9 Best Benchtop Jointers of 2023

Photo: Rikon

The benchtop jointer is a practical and easy to use carpentry tool that will correct bows and twists in wood planks.

This means that you can purchase raw lumber for cheap and turn them into more expensive planks with this tool. By doing so, you will make some significant savings.

One of the best things about the benchtop jointer is its ease-of-use. You do not need any advanced knowledge to operate it.

If you are fresh on the market for a benchtop jointer, then our benchtop jointer review below will guide you in the right direction.

Without any further ado, let’s see which model you need to purchase right now!

9 Best Benchtop Jointers – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Rikon 20-600H (High Performance & High Speed)	High performance. The motor is powerful and will not stall High cutterhead speed of 20,000 RPM. Delivers a smooth finish Superior performance with cuts per minute of 22,000 CPM Fully adjustable aluminum fence
	2. Cutech 40160HC-CT (Small, Lightweight & Portable)	Lightweight and portable model with a compact form factor Easy to install by beginners Cutterhead knives are carbide-tipped for durability The fence can be moved from 90 degrees to 135 degrees
	3. Cutech 40160H-CT (Small & Compact)	Small and compact. Portable Cutterhead knives are very durable Bed angle can easily be adjusted
	4. Cutech 40180H-CT (Superior Cut Capacity)	Excellent cutterhead speed of 12,000 RPM. Delivers a smooth finish The large cut capacity of 8 inches Decent overall build construction
	5. Cutech 40180HC-CT (Large Cut Capacity & Power Motor)	The superior cut capacity of 8 inches Powerful motor that will not stall Fast cutterhead speed of 12,000 RPM
	6. Grizzly G0725 (Excellent for Jointing Raw Lumber)	Knives are efficient and do not require multiple passes Small and compact form factor Spring-loaded cutterhead guard
	7. Delta 37-071 (Powerful & Heavy-Duty)	The powerful motor of 12 Amps Excellent built construction. Durable and long-lasting Fence system is very maneuverable
	8. Shop Fox W1829 (Beginner-Friendly)	Easy to operate by beginners Power button located at the front for safety Convenient disport size and location
	9. Wen 6560T (Good Price to Performance Ratio)	Good Price and excellent performance The base is firm and does not vibrate 2-year warranty by the manufacturer

1. Rikon 20-600H – High Performance and High Speed

Photo: Rikon

• Motor power: 10 Amps, 120V
• Cuts per minute: 22,000 CPM
• Cut capacity: Max.width – 6″, Max-depth – 3/16″
• Cutterhead: 2 blades 6-1/8″, speed 20,000 RPM

In terms of performance and speed, the Rikon 20-600H is one of the best benchtop jointers that you can purchase. Indeed, this model has a high cut per minute of 22,000 CPM and a powerful motor of 10 amps that will not stall.

This means that not only will this jointer correct imperfections it finds in wood fast and easily, but it will also deliver a smooth finish regardless of whether you use softwood or hardwood.

Moreover, it has an adjustable aluminum fence that is very maneuverable. You have the possibility to tilt the fence from 90 degrees to 55 degrees for flexibility. The maximum cutting capacity is 6 inches in width, which is more than enough for jointing wood planks.

When it comes to durability, no problem as this benchtop jointer is made almost entirely out of steel.

The only things we don’t like about this model is its price, and the fence vibrates a bit. Nothing that will affect accuracy don’t worry.

Pros:

• Excellent performance and will not stall
• Fast rotating knives of 20,000 RPM for a smooth and professional finish
• High cuts per minute of 22,000 CPM
• The aluminum fence is fully adjustable

Cons:

• It is expensive
• The fence vibrates during operation

2. Cutech 40160HC-CT – Small, Lightweight, and Portable

Photo: Cutech

• Motor power: 10 Amps, 120V
• Cut capacity: max.width – 6″, max-depth – 1/8″
• Cutterhead: 12 2-sided inserts, speed 11,000 RPM
• Fence Size: 4-3/8 inches x 19-5/8 inches

If there is one department where the Cutech 40160HC-CT is a winner, then it is in its small and lightweight form factor. This unit is highly portable and regarded as one of the best portable benchtop jointers on the market by many of its users.

