The Best Benchtop Jointer For The Everyday Craftsman

A benchtop jointer is one of the most valuable investments you would want to have if you are a devoted DIY craftsman. Essentially, it helps you modify lumber into a more uniform and flattened shape, which are the qualities of lumber you want for DIY wood projects. There are lot of great options for the best benchtop jointer, but in this article; we’re going to help you find the one that’s right for you.

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Take note that benchtop jointer is synonymous to benchtop planer. If you happen to find both terms when searching for products, keep in mind that they are in fact the same product and have the same functions.

Factors to Consider

1. Capacity

Best Benchtop Jointer

An important thing you have to look for in a benchtop jointer is the length of the knives. This would denote the capacity of your unit to modify pieces of lumber. Before looking into this factor, however, you would have to think of the projects you plan on doing to be able to narrow down the choices.

A 6-inch benchtop jointer is the most common choice for DIY workmen. It also is a versatile tool and can very well take on most types of woodworking projects. If you are a DIY enthusiast and wish to invest in the best benchtop jointer, then a 6-inch unit will probably work for you.

2. Cutting Depth

You would also need to take a look at cutting depth, because this would determine the efficiency of your unit. Moreover, the number of times you have to run a piece of lumber through the jointer will depend on the cutting depth.

Generally, I recommend getting a benchtop jointer with half an inch to three-fourths of an inch. This cutting depth will be the best to make your lumber more uniformly-flattened and smooth.

3. Adjustability and Control

The fence position will let you be able to control your work better. Furthermore, some benchtop jointers have adjustable stops that will let you adjust the angle of your fence position. Adjustability and control are two factors you would want to heavily consider if you want your work to be easier.

4. Power

As with any power tool, you have to look into the motor power of your unit. The power will determine the efficiency and ease of your work, so for first time users, I recommend getting a benchtop jointer with 1-2 HorsePower. This power range will allow for better quality of results as well as ease of use.

5. Dust Collector

If you’re going to be investing in a benchtop unit, I recommend buying one that comes with a built-in dust collector, especially if you have a lot of woodworking projects in mind. Of course, you wouldn’t want to flood your garage with shavings and dust especially if you’re using a space heater.

Best Benchtop Jointers On Market 2020

For the best benchtop jointers available today, take a look at our top picks:

1. Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer

The first entry for our list is a benchtop jointer by Delta Power Tools. This product focuses on adjustability, ease of use, and efficiency of work. Moreover, one of the best features about this product is its quick-change knife system that allows you to change knives quickly and easily.

Pros

  • Quick-change knife system
  • Adjustable infeed and outfeed tables
  • Reversible dust port
  • Allows for smooth and accurate planning
  • Relatively durable
  • No snipe and no planer marks

Cons

  • Not recommended for cutting hardwoods
  • Doesn’t come with a dust-collecting mechanism

This product is very user friendly and lives up to the woodworker’s expectation. For first time users with a moderate amount of woodworking to do, I recommend this product for you.

2. DEWALT DW734 15 Amp 12-1/2-Inch Benchtop Planer

Our third product for this list of best benchtop jointers is another product from DeWalt. This time, they focus more on optimization of cuts and easier dust management. Moreover, this product also makes it easier to cut hardwoods with their powerful 20,000 RPM motor.

Pros

  • Can perform larger cuts on wider lumber
  • Features a 3-knife cutter head
  • Two speed gear box for optimization of cuts
  • Has a fan-assisted chip ejection for better chip management
  • Comes with an extra set of knives
  • No snipe

Cons

  • Fan may be too powerful; creates mess

This product is a more powerful unit designed to handle thicker, harder, and wider pieces of lumber. If you plan on working on that type of material, then choose this benchtop jointer above all.

3. WEN 6550 12.5-Inch 15A Benchtop Thickness Planer with Granite Table

This product is a bestseller from WEN that gives you all the features you want in a benchtop jointer: adjustability, durability, power, and dust management. For less experienced workmen who want a wide variety of woodworking projects, I highly recommend this product for you.

Pros

  • Adequate power for most woods
  • Features a granite table
  • Adjustable depth
  • Fan-assisted motor for dust management
  • Good mobility

Cons

  • Will leave plane marks if set too deep
  • Infeed and outfeed tables may not be the right height/angle

For craftsmen or DIY enthusiasts that won’t be doing a lot of wood planing, this product is the better choice because of its affordability. It’s a more affordable product, but it still performs as expected and will cut most of your softwoods and hardwoods.

4. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp

Makita’s take on the benchtop jointer is a simple, straightforward product that delivers to expectations. More so, it’s compact, easily adjustable, makes low noise, and has large table extensions for extra support. Moreover, this product is specifically recommended for finished woodworking (cabinets, staircases, closets, etc.)

Pros

  • Compact and easily transported
  • Makes less noise
  • Easily adjusted
  • Knives are easily changed
  • Features large infeed and outfeed tables
  • Very durable

Cons

  • Has noticeable snipe

I wouldn’t recommend this for casual DIYers and time-to-time woodworkers. I would, however, suggest this product for people who would want to use it for a long time and for a lot of projects because of its durability.


Conclusion

Conclusion

Based from my personal review and the factors considered, the top product for me is the DeWalt DW734 Benchtop Planer/Jointer. It features almost all of the things we look for in a benchtop jointer, particularly: durability, adjustability, efficiency, power, and quality of results.

On the other hand, the best value product for this best benchtop jointer list is the WEN 6550 benchtop thickness planer. For its price, it does its job well enough, plus comes with neat features such as granite surface for zero marring, a powerful motor, adjustable depth, and a dust port.

I hope this article helped you move closer to your choice for the best benchtop jointer. If it did, feel free to leave us your questions and comments below. Don’t forget to share this with your friends, too. Thanks for reading!

Author

  • Emma Clark

    Hi there! My name is Emma Clark, a part-time interior designer, house flipper, and full-time mom. This blog is the fruit of my extensive experiences as an interior designer and home improvement enthusiast. More so, I'm here to share with you a lot of great ideas on what you can do to make your home into a masterpiece: all cost-effective and amazingly creative.