Best Jointer Planer Combo

Buyers Guide, Tool

best jointer planer combo
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Jointer Planer Combo: Well, in this post, I’ll walk you through the various aspects of a Jointer Planer Combo to help you make an informed buying decision.

Moreover, I’ll also touch upon the important parameters that you shouldn’t neglect when it comes to buying a Jointer Planer Combo.

Lastly, I’ll also respond to the queries related to the best Jointer Planer Combo so that you can easily narrow down the options and buy the one that suffices your projects’ requirements.

We’ve also included a comprehensive Jointer Planer Combo Buying Guide to help both beginners and professionals with the buying decision.

Even before we start, I’ve two questions for you.

What is the budget that you’re willing to spend on a Jointer Planer Combo?

Secondly, are you looking for a 20 inches Jointer Planer Combo or a 16″ Jointer/Planer combo?

Are jointer planer combos any good?

Before I answer your question, allow me to explain, what actually is a Jointer Planer Combo because quite a few of my readers are new to the world of woodworking so I need to start my discussion right from the basics, isn’t it?

Well, as the name suggests, a Jointer Planer Combo machine is nothing but a combination of a wood planer and a wood jointer and is meant to suffice your woodworking needs in an effective way.

Many of my clients are DIYers, hobbyists, and professional woodworkers, and one of the common problems that they frequently face is the limited space in their workshops.

Furthermore, expediting complex woodworking projects may need a good number of tools, and space scarcity in the woodworking site may degrade the performance.

The case arises especially with the hobbyists and DIYers’ who use the unused spaces in their garages for expediting their woodworking projects.

So, here comes into the picture our very own Jointer Planer Combo machine which is meant to save space by occupying the space of one machine without compromising on the function of both planer and jointer.

Not only that, but it also saves you a good chunk of money in the long run by cutting down on the maintenance cost as you’ve to take care of only one cutter head for both planings as well as jointing.

What is the best Jointer Planer Combo for the money?

Well, to be honest, “best jointer planer combo machine” is a relative term, and the machine that could be best for you may not be the one that will suffice my requirements.

However, to find out the best jointer planer combo machine for you, the best thing that I can do is to present the Jointer Planer Combo Machine comparison table.

Best Jointer Planer Combo Machine To Buy…

(Check the Current Price On Amazon by clicking the below-mentioned product links)

Jointer/Planer ComboProsConsFeatures
JET JJP-12
  • Extra-large aluminum adds stability for wide boards
  • Fast transition from jointer to planer
  • Cutter heads may require frequent sharpening
  • 3 HP induction motor
  • 5-years warranty
  • Parallelogram design
  • 12″ jointer planer combo
JET JJP-8BT
  • User-friendly ergonomic knobs
  • Ideal for small shops
  • Less powerful as compared to others on the list
  • Heavy-duty 13 Amp motor
  • 3-year warranty
  • Compact design
  • 8″ jointer planer combo
RIKON 25-210H
  • 23 ft. per minute feed rate
  • Ultra-smooth finish by the cutter head
  • Requires regular calibration
  • 220V 3 HP powerful motor
  • 5-year warranty
  • The four-row helical cutter head
  • 12″ jointer planer combo

JET JJP-12HH (Editor’s Choice)

  • Extra-large fence
  • Quick transition from planer to the jointer
  • Expensive
  • 3 HP induction motor
  • 5-year warranty
  • Parallelogram design
  • 12″ jointer planer combo
RIKON 25-010
  • Suitable for the home woodworker
  • Good dust collection
  • Not suitable for heavy everyday use
  • 1.5 HP induction motor
  • 5-year warranty
  • 4,800 RPM
  • 10″ jointer planer combo
Grizzly G0634XP
  • Vulcanized rubber feet rollers
  • Adjustable machine height
  • Heavy
  • Spiral cutter head
  • 2-year warranty
  • 12″ planning capacity
  • 12″ jointer planer combo

