For woodworkers, a benchtop jointer is an essential tool for creating flat, straight edges and faces on lumber. It’s the first step in ensuring your boards are perfectly prepared for glue-ups, edge joining, and building square, stable projects. Choosing the right model can dramatically improve the accuracy and efficiency of your work, turning rough stock into precision components.
With many options on the market, finding a jointer that balances power, precision, and value is key. Whether you’re a hobbyist setting up a first shop or a seasoned craftsman needing a compact secondary machine, a benchtop jointer saves space without sacrificing capability. This roundup highlights ten of the best models, from reliable 6-inch workhorses to advanced 8-inch machines with innovative features, to help you make an informed choice for your workshop.
Our Top Picks for Benchtop Jointers
- Shop Fox W1829 Benchtop Jointer, 6-Inch
- Grizzly G0725 6 by 28-Inch Benchtop Jointer
- Cutech 40160H-CT 6″ Bench Top Spiral Cutterhead Jointer
- WEN 6560 10-Amp 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer with Filter Bag
- POWERTEC BJ600 Bench Jointer with Built-In Dust Collection
- Delta – 6 in. Midi‑Bench Jointer
- WEN JT630H 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
- RIKON Power Tools 8″ Benchtop Jointer with Helical Cutter Head
- WEN JT833H 10-Amp 8-Inch Spiral Jointer with Extendable Table
- Grizzly Industrial G0725 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer
Shop Fox W1829 Benchtop Jointer, 6-Inch
The Shop Fox W1829 is a robust benchtop jointer built for consistent performance. Its 1-1/2 horsepower motor, running on standard 110V power, provides ample strength for handling a variety of hardwoods. The cutter head spins at 10,000 RPM, delivering an impressive 20,000 cuts per minute for a smooth finish on each pass.
This model includes a two-knife high-speed steel cutter head that is designed for clean, precise cuts. The fully adjustable aluminum fence features positive stops at common angles, allowing for quick and accurate setup for both square and beveled edges. This combination of power and precision makes it a reliable choice for serious workshop tasks.
Grizzly G0725 6 by 28-Inch Benchtop Jointer
Grizzly’s G0725 jointer offers a solid foundation for accurate jointing work, thanks to its cast iron table construction. The weight and rigidity of cast iron help minimize vibration during operation, which is important for achieving a consistently flat surface on your workpieces. It is powered by a capable 1-1/2-HP, 110V motor.
With a cutterhead speed of 10,000 RPM, this jointer can handle typical benchtop jointing tasks effectively. The durable build and focus on a stable work surface make this model a practical option for woodworkers who value a sturdy, no-frills machine that performs its core function well.
Cutech 40160H-CT 6″ Bench Top Spiral Cutterhead Jointer
The Cutech 40160H-CT stands out with its innovative spiral cutterhead, which is equipped with 12 individual high-speed steel inserts. This design is known for producing a remarkably smooth surface finish with less tear-out, especially on difficult grain. The 10-amp motor provides the necessary power for this efficient cutting system.
Another benefit is the versatile fence, which can tilt from 90 to 135 degrees, facilitating a wide range of bevel and chamfer cuts. For woodworkers seeking the superior finish of a spiral head in a benchtop package, this Cutech model presents a compelling and advanced option.
WEN 6560 10-Amp 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer with Filter Bag
The WEN 6560 is a value-packed jointer that includes a helpful filter bag for basic dust collection. Its 10-amp motor drives the two-blade cutterhead at speeds capable of 20,000 cuts per minute, offering efficient material removal. The work surface is a spacious 6-1/4 by 28-1/2 inches, providing good support for longer stock.
Stability is a key feature, as the unit incorporates a cast iron base. This added mass helps prevent the machine from “walking” or vibrating excessively during use, contributing to more controlled and accurate jointing operations. It’s a solid, full-featured choice for the budget-conscious workshop.
POWERTEC BJ600 Bench Jointer with Built-In Dust Collection
Dust management is a highlight of the POWERTEC BJ600, which features a built-in collection system that channels chips directly into a full-size dust bag. This helps keep your workspace cleaner and reduces airborne particles. The infeed and outfeed tables are constructed from cast iron for durability and flatness.
The cast iron fence on this jointer is notably versatile, tilting 45 degrees inward and 45 degrees outward. This range of motion allows you to easily create chamfers and bevels without complicated setup. It’s a user-friendly machine that addresses both cutting performance and shop cleanliness.
