The Best Jointers for DIYers and Pros
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Jointers for DIYers and Pros and hope the blog can help you.
Find out which features you should consider when choosing a jointer for your workshop, and don’t miss our list of top models.
A jointer is a woodworking machine that smooths and flattens the face and edge of stock lumber to make it perfectly square. Instead of running a tool against wood like one would do using a hand planer, with a jointer, the wood is pushed against the tool.
This tool consists of a long flat surface bisected by a cutting head with a cast-iron guide fence. As the wood runs through the jointer, the cutting head’s blades remove a layer of the wood’s surface to create a perfect square. If you’re in the market for a jointer, keep reading to learn what factors to consider when shopping for one of these powerful tools.
- BEST OVERALL: Shop Fox W1829 6-Inch 1½ HP Benchtop Jointer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ridgid 6⅛-Inch Jointer/Planer
- BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Wen JT630H 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
- BEST 6-INCH: Craftsman CMEW020 10-Amp Benchtop Jointer
- BEST 8-INCH: WEN JT833H 10-Amp 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
- BEST CABINET-STYLE: Jet JJ-6HHDX 6-Inch Long Bed Helical Head Kit
- BEST LARGE: Wahuda 50180CC-WHD 8-Inch Benchtop Jointer
- ALSO CONSIDER: Grizzly Industrial G0814 Jointer With Cabinet Stand
How We Chose the Best Jointers
In researching more than a dozen different jointers, we considered a variety of factors. A good jointer should have a motor that spins the blade fast enough to make smooth cuts. With that in mind, the jointers in this list reach a max speed of at least 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). Jointers are typically used to plane larger pieces of wood, so table length is important.
For some added expert advice during our research, we interviewed skilled craftsman Jonathan Warshaw, founder and owner of Simple Woodworker who provided us with an insight into the role a jointer plays in a woodworker’s toolset. He recommends a table length of at least 8 inches for best efficiency. “The larger size accommodates wider boards, which is common in wood supply, thereby saving both material and time.” With this in mind, we made sure to include several options with ample table length, while also keeping a few shorter models for those with limited space available.
In addition to a long table, a good jointer should also have a fence that easily adjusts to cut at different angles. Warshaw also lended us his hands-on experience, stating that “dovetail-style jointers have a proven track record of reliability. It’s vital that the tables align on the same plane for consistent results.” As such, we included a few models that can meet these requirements.
Finally, since jointers create precision cuts, it’s crucial that they be made from sturdy materials such as cast iron that won’t warp or bend over time.
Our Top Picks
The following list of jointers includes both cabinet-style and benchtop jointers with 6-inch and 8-inch cutter heads. These models feature powerful motors and durable steel and cast-iron construction from some of the top manufacturers on the market.
Best Overall
Shop Fox W1829 6-Inch 1½ HP Benchtop Jointer
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Blade width: 6 inches
- Maximum rpm: 20,000
- Table length: 28½ inches
Pros
- Powerful 1.5-horsepower (hp) motor and cast-iron build allow for effective, heavy-duty use
- Integrated vacuum system to manage sawdust; prevents dust from entering the lungs
- The fence can adjust between 45 and 90 degrees in either direction for excellent precision
- Ample table length for small to medium-size pieces of lumber
Cons
- Shorter table length than other jointers on the market; cannot accommodate larger pieces of lumber
Power equates to a good, smooth cut, especially when it comes to harder woods. Shop Fox’s benchtop jointer comes well equipped to handle such jobs, thanks to a stout 1½ horsepower motor that delivers up to 20,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 20,000 cuts per minute. With its durable cast-iron build, the jointer makes a good option for home or professional workshops. Its 28½-inch-long cutting surface and 6-inch-wide blade can handle medium-size lumber.
The Shop Fox allows users to fine-tune the cutting depth to a maximum of ⅛ inch and the angle on the adjustable fence from 90 to 45 degrees in either direction. An integrated vacuum system and sizable 2½-inch dust port enable maximum dust collection to help keep your workshop clean. This benchtop jointer will move from the workshop to jobsite as long as there’s an extra set of hands to help move the 80-pound unit to the truck.
Get the Shop Fox benchtop jointer at Amazon or
.
Best Bang For The Buck
Ridgid 6⅛-Inch Jointer/Planer
Photo: homedepot.com
Product Specs
- Blade width: 6⅛ inches
- Maximum rpm: 3,450
- Table length: 45½ inches
Pros
- Ample table length of 45½ inches for large pieces of lumber
- Sturdy cabinet base with storage for holding additional accessories and tools
- Dust ports are integrated for the sawdust vacuum system
Cons
- The smaller 1 hp motor may not provide the torque required for some users’ needs
For DIYers who don’t have room in the workshop—or the budget—for a jointer and a planer, Ridgid offers a great solution. The cabinet-style jointer offers planing options, too. It features a powerful 1 hp motor and blade supported by a durable steel cabinet that sits on a sturdy cast-iron base, ensuring this jointer will stand firm while cutting. It includes a capable 6⅛-inch blade for planing and jointing jobs. A built-in storage area includes a place to store accessories and blade alignment tools.
This jointer/planer also handles longer pieces thanks to its 45-inch-long tabletop. A dual bevel adjustable fence includes stops at 45, 90, and 135 degrees. The jointer’s 4-inch dust ports help keep the work area clean. At 213 pounds and 45½ inches long by 31⅛ inches high and 19½ inches deep, this makes a great option for those who have the space for it in their workshop.
