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Top Ten Best Jointers For Small Shops

This article reviews the ten best jointers for small shops.

If you’re looking for a good jointer, but don’t have space (or need) to house a floor standing unit, then a benchtop wood jointer is right for you. These tools have the capacity for smooth cutting of the faces and edges and the size to fit in a small-sized workspace.

There are several manufacturers offering benchtops with different blade styles, cut capacities, and motor sizes. In our quest to find the top rated benchtop jointer, we considered popular products as well as promising new arrivals. Here are our top 10 jointers for small shops.

1. Porter Cable PC160JT

Porter Cable PC160JT jointer for small shops

The popular PC160JT Porter Cable benchtop jointer combines a cut capacity of 6” W x 1/8” D with a speed range of 6000 RPM (revolutions per minute) to 11000 RPM, delivered by a 10 amp 120V motor. The two-knife cutter head with steel blades adjusts to the hardness of the material and operates at a speed of 12000 CPM (cuts per minute) to 22000 CPM. There is also a cutter head lock and a jackscrew knife-leveling system for convenient adjustment and replacement of knives. The unit features a large 30” L x 6.3” W table and a 19.75” L x 4.25” W center-mounted fence, with 45-degree tilt, for support.

2. Cutech 40160H-CT

Cutech 40160H-CT jointer for small shops

The highly rated Cutech 6″ benchtop jointer features a spiral cutter head for better finishes and less tearout. The cutter head has 12 double-sided high-speed steel (HSS) inserts and it’s powered by a 10 amp, 120V motor. The unit has a cut capacity of 6” wide and 1/8” deep. The 30” table easily adjusts and has a 4 3/8” x 19 5/8” fence on top of it that angles 90 to 135 degrees. The infeed and outfeed tables level easily. The machine has a  2.5” dust port.

3. Delta Power Tools 37-071

Delta Power Tools 37-071 jointer for small shops

Design for garages and small workshops, the 6” Delta benchtop jointer has a 1.5 HP motor and a 1 7/8” diameter aluminum cutter head operating at 10000 RPM and delivering 20000 CPM. There are two knives to deliver  1/8” deep cuts. There’s a 2 1/4″ ID; 2 3/8” OD cute opening for removing the dust. The table has dimensions of 6 1/4” D x 28 1/2” W, and the fence is 4 5/16” D x 22 7/8” W with positive stops at 90 degrees and 45 degrees In/Out for facilitating a variety of cuts.

4. Grizzly G0725

Grizzly G0725 best jointer for small shops

The Grizzly benchtop jointer is powered by a 1.5 HP, 110V, single phase motor. The 10000 RPM cutter head has to two knives and is capable of delivering 20,000 CPM and 1/8″ deep cuts. The cast iron table measures 28-1/2″ x 6-1/4″, and it has an infeed table adjustment knob. The fence measures 22-7/8″ x 4-1/4″ and has stops at 45, 90, and 135 degrees. The built-in dust collection system has 2.5″ dust port.

5. WEN 6560T

WEN 6560T jointer for small shops

The WEN 6560T has a cast iron base for added stability and vibration reduction and a CPM of 20000 for cutting various types of wood. The two-knife cutter head has the expected capacity of 6” W x 1/8″ D. The large table and fence measure 6-1/4” x 28-1/2” and 22-3/4” x 4-1/2” respectively. The fence bevels up to 45 degrees either way. The unit runs on a 10amp motor and has a dust port and filter.

6. Shop Fox W1829

Shop Fox W1829 jointer for small shops

Shop Fox’s offering in the 6” jointer category, the W1829 offers a cut capacity of 1/8″ D with its two HSS knives and cutter head working at 10000 RPM. The 1.5 HP, 110V 12amp motor helps deliver 20,000 CPM. The table is precision-ground cast iron measuring 28/1/2” L x 6-1/4” W with an adjustable infeed table notes for finely adjusting the cutting depth. The fence has stops at 45 and 90 degrees. The vacuum system has a dust port and a dust collection filter chute.

7. Cutech 40160HC-CT

Cutech 40160HC-CT jointer for small shops

Similar to other Cutech benchtop jointers, the 40160HC-CT features a spiral cutter head design. The 2″ diameter cutter head has 12 two-sided 12 carbide-tip inserts that are powered by a 10amp, 115V motor having a speed of 11000 RPM. The table measures 30″ X 6 3/16″ and on top of it is a one-piece 4 1/4″ X 19 3/4″ fence that angles 90 to 135 degrees. For dust removal, there’s the standard 2.5” dust port.

8. Grizzly G0821

Grizzly G0821 jointer for small shops

The high-end Grizzly G0821 is equipped with the number of attractive features. It has a 1.5 HP, 120V, 12 amp motor and a spiral cutter head with carbide inserts for better cuts and quicker changes. The 1-7/8″ diameter cutter head operates at 8000 RPM delivering 6” inch wide and 1/8” deep cuts. There is a large 30-3/8″ x 6-1/4″ table and 22-1/2″ x 4-5/16″ fence with stops at 90 and 45 degrees. The machine also has grab handles on each end of the table.

9. Cutech 40180H-CT

Cutech 40180H-CT best jointer for small shops

The 40180H-CT is the online 8” benchtop jointer on the list. The machine has a 2” spiral cutter head with 16 HSS two-sided inserts and a maximum cutting depth of 1/8”. The 8″ and 33 1/2″ table is extendable to 51” if needed. The 10amp and 115V motor provides 12000 RPM of speed. There’s also a 4 3/8” x 19 3/4” adjustable fence with 90 to 135 degrees tilt capacity. And, to get rid of the dust, there is a 2.5” and 4” dust adaptor.

10. WEN 6559

WEN 6559 jointer for small shops

The WEN 6559 is a 6” W x 1/8” D capacity benchtop with a 6-1/4” x 28-1/2” table and 20-3/4” x 4-1/2” fence that adjusts up to 45 degrees in either direction. The power supply is a 10amp motor providing a capacity of 20,000 CPM for the two-blade 6-1/8” cutter head. The jointer also features a depth scale and spring-loaded blade guard that exposes the blade only during use. There is a dust port and a filter bag.

By BCR Staff
May 2019

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