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10 Best Benchtop Jointers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,323
Cutterhead Type

Most important from
4 reviews

Cutterhead Type
The helical cutterhead with carbide inserts provides fast, clean cuts and is easier to maintain compared to traditional blades.

The JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer is a solid choice for woodworkers needing a reliable and versatile benchtop jointer. It offers a wide 12-inch cutting width, which makes it suitable for handling larger boards with ease. The cutting depth tops out at 0.13 inches, allowing for precise, shallow cuts that are typical for jointers. Its powerful 3 HP motor, running on 230 volts, provides ample strength to handle tough hardwoods and extended use without bogging down. The highlight is its helical cutterhead equipped with 42 four-sided carbide inserts, which ensures fast cutting and a smooth finish while being easier to maintain than traditional blades.

The heavy-duty cast iron tables with a ground finish contribute to accuracy and durability, and the parallelogram design helps maintain close, precise adjustments. The inclusion of a sturdy one-piece steel stand with mounting tabs adds stability, which is important for safety and consistent results. Quick changeover between planing and jointing functions is a useful convenience, especially since the fence doesn't need to be removed. This machine weighs 453 pounds, meaning it’s not very portable or suitable for small workshops with limited space. It also requires a 230V power supply, which might limit its use in some home settings without proper electrical setup.

This JET model is well suited for serious hobbyists or small professional shops seeking a durable, precise jointer that handles larger wood pieces and offers easy maintenance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,323
Cutterhead Type

Most important from
4 reviews

Cutterhead Type
The helical cutterhead with carbide inserts provides fast, clean cuts and is easier to maintain compared to traditional blades.
#2

Cutech 401120HI-IF 12-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer with Cast Iron Tables, 24 TC Inserts, Extra Large 24" x 6" Cast Iron Fence, Additional 8½" Fence Enhancement Brackets, and a 12-amp Motor

Rating
9.1
Cutting Width
Motor Power
Cutterhead Type

Most important from
163 reviews

Cutting Width
The 12-inch cutting width and spiral cutterhead deliver impressively smooth cuts, even on highly figured and wide boards, rivaling much more expensive helical head jointers.
Motor Power
The 12-amp motor provides plenty of power for aggressive cuts without bogging down, enhancing productivity for serious woodworking tasks.
Cutterhead Type
The 12-inch cutting width and spiral cutterhead deliver impressively smooth cuts, even on highly figured and wide boards, rivaling much more expensive helical head jointers.
Fence
The cast iron bed and fence add substantial stability and durability, making the jointer feel solid and reliable during heavy use.
Table Size
The cast iron bed and fence add substantial stability and durability, making the jointer feel solid and reliable during heavy use.

The Cutech 401120HI-IF 12-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer offers several appealing features for woodworking enthusiasts. One of its key strengths is the 12-inch cutting width, which allows for handling larger pieces of wood. The spiral cutterhead with 24 staggered inserts is designed to give a smoother finish and operate with a low amp draw, which can be beneficial for efficiency.

The powerful 12-amp motor provides a substantial boost in performance, making it capable of handling more aggressive cuts with ease. This motor power is among the most robust available for benchtop jointers, which is a significant advantage for heavy-duty tasks.

Rating
9.1
Cutting Width
Motor Power
Cutterhead Type

Most important from
163 reviews

Cutting Width
The 12-inch cutting width and spiral cutterhead deliver impressively smooth cuts, even on highly figured and wide boards, rivaling much more expensive helical head jointers.
Motor Power
The 12-amp motor provides plenty of power for aggressive cuts without bogging down, enhancing productivity for serious woodworking tasks.
Cutterhead Type
The 12-inch cutting width and spiral cutterhead deliver impressively smooth cuts, even on highly figured and wide boards, rivaling much more expensive helical head jointers.
Fence
The cast iron bed and fence add substantial stability and durability, making the jointer feel solid and reliable during heavy use.
Table Size
The cast iron bed and fence add substantial stability and durability, making the jointer feel solid and reliable during heavy use.
#3

JET Black 8-Inch Jointer, Helical Cutterhead, 2 HP, 230V 1Ph (Model JWJ-8HH-BLK)

Rating
8.8
Cutting Width
Cutterhead Type
Fence

Most important from
27 reviews

Cutting Width
Highly recommended for those seeking an 8-inch jointer with a helical head.
Cutterhead Type
The helical head jointer delivers perfectly flat and smooth edges.
Fence
Easy setup and calibration, with the jointer fence arriving perfectly square from the factory.

