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One of the most vital pieces of information to know about benchtop jointers is that they often do not come with stands. Hence, it is crucial to find a benchtop jointer that can comfortably get the job done without relying on external equipment. This guide should help people looking to straighten out their wood by discussing various popular benchtop jointers and how each is compared to one another. Although the guide is specifically about the best benchtop jointer in 2020, all of these jointers are of remarkable quality, so it’s likely a person may see them in future lists.
The 7 Best Benchtop Jointer At a Glance:
Shop Fox W1829 Excellent Dust Collection
RIKON Power Tools 20-600H 6″ with Helical Cutter head Best Customer Support
Porter-Cable PC160JT Excellent Control
Delta 37-071 (6″) Best Durability
Cutech 40180H-CT 8″ Bench Top Spiral Cutterhead Jointer Best Angles
JET JJP-8BT 8″ Jointer/Planer (707400) Best Planer & Jointer Combo
Shop Fox W1829
If somebody is looking for a powerful yet durable option, the Shop Fox W1829 is an excellent benchtop jointer to consider. Its motor operates at a 1 & 1/2 HP, giving it extra power compared to some contemporaries. It might not be the highest horsepower, but coupled with a decent 12-amp motor, the Shop Fox W1829 is a reliable benchtop jointer for most tasks. The 12-amp engine makes this jointer last longer than some of the previously mentioned options like the Porter-Cable Benchtop Jointer.
Its cutting speed of 10,000 RPM is impressive, but unfortunately, there is no variable speed setting for this power tool. Some people won’t care about variable speed, but it’s a notable feature for others to know. Aside from that, it’s capable of 20,000 cuts per minute, which makes it perform its job as a benchtop jointer quite reliably.
It utilizes two knives for smooth cuts, which can flatten a piece of the lumbar effortlessly. With so much power, it’s crucial to know how it covers dust-related problems. The Shop Fox W1829 utilizes a 2 & 1/2-inch dust port, which is more than suitable for a small benchtop jointer. It even comes with a dust collection bag and a fan, so it’s one of the best options for a person concerned about dust-related issues.
RIKON Power Tools 20-600H 6″ Benchtop Jointer with Helical Cutter head
The RIKON 20-600 is a simple yet efficient benchtop jointer for those looking for simplicity. Simplicity isn’t inherently bad, as it makes it more intuitive and easier to use for novices. Even professionals should appreciate the sheer excellence the RIKON 20-600 can offer to them in their workshop. It excels as a jointer, especially since it works out of the box!
RIKON is a responsive company, so their customer service is pretty top-notch. Even if there is a problem with one’s RIKON 20-600, there’s a 5-year warranty attached to every purchase. This feature allows people to exchange parts or the whole RIKON 20-600 whenever they need to, and convenience is always a plus under Handyman Guide’s eyes! It even operates at 1200 watts and 120V, so it’s easy to use in most settings. Also, the model is still available, so replacement parts are cheap.
The RIKON 20-600 includes 12 double-edge insert cutters, two push blocks, and a manual for setting everything up. Also included are some wrenches for easy assembly and a 6-inch jointer for general use. Considering it’s only 36 pounds as a whole, it’s a portable benchtop jointer that can work great in a pinch, such as if a person needs to help their family member across town.
CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer, 10-Amp (CMEW020)
In true fashion, the CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 does not disappoint! With high ratings backing it up, the CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 has an amazing RPM for its low price range. If the speed is too high for a person, they can always adjust it with its fantastic variable speed option. This variable speed allows it to go from 6,000 to 11,000 RPM. This simple feature can enable it to cut almost 22,000 cuts per minute!
Some people may be curious about how accurate this benchtop jointer is. Thankfully, its center-mounted fence helps aid a person in cutting straight cuts. The knives themselves are high-quality so that a person can cut dozens to hundreds of feet in a single session! If the blades are not satisfactory or break down over time, a person can take advantage of the easy replacement system in the CRAFTSMAN CMEW020. Replacing knives is effortless, so amateurs and professionals alike can appreciate the sheer simplicity of the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer.
