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10 Best Benchtop Jointers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

WEN 12-Amp 10-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer with Extendable Cast-Iron Table (JT1020H)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,184
Cutting Depth
Motor Power
Fence

Most important from
409 reviews

Cutting Depth
Depth of cut adjustment is very straightforward and locks confidently in place.
Motor Power
Powerful, smooth cuts and seems strong and durable, except for the fence.
Fence
Setup was spot on right out of the box, with a flat table and adequate guide fence.

The WEN 12-Amp 10-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer (JT1020H) offers several notable features for woodworking enthusiasts. This jointer is equipped with a spiral cutterhead system that utilizes 20 staggered high-speed steel (HSS) blades, which helps achieve a fine finish on cuts up to 10 inches wide. The spacious cast iron table, which measures 34 by 10-3/16 inches and can extend up to 54 inches, provides ample support for larger pieces of wood.

This jointer allows you to remove up to 1/8 of an inch of material per pass, making it suitable for various woodworking tasks. The adjustable fence can bevel up to 45 degrees, adding versatility to your projects. Additional features include an onboard depth-of-cut scale, two push blocks for safety, and dust ports to help manage debris. This jointer is powered by a 12-amp motor, ensuring it has enough power for most woodworking tasks.

However, the unit is relatively heavy, weighing in at 43.09 kilograms (approximately 94.8 pounds), which may make it less portable. Despite its weight, the cast iron construction enhances stability and durability. The WEN 12-Amp 10-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer is best suited for hobbyists and small workshop owners who need a reliable, powerful, and versatile jointer with a wide cutting capacity.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,184
Cutting Depth
Motor Power
Fence

Most important from
409 reviews

Cutting Depth
Depth of cut adjustment is very straightforward and locks confidently in place.
Motor Power
Powerful, smooth cuts and seems strong and durable, except for the fence.
Fence
Setup was spot on right out of the box, with a flat table and adequate guide fence.
#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

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.

#3

Cutech 401120HI 12-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer with Cast Iron Tables, 24 TC Inserts, Extra Long 24" Aluminum Fence, Additional 7⅜" Fence Brackets, and a 12-amp Motor

Rating
9.8
Cutterhead Type
Fence
Table Size

Most important from
143 reviews

Cutterhead Type
Carbide spiral cutter heads are easy to replace if one gets damaged.
Fence
The fence required assembly but was not hard and adjusted properly to 90 degrees.
Table Size
The bed was level and coplanar, and did not require any adjustment.

The Cutech 401120HI 12-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer is a well-rounded tool designed for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals who need precise and smooth cuts. One of its standout features is the spiral cutterhead with 24 staggered inserts that ensure a smooth finish on your wood projects. This design helps minimize the power draw, making it an energy-efficient option. The powerful 12-amp motor is another strong point, providing significant power for aggressive cuts which should prove beneficial for heavy-duty tasks. The motor is among the most powerful in its class, making this jointer capable of handling tough materials with ease.

The adjustable 24-inch aluminum fence with quick stops at 90° and 135° adds versatility for different cutting angles, and the enhancement brackets improve stability and precision. The elevation control and additional support rod system also contribute to maintaining straight and consistent cuts, which is essential for quality joinery work. On the downside, the jointer is quite heavy at 104.6 pounds, which might be cumbersome to move around your workspace. Additionally, while the cast iron tables and fence provide stability and durability, some users might find the setup process a bit challenging if they are not familiar with such tools.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Cutech 401120HI offers robust performance and precision, making it a great choice for anyone serious about woodworking.

Rating
9.8
Cutterhead Type
Fence
Table Size

Most important from
143 reviews

Cutterhead Type
Carbide spiral cutter heads are easy to replace if one gets damaged.
Fence
The fence required assembly but was not hard and adjusted properly to 90 degrees.
Table Size
The bed was level and coplanar, and did not require any adjustment.

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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