Despite its small size, it still does not sacrifice features. It is powered by a 10 Amps motor that is sufficiently powerful to cut any type of material without stalling. The cutterheads are made of 12 2-sided inserts that are carbide-tipped for maximum durability.

In addition, it has a spring-loaded blade guard for safety when jointing, as well as an adjustable fence with 90 degrees to 135 degrees tilt. The flexibility in this fence is more than you will find in other models.

You can also easily adjust the bed angle, and this model comes equipped with a dust port to the side to keep your workshop clean when jointing.

We only take issue with the fact that the knives are a bit more expensive to replace. The manufacturer sells it in a pack of 10, so you will need 2 packs.

Also, you may need an adapter for the dust port because its size is not exactly 2-1/2 inches.  

Pros:

• Small and compact form factor. Easy to use in a small workshop
• Relatively lightweight. Easy to install
• The cutterhead is carbide tipped for durability
• The fence is very flexible with tilts of 90 degrees to 135 degrees

Cons:

• The knives are more expensive to replace than other models
• You may need an adapter for the dust port

3. Cutech 40160H-CT – Small and Compact

Photo: Cutech

• Motor power: 10 Amps, 120V
• Cut capacity: max.width – 6″, max-depth – 1/8″
• Cutterhead: 12 2-sided, speed 11,000 RPM
• Fence Size: 4-1/4 inches x 19-3/4 inches

This model is almost identical to the Cutech 40160HC-CT we just reviewed above. It has the same feature set, but above all, it is compact and lightweight as well.

If you have a small workshop, then you will have no problem installing this Cutech benchtop jointer because it does not occupy a little space.

And since this model is portable, you can install it anywhere, which makes it extremely flexible to use. Of course, the fence is fully adjustable anywhere from 90 degrees to 135 degrees for even more versatility.

The spiral cutterheads are made from 12 HSS inserts that will easily shave any type of wood. You can use this portable benchtop jointer with rule number as well.

The only negative we find with this jointer is that due to its small size, it has difficulty jointing long wood planks.

But all things considered, the Cutech 40160H-CT is certainly one of the best portable wood jointers on the market.

Pros:

• Small and compact form factor. Highly portable
• The 12 cutterheads on durable and long-lasting
• The base bed can easily be adjusted

Cons:

• Difficult to work with long planks

4. Cutech 40180H-CT – Superior Cut Capacity

Photo: Cutech

• Motor power: 10 Amps, 120V
• Cut capacity: max.width – 8″, max-depth – 1/8″
• Cutterhead: 16 2-sided inserts, speed 12,000 RPM
• Fence Size: 4-3/8 inches x 19-3/4 inches

What differentiates the Cutech 40180H-CT from the rest of other Cutech benchtop jointers is its large cut capacity of 8 inches. Indeed, with this cut capacity, it will be able to work with very large wood planks. It will do so in a way that is not possible with other models that are normally limited to 6 inches.

In addition, it sports an impressive 16 HSS cutterheads with 2 sided inserts that will provide efficiency in cutting material as well as a long life.

Added to the fact that the cutterhead moves at the speed of 12,000 RPM, you are guaranteed to get a smooth and professional finish. When it comes to the fence, we also find a lot of versatility as it can be tilted anywhere from 90 degrees to 135 degrees.

The only caveat here is that this unit is a bit more difficult to operate, mostly because of its larger width. However, it is still one of the best small benchtop jointers on the market despite its 8 inches maximum width cut capacity.

Pros:

• Large maximum cut capacity width of 8 inches
• Fast cutterhead speed of 12,000 RPM
• Very good build construction. Durable

Cons:

• More difficult to operate than other models

5. Cutech 40180HC-CT – Large Cut Capacity and Powerful Motor

Photo: Cutech

• Motor power: 10 Amps, 120V
• Cut capacity: max.width – 8″, max-depth – 1/8″
• Cutterhead: 16 2-sided inserts, speed 12,000 RPM
• Fence Size: 4-3/8 inches x 19-3/4 inches

There are 2 main advantages with the Cutech 40180HC-CT. For one, this model has a large cut capacity of 8 inches that allows you to work with wide wood planks. Secondly, it has a powerful motor of 10 amps that compensates its large cut capacity very well.

Additionally, this model has a fully adjustable fence that makes it easy to work with. To the side of this top-rated benchtop jointer, you will find a handy dust port to connect to any dust collection system.

