10 Best Benchtop Jointers 2026 in the United States

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.

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.

The WEN 12-Amp 12-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer is a robust tool ideal for woodworking enthusiasts looking for precise and smooth cuts. One of its standout features is the spiral cutterhead system with 24 staggered HSS blades, providing an ultra-fine finish on 12-inch-wide cuts. The extendable cast iron table is another significant advantage, offering a spacious working area of up to 54 inches when fully extended, which is beneficial for handling longer workpieces.

Additionally, the adjustable fence that bevels up to 45 degrees adds to the versatility of this jointer, making it suitable for various angled cuts. The ability to remove up to 1/8 inch of material in a single pass is quite efficient for most woodworking tasks. However, despite its many strengths, the jointer is relatively heavy, weighing around 102.6 pounds, which might make it less portable for some users. Moreover, while it has a powerful 12-amp motor, it relies on a corded power source, which could limit mobility around the workspace.

The dust ports and onboard depth-of-cut scale are practical features, enhancing the jointer's usability. With a solid customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, it is well-received in the market. This jointer is best suited for those with a dedicated workspace who need a reliable and efficient tool for detailed woodworking projects.