Best Overall
Craftsman 10-Amp Electric Benchtop Jointer
Runner-Up
Delta 37-071 6-Inch Bench Jointer
Best Bang For The Buck
Wen 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
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DIYers can nullify desolate warped or uneven Natalie Wood by equipping their shop with a benchtop jointer . A benchtop jointer is a scaled - down translation of a level - standing jointer . It sit on your workbench and allows you to mill warps , twists , and bows out of lumber or hardwood . This results in all savourless and square edge for improved joinery .
But not all benchtop jointers are likewise . To help oneself you adjudicate which of thesetoolsis right for your shop , we sought expert advice from Kwadwo Som - Pimpong , who makes bespoke in high spirits - end Ghanaian - Scandinavian furniture . Based on Kwadwo ’s insights and our research , we prefer theCraftsman 10 - Amp Electric Benchtop Jointeras our top pick for its two - blade cutterhead and powerful variable - speed operation .
To see if the Craftsman benchtop jointer plane will put to work for your next project , we urge you explore our list of the six respectable benchtop long plane on the market . Then , keep read to see which of these creature ’ key features matter most to you .
Our Top Picks
We researched the most popular and innovational benchtop jointer plane on the marketplace from top tool brands and niche tool makers to create our list of the best benchtop long plane in specific categories . One of these will likely be the right peer for you and your woodwork project .
Craftsman ’s galvanic benchtop jointer is our top pick for those needing a heavy - tariff benchtop jointer with plenty of cutterhead speed . Its 10 - adenosine monophosphate motor has an adjustable fastness ascendancy for operation between 6,000 and 11,000 revolutions per minute ( rev ) . At max speed , its two - knife cutterhead can make up to 22,000 cuts per minute of arc on a 6 - inch - wide board .
This Craftsman benchtop wood jointer has some other attractive features as well . Its center - mounted aluminum fence offers plenty of support for edge - joint and squaring boards . It also has an oversized stop switch , outpouring - load blade guard , and a 2 - inch detritus porthole for tying into a rubble accumulation organisation . Its built - in cutterhead curl keeps the cutterhead securely in blank space for safe and easy blade changes . In our eyes , it only has one downside : While two brand are sufficient , we favor our benchtop jointers to have 3 - blade cutterheads ( but we ’re split tomentum ) .
Get the Craftsman benchtop jointer atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Delta 6-Inch Midi-Bench Jointer
This 6 - inch benchtop jointer from Delta has a powerful 12 - amp motor that offers speeds of up to 10,000 RPM . Its bed measure 28½ inches long by 6¼ in wide and is flank by a grueling - duty cast - Fe fence with positive stop at 90 and 45 degrees . Since the bed and parts of the base are also cast iron , the total free weight of this putz is 76 pounds . While that ’s not ideal if you take to move it , it does help keep the machine solidly in spot during utilization .
Delta ’s midi - bench jointing plane tool has a two - knife straight - blade cutterhead and a maximum slice deepness of ⅛ column inch . To keep user safe , it comes with two push block , a spring - stretch blade guard , and an oversized stop switch with a obliterable key that allow for you to lock it in the “ off ” position . It also features a 2¼-inch dust port with a 45 - degree elbow and a built - in chip blower to help maintain a fresh workspace .
Get the Delta benchtop jointing plane atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
For preciseness while working with hard and soft woods , consider the affordable Wen cord spiral benchtop jointer . With a 10 - amp motor and a 6 - in - wide cutting capacity , this long plane machine is capable of 12,000 cut per moment . This framework also has an adjustable infeed tabular array that removes from 0 to ⅛ inches of material in one passport .
Though some report issues getting the fencing square , this Wen jointer ’s onboard scale , give - loaded leaf blade guard , and 45 - degree bevel square fencing make overall utilise easy and safe . In term of post - project cleansing , the tool ’s 2½-inch built - in dust port and filter bagful keep dust particles out of the air and off your workshop ’s floor .
Get the Wen benchtop jointer atAmazon , Lowe’s , Walmart , orWen .
Photo: Amazon
Best With Planer
Jet 8-Inch Jointer/Planer Benchtop Combo
For those who desire the additional functionality of a benchtop jointer planer combo , the one from Jet is an excellent alternative . Its 13 - amp motor is heavy - duty enough to take on a variety of joining and planing tasks . Also , its magnanimous aluminum - squeeze out fence and sheet alloy outfeed mesa ensure joining work is precise and stable .
This two - in - one cream is compact enough to meet into a typical shop or transport alongside aportable tabular array sawto the jobsite , and it also has an integrated corduroy wrapper for rubber . It does weigh almost 60 pounds , though , so we would n’t call it light . Still , it can cut up to ⅛ column inch off boards up to 8 inch all-embracing . It also has prominent node that are easy to habituate and provide maximal precision control .
