Now that we’ve entered into another new year, it’s now time to review the best benchtop jointers for 2019. After all, much like a planer, there’s no question that these tools are crucial to the woodworking process. A jointer specializes in leveling the narrow edges of wood, preparing it to be adjoined to other planks or boards. This process is certainly no easy feat, but it’s made so much easier with a device such as this.
Benchtop jointers, in particular, can be better suited for wider or thicker workpieces. Users who often work on larger scale projects may want to consider this over a portable variant. It won’t just save you time, but also energy as you go about your daily work routine.
In this article, we don’t just want to sell you on a particular brand or model. That’s why we’ve identified the best benchtop jointers for you to choose from. And while it won’t directly answer the question of which one to buy, it will definitely make this process so much more bearable.
Here’s a quick overview of the candidates. We’ll be discussing them in greater detail during the third and fourth parts.
Benchtop Jointer Comparison Table
Benchtop jointer | features | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - Built with a two-knife cutterhead setup for fast and easy material removal; it also yields a maximum strength of 22,000-cuts-per-minute - A 30-inch table that’s 6-inches wide, too, is perfect for larger materials; this includes tasks such as resizing cabinets and repairs | 5.0/5.0 | |
 | - An improved 2.5-inch dust port with a built-in collection system helps keep your area clean and sediment-free - The cast-iron worktable may be narrower than usual, but it provides stability when working on thicker materials | 4.0/5.0 | |
 | - The motor produces a maximum speed of 11,000-RPM, while the two-knife cutterhead operates at approximately 20,000-strokes-per-minute - Its 2.5-inch dust port and built-in vacuum system work well to take out any wooden chips, dust, or residue after cutting; does this task very efficiently | 4.3/5.0 | |
 | - Its heavy-duty cast-iron frame reduces vibrations almost completely and provides sufficient support, especially when working on items - Comes with 5-years of limited warranty, which not only protects your investment, but also simplifies maintenance and repairs | 4.8/5.0 | |
 | - The two-knife cutterhead with leveling arrangement leads to fast and easy replacement of blades; no tools are required - Weighing about 35-lbs means this tool isn’t difficult to transport; still, proper support is provided for cutting | 3.2/5.0 | |
 | - A 6-row helical-style cutterhead enable smooth slicing of wooden boards with even greater ease - One of the sturdiest models made; it’s all-steel construction and aluminum table are there to improve overall accuracy when working | 5.0/5.0 |
Benchtop Jointer Reviews
The Porter-Cable PC160JT Variable-Speed Jointer is an ideal entry-level option for beginners. It is neither too big nor too bulky, offering a perfect balance of functionality with mobility. A 6-inch wide worktable provides just the right amount of material support without taking up too much space.
Structurally, this tool is set up with a two-knife cutterhead that's both sharp and potent. Changing blades is easy, too. In terms of muscle, it yields a variable-speed range of 6,000 to 11,000-RPM, while the cutterhead has a maximum capacity of 22,000-cuts-per-minute. Renovation works and resizing cabinets are just some of the tasks this particular benchtop jointer specializes in.
Learning to level wood, though, is far from an easy task. And while having a solid foundation and steady supply of power certainly help, it is the Porter-Cable PC160JT's versatility that truly makes it unique. This is why it is one of the best options for beginners available today.
Pros
Cons
Although slightly smaller than the standard jointer, Grizzly Industrial’s G0725 model is still a quality option. It makes up for this deficiency, though, by remaining competitive in every other aspect. For example, it comes with a heavy-duty cast-iron table that minimizes vibrations considerably, while the center-mounted aluminum fence helps it support heavier materials.
The 2.5-inch port with a built-in dust collection system is another feature worth mentioning. Working with wood often leads to a big mess afterward. Having a provision like this means less time and effort are used up for cleaning. You’ll be able to rest right after instead of vacuuming every nook and cranny.
It won’t matter whether you’re a beginner or seasoned professional on the budget; the Grizzly Industrial G0725 is an affordable option that’s worth so much more than advertised. Needless to say, it’s one of the best benchtop jointers currently available today.
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Cons
We won't lie; it's the overall look of this next tool that immediately caught our attention. The Shop Fox W1829 Benchtop Jointer is dressed in an all-white coating that looks clean, and utterly capable of stealing the show. But if you think that all it does is look good, then you are grossly mistaken.
Efficiently running underneath this stylish exterior is a 1.5-horsepower, single-phase motor that operates at 11,000-RPM. The two-knife cutterhead, on the other hand, can supply up to 20,000-strokes-per-minute of power. These figures are right at par with industry standards, and can undoubtedly help get the exact cutting depth you'll need.