Things to Consider for Jointer Planer Combo

Best Jointer Planer Combo For The Money
  • You’ll require 220 V wiring
  • Jointer tables on a 12″ machine will require less effort to raise up as compared to a 16″ machine
  • Check for the online discount or ask the vendor for upcoming sales if any
  • Most importantly, table extensions aren’t available from all the manufacturers so make sure to confirm the table extension for the brand that you’re planning to buy
  • Changing over from planer to jointer is almost similar for most of the machines still I would recommend you to get clarity on it from the manufacturer
  • You can expect footprints to be smaller than separate jointer and planer
  • It will work well even in small workshops because you need to provide space for only one infeed area and one outfeed area
  • Most of the jointer/planer comprises either helical or carbide cutter heads
  • You may find it heavy and difficult to move into basement shops
  • Time would be required for the newbies and beginners to switch between jointing and planing

Best Jointer Planer Combo Review

We use an idiosyncratic way of reviewing the products.

I along with my woodworking team set up the parameters after a comprehensive discussion and evaluate each of the brands and models on these parameters to prepare a comparison table.

Each parameter is given a certain weightage depending upon the capability of the parameter to influence the buying decision.

Finally, we sum up all the points and review the top products along with a comprehensive buying guide on this blog.

So, without any further ado, let’s begin…

JET JJP-12 Jointer Planer

The JET JJP-12 is a 12-inch jointer/planer combo machine and comprises a 12.5 Amp, 3 HP motor to help you with both the planning and joint tasks.

You can run the machine for a longer duration without worrying about the heating of the motor as the motor is totally enclosed and fan-cooled.

12 inch jointer planer combo reviews

The jointer/planer combo doesn’t comprise safety as it comes with a self-engaging lock for safety.

Understanding the importance of safety, the manufacturer has included a magnetic ON/OFF switch with a built-in limiter.

The switch plays a crucial role in the safety of the motor as it keeps a check on excessive variance in electrical power.

Not only that, but the magnetic switch also prevents the machine to restart on its own.

The thing that I personally loved about the limit switch is that it prevents the starting of the machine while changing modes of operation.

 Like me, you would also be astonished to know that the jointer/planer combo comes with a 12″ jointing width capacity and in the planer mode, it is capable of handling boards up to 12″ wide which makes it a completely versatile machine. 

With a 2 ¾”-diameter cutter head fitted and three high-quality knives, the JET JJP-12 Jointer-Planer is all set for both jointing and planning operations.

Irrespective of the type and nature of the operation, the cutter head is meant to turn at 5,500 RPM, and the good thing is that you’ve to set up the knives only once, and the rest would be taken care of by the machine.

Another important thing about the JET JJP-12 Jointer-Planer is that you don’t have to remove any components when changing between jointing and planning and this is very useful from the first-time users’ point of view as they will find it user-friendly and less time-consuming.

Whether it’s planing or jointing mode, you don’t have to worry about the dust collection as the manufacturer has inculcated the dust collection shroud with its 4”-diameter outlet port in both modes.

The 500 pounds JJP-12 comes with a 5-year warranty.

Trust me, the JET JJP-12 Jointer-Planer is one of the best jointer/planer combos in its category.

Unlike many jointers that offer a wedge-style adjuster on the jointer table, the JET JJP-12 Jointer-Planer comes with a parallelogram design making all the elements parallel and synced so that you can adjust both the tables in tandem with each other without any hassle.

On the downside, the JET JJP-12 Jointer-Planer machine comes with 3 high-speed knife cutter heads which are less efficient than the helical cutter offered by the upgraded version 708476.

All in all, a great product for your woodworking projects.

Check JET JJP-12 Current Price On Amazon

Jet JJP-8BT Jointer / Planer Combo

With precision adjustment knobs, a compact design, and a powerful 13 Amp motor, the JET B3NCH 8″ Jointer/Planer Combo is definitely a perfect fit for someone who has a small shop with limited space for woodworking projects.

A unique blend of a benchtop jointer and a planer in one unit not only saves space and money but also, ensures precision and accuracy in your woodworking projects with the help of table locks.

 With the feed speed of 19.5 feet per minute and the heavy-duty motor capability to produce 18,000 cuts per minute, the JJP-8BT ensures that the high performance is delivered and the performance isn’t compromised by any means. 

Furthermore, you can expect reduced snipes and smooth cuts because JJP-8BT has inculcated incredible sheet metal outfeed tables and high-quality steel knives.