Get the Jet benchtop long plane atTractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , orNorthern Tool & Equipment .
Photo: Amazon
Best Spiral Cutterhead
Wahuda 10-Inch Benchtop Jointer
If you ’re a DIYer whose woodwork projects frequently call for broad boards , the Wahuda benchtop voluted cutterhead long plane is up to the chore . This 12 - amp grievous - duty benchtop jointer is subject of milling much wider boards than the repose of our lineup , up to 10 inch . It has a 33½-inch - long cast - iron bed with two pullout extensions that provide up to 51 column inch of full length . Its spiral cutterhead has 20 carbide four - sided insert tips instal to ensure a tranquil surface .
The Wahuda jointer also offer other attractive features , including a 4 - column inch dust port with a 2½-inch adaptor that ’s compatible with most detritus assembling system . It has a 24 - inch fencing that tilts from 90 to 135 degree , a spring - loaded blade guard , and an oversized stopover alternate with a removable key . If we were to lodge a complaint , it ’s that the relatively large footprint of this poser will take up a fair bit of workbench blank .
Get the Wahuda benchtop jointer atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Best Helical Cutterhead
Rikon 6-Inch Helical Benchtop Jointer
The best whorled - stylus cutterhead jointer on our list is this 6 - inch fashion model from Rikon . Its six - course cutterhead has 12 double - edged ship’s boat to deliver plane and fluid surface . It has a maximal depth of cut of ⅛ inch and a 10 - ampere motor that run at 20,000 rev to make speedy work of thick and spotty boards .
mayhap one of the best features of this Rikon jointer plane is its bottom , which measures 30 inch long by 6 - 3/16 inches encompassing for accurate milling of long boards . It also has an oversized halt switch with a obliterable winder and a spring - loaded leaf blade sentry go . With a 2½-inch debris port as well as a 4 - inch one , it ’s compatible with many shop class vacuums and other types of detritus appeal systems .
Get the Rikon Power Tools benchtop jointer atWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Benchtop Jointers
Benchtop jointers can be foundational to a good woodworking undertaking , so set together a list of the best theoretical account of these pecker was a challenge . We drew on all of our experience with carpentry and DIY labor to determine the features and capability we thought were most authoritative .
Once we jazz what to look for , we performed extensive product research and came up with a pool of likely prospect . Then , we compared extra lineament , base hit item , great power , and cost to determine which options truly met our criteria . We throw out those that did n’t , and the I that did received awards based on their lastingness .
What to Consider When Choosing a Benchtop Jointer
According to Kwadwo Som - Pimpong , expert craftsman and founder ofCrafted Glory , “ Benchtop planers are big for portability and diminished spaces . Small projects like tailor board and small furniture small-arm are well suitable for benchtop planing machine . ”
Before shine out to find the good benchtop jointer for wood projects in your shop , it ’s of import to learn a mo about what to reckon for . The following section details the most important consideration to keep in mind while on the hunt for a jointer to put on top of abatic workbench .
Power and Amps
Woodworkers utilize carpentry jointing plane to flatten boards , removing all-encompassing wrapping of wood until the leave open is ideal for woodworking task . Because woodworkers and DIYers often have an kinship for hardwoods , and most jointers withdraw a large amount of wood at once , these tools want powerful motors to get the job done .
Though it might seem important to recognize how much HP a motor has , speed and amperage are actually more important . The motor has to agitate the friction and stress created by the vane against the wood ’s control surface , and that can wear an subscript motor down quickly .
Jointers with 10 - amp ( or more ) motor are idealistic . They have tougher factor that can handle the tension and cool down themselves to prevent overheating while doing toilsome - tariff jointing . They generally also run faster , producing up to 20,000 or more cutting per mo .
Photo: Amazon
Cutterhead
The cutterhead on a woodworking jointer is a spinning drumfish with leaf blade attached that take out wood . long plane come with one of two type of cutterheads : voluted ( or spiral ) and straight blade . Though they process the same purpose , their pattern are very different .
Bed Width and Cutting Depth
A long plane ’s bed width determines how magnanimous a board it can handle , so it ’s an incredibly important factor to keep in judgment . A 6 - column inch benchtop jointer can accommodate boards up to 6 inch across-the-board , which is enough for most little carpentry projection . A majority of benchtop jointers fit this measurement , but DIYers can retrieve 8 - inch jointers and the occasional 10 - inch model . For common people who systematically ferment with larger boards , it might be necessary to upgrade to a floor - standing jointer , which will be much more expensive .
Though milling utter strain involve longanimity and precision , it need n’t take all Clarence Day . For those wanting to knead quickly to remove most of a piece of wood ’s waste , a jointer with a ⅛-inch press clipping depth will be sufficient .
Jointer Fence
While the bottom is arguably the most significant component of a jointing plane , the fence comes in a penny-pinching mo . Its obvious use is as a consistent base against which to register a display panel when planing it to a bland control surface . But the fence ’s function does n’t stop there .
