Best Jointers

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Jet JJ-6CSDX

6-Inch Jointer, HSS Knife Cutterhead

In this article, we will be reviewing the top 10 jointers available in 2023. Jointers are essential woodworking tools that help you create perfectly flat and straight edges on your wood pieces. They are crucial for getting accurate and professional results, especially when working with rough lumber. Without further ado, let's dive into our list of the best jointers in 2023.

Types of Jointers

There are three main types of jointers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Benchtop Jointers: These are smaller, portable machines designed for hobbyists and small workshops. They are typically less powerful than floor-standing models and may have limited cutting capacities, but they are more affordable and require less space.
Floor-Standing Jointers: These are larger, more powerful jointers designed for professional woodworkers and serious hobbyists. They typically have a larger cutting capacity and more robust construction, but they are more expensive and require more space.
Helical Cutterhead Jointers: These jointers use a helical cutterhead, which consists of a series of small, square carbide cutters arranged in a spiral pattern. This design produces a smoother cut with less tear-out, reduces noise, and provides longer cutter life. Helical cutterhead jointers can be found in both benchtop and floor-standing models, and they are typically more expensive than traditional straight-knife jointers.

Price Range and Budget

Jointers can range in price from around $300 for a basic benchtop model to several thousand dollars for a large floor-standing unit with a helical cutterhead. Consider your needs, the size of your workshop, and your budget when choosing a jointer.

Budget Jointers ($300-$700): These jointers are typically benchtop models with straight-knife cutterheads. They are suitable for hobbyists and small workshops with limited space.
Mid-Range Jointers ($700-$1,500): Mid-range jointers may be benchtop or floor-standing models and often include helical cutterheads. They offer more power and cutting capacity than budget jointers and are suitable for serious hobbyists and some professional applications.
High-End Jointers ($1,500+): High-end jointers are typically floor-standing models with larger cutting capacities and powerful motors. They often feature helical cutterheads and are designed for professional woodworkers.

Top 10 Best Jointers of 2023:

1. Powermatic 1285 12" Jointer

Pros:

Powerful 3 HP motor
Parallelogram design for precise adjustments
Large cast-iron table
5-year warranty

Cons:

Expensive

The Powermatic 1285 is a top-of-the-line jointer with a powerful 3 HP motor that can handle even the toughest wood. It features a parallelogram design for precise adjustments and a large cast-iron table that provides stability and support. The 12" cutting width is perfect for working on larger projects, and the 5-year warranty offers peace of mind for your investment.

2. Jet JJ-6CSDX 6" Deluxe Jointer

Pros:

Sturdy and stable cast-iron construction
Quick-set knives for easy blade changes
1 HP motor
5-year warranty

Cons:

Limited cutting width

The Jet JJ-6CSDX is a reliable jointer with a 1 HP motor and a sturdy cast-iron construction. It features quick-set knives for easy blade changes and a 6" cutting width. The 5-year warranty ensures that you can trust this jointer to keep performing well for years to come.

3. Grizzly Industrial G0656X - 8" Jointer with Spiral Cutterhead

Pros:

Spiral cutterhead for smooth, clean cuts
3 HP motor
Large 8" cutting width
1-year warranty

Cons:

Slightly more expensive than other 8" jointers

The Grizzly Industrial G0656X is a powerful jointer with a 3 HP motor and a large 8" cutting width. The spiral cutterhead provides smooth, clean cuts and reduces the need for frequent blade changes. The 1-year warranty is a bit shorter than some other models, but the overall quality and performance of this jointer make it worth considering.

4. Shop Fox W1829 6" Benchtop Jointer

Pros:

Affordable and compact
1.5 HP motor
Lightweight and portable
2-year warranty

Cons:

Limited cutting width

For those with limited space or budget, the Shop Fox W1829 is an excellent option. This 6" benchtop jointer features a 1.5 HP motor and a compact, lightweight design that makes it easy to move around your workshop. The 2-year warranty offers some protection for your investment, but keep in mind that the cutting width is limited compared to larger models.

5. Delta 37-071 6" Midi-Bench Jointer

Pros:

Durable cast-iron construction
Easy blade changes with a locking system
1.5 HP motor
5-year warranty

Cons:

Limited cutting width

The Delta 37-071 is a durable and reliable jointer with a 1.5 HP motor. It features a locking system for easy blade changes and a sturdy cast-iron construction. The 6" cutting width is limited compared to larger models, but the 5-year warranty makes this jointer a solid choice for many woodworkers.

6. RIKON 20-600H 6" Benchtop Jointer

Pros:

Compact and lightweight
Helical cutterhead for smooth cuts
1 HP motor
5-year warranty

Cons:

Limited cutting width

The RIKON 20-600H is a compact and lightweight jointer with a 1 HP motor. It features a helical cutterhead for smooth, clean cuts, and a 6" cutting width. The 5-year warranty adds to the value of this jointer, but it may not be suitable for larger projects due to its limited cutting width.

7. Cutech 40160H-CT 6" Benchtop Jointer

Pros:

Affordable and compact
Spiral cutterhead for clean cuts
Lightweight and portable
2-year warranty

Cons:

Limited cutting width
1 HP motor may struggle with harder woods

The Cutech 40160H-CT is an affordable and compact jointer with a spiral cutterhead for clean cuts. It has a 1 HP motor and a 6" cutting width, making it suitable for smaller projects. The lightweight design makes it easy to movearound your workshop, but the motor may struggle with harder woods. The 2-year warranty offers some protection for your investment.

