Woodworking enthusiasts know the importance of having precise and flat surfaces when working with wood. A jointer is an essential tool that helps achieve just that. By flattening and squaring the edges of boards, jointers ensure seamless joinery, creating sturdy and professional-looking woodwork. If you’re in the market for a reliable jointer, we’ve compiled a list of the five best jointers available on Amazon. In this article, we’ll discuss their features, applications, and pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision.

Our Top Picks for Best Jointer

CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer

Equipped with a powerful motor, the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer delivers ample cutting power to tackle even the toughest materials. Its 2-blade edge jointing capability ensures seamless edge-to-edge joining. With a generous cutting width and depth capacity, this jointer handles boards of various sizes with ease, making it versatile for a wide range of woodworking applications. 

Pros:

• Powerful motor and wide cutting width.
• Up to 22,000 cuts per minute.
• Sturdy build quality.

Cons:

• Not good for professional applications.

Porter-Cable PC160JT Variable Speed Bench Jointer

The Porter-Cable PC160JT is a compact and affordable benchtop jointer suitable for small to medium-sized projects. Its variable speed range allows you to adjust the cutting speed according to the type of wood, ensuring clean and accurate results. The fence tilts up to 45 degrees, enabling bevel cuts for chamfers and other angled edges.

Pros:

• Affordable and compact.
• Variable speed control.
• Adjustable fence for angled cuts.
• Easy setup and operation.

Cons:

• Limited cutting width.
• Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks.

WEN JT630H 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer

The WEN JT630H is another reliable benchtop jointer that provides accurate results without breaking the bank. Its 6-inch cutting width is suitable for a variety of woodworking projects. The long, adjustable fence and center-mounted fence controls ensure precise edge jointing. The built-in dust collection port helps maintain a clean work area.

Pros:

• Affordable price.
• Adjustable fence for accurate jointing.
• Solid construction and durability.
• Dust collection port.

Cons:

• Limited cutting width.
• Not suitable for large projects.

Wahuda Tools Spiral Cutterhead Jointer 

The Wahuda is a benchtop jointer featuring a spiral cutterhead, which minimizes noise, vibrations, and tear-out while providing a smoother finish. It comes with a powerful motor and a 8-inch cutting width, making it suitable for a range of woodworking tasks. The infeed and outfeed tables are adjustable for precise depth control.

Pros:

• Spiral cutterhead for reduced tear-out.
• Adjustable infeed and outfeed tables.
• Reasonably priced.
• Good build quality.

Cons:

• Requires periodic cutterhead maintenance.
• Dust collection could be improved.

Powermatic 1610086K Model 60HH 8″ Jointer 

The Powermatic 1610086K Model 60HH is a premium jointer that delivers exceptional performance and precision. With an 8-inch cutting width and a long, adjustable fence, it handles large stock with ease. The helical cutterhead ensures smooth and quiet operation while minimizing tear-out. This jointer is a top choice for professional woodworkers seeking top-notch results.

Pros:

• High-quality construction and durability.
• Helical cutterhead for superior finish.
• Wide cutting width.
• Excellent performance and reliability.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Requires a larger workshop space.

Conclusion

A jointer is an indispensable tool for achieving precise and flat surfaces in woodworking projects. The five jointers discussed in this article offer a range of options to suit different budgets and project requirements. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a passionate hobbyist, investing in a reliable jointer will significantly enhance your woodworking capabilities. Consider your specific needs, the available space in your workshop, and your budget before making a final decision. With the right jointer in your arsenal, you’ll be on your way to creating impressive, seamless woodwork.

What Should You Look for in a Jointer?

When looking for a jointer, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some important aspects to look for:

1. Cutting Width: The cutting width determines the maximum width of the stock you can work with. Jointers typically come in sizes ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches. Choose a cutting width that suits the majority of your woodworking projects.
2. Cutterhead Type: The type of cutterhead affects the quality of the cuts and the level of maintenance required. There are three common types: straight knife cutterheads, helical cutterheads, and spiral cutterheads. Helical and spiral cutterheads minimize tear-out and produce a smoother finish, but they are often more expensive. Straight knife cutterheads are more affordable but may require more frequent sharpening.
3. Fence Adjustability: Look for a jointer with an adjustable fence that can be tilted and moved laterally. This feature allows you to make precise bevel cuts and ensures accurate edge jointing. A longer fence provides better support for longer workpieces.
4. Motor Power: The motor power determines the jointer’s ability to handle different types of wood and the depth of cut. A more powerful motor allows for smoother operation and the ability to handle larger, harder wood pieces. Consider your typical woodworking projects and choose a jointer with adequate motor power.
5. Table Length and Flatness: Longer tables provide better support for longer workpieces. Look for jointers with flat, precision-ground tables to ensure accurate and even cuts. Check customer reviews and specifications to assess the table’s quality and flatness.
6. Dust Collection: Woodworking generates a significant amount of dust, so having a jointer with an efficient dust collection system is beneficial. Look for a jointer with a dust port that can be connected to a shop vacuum or dust collection system, helping to keep your workspace clean.
7. Build Quality and Stability: A jointer should be well-built and stable to ensure smooth and precise operation. Check for a solid base and sturdy construction materials that can withstand the vibrations and pressure of woodworking tasks.
8. Price and Budget: Consider your budget and the level of woodworking you plan to do. While more expensive jointers may offer additional features and higher quality, there are also reliable options available at lower price points. Determine the features that are essential for your projects and find a jointer that fits your budget.

By considering these factors, you can find a jointer that meets your specific woodworking needs and helps you achieve accurate and professional results.

Exploring the Versatile Applications of a Jointer in Woodworking

1. Flattening and Smoothing Rough Lumber: One of the primary functions of a jointer is to flatten and smooth rough lumber. When working with rough-sawn boards or warped wood, a jointer helps level the surface by removing high spots and imperfections. By passing the wood over the jointer’s rotating cutterhead, the blades shave off excess material, resulting in a flat and smooth surface ready for further processing.
2. Creating Square and Straight Edges: Achieving square and straight edges is essential for precise joinery and seamless woodworking projects. A jointer excels at squaring and straightening the edges of boards. By guiding the material along the jointer’s fence and passing it through the cutterhead, you can remove any irregularities or unevenness, resulting in perfectly square and straight edges.
3. Edge Jointing for Seamless Joinery: For flawless joinery, such as creating panels or laminating boards, edge jointing is crucial. A jointer allows you to create precise, mating edges on multiple boards. By aligning the edges against the jointer’s fence and passing them through the cutterhead, the jointer removes any gaps or irregularities, ensuring a tight and seamless joint when the boards are glued together.
4. Bevel Cuts and Chamfers: Beyond edge jointing, a jointer can also be used to create bevel cuts and chamfers. By tilting the jointer’s fence, you can achieve angled cuts on the edge of the board. This capability is useful for creating decorative edges, chamfers, or beveled corners, adding visual interest to your woodworking projects.
5. Thickness Planing: Some jointers also double as thickness planers, allowing you to achieve consistent thickness across your workpieces. With a planing sled or jig, you can pass the material through the jointer to level and plane the entire surface, ensuring uniform thickness for your projects.
6. Resurfacing and Restoring Old Wood: If you come across weathered or worn-out wood, a jointer can help resurface and restore its beauty. By removing the damaged or uneven layers, a jointer can bring out the fresh, clean wood underneath, ready for refinishing or further woodworking.
7. Creating Tongue and Groove Joints: Many jointers come with optional accessories or attachments for creating tongue and groove joints. These joints are commonly used in flooring, paneling, and cabinetry. By using the jointer in combination with specialized cutterheads, you can achieve precise tongue and groove profiles, facilitating seamless assembly and secure joint connections.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use a Jointer

Using a jointer properly requires attention to detail and adherence to safety guidelines. Follow this step-by-step guide to effectively utilize a jointer for your woodworking projects:

Step 1: Safety Precautions

Before starting, ensure you have the necessary safety gear, including safety glasses, ear protection, and appropriate clothing. It’s also crucial to keep the work area clean and uncluttered.

Step 2: Prepare the Jointer

Make sure the jointer is securely positioned on a stable surface. Ensure the infeed and outfeed tables are aligned and parallel to each other. Adjust the height of the outfeed table to be slightly lower than the highest point of the rotating cutterhead.

Step 3: Adjust the Fence

Check the alignment of the jointer’s fence. It should be perpendicular to the tables and parallel to the cutterhead. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the fence is properly aligned.

Step 4: Understand Grain Direction

Before jointing, examine the wood and identify the direction of the grain. Always feed the wood into the jointer with the grain direction facing in the same direction as the rotation of the cutterhead.