Once mill perfectly flat , you could then turn over the board to weightlift its categorical surface against the fence before pop off it over the jointer again . This create a perfectly square ( or adjustable ) edge , which is something boards from home centers rarely have . This step is critical for high-pitched - end woodwork , so have a solid fence is important when take on those projects .
Dust Collection
If a DIYer is n’t look at debris collection , it ’s only because they ’ve never seen a long plane in action mechanism . Even benchtop long plane can create piles and raft of sawdust and shavings . These machines pull tiny slivers of wood off of a board and throw them at gamy fastness . The outcome can be a tan - tinged rash on a store flooring .
Look for a benchtop long plane with a dust - collection port that can attach to a organisation or shop vac . Generally verbalize , rubble ports should accept 4 - inch or 2½-inch hosepipe . These are the most common sizes and will earmark a vacuum or dust solicitation system of rules to remove a big intensity of chips simultaneously , thus invalidate clogs .
Additional Features
When shopping for a benchtop jointer plane , look for the following additional features , many of which are related to safety :
Shopping for a Used or Refurbished Benchtop Jointer
You may be able to find a benchtop jointer on the reused mart . Many budding woodworkers get into the craft and then come up it is n’t for them , allowing DIYers to pick up expensive tools at budget prices .
Be sure to check places likeAmazon ReneworEbay Refurbishedfor benchtop jointing plane . While they might be expensive to ship , their price may still make them a good muckle . You might also find them at estate sales , yard sales , or flea markets .
When shopping for a used benchtop jointer in individual , be sure to fire it up and listen for any loud noises or vibration . Also , ensure the bed adjusts smoothly , or it may be insufferable to mill around certain control board matt . It ’s also worth performing a warm hunting using the product number to ensure the blade are still uncommitted for that particular model so it does n’t become worthless if a leaf blade is too far croak .
Photo: Tractor Supply
Tips for Using a Benchtop Jointer
Because jointers do n’t curve all the elbow room through a workpiece , it can be hard to say where the steel is while using one . For that reason , it ’s authoritative to keep your thenar and finger’s breadth aside from the end of the board . The sword can abstract up quickly , causing serious injury . To reduce the risk of exposure even more , use push paddle and a energy joint .
The blade sentry go might seem like an inconvenience , but it ’s absolutely key for workshop safety . Running tenuous composition of wood over a long plane can expose hands to several inches of spinning blades . The blade guard helps reduce this risk , so insure it ’s operate decently and do n’t remove it .
Personal protective equipment is crucial for woodworking refuge . Jointers cut with incredible focal ratio and have the potential difference to send tiny slub or scrap fly , so be sure to jade safety glasses . Also , even the hushed helical jointers are very meretricious . Be sure to break ear security while milling fund or using business leader tools of any character .
Photo: Amazon
FAQs
Because adding a one - trick pony like a benchtop jointer can throw a wrench in creatingthe idealistic workshop layout , it may seem only serious woodman and DIYers would own one . We understand if you still have a few questions about how they work or what they do . Below is a inclination of the most frequently ask question about benchtop jointer .
The difference injointers versus planersis pretty straightforward . Ahand planeor electric planer take thickness , allowing users to peel off layers of wood until the workpiece is of the appropriate heaviness . jointing plane remove material in orderliness to drop the board .
Unless you grease one’s palms abenchtop jointer planer combo , you will still need a planer in addition to a jointer since the two tools do different things . See our guide on thebest jointing plane planer combosfor full - size of it version .
Photo: Walmart
For most home shops , a 6 - column inch tabletop jointer will work quite well . It ’s enceinte enough to pass most DIY - undertaking - related display panel through but diminished enough that you could take away it from your bench when you ’re not using it . According to Kwadwo Som - Pimpong , of handmade furniture ship’s company craft Glory , choosing one of thebest jointerswith a “ across-the-board capacity and a larger step for stability ” will be better if you are “ build large labor such as long table and big projects where lots of lumber must be mill . ”
The maximum cut for joint an edge is ⅛ inch .
Jointing is a labor of love , and it takes a bit of longanimity . To start , use the height registration node to position the infeed side of the jointer mesa slightly depressed than the outfeed table . Turn the car and use paddles and push sticks to flow the board over the spinning cutterhead . Continue making several passes , using a straightedge to tick off the board as you go .
Yes , you should stand up when using a jointer . brook to the side and use push paddle to move the board along the table . For more use and condom tips , refer to our guide onhow to apply a saw by rights , as a lot of the recommendation are the same .
Since Porter - Cable and Craftsman are both own by Stanely Black + Decker , you may cerebrate their long plane are interchangeable in design and functionality . However , they are not , and most Craftsman products come with more diverse choice compared to Porter - Cable models .
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