Photo: lumberjocks.com
A jointer is always the tool to turn to when you need to prepare wood piece edges and the planer is the tool to turn to when you want to work on the roughness and thickness. Hence, with the best jointer planer combo, you get a tool that can do both.
The convenience of being able to work on your workpieces using one machine like the jointer planer is unbeatable. And this will also help speed up the jobs for you.
However, what truly makes the jointer planer combo machine special is that it saves space in the workshop as you will need to have two different tools. Also, buying jointer planer combos will be cheaper than buying the two tools separately.
Here we review 5 top-rated jointer planer combos and provide a buying guide to help you pick the best model.
In this post:
5 Best Jointer Planer Combos – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Jet JJP-12 (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. Jet JJP-8BT (Best Benchtop) |
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 | 3. Rikon 25-010 (Best for Hobbyists) |
| |
 | 4. Jet JJP-10BTOS (Multifunctional Combo) |
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 | 5. Rikon Power Tools 25-210H (High Capacity) |
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PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Jet JJP-12 (Best Overall)
|
2. Jet JJP-8BT (Best Benchtop)
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3. Rikon 25-010 (Best for Hobbyists)
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4. Jet JJP-10BTOS (Multifunctional Combo)
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5. Rikon Power Tools 25-210H (High Capacity)
|
1. Jet JJP-12 – Best Overall Jointer Planer Combo
Photo: Jet
- Power: 230 V, 3 HP
- Max. Cutting Width: 12 inches
- Speed: 5,500 RPM
The powerful 3-horsepower motor that will ensure that the Jet JJP-12 has what it takes to handle a wide variety of jointing and planning tasks, and the larger 12-inch cutting width capacity are some key things that make it our best overall model.
However, this jointer planer combo has a 3-knife cutter head with the knives made from steel for increased durability. With these knives, you can be confident of getting rapid cutting and a nice and smooth finish.
Because this tool has a parallelogram table design, the table will be kept closer to the cutter head. Besides ensuring you get a smooth finish, this design will allow for more precise cut depth adjustments.
The extra-large aluminum fence with centered controls ensures quick adjustments. With the quick change-over from planer to jointer which does not require any tool, this machine gives users an easy time switching between the functions.
If you plan to use this jointer planer for long projects, it is important to note that it can get quite hot. But provided you do not get your hand on the hot parts, it still does a great job even when hot, and so this should not be a big concern.
Pros:
- Super-fast cutting and a smooth finish
- Precise cutting depth adjustment
- Powerful motor
- Easy change from planing to jointing
- Larger and sturdier fence
Cons:
- Gets quite hot
2. Jet JJP-8BT – Best Benchtop Jointer Planer Combo
Photo: Jet
- Power: 121 V, 3 HP
- Max. Cutting Width: 8 inches
- Speed: 9,000 RPM
For DIYers, Hobbists, and even professional woodworkers that do not have a lot of space to spare on their workshop for a jointer planer combo, the Jet JJP-8BT is a good buy. It is our best benchtop jointer planer combo thanks to the space-saving design that will ensure it will take minimal space.
Despite the smaller and more portable size, this power tool is still quite powerful thanks to the heavy-duty motor that can deliver up to 18,000 cuts per minute and speeds of up to 9,000 RPM for fast and efficient cutting.
The Jet JJP-8BT uses two high-speed steel knives that will deliver smooth and precise cuts, and it has a sheet metal outfeed table that will allow it to support longer workpieces. With the oversized and more ergonomic knobs, this will be a more user-friendly and easy-to-operate tool.
There is a strong aluminum extruded fence with the ability to tilt up to 45 degrees to ensure jointing is more stable and accurate. Despite the 8-inch maximum cutting width being the smallest on our jointer planer combo review, it is still good enough to handle large enough materials.
While the tables do not seem smooth enough to allow the stock to glide along easily, this is an easy issue to fix by waxing them. And despite the dust collection system being a pain to set up, it will do an amazing job once you have it in place.