8. Porter-Cable PC160JT 6" Benchtop Jointer

Pros:

Variable speed control
Easy blade changes with dual-knife cutterhead
1.5 HP motor
3-year warranty

Cons:

Limited cutting width

The Porter-Cable PC160JT is a versatile jointer with variable speed control that allows you to adjust the speed based on the material being worked. The dual-knife cutterhead makes blade changes easy, and the 1.5 HP motor provides ample power for most tasks. The 6" cutting width is limited compared to larger models, but the 3-year warranty offers some peace of mind.

9. Grizzly Industrial G0813-6" x 48" Jointer with Economy Stand

Pros:

Affordable
Durable cast-iron construction
1 HP motor
1-year warranty

Cons:

Limited cutting width
Economy stand may not be as stable as other models

The Grizzly Industrial G0813 is an affordable jointer with a durable cast-iron construction. It features a 1 HP motor and a 6" cutting width, making it suitable for smaller projects. The economy stand may not be as stable as other models, but the 1-year warranty offers some protection for your investment.

10. WEN 6560T 6" Benchtop Jointer

Pros:

Affordable and compact
Cast-iron construction for stability
1.5 HP motor
2-year warranty

Cons:

Limited cutting width

The WEN 6560T is an affordable and compact jointer with a 1.5 HP motor. The cast-iron construction provides stability, and the 6" cutting width is suitable for smaller projects. The 2-year warranty offers some protection for your investment, but keep in mind that the cutting width is limited compared to larger models.

Key Features to Consider

When shopping for a jointer, consider the following key features:

Cutterhead: The cutterhead is the rotating component that houses the knives or cutters. As mentioned previously, jointers can have either a straight-knife cutterhead or a helical cutterhead. Helical cutterheads provide a smoother cut and longer cutter life, but they are more expensive.
Motor: The motor's power determines the jointer's overall performance. Look for a jointer with a motor that has enough power to handle the types of wood you typically work with. Benchtop jointers usually have motors ranging from 1 to 1.5 HP, while floor-standing jointers may have motors up to 3 HP or more.
Dust Collection: A built-in dust collection system is essential for keeping your workspace clean and reducing airborne dust. Many jointers come with a dust collection port that can be connected to a shop vacuum or dust collector.
Fence: A jointer's fence is the vertical support that helps guide the wood as it passes over the cutterhead. Look for a fence that is easy to adjust and locks securely in place. A longer fence provides better support, especially for larger workpieces.
Infeed and Outfeed Tables: The infeed and outfeed tables support the wood as it moves across the cutterhead. Longer tables provide better support and make it easier to joint longer boards. Look for tables that are flat and parallel to ensure accurate jointing.

Choosing the Right Size

The size of the jointer you need depends on the size of the wood you typically work with and the space you have available in your workshop. Benchtop jointers are suitable for hobbyists and small workshops, while floor-standing jointers are better for larger projects and professional use. Consider the following factors when choosing a jointer size:

Maximum Cutting Width: This is the maximum width of a board that the jointer can accommodate. Most benchtop jointers have a cutting width of 6 inches, while floor-standing jointers can range from 6 to 16 inches or more.
Maximum Cutting Depth: This is the maximum depth of cut that the jointer can remove in a single pass. Most jointers have a maximum cutting depth of 1/8 inch, although some larger models may offer more.
Table Length: Longer tables provide better support and make it easier to joint longer boards. Benchtop jointers usually have table lengths of around 30 inches, while floor-standing jointers can have table lengths up to 80 inches or more.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when working with power tools. Look for jointers with the following safety features:

Paddle Switch: A paddle switchis a large, easily accessible on/off switch that can be quickly turned off with your hand, knee, or any part of your body in case of an emergency.
Cutterhead Guard: A cutterhead guard is a protective cover that shields the cutterhead when it's not in use, preventing accidental contact with the knives or cutters. Some jointers have a spring-loaded guard that automatically retracts as the wood passes over the cutterhead and snaps back into place once the cut is complete.
Anti-Kickback Fingers: These are metal fingers located near the cutterhead that help prevent the workpiece from being kicked back towards the user. They grip the wood and keep it moving forward as it passes over the cutterhead.
Push Blocks/Pads: Using push blocks or pads is essential for keeping your hands away from the cutterhead while jointing. Many jointers come with push blocks, but you can also purchase them separately.

Extra Tips for Choosing a Jointer

Read Reviews: Before purchasing a jointer, read user reviews and watch video reviews to get a better understanding of the machine's performance and any potential issues.
Test Drive: If possible, visit a local woodworking store or trade show to test out different jointers in person. This will give you a better idea of the machine's size, operation, and overall performance.
Warranty: Consider the warranty provided by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the product's quality and durability.
Customer Support: Choose a jointer from a reputable brand that offers good customer support. This will ensure that you can easily get assistance if you encounter any issues with your jointer.
Maintenance: Some jointers require more maintenance than others. Consider the ease of maintenance, including changing knives or cutters, adjusting the tables and fence, and cleaning the machine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are the top 10 jointers available in 2023. Each of these models has its own unique features and benefits, so it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the best jointer for your workshop. If you're looking for a high-quality jointer with a large cutting width, the Powermatic 1285 and Grizzly Industrial G0656X are excellent options. For those with limited space or budget, the Shop Fox W1829, RIKON 20-600H, and Cutech 40160H-CT are great choices. Whichever jointer you choose, make sure to carefully read user reviews and consider the warranty to make an informed decision.