Needless to say, the planer/jointer combo is newbie-friendly and gives you access to control units in an amicable way saving lots of your time by getting easy access to buttons and switches.

Furthermore, the oversized, ergonomic knobs mitigate the margin of errors by preventing problems caused by the slippery grip.

The integrated cord wrap is of utter importance as it not only makes transportation easy but also ensures workshop safety so that you don’t have to bother yourself any more about the safety issues.

Well, if you don’t have a budget or space for Grizzly Jointer Planer Combo, then definitely, JET JJP-8BT could be the closest alternative for you because of its idiosyncratic superlative design, affordability, and user-friendliness.

Lastly, the 67 pounds JJP-8BT comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Check Jet JJP-8BT 8″ Current Price On Amazon

RIKON Power Tools 25-210H Planer/Jointer

It goes without saying that RIKON is a well-known and well-trusted brand, especially in the power tool domain, and 25-210H is a great offering from the brand.

First and foremost, 25-210H comes with a helical head which is definitely something to brag about.

Secondly, these four helical cutter heads ensure that your woodworking projects get a super smooth and high-quality finish.

RIKON Power Tools 25-210H 12-Inch Planer/Jointer with Helical Head

With a powerful 3 HP motor and a feed rate speed of 23 feet per minute, the jointer/planer combo is meant to give you an idiosyncratic superlative user experience when it comes to cutting as well as operating the machine.

Whether you’re a newbie or a professional woodworker the combo is meant to add value to your project by bringing loads and loads of value to the table.

The 580 pounds 25210H doesn’t compromise at all on the user experience as well as productivity.

Needless to say, the machine is highly energy-efficient, affordable, and can be a great fit for your home workshop.

At the same time, some of my clients have felt that an RPM OF 3400 may not be sufficient for a helical cutter head.

Trust me, the jointer/planer combo would save you a ton of time because it has one of the highest feed rates which is something that will definitely grab your eyeballs, isn’t it?

Furthermore, the Rikon Power Tools 25-20H jointer planer comes with three rubber-coated outfeed rollers so as to keep the materials stable, and also prevent sniping at the tips.

At the same time, I wouldn’t deny the fact that some of my clients have felt that the jointer tables don’t stay calibrated.

Lastly, 25210H comes with a five-year warranty.

Check RIKON Power Tools 25-210H Current Price On Amazon

JET 708476 Model JJP-12HH Planer/Jointer

When it comes to the jointer/planer combo machine, it goes without saying that the brand JET has proved its mettle time and again, and it is highly visible in the offering from the brand.

JET 708476 Model JJP-12HH 12-Inch Planer/Jointer with Helical Cutterhead
Editor’s Choice: Best Jointer/Planer Combo

Definitely, JET 708476 is one of the popular jointer planer combos on the market.

 To be honest, JET 708476 is the one that I recommend wholeheartedly, and of course, it is my favorite as well. I highly suggest that you should opt for the JET 708476 jointer/planer combo machine if you’re NOT on a shoestring budget. 

It is the upgraded version of the standard JET JJP-12 that I’ve already reviewed above.

To be honest, the major difference between the models is that the standard model lacks a helical cutter head as it comes with three high-speed cutting knives which I feel may not be highly efficient for some complex woodworking projects.

Needless to say, the helical cutter head makes a huge difference in not only the overall price but also, the quality of the jointing, leading to a superlative finish.

Some other tangible benefits of the helical head are its ability to make lesser noise, easily adjustable, and also, easier to swap on most jointers as compared to other models that comprise standard high-speed knives.

Furthermore, these replaceable carbide inserts are uniquely designed for quick adjustment and thus would save lots of your time.

Another great thing about the helical head is that they are known to leave a smoother finish on joint boards.

Simply by turning the indexable carbide tip 90 degrees, you can restore your jointer to working conditions in case you feel that the helical head has gone dull.

It goes without saying that the 708476 jointer planer combo is a premium product and it is well depicted from the features that it comes with such as the extra-large fence, 12-inch planer bed, and parallelogram table adjustment.

