Smooth Jointer - 10 Best Jointers for Precision and Speed in Woodworking Projects

Welcome to our roundup of the best jointers on the market! If you’re looking to add precision and efficiency to your carpentry projects, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be showcasing top jointers that will help you achieve flawless joints and make your woodworking experience a breeze.

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Reviews

Jet 707410 JJP-10BTOS 10” Jointer / Planer Combo with Stand

This jointer-planer combo proved to be quite a savvy tool for my small workshop. I was happy with the overall compactness and how the integrated cord wrap made it quite convenient for transportation.

The locking capabilities of the cutting tables really made a difference, ensuring that the results were quite accurate each time. I appreciated the versatile 2-in-1 design as it maximized space efficiency and made it incredibly user-friendly. The steel stand was sturdy and enabled a smooth transition from benchtop to the floor.

However, despite taking a bit of time to set up, the overall functionality made it well worth it. The Jet 707410 JJP-10BTOS jointer-planer combo really provided a significant upgrade to my woodworking skills.

Shop Fox 6” Benchtop Jointer Enhances Woodworking Precision

The Shop Fox W1879 benchtop jointer is a versatile tool for small-time woodworkers who require an affordable and precise option for smoothing and cutting edges. With an adjustable infeed table and positive stops at 45 and 90 degrees, this 6-inch jointer provides consistent results.

Its aluminum infeed and outfeed tables, as well as the ease of adjusting the extruded-aluminum fence, enhance its functionality and durability. CSA certification ensures that this quality tool adheres to safety standards. Despite its budget-friendly price, some users have reported that the fence’s accuracy and scratch-resistance could be improved.

Overall, the W1879 is a well-regarded and efficient jointer that meets the needs of both hobbyists and professional craftsmen.

Rikon 20-600H Helical Head Benchtop Jointer with All Steel Construction

The Rikon 20-600H 6-inch benchtop jointer has been an impressive addition to my workshop. With its powerful 10 AMP motor, I’ve found that it can handle most of my woodworking projects with ease.

The all-steel construction gives it a sturdy feel, while the adjustable table makes it flexible for different tasks. However, I’ve noticed that the fence can sometimes be a bit tricky to align, which might require some patience and trial and error.

One aspect I appreciate is the easy blade access, which saves time when changing cutters. Overall, I’d recommend this jointer to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile tool at a reasonable price.

Grizzly 6” Benchtop Jointer with Spiral-Type Cutterhead - Compact and Powerful

Introducing the Grizzly G0946, the perfectly sized benchtop jointer for your workshop. This versatile tool features a spiral-type cutterhead for a smoother finish and quieter operation, setting it apart from its straight-knife counterparts.

With its large 12-high-speed steel (HSS) inserts, this jointer provides impressive cutting power and a sharp edge that lasts longer than traditional carbide inserts. Its compact size makes it effortless to move between job sites and store away when you need some extra space. And let’s not forget the 1-1/2 HP motor – bigger than the standard 1 HP motor from other brands, providing the power you need for your projects.

Whether you’re working on small tasks or larger projects, the Grizzly G0946 is your go-to benchtop jointer.

Grizzly 8” Combo Planer/Jointer with Helical Cutterhead

I recently got the chance to try out the Grizzly G0958 8-inch combo planer/jointer, and I must say, I was quite impressed. This compact benchtop machine fits perfectly into small spaces and is perfect for cleaning up old or rough lumber. The 1-1/2 HP motor provides impressive power, and the helical cutterhead features 18 inserts arranged diagonally in two rows for smooth shearing cuts, minimized tearout, a smoother finish, and less noise compared to straight knife blades. The ability to rotate the cutterhead up to three times to expose a new sharp edge is a great feature. The dust collection shroud quickly relocates to the desired operation, and the 2-inch dust port allows for easy connection to a dust collector.

One of the highlights of my experience with this product was how sturdy the infeed and outfeed tables are, made from die-cast aluminum. The locking mechanism for the planer and jointer tables ensures accurate, repeatable cuts. While I was working on my project, I didn’t experience any issues with the tool’s performance, but I did find the outfeed table to be slightly above the cutterhead.

The Grizzly G0958 combo planer/jointer is a versatile and portable tool that makes a perfect addition to any woodworking enthusiast’s workshop. It may have some compromises considering its price point, but overall, it offers great value and quality for the money.

Precision Jointer with V-Helical Cutterhead and Sharpen-Free, High-Performance Inserts

Grizzly G0634X Jointer: A perfect combination of power and precision, this 12-inch 5 HP Planer/Jointer comes with a V-helical cutterhead for exceptional results. The 48 indexable carbide inserts can be rotated up to three times for a sharp edge, eliminating the need for constant blade sharpening.