Of course, the Shop Fox W1829 comes with an easy-to-adjust fencing system, too, for angled cutting. And once you begin leveling the wood, a built-in vacuum system sucks out dust and other forms of residue. This way, they won’t be a distraction to you while working.Pros
Cons
Providing stability amidst the constant contiguity of blade and workpiece is never easy. This is precisely why the DELTA 37-071 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is so valuable. It is constructed with a durable cast-iron body for minimizing vibrations and providing proper weight distribution when supporting heavier materials.
To complement this foundation, the DELTA 37-071 has been equipped with a powerful motor capable of yielding as much as 20,000-cuts-per-minute. We love how rapidly it runs, even able to rip through wood with a 0.13-inch cutting depth, while maintaining exceptional accuracy as well. There's no question that this unit can survive -- or even excel -- on almost any landscape.
As such, we would heavily recommend the DELTA 37-071 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer to seasoned professionals, hobbyists, or enthusiasts. Anyone would be glad to own one of the best benchtop jointers under $350.
Pros
Cons
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 is your prototypical benchtop jointer built with a heavy-duty 10-AMP motor, solid counter, and center-mounted fence for accurate measurement of wood. These features may seem very basic, especially when compared with higher-end models, and that's ok. It instead focuses on a few key elements, allowing you to fully maximize its capabilities.
But unlike the other best benchtop jointers here, the CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 is surprisingly lightweight. Weighing right around 35-lbs, this tool isn't a hassle to transport. Plus, users with cars can even take it around with them from one jobsite to another.
New users can benefit greatly from what this model offers. The CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 Benchtop Jointer is incredibly user-friendly, meaning it won't take long before you get accustomed to and ultimately master this craft.
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Seasoned professionals better take note – the RIKON Power Tools 20-600H is perhaps the strongest benchtop jointer currently available to consumers. It's easy to fall in love with its steel frame, rugged aluminum worktable, and efficient 10-AMP motor. But what really made consumers remain loyal is the add-on safety features.
This tool, unlike conventional models, comes with a spring-loaded safety guard and large, strategically placed power button. Since slicing wood is still widely considered a hazardous job, these properties have helped limit jobsite accidents and keep injuries to a minimum. Even new users can breathe easy knowing the RIKON Power Tools 20-600H Benchtop Jointer has made protecting you a priority.
Unfortunately for those on a budget, this product won't exactly come cheap. Spending over $400 for a single tool might seem unreasonable to some, but with everything it offers, we'd still tag the RIKON Power Tools 20-600H as one of the best benchtop jointers on the market.
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider When Buying a Benchtop Jointer
Before deciding on which brand to buy, consider these essential factors first. It’s easy to be swayed by flowery marketing campaigning, and sticking to this guide should help ensure that you choose the right tool – or one that’s at least close to it.
1. Smooth Finish
A benchtop jointer with sufficient power and strength often creates a fine finish. This, after all, is a requirement prior to attaching two wooden boards together. Aim for models with at least a 10,000-cuts-per-minute capability if you’re a beginner, and 20,000 for professionals.
2. Safety Features
It’s no secret that woodworking can be dangerous. Cuts, bruises, and even deep wounds are a common occurrence, especially for inexperienced operators. One way to reduce these unfortunate incidents is by choosing tools with precautionary features built-in. An extra-large power switch, safety guards, and brakes can go a long way in saving an arm and a finger.
3. Warranty
Protect your initial investment by including a warranty package. It may seem redundant at first, but you’ll only see the value one repairs and maintenance fees begin to accumulate. So get ahead of the problem while you still can. Make sure your benchtop jointer is insured to save you the trouble later on.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a jointer and a planer?
While both tools specialize in smoothing wood, a jointer is better suited for narrow edges or corners. These need to be completely even before being supplemented to other boards.
2. What is an acceptable budget?
$300 should be enough to get you a quality model. However, if you feel you need more complicated features, top-tier options usually go for $500 to $600 per piece.
3. How long must the warranty last for?
We are often asked this question and we won’t get tired of answering it. One year is acceptable but don’t ever settle for anything less than that. But if you’ve spent more than $500 on a benchtop jointer, you might need a warranty package that extends to two or even three years.
Conclusion
Every one of the contenders on our best benchtop jointer review article is unique – this much is true. From cutting strength and durability to mobility, there’s no question that they’ll provide added value to anyone who buys them. But just like everything in life, there are some things that just naturally stand out, and that what’s this particular model did today.
The Porter-Cable PC160JT Variable-Speed Jointer may not be the biggest, strongest, or most affordable, yet it offers just enough of everything to be functionally complete. What really caught our attention, though, is how easy it makes leveling wood. As you know, jointing is extremely complicated, especially for new users; but this tool somehow simplifies everything through its features.
This is the main reason why we consider this to be the best benchtop jointer today.
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