Ultimately, this benchtop jointer is a solid option for heavy-duty work. Now, a 10-amp motor is mediocre, but it’s high enough to help support the robust performance the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer can provide to its user. It shouldn’t be used too long, but it’s a top-tier option for short-term usage. If a woodworker needs a jointer, this option is an excellent investment, especially for newcomers looking for their first jointer.
Porter-Cable PC160JT Benchtop Jointer
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Some people like to joke that the Porter-Cable PC160JT is the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer thanks to the many similarities between the two awesome options. One of these similarities is that it also runs at a variable speed of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM while looking visually similar. However, they are not carbon copies of one another. The latter option has more reviews thanks to its older model while costing more as well.
The Porter-Cable PC160JT is excellent for flattening wood! Its versatility makes it compatible with most lumbar types, especially since it can be adjusted to lock in pieces of wood for stability. If a person is looking for complete control of their wooden boards, the Porter-Cable Benchtop Jointer is a delightful option Handyman Guide wholeheartedly recommends to its readers.
It’s also quick to assemble, as the previous entry, but the overall product is discontinued. its quantities are limited, including accessories like knives and miter gauges. If a person needs a replacement, they have to get it from a third-party distributor. Aside from that, it’s easy to adjust and can perfectly complement any workshop it’s placed in.
Delta 37-071 – 6″ Benchtop Jointer
Some woodworkers prefer their benchtop jointers to last a long time while providing top-notch performance. The Delta 6-Inch 37-071 is one of the best options for heavy-duty tasks, especially thanks to its cast-iron base. A cast-iron base is special, as it is easy to clean and maintain. This item is easy to clean and maintain. It also means fewer opportunities for an object to break down, giving the Delta 37-071 a distinct advantage over other benchtop jointers.
Thanks to its outstanding durability are the fact that this benchtop jointer is superb for heavy-duty work. This fact is a rarity, as benchtop jointers are usually type casted into light to medium-duty assignments. Considering the Delta 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer is suitable for heavy-duty work, it makes it one of the best options for 2023. Of course, its user isn’t required to do heavy-duty work with this benchtop jointer, but it is a significant advantage worth noting.
Its power makes leveling a piece of wood seems like a piece of cake! If it somehow breaks within five years of using it, its owner can use its five year warranty to get a new one. Adjusting it is easy, its heavyweight design makes it sturdy and reliable, and it’s made out of high-quality materials. No matter how a person looks at it, the Delta 37-071 6-Inch is worth every penny!
Some people prefer to angle their cuts like a miter saw, so there is a demand for some benchtop jointers to cut at an angle. For those who enjoy angled cuts, the Cutech 40180H is an excellent option! Unfortunately, a 10-amp motor means it shouldn’t be used for long sessions or heavy-duty work, but it still suffices as a useful benchtop jointer capable of flattening wood. There are several adjustable angles ranging from 90 to 135-degrees!
It’s great value for its price! Unfortunately, there are often availability issues that prevent a person from checking out its price, but it’s generally on par with or even lower than the other benchtop jointers on this guide. It’s easy to assemble and figuring out how to angle it is surprisingly intuitive. Ultimately, the Cutech 40180H is a versatile and charming benchtop jointer that should strongly be considered for any serious workshop.
One unfortunate thing to note is that it’s not the most accurate for cutting. It trades some of its accuracy for increased versatility, so if a person is planning on buying a jointer solely for flat cuts, the Cutech 40180H is not the ideal solution. However, for those planning on purchasing a multifunctional benchtop jointer with several applications, then the Cutech 40180H is an excellent option!
JET JJP-8BT 8″ Jointer/Planer (707400)
Sometimes people have difficulty deciding between a planer and a jointer. It’s a popular debate, but why not have both at the same time? The Jet JJP-8BT is a planer and jointer combo, which allows it to experience the best of both worlds. While it may not be exemplary in either category, its usefulness is not to be understated! It even comes with oversized knobs for people to use and adjust it as they see fit.