The cast-iron infeed and outfeed tables, along with the two feed rollers, anti-kickback fingers, and depth of cut scale, ensure smooth and efficient operation. Built in an ISO 9001 factory, this jointer is both space-saving and versatile, offering quick fence adjustments and easy conversion to planer or jointing mode.

Grizzly 6” Compact Benchtop Jointer with Straight-knife Cutterhead and Dust Collection System

Unleash the power of precise woodworking with the Grizzly G0945 6” Benchtop Jointer. With its compact design, sturdy aluminum construction, and straight-knife cutterhead, this jointer delivers smooth finishes with minimal effort. Perfect for small projects, it comes equipped with a built-in dust collection system and two push blocks, making it an invaluable addition to any workshop.

Give your woodworking a refined touch, one piece at a time.

Grizzly G0452Z 6” x 46” Jointer with Spiral Cutterhead

When I first set my hands on this Grizzly Jointer, I was amazed by its sleek design and the attention to detail. The mobile base with a built-in “kick-stand” made it a breeze to move around and set up. The dust chute with a 4” dust collection hood was a fantastic feature that kept my workspace clean. The quick adjusting lever on the outfeed table and fine control hand wheel on the outfeed table made fine adjustments a breeze.

One of the most appreciated features of this jointer was the center-mounted fence with rack and pinion adjustment. It made it easy to align the fence with the table and to make precise cuts. The fence stops at 45, 90, and 135 degrees, which was perfect for my woodworking projects.

The 6” Jointer with the spiral cutterhead worked like a charm, giving me smooth, silent cuts. However, the assembly process was a little challenging, as I had to drill out the two back mounting holes to ensure proper alignment. But overall, the machine was a joy to use and made my woodworking projects much more efficient.

One downside I faced was the arrival of a defective unit. The motor had an issue, and the paint was flaking off. Grizzly’s return process was a bit of a hassle, but thankfully, I was able to get a full refund. Despite this minor setback, I am extremely satisfied with the performance and quality of this Grizzly Jointer.

Shop Fox W1857: Portable 8” Dovetail Jointer for Woodworking

I’ve had the pleasure of using the Shop Fox W1857 8” Dovetail Jointer with Mobile Base, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for my woodworking projects. The first thing I noticed was the sturdy cabinet stand with a built-in mobile base, making it easy to move around the shop without any hassle.

The hand wheel-adjusted tables with a depth gauge are a dream to use. I appreciated the center-mounted fence that helped keep my workpieces secure and accurate. And the longest 6’ table in the market is a massive advantage when working with larger pieces.

However, weighing in at 500 pounds, this machine is not for the faint of heart. Its weight and sturdiness mean you need a solid base or risk damaging your floor. Also, the cutter head knives can wear down faster than others on the market.

Despite the few drawbacks, the W1857 8” Dovetail Jointer with Mobile Base makes life easier when working with rough or warped wood. Its 4-knife cutterhead offers a smoother finish and quicker results, saving time on sanding. Overall, I’d highly recommend this powerful workhorse for any serious woodworker.

8” Benchtop Jointer with Spiral-Type Cutterhead

I had the pleasure of trying out the Grizzly G0947 8” Benchtop Jointer recently and I must say, it’s a real game-changer. The spiral-type cutterhead made all the difference, providing smoother finishes and quieter operation than I’ve ever experienced before. The compact size is perfect for me, as it takes up very little space in my workshop and is easy to move around between job sites. I also appreciate that the cutting edges are made of high-speed steel, ensuring they stay sharp for a longer time.

However, I did encounter a few setbacks. The fence adjustment process can be quite frustrating, as it tends to go out of alignment easily. I also noticed that the machine can struggle with longer pieces of wood, making it a bit more challenging to work with. Despite these minor issues, I’m overall satisfied with my experience using the Grizzly G0947 Benchtop Jointer. It certainly surpassed my expectations and I’m looking forward to putting it to good use in my upcoming projects.

Buyer’s Guide

A high-quality joiner is a valuable addition to any woodworking shop. This powerful tool is used for cutting and trimming timber quickly and accurately. With the right joiner, you can create perfect joints for cabinetry, trim, and furniture without having to rely on hand tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential features to look for when purchasing a joiner, helping you make an informed decision.

Types of Jointers

The primary type of joiner is the bench joiner, which is mounted to a table or workbench. These are versatile and capable of cutting a variety of trim profiles. The other type of joiner is the handheld plunge joiner, which can also be used to cut various profiles but offers more flexibility due to its mobility.

