By BCR Staff
March 2019
A benchtop jointer is a useful tool for woodworking hobbyists and professionals alike. The machine is available in different table lengths, cutter types, manufacturing materials, and motor capacities. There are several factors to consider when judging how they will perform. For instance, with cutting knives, having a quality blade is essential for a great finish, but so is a high speed of rotation. Similarly, a material such as aluminum helps in producing a lightweight product, while another like cast iron provides durability and stability due to its extra weight.
To create this list of the best benchtop jointers, we considered the features of some of the top brands in the online market. Here are 10 products you should consider when looking for a smaller tabletop jointer.
1. Cutech 40160H-CT
The flagship Cutech jointer, 40160H-CT features 6” width capacity, a 30” long table, and a powerful 10 AMP 120 V motor. The spiral-shaped cutter head has 12 HSS (high-speed steel) two-sided inserts, providing a smooth finish. The adjustable fence (dimensions: 4 3/8” H x 19 5/8” L) allows for a 90 to 135-degree tilt, and the table is adjustable at the infeed and outfeed positions. The Cutech bench jointer also reduces tear out with its 2 ½” chip evacuation dust port. The product package includes tools for cutter tip replacement.
2. Porter-Cable PC160JT
The Porter Cable benchtop jointer is a versatile machine, capable of adjusting to the size and hardness of the material. The cutter head speed ranges from 6, 000 to 11, 000 RPM, providing 12, 000 to 22, 000 CPM of performance. The PC160JT’s two knife cutter heads are kept in place with a built-in lock and process stock up to 6” in width. The fence of the variable speed bench jointer is in the center, providing support throughout the processing of the wood.
3. Grizzly G0725
Reflecting its brand name in the product, the Grizzly G0725 is a solidly-built machine. The unit has a cast iron table and fence and a 110V, 1-1/2-HP, single-phase motor for optimal performance. The benchtop jointer has dimensions of 6” x 28”, a 2-1/2” opening for dust, and a 45-degree bevel adjustment. The input table and the knives are also adjustable. The G0725 has two blades, with the cutter head rotating at 10,000 RPM for a clean finish.
4. Delta 37-071
The popular Delta 37-071 has a 6” cut width, 28” table length and a powerful 120 V 12 AMP motor. The cutter head is made of aluminum and runs at 10000 RPM, enabling the machine to work at 20,000 cuts per minute. The fence of the Delta jointer has stops at 90 and 45 degrees, and dimensions of 4 5/16” D x 22 7/8” W. The dust opening of the machine is 2 1/4″ ID and 2 3/8” OD.
5. RIKON 20-600H
The RIKON 20-600H features a sizable adjustable fence, helical cutter heads, and safety on/off switch. The jointer has a width capacity of 6”, a 10 AMP motor, and six rows of cutter heads with 12 HSS, two-edge inserts for a clean performance and hassle-free knife replacement. The fence is 19 3/4″ x 4 3/8” and is adjustable 90 to 135 degrees. The table of the benchtop is made from machined aluminum. For debris removal, there is a 2-1/2″ dust port.
6. Cutech 40180H-CT
The latest offering by Cutech, the 40180H-CT has a superior cutting tool and extended cut width and table length. The 8″ cut capacity jointer is connected to a 10 AMP 120 V motor. The 33 1/2” long table can be extended to 51” if needed. The spiral cutter head has 16 HSS two-sided inserts for smooth results. The adjustable fence is 4 3/8” H and 19 3/4” L and provides 90 to 135 degrees of freedom. The Cutech benchtop jointer also features 2-1/2” and 4″ dust port adapter, enabling improved chip evacuation.
7. Shop Fox W1829
The Shop Fox W1829 features a double-sided HSS cutter head rotating at 10,000 RPM and powered by a 12 amp, 1-1/2 horsepower, 110V motor. The table of the benchtop is made from cast iron and is 28-1/2” in length, while the adjustable fence is made from aluminum and has three stop points (45, 90 and 135 degrees). The stops can also be changed to a different angle if required. The jointer also has a built-in vacuum system for moving the debris from the cutter head to the 2-1/2” port.
8. Jet JJP-8BT 8″ Jointer/Planer Combo
The Jet JJB-8BT 8″ combo is the ideal two in one machine. Highly efficient, You can get more cuts in less time with a feed speed of 19.5 feet per minute and a heavy duty 13 AMP motor that produces 18000 cuts per minute. The table can be adjusted to support longer pieces, and the fence can be angled up to 45 degrees for accuracy and stability. It also features oversized ergonomic knobs for safety and a cord wrap that is integrated in the unit for easy portability.
9. Grizzly G0821
The Grizzly G0821 justifies its price tag by offering features such as high-performance, long-lasting carbide cutter head inserts and a 12 Amp, 1.5 HP, 120V motor. The benchtop jointer has a max cut width of 6” and length of 30-3/8″. The adjustable 22-1/2″ x 4-5/16″ fence is made from aluminum and supports two stops: 90 and 45 degrees. The G0821 also features a baked-on, non-stick coating and grab handles on both ends of the table. The dust produced is removed through the 2-1/2″ port.
10. WEN 6560T
The 6560T by WEN features a two-blade cutter head, a 10 amp motor, with a capacity of 20,000 CPM, and a cut width of 6”. The table is made of cast iron and is 28-1/2” in length. The infeed table is adjustable up to 1/10” and the 22-3/4” x 4-1/2” fence is adjustable 45 degrees inward and 45 degrees outward as well. The jointer comes with a spring-loaded blade guard, a dust port and a filter bag.
Related Rankings:
