We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Bench Jointer 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Cutech 401100HI 10-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer with Cast Iron Tables, 20 TC Inserts, Extra Long 24" Aluminum Fence, Additional 7⅜" Fence Brackets, and a 12-amp Motor

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,388
Cutterhead Type
Table Length
Fence Adjustability

Most important from
143 reviews

Cutterhead Type
The jointer produces very clean cuts on highly figured woods, delivering results comparable to true helical head jointers with only minimal, easily sanded lines.
Table Length
The cast iron tables and fence provide exceptional stability and flatness, ensuring accurate jointing even with extended support setups for longer workpieces.
Fence Adjustability
The extra-long aluminum fence adjusts quickly to common angles and adds versatility, though its locking mechanism could benefit from more robust, machined components.

The Cutech 401100HI benchtop jointer features a 10-inch cutting width and a powerful 12-amp motor, making it capable of handling aggressive cuts and suitable for various wood sizes and hardness. Its spiral cutterhead is equipped with 20 tungsten carbide inserts arranged in six rows, which deliver a smooth finish with less noise and vibration compared to traditional straight knives. The two-sided inserts are designed to stay aligned and prevent skewing, maintaining cutting precision over time.

This jointer includes cast iron tables that provide stability and flatness, essential for accurate jointing. The heavy-duty construction and additional support rods contribute to handling longer workpieces reliably. A notable feature is the extra-long 24-inch aluminum fence with patented enhancement brackets for excellent stabilization. It adjusts quickly to common angles (90° and 135°), offering versatility for different woodworking tasks.

Weighing approximately 94 pounds, the unit is portable enough for a home workshop while still substantial for stable operation. This model is an excellent choice for serious hobbyists or small shop woodworkers seeking a reliable, precise tool with outstanding finish quality and power without stepping up to a larger stationary machine.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,388
Cutterhead Type
Table Length
Fence Adjustability

Most important from
143 reviews

Cutterhead Type
The jointer produces very clean cuts on highly figured woods, delivering results comparable to true helical head jointers with only minimal, easily sanded lines.
Table Length
The cast iron tables and fence provide exceptional stability and flatness, ensuring accurate jointing even with extended support setups for longer workpieces.
Fence Adjustability
The extra-long aluminum fence adjusts quickly to common angles and adds versatility, though its locking mechanism could benefit from more robust, machined components.
#2

JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer, Helical Cutterhead, 3 HP, 230V 1Ph (Model JPJ-12BHH)

Rating
10.0
Cutterhead Type
Table Length
Fence Adjustability

Most important from
4 reviews

Cutterhead Type
The helical cutterhead with 42 four-sided carbide inserts ensures a superior finish, even on challenging materials.
Table Length
Users appreciate the heavy-duty cast iron tables for their accuracy and flatness, contributing to precise woodworking.
Fence Adjustability
The large handwheel allows for straightforward and precise adjustments, making depth of cut easy to manage.

The JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer (Model JPJ-12BHH) is a robust machine designed for heavy-duty woodworking. It features a helical cutterhead with 42 four-sided carbide inserts that deliver rapid and smooth cutting, ensuring a superior finish. This jointer/planer offers a convenient quick-change mechanism between jointing and planing functions without needing to remove the fence, which can save valuable time during projects.

The heavy-duty cast iron tables ensure accuracy and flatness, contributing to the machine's precision. Additionally, the large handwheel allows for straightforward and precise adjustments of the planer table, useful for achieving the desired depth of cut easily. The parallelogram design maintains the table close to the cutterhead, supporting precise depth adjustments, and a closed stand enhances stability during operation.

At 453 pounds, this machine is quite heavy, which might present challenges for those with limited space or a need for portability. It has a powerful 3 HP motor, which is more than adequate for most woodworking tasks, but it requires a 230V power supply, which may not be available in all workshops. With a 12-inch cutting width, this jointer/planer can handle larger pieces of wood, making it suitable for extensive woodworking projects. The machine comes with various accessories, including push blocks, a hex wrench, screwdrivers, and knife inserts, adding value and convenience. This JET model could be an excellent choice for professional woodworkers or serious hobbyists looking for a reliable, versatile, and precise bench jointer/planer, provided they can accommodate its size and power requirements.

Rating
10.0
Cutterhead Type
Table Length
Fence Adjustability

Most important from
4 reviews

Cutterhead Type
The helical cutterhead with 42 four-sided carbide inserts ensures a superior finish, even on challenging materials.
Table Length
Users appreciate the heavy-duty cast iron tables for their accuracy and flatness, contributing to precise woodworking.
Fence Adjustability
The large handwheel allows for straightforward and precise adjustments, making depth of cut easy to manage.

Buying Guide for the Best Bench Jointer

Choosing the right bench jointer can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your woodworking projects. A bench jointer is a tool used to create flat surfaces along the edges of wood, which is essential for creating precise joints and smooth finishes. When selecting a bench jointer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and choose a jointer that will serve you well for years to come.
Cutterhead TypeThe cutterhead is the part of the jointer that holds the blades and does the cutting. There are two main types: straight knife and helical. Straight knife cutterheads use straight blades and are generally less expensive, but they can be noisier and require more frequent blade changes. Helical cutterheads use a series of small, square carbide inserts arranged in a spiral pattern. They are quieter, produce a smoother finish, and the inserts last longer and can be rotated when they become dull. If you do a lot of woodworking and want a smoother finish with less maintenance, a helical cutterhead is a better choice. For occasional use, a straight knife cutterhead may be sufficient.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width of a bench jointer determines the maximum width of the wood it can handle. Common widths are 6 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches. A 6-inch jointer is suitable for most hobbyists and small projects, while an 8-inch jointer offers more versatility and can handle larger pieces of wood. A 12-inch jointer is typically used by professionals who work with wide boards and need the extra capacity. Consider the size of the wood you typically work with and choose a cutting width that will accommodate your needs.
Table LengthThe table length of a bench jointer affects the stability and support of the wood as you feed it through the machine. Longer tables provide better support for longer pieces of wood, resulting in more accurate cuts. Shorter tables are more compact and easier to store but may not provide the same level of support for longer boards. If you frequently work with long pieces of wood, a jointer with a longer table will be beneficial. For smaller projects or limited space, a shorter table may be adequate.
Motor PowerThe motor power of a bench jointer is measured in horsepower (HP) and determines how efficiently the jointer can cut through wood. Common motor sizes range from 1 HP to 2 HP. A 1 HP motor is sufficient for light to moderate use and smaller projects, while a 1.5 HP or 2 HP motor provides more power for heavy-duty use and larger pieces of wood. Consider the type of wood you work with and the frequency of use when choosing the motor power. For hardwoods and frequent use, a more powerful motor is recommended.
Fence AdjustabilityThe fence on a bench jointer is used to guide the wood and ensure straight, accurate cuts. An adjustable fence allows you to tilt it to different angles, which is useful for creating beveled edges. Some fences also have stops at common angles like 45 degrees. A more adjustable fence provides greater versatility and precision in your woodworking projects. If you need to make angled cuts or work with a variety of wood shapes, look for a jointer with a highly adjustable fence. For basic edge jointing, a simpler fence may suffice.
Dust CollectionDust collection is an important feature to consider for maintaining a clean and safe workspace. Bench jointers can produce a significant amount of wood chips and dust, which can be harmful if inhaled and can clutter your work area. Many jointers come with a dust port that can be connected to a shop vacuum or dust collection system. A good dust collection system helps keep your workspace clean and reduces the risk of respiratory issues. If you work in a small or enclosed space, effective dust collection is especially important.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now