The JET BLACK 8-Inch Jointer (Model JWJ-8HH-BLK) is a robust tool designed for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals. It features an 8-inch cutting width, allowing for ample material handling, and a maximum cutting depth of 0.13 inches, which is standard for most jointers and should suffice for a variety of woodworking tasks. Powered by a 2 HP motor and running on 230 volts, it offers substantial power for smooth and efficient cuts. The helical cutterhead, equipped with 36 four-sided carbide inserts, is a standout feature, providing precise and clean cuts with reduced noise and vibration. This cutterhead type is generally more efficient and requires less maintenance compared to traditional straight knives.

Additionally, the jointer includes a base-mounted On/Off switch for safety, a two-way tilting cast iron fence with positive stops at 45° and 90° for accurate angled cuts, and convenient table height adjustment levers for both infeed and outfeed tables. The large table size (70.88 inches long by 24 inches wide) offers ample support for larger workpieces, enhancing stability and accuracy. The 4-inch dust port is a notable addition, ensuring effective dust and chip disposal when connected to a dust collection system.

Weighing 405 pounds, this jointer is quite heavy, which might make it less portable and harder to move around a workshop. It also requires a dedicated 230V power outlet, which may necessitate electrical adjustments in some workspaces. Priced as a premium option, it may be a significant investment but offers high-quality performance and durability. The JET BLACK 8-Inch Jointer is well-suited for serious woodworkers who require precision and reliability in their projects.

Rating
8.8
Cutting Width
Cutterhead Type
Fence

Most important from
27 reviews

Cutting Width
Highly recommended for those seeking an 8-inch jointer with a helical head.
Cutterhead Type
The helical head jointer delivers perfectly flat and smooth edges.
Fence
Easy setup and calibration, with the jointer fence arriving perfectly square from the factory.

Buying Guide for the Best Benchtop Jointers

Choosing the right benchtop jointer can significantly improve the quality of your woodworking projects. A benchtop jointer is a tool used to flatten and smooth the surface of a piece of wood, making it easier to work with and ensuring that it fits together with other pieces accurately. When selecting a benchtop 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.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width of a benchtop jointer refers to the maximum width of wood that the jointer can handle. This is important because it determines the size of the wood pieces you can work with. Cutting widths typically range from 6 inches to 8 inches. If you primarily work with smaller pieces of wood, a 6-inch jointer may be sufficient. However, if you often work with larger boards, an 8-inch jointer would be more suitable. Consider the typical size of your projects when choosing the cutting width.
Cutting DepthCutting depth indicates how much material the jointer can remove in a single pass. This is crucial for efficiency and precision. Cutting depths usually range from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch. For light-duty tasks and finer adjustments, a smaller cutting depth is adequate. For more substantial material removal, a larger cutting depth is beneficial. Think about the type of wood and the extent of material removal you usually require to determine the appropriate cutting depth.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in amps or horsepower, affects the jointer's ability to handle different types of wood and the speed at which it can work. More powerful motors can handle harder woods and larger pieces more efficiently. Motors typically range from 1 HP to 2 HP. If you work with dense hardwoods or large quantities of wood, a more powerful motor is advisable. For lighter, occasional use, a less powerful motor may suffice. Assess your typical workload and wood types to choose the right motor power.
Cutterhead TypeThe cutterhead is the part of the jointer that holds the blades and does the actual cutting. There are two main types: straight knife and helical (or spiral) cutterheads. Straight knife cutterheads are more common and less expensive, but they can be noisier and may leave more noticeable marks on the wood. Helical cutterheads are quieter and produce a smoother finish, but they are more expensive. If you prioritize a high-quality finish and noise reduction, a helical cutterhead is worth the investment. For general use, a straight knife cutterhead may be sufficient.
FenceThe fence on a benchtop jointer is the guide that helps you keep the wood at the correct angle while you are jointing. A good fence should be sturdy, adjustable, and able to lock securely in place. Some fences can tilt to allow for bevel cuts. If you need to make precise, angled cuts, look for a jointer with a tilting fence. For most straight jointing tasks, a standard, adjustable fence will work well. Consider the types of cuts you need to make and choose a fence that offers the necessary features.
Table SizeThe table size of a benchtop jointer affects the stability and support of the wood during operation. Larger tables provide better support for longer pieces of wood, making it easier to achieve a smooth, even cut. Table sizes can vary, with larger tables being more suitable for bigger projects. If you frequently work with long or large boards, opt for a jointer with a larger table. For smaller projects or limited workspace, a smaller table may be more practical. Match the table size to the scale of your typical projects.

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