The fence is fully adjustable for more flexibility when working with it. And when it comes to the cutting, the 16 HSS carbide tipped blades do an excellent job.

However, they are not the best when working with tough wood like redwood since they can chip easily.

Pros:

• The powerful motor of 10 Amps. Will not stall
• The large cut capacity of 8 inches
• Fast cutterhead speed of 12,000 RPM

Cons:

• Not the best model for hardwood jointing

6. Grizzly G0725 – Excellent for Jointing Raw Lumber

Photo: Grizzly

• Cuts per minute: 20,000 CPM
• Cut capacity: max.width – 6″, max-depth – 1/8″
• Cutterhead: 2 blades, speed 10,000 RPM
• Fence Size: 4-1/4 inches x 22-7/8 inches

Let’s face it; most benchtop jointers work great for almost any type of jointing. However, many models require multiple passes to remove bows and twists.

This is not a problem with the Grizzly G0725 because this benchtop jointer removes a lot of material fasts and require a few passes. It is still a small and compact model that will not need a lot of space in the workshop.

Moreover, the cutterhead guard is spring-loaded for better maneuverability as well as superior safety. The table is made from cast-iron, so it is easy to work on and it will not vibrate. Moreover, you can work with long pieces of material with this jointer.

However, its tabletop is 28 inches in length, so it can effectively work with planks that are 56 inches in length. This is not a lot when compared to other models. Also, its weight of 81.2 lbs makes it difficult to carry around because this is a heavy benchtop jointer.

And despite those disadvantages, we still like this model because of its rich features and nominate it as one of the best small benchtop jointers in this review.

Pros:

• Knives do not require many passes
• Small and compact. Does not need a lot of space in the workshop
• Cast iron tabletop. Does not vibrate and easy to work on
• Spring-loaded cutterhead guard

Cons:

• This is a heavy benchtop jointer
• Not the best for long pieces of material

7. Delta 37-071 – Powerful and Heavy-Duty

Photo: Delta

• Motor power: 12 Amps, 120V
• Cuts per minute: 20,000 CPM
• Cut capacity: max.width – 6″, max-depth – 1/8″
• Cutterhead: 2 blades, speed 10,000 RPM
• Fence Size: 4-5/16 inches x 22-7/8 inches

The Delta 37-071 is a popular benchtop jointer used by both amateur and professional carpenters. What demarks this model from the rest of the competition is its solid cast iron construction as well as the powerful motor of 12 Amps.

Also, with cuts per minute of 20,000 CPM and a cutterhead speed of 10,000 RPM, this model will have no problem correcting bows and twists.

When it comes to the fence, you get a lot of versatility and ease of use. It is easily adjustable with positive stops located at 90 degrees and 45 degrees in both directions.

However, a few customers have complained that it is difficult to get spare parts on this product, and honestly, the price could have been a bit more competitive.

Pros:

• The powerful motor of 12 Amps
• Good build construction from cast-iron
• Easily corrects bows and twists in any material
• The fence is easy to use and easy to adjust

Cons:

• The price could have been better
• Difficult to get spare parts

8. Shop Fox W1829 – Beginner-Friendly Benchtop Jointer

Photo: Shop Fox

• Motor power: 12 Amps, 110V
• Cuts per minute: 20,000 CPM
• Cut capacity: max.width – 6″, max-depth – 1/8″
• Cutterhead: 2 blades, speed 10,000 RPM

When it comes to ease-of-use, the Shop Fox W1829 is unbeatable. Indeed, this model is one of the best tabletop jointers for beginners. If you have never operated a jointer before, then this is an excellent choice for you.

For safety, the power button is located right at the front of the jointer. In case of an emergency, simply pull the plug, and it will automatically switch off the jointer.

The cutterhead consists of 2 blades that rotate at 10,000 RPM. It can provide a cut per minute of 20,000 CPM which shows that it can be used for both raw lumber as well as commercial-grade wood planks.

The only negative we can give this model is its fence, which is difficult to adjust and lacks accuracy.

