.
Not only that, it also helps in squaring up the wood as well as beveling up its edges.
A lot of my clients often ask me the best way to use a fence.
Well, the best position of a fence is a perpendicular position from both the table and the cutter.
Guard
Again, you can’t ignore the importance of a guard.
The guard is that part of the jointer which ensures that the wood pieces being jointed are firm and in place.
Needless to say, a guard is present on both sides of the jointer.
On top of it, the guard is responsible for the hassle-free movement of the board throughout the jointer by preventing it from going off or NOT standing well.
The Benchtop Jointer Hacks for the Newbies
Till now, we’ve seen the functionality and the components of a benchtop jointer.
Moving further, we would be discussing some of the important things that a novice woodworker should keep in mind for the optimum result.
Please allow me to walk you through a number of tricks and techniques to help you get the best out of a jointer.
Downhill should always be kept jointed when using a jointer for edges
Well, as a novice woodworker, it is very important for you to understand that the downhill should always be kept jointed to ensure the stick has a longer lifespan and doesn’t tear out very fast.
It is highly recommended when you’re using a jointer for edges.
At the same time, you should also avoid joining end grains as they can be shattered in an epigrammatic span of time.
Alignment of the outfeed should be proper
It goes without saying that the outfeed table plays a crucial role when it comes to achieving satisfactory results from a jointer.
As a newbie woodworker or a carpenter, you may fail to align the outfeed table properly leading to a series of problems.
Furthermore, in order to avoid a concave surface or heavy cut, the outfeed should be aligned properly so that it is neither too high nor too low.
Start with the jointing surface using the jointer
First and foremost, you need to join surfaces with the help of a jointer as it would help you in getting a jointed edge square to the board’s face.
Once you’ve expedited the aforementioned step, the next thing that you need to do is to place the jointed surface against the fence allowing the grain to run downhill joint as well as square other edges.
As a result, you’ll not only achieve a flat surface but also a good ripping edge.
Ensure that the wood edges are joint perfectly
Well, if you’re facing a problem of minute gaps out of a square fence then definitely, you’re not ensuring that the wood edges are joined perfectly.
You need a joint surface of the wood that is of high quality.
So, how to do that?
Join the good surface of the first board to the other without the fence.
Then, joint the second board surface with the fence.
This would help you in achieving a superlative fit.
Lastly, you need to seal it up with the help of glue.
Give the finishing touch by flattening the cup
While expediting the finishing touch, always remember, you need to start with the concave side.
Face joint this side by putting it through the jointer to remix the convex side.
Lastly, make you of a push block to do this better and faster.
Benchtop Jointer Safety Tips
Whether you’re a novice woodworker or a professional one, I highly recommend you should stick to the safety measures to mitigate the scope of the accident.
- It is highly recommended that you wear safety gear such as ear and eye protection
- Avoid wearing long sleeves and loose clothing
- Ensure the guards are adjusted properly
- Always keep your hand away from the rear of the board
- Ensure that the joiner is secured by bolting it to a wall
- Never stand just behind the jointer
Buying Guide
Well, this section is very important for novice woodworkers or first-time buyers to gain the required information about the best benchtop jointers.
Type
Well, jointers are of different types and you should choose the one that caters to your needs.
We’ll have a brief discussion about each of them so that you have got a fair idea about the functionality of each of them.
Does it sound good?
Closed Stand Jointer
Closed stand jointers are the ones that feature a closed base.
Furthermore, the close-stand jointer not only protects the motor but also prevents dust and debris from getting into the cutter head of the equipment.
The close design has multiple benefits such as a reduction in noise and vibration, stability, sturdiness, etc.
The width capacity of a close-stand jointer falls in the range of 6 inches and 16 inches.
Benchtop Jointer
In layman’s language, you can consider a benchtop jointer as a downsized version of a close-stand jointer.
In fact, the benchtop jointer is among the most popular jointers.
Unlike the close-stand jointer, the benchtop jointer is known to perform better with small and medium-sized woodworking projects.
They have a limitation when it comes to cutting wood and is capable of cutting wood to a maximum width of six inches.
However, if you’re looking for a jointer for complex and huge woodworking projects then definitely closed stand jointer would be the perfect choice for you.
Open Stand Jointer
As the name suggests, open-stand jointers are the ones that come with exposed motors.
They are the ones you should be looking for if your top priority is portability.
I highly recommend the open stand jointer to those who are looking for a jointer that can be easily shuffled between both Jobsite and home workshops.
Again, the open-stand jointer could be the one you should be looking for if you have got a budget constraint.
Needless to say, the open-stand jointer has its own share of cons such as stability problems and being a bit noisy.