Step 5: Set the Depth of Cut

Adjust the depth of cut to ensure you remove just enough material to achieve a flat surface. Start with a shallow depth of cut and gradually increase it until you reach the desired result. Be cautious not to remove too much material at once, as it can cause the wood to become unstable.

Step 6: Joint One Face

Place the wood on the jointer’s infeed table with the face to be jointed down. Apply downward pressure on the wood to maintain consistent contact with the infeed table. Push the wood forward, allowing it to pass over the rotating cutterhead. Maintain firm control of the wood throughout the process.

Step 7: Joint One Edge

Once the face is flattened, rotate the wood 90 degrees and align one of the rough edges against the jointer’s fence. Apply pressure against the fence and push the wood forward, allowing it to pass over the cutterhead. Ensure the entire length of the edge makes contact with the fence.

Step 8: Check for Flatness

After jointing one face and one edge, inspect the surface for flatness. Place a straightedge or square against the jointed face and edge to check for any gaps or irregularities. If necessary, repeat the jointing process until the desired flatness is achieved.

Step 9: Repeat the Process

To achieve parallel edges, rotate the wood 180 degrees and joint the opposite rough edge, following the same procedure. Continue rotating and jointing until all edges are parallel and smooth.

Step 10: Final Checks

Inspect the jointed surfaces for smoothness and accuracy. Check for any remaining imperfections or irregularities. If required, make additional passes on the jointer to correct any issues.

Step 11: Safety Cleanup

After completing the jointing process, turn off the jointer and wait for the cutterhead to come to a complete stop. Clean the jointer and work area, removing any wood shavings or debris.

Conclusion:

Using a jointer effectively involves understanding the equipment, proper setup, and adherence to safety precautions. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently utilize a jointer to flatten and square wood, ensuring precise and professional results in your woodworking projects. Remember to prioritize safety, take your time, and make gradual adjustments to achieve the desired outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a jointer instead of a planer?

While both jointers and planers serve important roles in woodworking, they have distinct purposes and offer different benefits. Understanding the differences between the two can help you determine when to use a jointer instead of a planer:

1. Surface Preparation: A jointer is primarily used for surface preparation tasks, such as flattening and squaring the edges of boards. It excels at removing high spots, bowing, and imperfections, resulting in flat and smooth surfaces. On the other hand, a planer is designed to create consistent thickness throughout a board, making it ideal for dimensioning rough lumber and achieving uniform thickness.
2. Edge Jointing: Jointers are specifically designed for edge jointing, which involves creating straight, smooth, and square edges on boards. This process is crucial for seamless joinery, where multiple boards need to be joined together without gaps or misalignments. A planer cannot achieve the same level of precision and accuracy when it comes to edge jointing.
3. Stock Preparation: Jointers excel at preparing stock by flattening one face and creating one straight edge. This initial preparation makes it easier to handle the stock and move it through other woodworking machinery, such as a planer. By flattening one face on a jointer, you establish a reference surface that can then be placed downward on a planer’s flat table for further dimensioning.
4. Fine-Tuning: Jointers allow for more precise fine-tuning of wood surfaces. They excel at removing small amounts of material to achieve a perfect fit or eliminate minor imperfections. This level of precision is essential for achieving seamless joints, ensuring tight-fitting connections, and producing high-quality finished projects.
5. Grain Orientation: Jointers are designed to work with the grain of the wood, as they require feeding the material against the rotation of the cutterhead. This allows for consistent and smooth cuts along the wood fibers, reducing tear-out and producing clean surfaces. In contrast, planers are not as effective in dealing with irregular grain patterns and can result in tear-out or chipping.
6. Versatility: While a planer is primarily used for thicknessing stock, a jointer offers more versatility in terms of tasks it can accomplish. In addition to edge jointing, jointers can be used for bevel cuts, creating chamfers, resurfacing old wood, and creating tongue and groove joints when equipped with the appropriate accessories.

In summary, jointers and planers are complementary tools that serve different purposes in woodworking. Jointers excel at surface preparation, edge jointing, and fine-tuning, while planers are ideal for dimensioning and achieving consistent thickness. By understanding the strengths and applications of each tool, you can leverage them effectively to achieve precise, flat, and seamless woodworking results.

Is it worth buying a jointer?

