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10 Best 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 by1,300
Cutterhead Type

Most important from
4 reviews

Cutterhead Type
The machine’s helical cutterhead with carbide inserts provides a beautiful finish on wood.

The JET 12-Inch Planer/Jointer with a helical cutterhead is a solid choice for both hobbyists and professionals looking for a reliable jointer. Its 12-inch cutting width and 3 HP motor power offer the capability to tackle larger projects efficiently. The helical cutterhead with 42 four-sided carbide inserts ensures a smooth finish while reducing noise, making it a pleasure to work with. The quick changeover between jointing and planing functions, without needing to remove the fence, adds to its convenience for users who frequently switch tasks.

The heavy-duty cast iron tables are designed for accuracy and stability, while the parallelogram design allows precise depth adjustments. This feature makes it easier to achieve the desired thickness with minimal effort. Additionally, the large handwheel facilitates quick adjustments, ensuring you don’t waste time during your projects.

The JET JPJ-12BHH is quite heavy, weighing 453 pounds, which means it requires a stable, dedicated workspace and may be challenging to move around. Some users might find the price point on the higher side, especially if they are casual woodworkers and don’t need all the features it offers. The warranty is generous at five years, but it reduces to two years for commercial use, which is a consideration for professionals. This jointer is best suited for serious woodworkers who need robust performance and precision. Its strengths lie in its powerful motor, high-quality construction, and user-friendly features, while the weight and cost might be drawbacks for those who work on smaller projects or have limited space.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,300
Cutterhead Type

Most important from
4 reviews

Cutterhead Type
The machine’s helical cutterhead with carbide inserts provides a beautiful finish on wood.
#2

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

Rating
9.1
Fence Adjustability

Most important from
27 reviews

Fence Adjustability
Fence was perfectly square from the factory, ensuring accurate cuts.

The JET BLACK 8-Inch Jointer with Helical Cutterhead (Model JWJ-8HH-BLK) offers several notable strengths. Its 8-inch cutting width and 0.13-inch cutting depth make it suitable for a range of woodworking projects. The 2 HP motor delivers ample power, ensuring smooth and efficient operation, and the 230V power requirement is standard for heavy-duty jointers. The helical cutterhead with four rows of 36 carbide inserts provides precise and smooth cuts, reducing the need for frequent sharpening and maintenance.

Additionally, the jointer's cast iron surface is coated to resist corrosion and reduce friction, eliminating the need for waxing or polishing, which is a significant time-saver for users. The infeed and outfeed tables are adjustable, allowing for quick and precise modifications, and the two-way tilting fence with positive stops at 45° and 90° ensures accurate angled cuts, which is beneficial for versatility in woodworking tasks. The base-mounted On/Off switch is conveniently positioned for easy access, enhancing user safety. A 4-inch dust port is included to connect to a dust collection system, which helps maintain a clean workspace.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The jointer is quite heavy, at 405 pounds, making it less portable and more challenging to move around the workshop. Its size, with dimensions of 70.88 inches in length and 24 inches in width, also requires a significant amount of space. Despite these minor cons, this jointer is a robust and efficient tool for serious woodworkers looking for precision and durability in their equipment.

Rating
9.1
Fence Adjustability

Most important from
27 reviews

Fence Adjustability
Fence was perfectly square from the factory, ensuring accurate cuts.
#3

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
Table Length
Motor Power

Most important from
161 reviews

Cutting Width
The 12-inch width offers versatility beyond typical benchtop models, comfortably handling wide and longer boards up to about 5 feet with added support extensions.
Table Length
Out of the box, the jointer's precision calibration is exceptional, with coplanar tables and level beds within a tolerance of .0002, requiring no initial adjustments.
Motor Power
The robust 12-amp motor powers through aggressive cuts effortlessly, making it suitable for frequent, heavy-duty woodworking tasks.
Fence Adjustability
The included cast iron fence accessory adds valuable mass and stability, though fence adjustment components could benefit from heavier, machined parts for smoother, tighter locking.
Cutterhead Type
The spiral cutterhead delivers impressively smooth and clean cuts even on highly figured wood, with only minimal, easily removed lines between carbide inserts.

The Cutech 401120HI-IF 12-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer is a robust tool ideal for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals. One of its standout features is the spiral cutterhead with 24 staggered inserts, which ensures a smooth and clean finish on wood surfaces. The 12-amp motor is notably powerful, making this jointer capable of handling aggressive cuts without strain. This makes it suitable for heavy-duty tasks and frequent use.

Additionally, the large 24" x 6" cast iron fence with quick stops at 90° and 135° offers versatility for different cutting angles, while the 8½" enhancement brackets provide increased stability during operation. The elevation control and additional support rod system help maintain consistency and accuracy in cuts, which is a significant advantage for precision work. The included 80700 push blocks enhance safety and control during use, a thoughtful addition for any woodworker. However, at 116.8 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which may pose challenges for portability and setup.

This benchtop jointer is best suited for those who need a powerful, stable, and precise tool for their woodworking projects.

Rating
9.1
Cutting Width
Table Length
Motor Power

Most important from
161 reviews

Cutting Width
The 12-inch width offers versatility beyond typical benchtop models, comfortably handling wide and longer boards up to about 5 feet with added support extensions.
Table Length
Out of the box, the jointer's precision calibration is exceptional, with coplanar tables and level beds within a tolerance of .0002, requiring no initial adjustments.
Motor Power
The robust 12-amp motor powers through aggressive cuts effortlessly, making it suitable for frequent, heavy-duty woodworking tasks.
Fence Adjustability
The included cast iron fence accessory adds valuable mass and stability, though fence adjustment components could benefit from heavier, machined parts for smoother, tighter locking.
Cutterhead Type
The spiral cutterhead delivers impressively smooth and clean cuts even on highly figured wood, with only minimal, easily removed lines between carbide inserts.

Buying Guide for the Best Jointers

When it comes to choosing a jointer, it's important to understand that this tool is essential for woodworking, particularly for flattening and straightening boards. A jointer can help you achieve a smooth, even surface on your wood pieces, which is crucial for creating high-quality furniture and other wooden items. To pick the best jointer for your needs, you should consider several key specifications that will impact its performance and suitability for your projects.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width of a jointer refers to the maximum width of the board 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 12 inches or more. For hobbyists and small projects, a 6-inch jointer may be sufficient. However, if you plan to work with larger boards or more extensive projects, you might need an 8-inch or even a 12-inch jointer. Consider the typical size of the wood you will be using to determine the appropriate cutting width for your needs.
Cutting DepthCutting depth indicates how much material the jointer can remove in a single pass. This is important for efficiency and precision. Cutting depths usually range from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch. For most woodworking tasks, a cutting depth of 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch is adequate, allowing you to make gradual adjustments without removing too much material at once. If you need to remove a lot of material quickly, a jointer with a greater cutting depth might be more suitable. Think about the type of wood and the extent of material removal you typically require when choosing the cutting depth.
Table LengthThe table length of a jointer affects the stability and support of the wood during the jointing process. Longer tables provide better support for longer boards, resulting in more accurate and smoother cuts. Table lengths can vary from around 30 inches to over 70 inches. For smaller projects or shorter boards, a shorter table length may be sufficient. However, if you frequently work with long boards, a jointer with a longer table will be more beneficial. Consider the average length of the wood pieces you work with to determine the appropriate table length.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in horsepower (HP), determines the jointer's ability to handle different types of wood and the efficiency of its operation. Motor power typically ranges from 1 HP to 3 HP or more. For light to moderate woodworking tasks, a jointer with 1 to 1.5 HP should be adequate. If you work with harder woods or require more power for larger projects, a jointer with 2 HP or more would be more suitable. Assess the type of wood and the intensity of your projects to choose the right motor power for your jointer.
Fence AdjustabilityThe fence on a jointer is used to guide the wood and ensure straight, accurate cuts. Fence adjustability refers to the ability to tilt and lock the fence at various angles, typically up to 45 degrees. This is important for making bevel cuts and achieving precise angles. A jointer with a highly adjustable fence offers more versatility for different types of cuts. If your projects require a variety of angles and precise adjustments, look for a jointer with a fence that is easy to adjust and lock securely. Consider the complexity and variety of your woodworking projects when evaluating fence adjustability.
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 cutterheads and helical (or spiral) cutterheads. Straight knife cutterheads are more common and typically less expensive, but they can be noisier and require more frequent blade changes. Helical cutterheads are quieter, produce smoother cuts, and the individual carbide inserts can be rotated when they become dull, extending the life of the cutterhead. If you prioritize smoother cuts and less maintenance, a helical cutterhead might be worth the investment. Consider your preference for maintenance and cut quality when choosing the cutterhead type.

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