With magnetic switches and a powerful 3 HP motor, the planer/jointer combo ensures that you’ve got a great cutting experience without compromising on safety.

It is one of the easiest planer/jointer combos to operate even for the newbies as you don’t have to remove the fence, and the manufacturer has inculcated a large hand wheel to take care of the precision adjustments of the planer table.

Understanding the complexity and demands of high-end woodworking projects, the manufacturer enabled the machine to have a maximum cutting thickness of 8-3/4 inches.

Keeping in mind the importance of quick adjustment, the manufacturer has also included centered controls along with the extra-large aluminum extruded fence.

The 500 pounds 708476 comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

All in all, a superlative high-quality jointer/planer combo machine that I recommend wholeheartedly.

Do I still need to convince you to buy 708476?

Check JET 708476 Model JJP-12HH Current Price On Amazon

Rikon 25-010 Planer/Jointer

Well, after reviewing one of the most expensive jointer/planer combo machines, here I’m with one of the most affordable machines.

Yes, you heard it RIGHT, the RIKON 25-010 planer/jointer combo is definitely an affordable offering from the brand Rikon, and with the help of this machine, the brand has been quite successful in targeting the newbies and hobbyists who are either on a shoestring budget or can’t afford a high-end jointer/planer combo like the aforementioned one.

rikon jointer/planer combo review

To be honest, being affordable doesn’t mean that it lacks the essential ingredients required for woodworking projects.

Definitely, the 1.5 HP induction motor isn’t as powerful as some of the high-end premium jointer/planer combo machines still it is powerful enough to take care of most of your woodworking projects.

Furthermore, the 160 pounds Rikon 25-010 spins at 4,800 RPM and is capable of a maximum 1/8th-inch depth of cut.

Not only is Rikon 25-010 easy to transit between planer and jointer but also, it is quite easy to operate.

When it comes to portability, affordability, and lightweight, I give full marks to this jointer/planer combo machine.

Whether you’re just starting out your professional woodworking career or you’re a seasoned hobbyist woodworker, this machine is meant to take care of most of your woodworking requirements if NOT ALL.

You can expect it to deliver up to 14,400 cuts per minute with the help of three high-speed cutter heads.

To be honest, this jointer/planer combo machine may not be the best for the highly complex woodworking project that demands the next level of smooth finish rather you can buy it for your home woodworking projects.

Though the machine is known to be user-friendly and less time-consuming still some of my clients have faced issues adjusting and removing the fence.

In spite of being capable of good dust collection, the machine may fail at handling large boards just because they comprise of 10-inch jointer table and a 12-inch planer bed.

Of course, the budget planner/combo machine is meant to tackle vibration in an effective way with the help of an idiosyncratic mechanism that allows the power to be transferred to the cutter head by a flat ribbed drive belt.

Lastly, the little beast comes with a 5-year warranty.

Check Rikon 25-010 Current Price On Amazon

Grizzly G0634XP Spiral-Polar Bear Series Planer/Jointer

Well, if you’re a professional woodworker then definitely, you would’ve heard about the brand Grizzly, right?

The brand is a well-established and well-trusted one, and they are known to manufacture products that deliver high performance.

grizzly g0634xp review

This industrial tool manufacturer is known to produce high-quality woodworking tools to be used in professional high-end workshops with very specific requirements.

However, they are highly affordable so nothing can stop you from using them in your home workshop.

Furthermore, a unique blend of versatility and affordability, the Grizzly’s G0634XP, 12-inch combination jointer planer is one of the best models on the market if NOT THE BEST.

On top of it, the 12-inch blades are wide enough to take care of wide woodworking boards.

Just by flipping over the dust collector and raising the outfeed table, you can convert from jointer to planer.

The jointer/planer combo comprises a very powerful 5 HP motor that needs single-phase 220V for running.

To match the expectation of professional woodworkers, the Grizzly G0634XP jointer planer provides you with 1/8” depth of cut-in joiner mode and 1/8″ depth of cut-in planer mode capability.

Rubber feed rollers and automatic feed make the operation smooth, less time-consuming, and hassle-free.

The Grizzly Jointer planer claims the next level of versatility as it comprises a fence that can adjust from 0 to 45 degrees.

