10 Best Bench Top Jointer 2026 in the United States

The JET BLACK 8-Inch Jointer (Model JWJ-8HH-BLK) is a robust and efficient tool for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals. It features a helical cutterhead with 36 four-sided carbide inserts, ensuring smooth and precise cuts. With a 2 HP motor and a 230V power supply, it offers solid performance for its category. The cast iron construction, coated to resist corrosion and reduce friction, adds durability and minimizes maintenance needs.

The jointer's 8-inch cutting width and 0.13-inch cutting depth are suitable for a variety of woodworking tasks. The two-way tilting fence with positive stops at 45° and 90° allows for accurate angled cuts, which is a handy feature for complex projects. The infeed and outfeed tables are adjustable, facilitating quick and precise modifications. Additionally, the 4-inch dust port ensures effective dust collection, keeping the workspace clean.

However, the jointer is quite heavy at 405 pounds, which may pose challenges for mobility and setup. It also requires a 230V power source, which might not be readily available in all workshops. This jointer is best suited for those who need a reliable and powerful tool but have the space and electrical requirements to accommodate it.

The WEN 12-Amp 12-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer (JT1224H) is a solid choice for hobbyists or small workshop users who need a reliable machine for smoothing and flattening wood. It features a powerful 12-amp motor capable of handling typical woodworking tasks without strain. The 12-inch cutting width is generous for a benchtop model, allowing you to work on wider boards comfortably. Its spiral cutterhead, equipped with 24 staggered high-speed steel blades, is designed to produce a smooth, fine finish with less tear-out, which is especially helpful for delicate or soft woods.

One standout feature is its large cast iron table (34 by 12-3/16 inches) that extends with support arms up to 54 inches, providing good stability and support for longer pieces. The fence is adjustable and can bevel up to 45 degrees, which offers versatility for angled cuts. The cutterhead can remove up to 1/8 inch of material in a single pass, which is standard for jointers this size. Dust collection is supported through 2-1/2 and 4-inch ports, helping keep the workspace cleaner, though users may need a compatible vacuum or dust system to make the most of this.

A potential drawback is its size and weight (over 100 pounds), which could make it less portable or more challenging to fit in smaller workspaces. Additionally, the price might be higher than some entry-level models, reflecting its quality and features. This jointer is well suited for woodworking enthusiasts who want precise results and can accommodate its footprint. For those seeking a compact, sturdy jointer with good cutting capacity and finish, this WEN model is a strong option.

The WEN 12-Amp 10-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer (model JT1020H) is a solid choice for hobbyists and small workshop users who need a reliable tool for smoothing and flattening wood. It offers a powerful 12-amp motor capable of spinning the cutterhead at 11,000 RPM, which is strong enough for most typical benchtop jointer tasks. The 10-inch cutting width and 0.13-inch maximum cutting depth provide a good balance between work capacity and control, making it suitable for a range of wood sizes without overwhelming beginners.

One of the standout features is the spiral cutterhead with 20 staggered high-speed steel (HSS) blades. This design helps deliver a finer finish on the wood surface, reduces tear-out, and generally means less noise and smoother cuts compared to traditional straight knives. The large cast iron table (34 by 10-3/16 inches) with extendable support arms up to 54 inches offers stability and ample space for handling longer boards, which can be a big help when working on bigger projects.

Adjustability is well covered with an inclined fence that bevels up to 45 degrees, allowing for angled cuts and more versatility. The onboard depth-of-cut scale is convenient for precise adjustments, and the package includes two push blocks for safety. Dust collection ports of 2.5 and 4 inches help keep the workspace cleaner, though like many bench jointers, efficient dust extraction depends on a good external vacuum or dust collector. At about 94.8 pounds, it’s heavy enough to stay stable during use but still portable enough for moving around a workshop. The two-year warranty adds peace of mind for buyers. The main drawback might be its size and weight for those with very limited space or who need an extremely portable tool. It’s also designed more for hobbyists and light to medium woodworking tasks rather than heavy industrial use. However, its combination of power, cutting quality, and table size makes it a strong contender in its price and class.