Tabletop Jointer
Unlike the benchtop jointer, the tabletop lacks an adjustable outfeed table.
No doubt they are powerful and deliver high performance but at the same time, you need to understand that all these superlative features involve an additional cost.
Long Bed Jointer
From the name, you would’ve definitely guessed that a long bed jointer comes with a relatively longer bed as compared to the conventional benchtop jointer.
Furthermore, these long bed jointers come with an array of lumbar width capacities ranging between 6 and 12 inches.
Jointer Size
I’ve seen some of the novice woodworkers ignoring this parameter.
Well, to be honest, jointer size is definitely one of the important parameters when it comes to buying the best benchtop jointer, isn’t it?
And, at the same time, finding the perfect size jointer that caters to almost all your woodworking project need isn’t tedious or time-consuming at all.
All you need to do is to consider the average size of the materials that you would be using the jointer on.
Definitely, it would give you a good idea about the width and length of the jointer that you should be looking for.
Just for your information, most of the high-end jointer models are capable of working on the woods that are almost twice the size of their beds which is definitely something astonishing, isn’t it?
To know the size of the material that a jointer can accommodate, it is important for you to consider the size as well as the length of the bed of any jointer.
Moving further, let’s have a quick look at some of the common jointer size options.
- 16-inch jointers are the ones that suit best for industrial use and come with some of the largest knives. They are a powerhouse in the true sense and would be a perfect fit for someone who owns a large workshop
- 8-inch jointers come with smaller knives and beds as compared to 16-inch jointers and are known to work well with a sizeable piece of lumber. They are also cheaper as compared to the industrial 16-inch jointers
- 6-inch jointers are among the smallest benchtop jointers available today on the market. They are perfect for hobbyists and DIYers. They are portable, affordable, and easy to use
Fence Design
Fence design is yet another important parameter that you shouldn’t neglect.
When searching for your best benchtop jointer it is highly recommended that you make sure that the fence has a smooth operation.
Furthermore, look for fences that are capable of allowing their units to be angled between 45 and 135 degrees.
On top of it, your best benchtop jointer should come with positive stops for angling the fence.
Some other parameters to look for in the fence are durability, rigidity, and flatness.
Cutting Depth
Benchtop jointer cutting depth would help you in analyzing which jointer models require fewer passes than others.
When it comes to narrowing down on the cutting depth, it is important for you to consider the type of woodworking projects you would be mainly working on, the efficiency and speed that you would be needing for your projects, etc.
Well, a cutting depth of ½-inch to ¾-inch should suffice the requirement of most woodworking projects.
Motor
It goes without saying that some benchtop jointers come with a more powerful motor as compared to others.
Definitely, a powerful motor has its own share of benefits, and I wouldn’t deny this fact.
However, you shouldn’t go with a jointer that has a motor with less than 1 HP power because it wouldn’t be able to expedite the woodworking projects where more power would be needed.
Dust Collection
I highly recommended going for a benchtop jointer that comes with a dust collection system as it will drastically reduce your burden when it comes to cleaning your workshop.
Needless to say, most woodworking projects involve extensive cutting resulting in a big mess.
So, you would be needing a joiner that would help you in collecting all the debris and dust for easy disposal.
Not only it will improve the working condition but also it will save a lot of your time.
Even you can expect a drastic reduction in accidents.
FAQs
Well, as promised to my clientele and readers, I would be responding to queries related to the best benchtop jointer to help you in buying the product that is the perfect fit for your requirements.
In case, you’ve any queries related to the benchtop jointer feel free to mail us.
What is the advantage of a parallelogram jointer?
The good thing about a parallelogram jointer is that it is ready to work right out of the box without any need to check the table’s twists and sags.
Another great benefit of a parallelogram jointer is the ease of making table height adjustments.
Moreover, the cam and arc design helps the user to simply raise or lower a table with the help of a lever so you can expect the process to be smooth and hassle-free.
What is the difference between a parallelogram jointer and a regular?
A regular jointer is wedged designed and has the cutter head section shaped like a pyramid, with the tables attached via dovetail ways.
Furthermore, the tables move up or down by being forced along the side of the pyramid by screws.
On the contrary, a parallelogram jointer has the beds attached to the head via arms that pivot.
In the case of a parallelogram jointer, screws play a crucial role in changing the parallelogram shape to move the beds down and up.
It’s A Wrap
Well, I hope you would’ve thoroughly enjoyed this comprehensive buying guide on the best benchtop jointer.
To be honest, I along with my team have tried to the best of our capabilities to help you with all the required information needed for making an informed buying decision.
So, which is your favorite benchtop jointer?
Secondly, what is the budget that you’re willing to spend on the benchtop jointer?
Last but not least, share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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