V-belt power transmission adds to the smooth operation and a 4″ dust port makes the dust collection a seamless task.

In spite of being heavy, the machine is capable of adjusting the height as per your preference.

Furthermore, the good thing about the tuning system is that it isn’t complicated at all and even novice woodworkers will not face problems with it.

The fully adjustable jointer tables and fully adjustable quick-release end-mounted fence are definitely features to brag about.

Keeping safety on top priority, the manufacturer has inculcated features such as a magnetic switch with thermal overload protection so that all the safety measures are in place.

All in all, a great product at an affordable price that will definitely grab your eyeballs.

So, what are you waiting for?

Check Grizzly G0634XP Current Price On Amazon

Buying Guide

This section is very important for both novice as well as professional woodworkers as it will help you in making an informed buying decision.

I highly recommend you go through this comprehensive buying guide thoroughly so that you can narrow down the options without getting confused or spending too much time.

Horse Power

To be honest, the horsepower of the motor is an important factor that you shouldn’t neglect at all.

We totally understand that there is a wide variation in the power requirement of woodworking projects so we’ve reviewed the planer jointer combo with a motor ranging from 1.5 HP to 5 HP.

Trust me, we’ve tried to cover as many variants in HP as possible for us to help you with quite a few effective options.

Well, cutting a long story short, I would highly recommend that you shouldn’t compromise on HP even though you may have to pay some extra bucks because a machine with a higher HP would definitely enhance the versatility component and would pay you in the long run.

A jointer planer combo machine with 3 HP would be a perfect choice for me.

Size

The size of the jointer planer combo machine is yet another thing to look for carefully.

Choose a size that fits well with your woodworking shop.

The main aim of this combo machine is to save your time and space without compromising on productivity so select the size wisely.

Cutting Depth and Bed Size

Again, it is you who’ll decide on the bed size and the cutting depth.

It is always advisable to not look for short-term monetary benefits, time and again, I’ve suggested to my clients to NOT compromise on the quality and features of a product just because a cheaper version would save them a few bucks.

For example, a smaller combo machine would definitely be cheaper but also, it will limit the work that you would be able to do with it.

However, I would just share my best practices so that you’ll also get benefited from them.

If your woodworking projects demand the use of larger pieces on a frequent basis then definitely you would be needing a machine that comes with more than 8 inches of bed width.

For normal pieces, 6 to 8 inches of bed width would do the trick for you.

Here, comes yet another very important parameter, that is, cutting depth.

The higher the cutting depth the more you would be able to remove material per pass.

In short, the cutting depth can directly influence the time needed to complete a woodworking project.

With a greater cutting depth, you would be able to complete the job in fewer passes.

A cutting depth somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4 inches would do the trick for you.

However, if your project has some very specific demand then you may need a higher cutting depth.

Type of Stand

Mostly the jointer/planer combo machine comprises one of the three stand types that we’re gonna discuss in a while.

Needless to say, each of them has its own pros and cons.

Close Stand

The closed stands are made of solid sheet metals and mainly serve as the base of the jointer planer.

Some do offer storage space while the rest restrain access to the inside of the close stand.

Definitely, it is the strongest of all the three types of stand.

However, you shouldn’t worry at all about the type of stand until and unless you’re really going to put a very bulky thing on it.

Open Stand

As the name suggests, an open stand comes with a leg-like table.

Some do have shelves on which you can place jointer planer while the rest doesn’t have them.

They are cheaper as compared to the closed stand because the amount of metal used in this type of stand is less.

Folding Stand

The third type of jointer planer comes with a folding stand that is known to fold down easily.

Moreover, this type of planer jointer is popularly known as the benchtop model as it involves a bench-type structure.

Out of all three, the folding stand model tends to be the cheapest.

Dust Collection

To be honest, I’ve come across lots of novice woodworkers who prefer to neglect this feature when buying a jointer planer combo machine and regret it later.

In fact, you should always look for an effective dust collection system as you would be producing a lot of sawdust.

On the other hand, if your jointer planer comprises an inferior dust collection system then definitely you’ll spend lots of your time cleaning the residual.

Some of the most commonly used dust port sizes are 1-1/2, 2, and 4 inches.