Pros:
- Compact, space-saving benchtop design
- User-friendly control knobs
- Supports longer workpieces
- Stable and accurate
- Precise and durable knives
Cons:
- Tables are not smooth enough
- Dust collection system can be hectic to setup
3. Rikon 25-010 – Best Jointer Planer Combo for Hobbyists
Photo: RIKON Power Tools
- Power: 220 V, 1.5 HP
- Max. Cutting Width:10 inches
- Speed: 4,800 RPM
Rikon 25-010 is one of the smallest jointer planer combos on our list. This smaller size and more user-friendly design make it more beginner-friendly, and it will hence be the perfect pick for hobbyists.
This model has a 2-1/2 inch diameter cutter head that will make use of 3 durable knives that will spin up to 4,800 RPM to provide fast, smooth, and precise cuts. Also, there is an easily adjustable aluminum fence that can tilt up to 45 degrees and reset easily with the adjustable stop.
The ribbed cast aluminum jointer table and planer bed help make this a sturdier and more durable jointer planer combo. With the flat ribbed drive belt, there will be an efficient transfer of power to the cutter head and with minimal vibrations. Despite not being the most powerful, the 1.5 horsepower motor still delivers decent power output.
The instructions that will come with this jointer planer are quite wanting, but there is enough material on the manufacturer’s website to help you in case you have problems with the assembly or use.
Pros:
- More user-friendly design
- Durable jointer table and planer bed
- Efficient power transfer belt
- Fast spinning and durable knives
- Easily adjustable fence
Cons:
- Wanting instructions
4. Jet JJP-10BTOS – Multifunctional Jointer Planer Combo
Photo: Jet
- Power: 116 V, 13 Amp
- Max. Cutting Width:10 inches
- Speed: 9,000 RPM
With the rigid steel stand that will allow you to transition the Jet JJP-10BTOS from a benchtop to a floor model, this will be a more multifunctional tool that will work for different users. Also, this design makes it one of the best portable jointer planer combos as you can easily pack and carry it around.
This jointer planer combo is built to deliver faster cutting speeds of up to 18,000 cuts per minute. The higher speed and the 10-inch maximum cutting width make this a more versatile tool as it can handle both big and smooth jobs.
By making use of 2 high-speed steel knives, the Jet JJP-10BTOS will ensure that you always end up with smooth and precise cuts. Better yet, this tool has a sheet metal outfeed table that will allow it to handle longer workpieces and accurate aluminum extruded fence that provides greater stability and accuracy.
When it comes to the operations, this is one of the easiest models to use on our jointer planer combo review thanks to the easily accessible controls with oversized and ergonomic knobs.
The dust collector on this jointer planer combo does not seem very efficient at removing the larger chips from the machine, but the good news is that it captures all the dust, and hence you will not have it flying all over.
Pros:
- Works great as both benchtop and floor tool
- Faster cutting speeds
- Delivers precise and smooth cuts
- Accurate and stable fence
- Safe and secure operation with oversized knobs
Cons:
- Not the best dust collector
5. Rikon Power Tools 25-210H – High Capacity Jointer Planer Combo
Photo: RIKON Power Tools
- Power: 220V, 3 HP
- Max. Cutting Width: 12 inches
- Speed: 3400 RPM
The 12-inch maximum cutting capacity and the more powerful 3-horsepower motor will not only ensure the Rikon Power Tools 25-210H as a higher cutting capacity but also the power to handle the thicker workpieces.
This jointer planer combo delivers a speed of up to 3,400 RPM, which when combined with the 23 feet per minute feed rate will ensure that you get to finish the job much faster. Besides speed, this tool delivers an ultra-smooth finish for the workpiece thanks to the efficient 4-row helical cutter head.
The smaller footprint helps make this an amazing product because it means it will work for those that do not have a lot of space to spare on their workshop.
For the price of this model, one would rightfully expect it to have a more robust fence. But despite not being very robust, the fence still adjusts well and will be very handy for different projects.
Pros:
- Higher cutting capacity
- Delivers an ultra-smooth finish
- More powerful motor
- Faster feed rate
- Smaller footprint
Cons:
- Fence in not very robust
How to Buy the Best Jointer Planer Combo
Photo: RIKON Power Tools
1. Power
A jointer planer needs to be powerful enough to handle the projects that both the planer and jointer are designed to do. The good news is that you will get these tools in different sizes and with different power outputs to suit different projects and users.