Impressively, it comes with a 13-amp motor, allowing it to function under heavy-duty work. The integrated cord that comes with the benchtop jointer allows it to work harder than its cordless counterparts (although its mobility is hampered a bit). Its good amp motor works well with its two high-speed knives, allowing it to cut smoothly and efficiently for long sessions. It even comes with height adjustment features, further giving its owner extra flexibility in how they choose to work.
Now, it is important to note that while its reviews are good, it isn’t as strong as the others on this guide. Some people wish they just got a jointer instead of a combo like this one, as trying to use both in one can be confusing to newcomers. Nonetheless, professional woodworkers should appreciate the sheer value and versatility this option can bring to their hobby and work.
What Do Benchtop Jointers Do?
Benchtop jointers primarily flatten wood so they can be used in conjunction with other wood pieces. Allowing these pieces to work from edge-to-edge gives it more versatility, hence the high demand for jointers. A benchtop jointer, in particular, is one a jointer with a stand. As structure often determines functionality, a woodworker must use it under circumstances where it is ideal.
What are the most important criteria you want to buy the Best Benchtop Jointer
A benchtop jointer needs to join sides correctly, without taking too much or too little off the wood. Some terms like “buzzer” or “flat-top” are used interchangeably with a benchtop jointer, so a hobbyist should remember that. Benchtop jointers are typically smaller than other jointer archetypes, so the worker shouldn’t consider large-scale projects with a benchtop jointer.
Due to its small size, benchtop jointers are best suited for small-scale projects. A person won’t use one to remodel their home completely (technically, they can, but it is highly inefficient to do so). Instead, they need to be used for practical tasks.
One more thing worth noting is that benchtop jointers are excellent for handling misshapen lumber or other rough wood pieces. It is often compared to a planer, but some key differences are listed in the section below. Aside from that, most of these benchtop jointers are interchangeable as far as usefulness goes, with some having minor features that may appeal to different audiences.
Planer vs. Jointer
In terms of the end results, both options may seem highly identical. However, some notable differences are worth noting here. First, a planer requires at least one flat side while a jointer doesn’t. Not all woods are the same, so that this minor detail might be the difference-maker for some people. Generally, planers require more skill to use correctly. As a result, its user needs to have more physical strength to use it properly.
Another difference is the order these tools are used in. For instance, a jointer is usually used before a planer, as the latter option requires at least one flat surface. If the wood a person is working with has no flat surfaces, that is where the jointer comes into action. Typically, a person should use a planer to finish off the wood, but that depends on a person’s budget.
Ideally, a woodworker should have both a planer and a jointer on hand. If a person can only have one for the moment, it is ideal to have a jointer first. Creating that first flat surface is a necessary component of a successful project, and it can finish the remaining sides on its own. Both can get the job done, so it isn’t the end of the world if a person obtains a planer before a jointer.
Conclusion
Usually, Handyman Guides like to showcase the first item on the list as the best one, but all of these benchtop jointers are excellent in their own right. It isn’t a matter of which one is the overall best, as they all fulfill unique niches. Even those that don’t fulfill a specific niche are highly useful as a general power tool for flattening wood. If there had to be one to recommend to most people, it has to be the Delta Store 6-Inch Jointer. This jointer is an all-around solid option for most people, with no glaring weakness limiting its potential.
The main issue is that it’s discontinued, so its price is bound to go up over time. It’s best to get the Delta Store 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer as soon as possible before that happens! It’s highly durable, easy to maintain, and can last amateurs and professionals a long time before kicking the bucket.
A cast-iron base helps it stand out from its contemporaries, as it cannot break down easily. It isn’t much slower than the other options, and it’s sublime for heavy-duty work. Considering benchtop jointers don’t usually specialize in heavy-duty work, that’s a boon too difficult to ignore!