Jointer Planer Combination Vs. Separate

A frequently asked question from my clientele, is whether I should buy a jointer planer combo or go with two separate machines.

I’m damn sure that you would also be having the same question in your mind if you decided to buy a combination of the two or any of the two or both of them.

Well, to begin with, if you don’t have a budget and space problem then definitely you can buy them separately.

Of course, buying them separately would give you more flexibility and would be a better choice if you do really long stock.

Moreover, if your preference is a long bed then definitely you should opt for a separate machine.

However, the separate machine does come with certain limitations such as high maintenance cost, etc.

On the other hand, a jointer planer combo will not only save a lot of space for your woodwork shop but also a good chunk of money.

Moreover, buying a high-quality jointer planer combo machine would drastically reduce the maintenance cost.

You can even save a good amount of time on blade changing as you’ll have to change it for only one and not two machines.

Furthermore, even though you deal in long stock on a regular basis you can give the combo a try.

Maybe, you’ll have a small learning curve which is quite obvious, isn’t it?

Lastly, whether you go with the combo or two separate machines, remember once you learn one way it’s literally harder to try another way.

FAQs

As promised to our readers, in this section, we would be responding to the queries related to the best jointer planer combo so that you can make a good buying decision.

In case, you also have queries related to jointer planer feel free to ask us in the comment section.

What is the best jointer planer combo?

To be honest, the best jointer planer combo is a relative term and what may be a perfect choice for you may not suffice my requirement.

However, my personal preference is none other than JET JJP-12HH. It comprises almost all the ingredients that a professional woodworker would be looking for.

Be it the power, ease of use, versatility, etc the JET JJP-12HH would give you satisfactory results.

Which tool should I buy first: Planer or Jointer?

Well, if you could afford then better buy a jointer planer combo machine, and if you are NOT interested in buying the combo because of some reason then go for a planer.

Trust me, a planner will help you to accomplish more as compared to a jointer.

Furthermore, if you purchase pre-milled stocks then definitely a planer would help you in making a board of any thickness.

On the contrary, if you’re not interested in purchasing pre-milled stocks and your boards are rough then also planer will do the trick for you.

Without any doubt, you can send your rough boards through the planer taking alternate light passes on each side.

The only thing that you need to keep in mind is that your rough boards should be as straight as possible.

In short, the primary function of a planer is thickness.

When should I get a jointer planer?

Well, it’s definitely worth considering a jointer planer if…

  • If it helps you in saving a good chunk of money
  • Furthermore, your workshop isn’t spacious enough to accommodate both the jointer and planer separately
  • Mostly, your woodworking projects involve bulk flattening and bulk thickness so you can save a lot of time by doing just one adjustment
  • Your project involves predominantly one activity. For example, you most want to join the wood and want the option of planer if needed

Jointer Planer Combo: Pros And Cons

Let’s have a quick look at both the advantages as well as disadvantages of a jointer planer combo machine.

Advantage

  • Definitely, value for money product
  • Moreover, consumes less space as compared to separate jointer and planer
  • The maintenance cost would be drastically reduced as you’ll have to maintain only one machine and not separately a jointer and a planer

Disadvantages

  • Sniping may be the issue with low-quality and small jointer planer
  • Commercial woodworkers may find adjusting issues when switching from jointing to planning and vice-versa
  • The chances of wearing out of cutter head and motor are almost twice as compared to separate jointer and planer because the same cutter head and the motor would be used for both jointing and planing

It’s A Wrap

First of all, I would like to thank you for reading till the end, and I’m beholden to you for the same.

I and my woodworking team have tried to the best of our capabilities to bring you a comprehensive jointer planer buying guide so that you can easily make an informed buying decision.

I hope and believe that this piece of information would be helpful to both beginners and professionals.

As per my knowledge and woodworking experience, I can affirm that the JET JJP-12HH is definitely the best of all the jointer planers that I’ve reviewed.

On the other hand, if you can’t afford it, then I would suggest, you should buy Grizzly G0634XP.

However, both are my favorite jointer/planer combo.

Let me know in the comment section about your favorite jointer planer combo machine.

Last but not least, please 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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