That said, the best jointer planer combination machine will depend on your typical woodworking projects, and hence your specific power requirements. But, typically these machines will have motors that can deliver between 1 and 5 HP.
For simple DIY woodworking tasks, a 1.5 HP jointer planer combo like Rikon 25-010 should be good enough. However, if you want something for heavy-duty use, you will need a model with at least 3 HP motor like Rikon Power Tools 25-210H.
2. Stand Type: Closed Stand, Open Stand, and Benchtop
While the power and speed that the jointer planer combo provides might seem like the most important elements to consider, the stand type is also a key determinant of whether what you buy will work well for you or not.
When it comes to the stand type, you will need to pick between the closed stand, open stand, and benchtop jointer plane.
Closed Stand
The closed stand is the toughest of the three types. These stands have a closed base that is typically made from solid sheets of steel or other durable metals. In some instances, these stands will provide a storage cabinet for accessories. With the closed stand, you will not have to worry about placing heavy material over it as it can handle almost anything.
Open Stand
An open stand will have legs like a workbench or table and sometimes will have a storage shelf for your accessories and tools. Because these stand types use less metal, they tend to be more affordable, but they are not as tough as the closed stands.
Benchtop
The last type is the benchtop stand and jointer planer combos in this category will either have no stand at all or will have a foldable one. Either way, these jointer planer combos are designed to be placed over a workbench. These tend to be the cheapest options and also the most affordable ones.
3. Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity is another important factor to consider when choosing the best wood planer jointer combo as it will determine the size of the material that you can handle.
Machines with a larger cutting capacity will remove more material with every pass, which means you can handle thicker workpieces and make the cuts much faster.
For both DIY and professionals, 10-inch machines like Rikon 25-010 and 12-inch models like the Jet JJP-12 will provide enough capacities. However, for those that will typically deal with smaller boards, something with as small as 6-inch capacity should be good enough.
When it comes to the cutting depth, machines with 1/2 and 3/4-inch depth capacities will be good enough for most users.
4. Speed
High-speed jointer planer combos are always more favorable as they will ensure you get more cuts per minute. This and a higher feed rate will ensure that you get the job done fast and also end up with a smooth surface.
The actual speed that you will need for your machine will depend on how you intend to use it. However, most models will have the speed in the 4,000 to 10,000 RPM range, and something with the speed somewhere in between should be good enough.
5. Conversion
The ease and speed of converting the jointer planer from a planer to a jointer and vice versa will also matter as it will determine how convenient it will be the woodworker.
Different machines will use different mechanisms for their conversion systems. However, something with a tool-free hinge based system like Jet JJP-12 will give you an easy time when it comes to the conversion. With such a system, you can make the conversion quickly without removing the fence or other components.
6. Dust Collection
Because these machines will work by removing wood from the workpiece, they will generate significant amounts of dust when working. Hence, as you choose one, you need to make sure that what you get has an effective dust collection system.
A good jointer planer combo should include a dust part to allow you to hook it up to your dust collection system. The size of the dust port matters a lot, and the most common ones are 1/2, 2, and 4 inches.
Here you need to make sure what you get is compatible with your dust management system or will allow you to connect your shop vac for efficient dust management.
7. Budget
Just like when buying any other tool, you will need to consider the price or your budget as you choose a jointer planer combo.
The good news is that these tools will come in different price ranges depending on their capacity, size, and functionality.
You can get smaller and more budget-friendly models like Jet JJP-8BT that retails for under $500. However industrial-quality models with high capacity like the Rikon Power Tools 25-210H will cost thousands of dollars.
The typical price range for a jointer planer combo is between $400 and $5,000, and so there is something for everyone.
Conclusion
Jointer planer combos are fantastic tools that will help save you money and precious workshop space. And with this comprehensive guide, finding the best jointer planer combo should now be a breeze.
From our list of products, the Jet JJP-12 is our best overall as it provides an excellent cutting capacity, is powerful enough, and uses some fantastic-quality knives.
But, if you prefer something more compact and portable, the Jet JJP-8BT benchtop jointer planer combo will the best bet for you.