Fence and Miter Gauge

A strong and accurate fence, along with a miter gauge, is crucial for achieving accurate cuts. The fence should be adjustable and stable, allowing for fine adjustments to maintain square cuts. The miter gauge should be adjustable, accurate, and have a secure hold on the wood being cut. Consider the range of angle settings as it might affect your work possibilities.

Motor Power and Speed

When choosing a joiner, it’s essential to consider its motor power. More powerful motors can handle tougher woods and cut through the material faster. The speed setting is equally important, as it allows for precision and control. Look for a joiner with variable speeds, which will provide you with greater control when making different cuts.

Depth of Cut

The depth of cut of a joiner can significantly impact its versatility. Choose a machine that can provide you with enough depth to manage different project requirements. Make sure to verify the maximum cutting depth, as this value will influence the type of trim or molding you can work with efficiently.

FAQ

What is a jointer and how does it work?

A jointer is a woodworking tool that is used to straighten, plane, and bevel the edges of boards and other pieces of wood. This tool helps in preparing the wood for various woodworking projects, such as making furniture, cabinets, and more. The jointer works by using blade carriages with fine-tooth blades, which are adjustable in height. As the wood passes through the jointer, the blade trims and flattens the edges, ensuring smooth and accurate results.

There are two main types of jointers: hand jointers and power jointers. Hand jointers, as the name suggests, are smaller manual tools, while power jointers require electricity and are larger in size. Both types of jointers serve the same purpose, albeit with varying degrees of efficiency and convenience.

What are the benefits of using a jointer for woodworking projects?

There are several advantages to using a jointer for woodworking projects, such as: improved accuracy, consistent width, and smooth finishing. By using a jointer, you can easily straighten the edges of your wood and create accurate joints without the need for additional hand tools or sanding. The jointer’s ability to flatten and level the edges also allows you to maintain a consistent width across your wood pieces, which is essential for various woodworking applications.

Moreover, the smooth, trimmed edges produced by a jointer make the woodworking process easier, as it enables you to glue and assemble the pieces more efficiently. The overall result is a more professional and polished finished product, which is a significant advantage when working on furniture or other custom woodwork projects.

What are some factors to consider when choosing a jointer?

When selecting a jointer, there are a few key factors to consider, such as your budget, the size of your projects, and the type of wood you will be working with. If you are a beginner or working on smaller projects, a hand jointer may be a more budget-friendly and suitable option. However, if you require a more powerful tool for larger or more demanding work, a power jointer might be more suitable.

Additionally, consider the jointer’s blade width, which determines the maximum width it can handle. The blade height is also important, as it affects the thickness of the cut. Look for a jointer with adjustable features, such as blade height and bevel settings, to ensure better precision and versatility. Finally, research the jointer’s durability and maintenance requirements to ensure that it is a long-lasting investment for your woodworking projects.

What are the differences between a jointer and a planer?

Although they may seem similar, a jointer and a planer serve different purposes in woodworking. A jointer is specifically designed to trim, straighten, and level the edges of boards, while a planer is used to flatten and smooth the surfaces of the wood. A jointer focuses on the width of the wood, while a planer focuses on the thickness.

While some tools may combine both functions in a single machine (combination jointer-planer), it is essential to understand their individual roles and use the appropriate tool for the job. For the most accurate and efficient results, it is ideal to have separate tools designed specifically for each task.

How do I properly maintain my jointer?

Maintaining your jointer is crucial to ensure its longevity and proper performance. Some basic maintenance tasks include cleaning the jointer after each use, sharpening the blades regularly, and lubricating the moving parts (if applicable). Refer to the jointer’s user manual for specific maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Additionally, be sure to store your jointer in a dry and clean area to prevent dust and debris buildup—a common cause of tool malfunction. Regularly inspect the jointer for any signs of wear or damage and address any issues promptly. By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your jointer and ensure optimal performance for your woodworking projects.

What are some alternative tools to a jointer for achieving straight edges in woodworking?

While a jointer is the most efficient and accurate option for straightening and trimming wood edges, there are other tools and techniques that can be employed in its absence: hand planes, table saws, and router tables. These alternative tools can help you achieve the desired result, but may not offer the same level of precision and accuracy as a dedicated jointer.

It is essential to consider the specific requirements of the project and the tool’s limitations before proceeding with an alternative method. For example, a hand plane can provide a smooth finish, but it may be time-consuming and less efficient for large quantities of wood. Familiarizing yourself with these alternative tools and their specific capabilities will allow you to make an informed decision based on your woodworking project’s needs.

As an Amazon Affiliate we receive compensation through qualified purchases at no cost to you!