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10 Best jointer planers 2025 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

JET Black 20-Inch Planer, Helical Cutterhead, 5 HP, 230V 1Ph (Model JWP-208HH-BLK)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,490
Motor Power

Most important from
54 reviews

Motor Power
This machine is a beast. It’s quiet and mows down boards, leaving them almost smooth enough to not need sanding.

The JET BLACK 20-Inch Planer (Model JWP-208HH-BLK) is well-suited for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals who need precise and powerful performance. It features a helical cutterhead, providing smooth cuts and reducing noise.

The impressive 20-inch cutting width allows for handling large pieces of wood, which is a significant advantage for furniture makers or carpenters working on sizable projects. The 5 HP motor is robust and ensures consistent performance, while the heavy-duty cast iron and alloy steel construction add to the durability and stability of the machine.

With a cutting depth of 0.09 inches, it offers fine adjustments for meticulous work, aided by the 1/16

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,490
Motor Power

Most important from
54 reviews

Motor Power
This machine is a beast. It’s quiet and mows down boards, leaving them almost smooth enough to not need sanding.
#2

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

Rating
9.7
Motor Power

Most important from
4 reviews

Motor Power
The power and performance are impressive, making it a favorite tool in the workshop.

The JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer (Model JPJ-12BHH) is a robust machine designed for serious woodworking tasks. Featuring a 12-inch cutting width and capable of cutting depths of up to 0.13 inches, it provides ample capacity for most planing and jointing needs. The 3 HP motor ensures powerful and consistent performance, ideal for heavy-duty operations. It has a helical cutterhead with 42 four-sided carbide inserts, which not only quickens cutting but also offers a superior finish on the wood.

The heavy-duty cast iron tables enhance accuracy and flatness during operation, and the parallelogram design allows precise depth adjustments, ensuring consistent results. A large handwheel makes table adjustments smoother and quicker, adding to user convenience. Additionally, the machine's steel stand with mounting tabs increases stability, reducing vibrations during use. The quick changeover feature between jointing and planing without removing the fence adds to its user-friendly design.

However, the weight of the machine at 453 pounds makes it less portable and may require a dedicated workshop space. The fence adjustability is straightforward, contributing to ease of use. This planer/jointer is particularly suited for professional woodworkers or serious hobbyists due to its powerful motor, precise adjustments, and durable construction.

Rating
9.7
Motor Power

Most important from
4 reviews

Motor Power
The power and performance are impressive, making it a favorite tool in the workshop.
#3

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

Rating
9.1
Cutterhead Type
Fence Adjustability

Most important from
27 reviews

Cutterhead Type
This jointer is highly recommended for those looking for an 8-inch jointer with a helical head.
Fence Adjustability
Adjusting the outfeed table was easy, and the jointer fence was perfectly square from the factory.

The JET BLACK 8-Inch Jointer with a Helical Cutterhead and 2 HP motor is a robust tool designed for precise woodworking. Its 8-inch cutting width is suitable for a wide range of projects, while the cutting depth of 0.13 inches allows for substantial material removal in each pass. The helical cutterhead features 36 four-sided carbide inserts, ensuring smooth and accurate cuts, which is a significant advantage for achieving superior finish quality. The 2 HP motor provides ample power to handle tough materials, and the 230V voltage ensures efficient operation.

The table, made of cast iron and coated with a JET BLACK finish, resists corrosion and reduces friction, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance like waxing or polishing. This contributes to smoother operations and extended durability. The adjustable fence with positive stops at 45° and 90° allows for accurate angled cuts, enhancing versatility. Additionally, the infeed and outfeed table adjustments are user-friendly, thanks to the convenient lever and handwheel mechanisms.

Dust collection is well-managed with a 4-inch port that connects to your dust collection system, maintaining a cleaner workspace. However, the tool is quite heavy at 405 pounds, which may limit mobility and require a dedicated space in your workshop. This jointer would benefit professional woodworkers or serious hobbyists who require precision and durability in their woodworking tasks.

Rating
9.1
Cutterhead Type
Fence Adjustability

Most important from
27 reviews

Cutterhead Type
This jointer is highly recommended for those looking for an 8-inch jointer with a helical head.
Fence Adjustability
Adjusting the outfeed table was easy, and the jointer fence was perfectly square from the factory.

Buying Guide for the Best jointer planers

When it comes to picking a jointer-planer, it's important to understand that this tool is essential for woodworking, as it helps in flattening, straightening, and smoothing wood surfaces. The right jointer-planer can make a significant difference in the quality of your woodworking projects. To choose the best fit for you, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your needs and projects.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width of a jointer-planer refers to the maximum width of the wood that the machine 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 12 inches or more. For hobbyists or small projects, a 6-8 inch width may be sufficient. For larger projects or professional use, a wider cutting width of 10-12 inches or more would be more appropriate.
Cutting DepthCutting depth indicates how much material the jointer-planer 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. If you are working with rough lumber or need to remove a lot of material quickly, a deeper cutting depth is beneficial. For finer, more detailed work, a shallower cutting depth will provide better control and finish.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in horsepower (HP), affects the performance and capability of the jointer-planer. More powerful motors can handle harder woods and larger pieces more efficiently. Motors typically range from 1 HP to 3 HP or more. For light to moderate use, a 1-2 HP motor should suffice. For heavy-duty or professional use, consider a motor with 2-3 HP or more to ensure smooth and consistent operation.
Table SizeThe table size of a jointer-planer refers to the dimensions of the surface where the wood rests during operation. A larger table provides better support for longer and wider pieces of wood, leading to more accurate and stable cuts. Table sizes can vary, with larger tables being more suitable for bigger projects. If you frequently work with long or wide boards, opt for a jointer-planer with a larger table.
Cutterhead TypeThe cutterhead is the part of the jointer-planer that holds the blades and does the actual cutting. There are different types of cutterheads, including straight knife, helical, and spiral. Straight knife cutterheads are common and cost-effective but may require more frequent blade changes. Helical and spiral cutterheads provide smoother cuts and quieter operation, with longer-lasting blades. Choose a cutterhead type based on your preference for maintenance and the quality of finish you desire.
Dust CollectionDust collection is an important feature for maintaining a clean and safe workspace. Jointers and planers produce a significant amount of wood shavings and dust. Effective dust collection systems help to minimize cleanup and improve air quality. Look for models with built-in dust ports that can be connected to a vacuum or dust collection system. If you prioritize a clean workspace, ensure the jointer-planer has a good dust collection feature.
Fence AdjustabilityThe fence on a jointer-planer helps guide the wood and ensure straight, accurate cuts. An adjustable fence allows you to set different angles and positions, providing greater versatility in your projects. Look for a fence that is easy to adjust and locks securely in place. If you need to make angled cuts or work with various wood sizes, a highly adjustable fence will be beneficial.

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