Deciding whether it is worth buying a jointer depends on your specific woodworking needs, projects, and budget. However, for many woodworkers, a jointer is considered a valuable and essential tool. Here are some factors to consider when determining if a jointer is worth the investment:

1. Project Requirements: If your woodworking projects involve working with rough lumber or require precise edge joints and flat surfaces, a jointer becomes highly beneficial. It allows you to achieve professional-level results and enhances the quality of your work. If you frequently encounter twisted or warped wood that needs flattening or require precise edge joints for seamless joinery, a jointer becomes a valuable tool to have.
2. Efficiency and Time Savings: A jointer can significantly improve your workflow and save you time and effort. Instead of struggling with hand tools or alternative methods to flatten and square wood, a jointer offers a quick and efficient solution. It allows you to prepare stock accurately and achieve consistent results in less time, enhancing your overall productivity.
3. Precision and Professional Results: If you prioritize precision and professional-level finishes in your woodworking projects, a jointer is an invaluable tool. It enables you to create flat, smooth, and square surfaces, ensuring tight-fitting joints, seamless connections, and superior craftsmanship. The precision offered by a jointer enhances the overall aesthetic and functionality of your projects.
4. Versatility and Additional Applications: While primarily used for surface preparation and edge jointing, jointers can also be used for other tasks such as bevel cuts, chamfers, resurfacing old wood, and creating tongue and groove joints. This versatility expands the range of projects you can undertake and adds value to your woodworking capabilities.
5. Cost Considerations: Jointers come in a range of prices, and the cost will vary depending on the size, features, and quality of the machine. Consider your budget and the level of woodworking you plan to pursue. If you frequently work with rough lumber or require precise edge joints, investing in a quality jointer can be a wise long-term investment that pays off in the quality and efficiency of your work.
6. Space and Workshop Setup: Jointers typically require a dedicated space in your workshop due to their size and need for stability. Consider the available space in your workshop and ensure you have a suitable area for the jointer before making a purchase decision.

In conclusion, a jointer can be a worthwhile investment for woodworkers who value precision, efficiency, and professional results. Assess your specific woodworking needs, the projects you undertake, and your budget to determine if the benefits offered by a jointer align with your requirements. Ultimately, a jointer can greatly enhance the quality and efficiency of your woodworking projects, making it a valuable tool for many woodworking enthusiasts and professionals.

What should you not do with a jointer?

When using a jointer, there are certain practices you should avoid to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of the machine. Here are some key things you should not do with a jointer:

1. Avoid feeding stock with loose or unstable grain: Wood with loose or unstable grain patterns, such as knots or splits, can cause kickbacks or tear-outs. It is best to avoid feeding such stock into the jointer as it may lead to unsafe situations or produce poor-quality results.
2. Do not remove too much material at once: Jointers are designed to remove small amounts of material with each pass. Trying to remove too much material at once can strain the motor, affect the stability of the machine, and compromise the quality of the cut. Make gradual adjustments to the depth of cut and take multiple passes if needed.
3. Never joint stock that is too short or too narrow: It is unsafe to joint stock that is too short or too narrow. The minimum recommended length for jointing is typically around 12 inches or longer, depending on the jointer model. Similarly, stock that is too narrow may not have enough surface area to be safely guided through the jointer. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for minimum stock dimensions.
4. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry: Loose clothing or dangling jewelry can get caught in the jointer’s moving parts, leading to serious injuries. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, including fitted sleeves, and remove any jewelry before operating the jointer.
5. Do not remove guards or safety features: Jointers are equipped with safety guards and features to protect users from accidents. It is essential to keep these guards in place and functional. Do not operate the jointer if any safety features are missing, damaged, or disabled.
6. Never leave the jointer unattended while it is running: It is crucial to maintain constant supervision when the jointer is in operation. Do not leave the machine unattended, especially when it is running. Always turn off the jointer and wait for the cutterhead to come to a complete stop before walking away.
7. Avoid using excessive force or pushing unevenly: Let the jointer do the work. Excessive force or uneven pressure while feeding the stock can lead to inconsistent cuts, strain the motor, and potentially cause kickbacks. Apply even and steady pressure when guiding the stock through the jointer.
8. Do not forget to maintain the jointer: Regular maintenance is important to keep the jointer in optimal working condition. Neglecting routine maintenance, such as cleaning, lubricating, and checking for any loose parts, can compromise the performance and safety of the machine.

By avoiding these practices and following safe operating procedures, you can use a jointer effectively and minimize the risk of accidents or damage to the equipment. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for safe operation and maintenance of your specific jointer model.