Get the Ridgid jointer/planer at
.
Best for Beginners
Wen JT630H 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Blade width: 6 inches
- Maximum rpm: 11,000
- Table length: 30 inches
Pros
- Ample 30-inch table length can accommodate small to medium-size pieces of wood
- It comes equipped with a powerful 1½ hp motor for heavy-duty cutting power
- Includes safety features like easy-to-grip knobs and a blade guard; ideal for beginners
- The adjustable aluminum fence can bevel up to 45 degrees
Cons
- Lower-quality build than other jointers
For those new to jointing or who only need one for a few projects a year, Wen offers a great choice for beginners that won’t break the bank. Similar to higher-end benchtop jointers, this model comes equipped with a 6-inch-wide blade that’s powered by an impressive 1½ hp motor. The large easy-to-grip knobs adjust the blade depth from 0 to ⅛ inch.
Wen’s jointer includes an ample 30-inch table length that’s broad enough to provide a comfortable workspace for new woodworkers. The aluminum adjustable fence measures an ample 19¾ inches by 4¼ inches and can bevel up to 45 degrees. A spring-loaded blade guard and two push blocks make nice safety features to keep less experienced users’ hands safely away from the blade.
Get the Wen benchtop jointer at
,
, or The Home Depot.
Best 6-Inch
Craftsman CMEW020 10-Amp Benchtop Jointer
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Blade width: 6 inches
- Maximum rpm: 11,000
- Table length: 30 inches
Pros
- Can be transported if desired; the total weight of the unit is just 35 pounds
- Good table length of 30 inches to accommodate small to medium-size pieces of lumber
- Variable speed range from 6,000 to 11,000 rpm provides sufficient torque for most projects
Cons
- Some users have reported that the fence can be difficult to adjust
Craftsman gives users a lot to like about its impressive benchtop jointer. Its powerful 10-amp motor can make up to 22,000 cuts per minute, which is plenty of power for both softwoods and hardwoods. A variable speed range of 6,000 to 11,000 rpm allows users to control the blade speed for optimum performance. A large aluminum fence tilts up to 45 degrees to provide plenty of support while cutting.
Transporting a jointer to a work site or even from a storage shelf to a workbench can be difficult, as some models weigh up to 80 pounds. Craftsman’s benchtop jointer weighs in at a manageable 35 pounds. Despite its lightweight construction, it can handle boards up to 6 inches wide and features a sturdy 30-inch-long work surface.
Get the Craftsman benchtop jointer at
,
, or
.
Best 8-Inch
Wen JT833H 10-Amp 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
Photo: homedepot.com
Product Specs
- Blade width: 8 inches
- Maximum rpm: 11,000
- Table length: 33 to 51 inches
Pros
- The table is extendable up to 51 inches to accommodate very large pieces of wood
- The spring-loaded blade guard and push blocks provide added safety while the tool is in use
- Includes ports for dust management systems; keeps dust and debris out of the air
- Affordable price for an 8-inch jointer
Cons
- The motor is not as powerful as those of other 8-inch jointers
- Cheaper build quality than other jointers on the market
Most 8-inch jointers, which are typically designed for pro shops, cost thousands of dollars. But Wen’s 8-inch jointer comes in cheaper than many 6-inch jointers. While the 10-amp motor won’t rival those of industrial-grade jointers, it provides enough juice for most home
.
Wen employs a smart design with its jointer table. It measures 33 inches long but can reach 51 inches with the help of extenders, which allows DIYers to use bigger workpieces that demand an 8-inch blade. As with Wen’s 6-inch jointer, this model features a spring-loaded blade guard and push blocks for safety. The fence bevels up to 45 degrees. This jointer’s 4-inch ports help manage dust.
Get the Wen spiral benchtop jointer at
,
, or The Home Depot.
Best Cabinet Style
Jet JJ-6HHDX 6-Inch Long Bed Helical Head Kit
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Blade width: 6 inches
- Maximum rpm: 6,000
- Table length: 56 inches
Pros
- 4-blade helical cutter head and cast-iron table surface for effective use
- 4-inch dust port keeps debris and dust out of the workshop, air, and lungs
- Front-mounted adjustment handwheels built in for ease of adjustment
- Large push-button controls are ideal for beginners as well as professionals
Cons
- Pricey compared with similar options on the market
- Large unit may take up a lot of space in a workshop and provides limited portability
Cabinet-style jointers provide a higher level of performance than their benchtop cousins, making them suitable for professional workshops and serious woodworkers. This jointer from Jet is one of the toughest 6-inch models available. It features a 4-blade helical cutter that removes wood evenly while maintaining an ultra-smooth finish. It also offers a 56-inch-long work surface made of cast iron, allowing users to mill longer pieces of lumber with ease, along with a 4-inch dust port to keep the workshop clean.
Large front-mounted adjustment wheels make raising and lowering the feed table and cutter head easy. Large push-button controls are conveniently placed above the workbench, allowing for quick starts and stops, and the two-way tilting fence is capable of up to 45 degrees of adjustment in either direction. This jointer weighs 237 pounds.
Get the Jet helical head kit at Northern Tool + Equipment, Acme Tools, or Amazon.