Pros:

• User-friendly and easy to use by beginners
• The power button is located at the front for safety
• Versatile. Can be used to correct bows and twists in raw lumber
• Convenient 2-1/2 inches dust port to the side

Cons:

• The fence is not the best we have seen

9. Wen 6560T – Good Price to Performance Ratio

Photo: Wen

• Motor power: 10 Amps, 120V
• Cuts per minute: 20,000 CPM
• Cut capacity: max.width – 6″, max-depth – 1/8″
• Cutterhead: 2 blades 6-1/8″, speed 10,000 RPM
• Fence Size: 4 inches x 22-3/4 inches

The Wen 6560T has one of the best prices to performance ratio in this review. Not only is this model performing with a powerful motor of 10 amps, but it also has an excellent price.

Since it has cuts per minute of 20,000 CPM, it will be able to correct any bows and twists in material quickly. Additionally, with its cutterhead rotation of 10,000 RPM, you will get a smooth finish.

What we really like about this model is that it has a solid and firm base made from iron. You will not notice any vibrations when working on this benchtop jointer, which will yield in higher accuracy.

When it comes to the fence, you will find a lot of flexibility with it. It is fully adjustable, and you can tilt it 45 degrees in any direction.

The only caveat we find with this benchtop jointer is that it does not have a depth of cut indicator. You will have to estimate the depth with your eyes.

Also, you need to regularly clean the benchtop because wood shavings can easily get stuck inside the cutterhead. But other than this, it is one of the best benchtop jointers on the market.

Pros:

• Excellent price to performance ratio
• The base is solid and firm. No vibrations
• The fence can be fully tilted in any direction
• Solid 2-year manufacturer warranty

Cons:

• No depth-of-cut indicator
• Wood shavings can get stuck in the cutterhead

How to Buy the Best Benchtop Jointer

Photo: Cutech

1. Motor power

The motor power of the benchtop jointer is perhaps one of the most important features that you must consider.

It is measured in Amps (or horsepower) and a powerful motor will have no difficulty cutting through both softwood as well as hardwood with equal ease.

If you are unsure about what type of motor power to go with, then for most people a benchtop jointer equipped with a motor power of at least 10 Amps is more than enough.

2. Cuts Per Minute

The cut per minute is simply how fast the knives pass on the material in 1 minute. Most top-rated benchtop jointers usually have a cut per minute of 10,000 CPM or more.

With such a high cut per minute, the benchtop jointer will be able to shave off a lot of material really fast such that it can correct any bows or twists fast.

Moreover, the faster the cut per minute, the less downward force you need to apply on the material for it to cut effectively.

This is one of the many advantages of going with a benchtop jointer that has a fast cut per minute.

3. Cutting Capacity

Maximum Width: If a benchtop jointer has a maximum width of 6 inches, then it will be able to work with planks that are 6 inches in width only. For a more effective result, you should use planks that are at least as big or smaller than the maximum width of the benchtop jointer.

Maximum Depth: The maximum depth of the benchtop jointer is how deep the knives can cut into the material. Most benchtop jointers have a maximum depth of 1/8 inch which is deep enough to correct any bows and twists in wood planks with few passes.However, if you are planning to use the benchtop jointer with raw lumber, that oftentimes has a lot of bows and twists, then it is best to go with a model that has a higher maximum depth.This will ensure a more efficient cutting since the knives can reach deeper into the material.

4. Cutterhead

The cutterhead is what does the cutting in the benchtop jointer. It is usually made from very tough metal.With the cutterhead, you must consider its speed. A good quality benchtop jointer will normally come with a cutterhead that has a speed of at least 10,000 RPM.

As a rule, the faster the speed of the cutterhead, the more efficient and easier the knives can cut through the material. You will also get a smoother finish with a faster speed cutterhead than a slower one.

5. Fence

As with most carpentry tools, the fence is the part that guides the material in a straight line.

Without a fence, it is significantly more difficult to control wood plank on the benchtop.

Therefore, you must ensure that your chosen benchtop jointer comes with a fence. Most of the time, the fence is made from an aluminum material that is lightweight.

Also, you need to consider the size of the fence. Both its length as well as height should either match or exceed the material.

6. Dust Collection

Since cutting material like wood creates a lot of dust, it is important that your benchtop jointer is equipped with a dust collection system. This will help keep your workshop floor as well as the air cleaner.

Conclusion

If you want to correct imperfections in wood planks, then the benchtop jointer is the best tool for the job.

Not only is this tool very easy to use, but you also do not need advance experience to operate it.

They are easy to set up, and most models are small and compact, so they will not take precious workspace.