Delta – 6 in. Midi‑Bench Jointer
Delta’s benchtop jointer is built for long-term accuracy and user safety. It comes with a pair of push blocks, encouraging safe material handling right from the start. The built-in dust blower is designed to efficiently eject chips and help prevent clogging in the dust chute.
Durable cast iron is used extensively in the construction, adding stability and reducing vibration. The fence support system is also heavy-duty cast iron, contributing to precise jointing. With its precision-machined table and fence, this jointer is made to maintain its accuracy over years of use in a busy shop.
WEN JT630H 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
The WEN JT630H brings the advantage of a spiral cutterhead to an affordable price point. The system uses 12 staggered high-speed steel blades to produce an ultra-fine finish on wood, minimizing sanding later. Its 10-amp motor provides reliable power for this efficient cutting action.
This model offers a generous 30-by-6-inch table for supporting workpieces. The depth of cut is adjustable up to 1/8 of an inch per pass, giving you control over how much material you remove. It’s an excellent entry point for experiencing the benefits of a spiral cutterhead.
RIKON Power Tools 8″ Benchtop Jointer with Helical Cutter Head
The RIKON 8-inch jointer expands your capacity with a wider cutting width, allowing you to face joint broader boards. Its tables are coated with a synthetic polymer that reduces friction and protects the workpiece from scratches. The heart of the machine is a helical cutter head with 16 two-sided carbide inserts for a superb finish and long life.
This model also features a large fence that tilts from 90 to 135 degrees for versatile edge work. The combination of a wider cut, advanced table coating, and a high-quality carbide cutterhead makes this a premium benchtop option for serious woodworking.
WEN JT833H 10-Amp 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer with Extendable Table
For those needing maximum capacity in a benchtop form, the WEN JT833H is a standout. It features an 8-inch wide spiral cutterhead with 16 HSS blades, providing a smooth finish on wide stock. The primary table measures 33 by 8 inches, and its support arms can extend out to 51 inches for handling very long boards with stability.
This extendable table feature is a significant benefit for jointing lengthy pieces that might otherwise be challenging on a benchtop machine. With a 10-amp motor and a 1/8-inch maximum depth of cut, it brings near-floor-model capability to a compact footprint.
Grizzly Industrial G0725 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer
This Grizzly Industrial model is a dependable benchtop jointer focused on core performance. It is designed to provide the essential function of creating straight, flat edges and faces on 6-inch wide lumber. Built with durability in mind, it uses robust materials to ensure the machine remains stable during operation.
As a tool from a brand known for workshop equipment, it aims to deliver reliable service for general woodworking tasks. It represents a straightforward solution for woodworkers who need an effective jointer without extra complexity, making it a practical addition to many home shops.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Benchtop Jointer
Picking the right benchtop jointer for your shop can feel like a big decision, and I’ve been there. It’s not just about grabbing the first one you see; you need to match the tool to the work you actually do. Over the years, I’ve learned that a few key specs make all the difference between a machine that frustrates you and one that becomes a trusted part of your workflow. Let’s break down what really matters when you’re looking for the 10 best benchtop jointers for woodworking.
First, consider the bed length. This is the single biggest factor in what you can safely flatten. A short bed (around 40 inches) is fine for small boards and face frames, but if you try to joint a long, 8-foot board, it will rock and create a tapered, inaccurate edge. For general furniture work, I recommend looking for the longest bed you can fit and afford, ideally 60 inches or more. Next is cutterhead type. Spiral or helical cutterheads are a game-changer. They have individual, square carbide inserts arranged in a spiral pattern. They cut quieter, leave a smoother surface with less tear-out, and when a tooth gets damaged, you just rotate that one insert instead of replacing an entire set of straight knives. The initial cost is higher, but for me, the finish quality and lower maintenance are worth it.
Power and cut width are tied together. A 6-inch jointer is the sweet spot for benchtop models, and you’ll want at least a 1-1/2 HP motor to drive it through hardwoods without bogging down. Don’t forget to check the depth of cut per pass. Most jointers max out at 1/8 inch, which is plenty. More important is the fence. A solid, cast-iron fence that locks down securely at 90 degrees and can be adjusted for bevels is non-negotiable for accurate work. Finally, think about the stand. A benchtop jointer needs a seriously sturdy, heavy base to minimize vibration. Many models offer a dedicated stand as an add-on, and I consider it a necessary purchase for stability and getting the tool to a comfortable working height.
FAQ
Can a benchtop jointer handle hardwoods like maple or oak?
Absolutely, but with some caveats. Most benchtop jointers have enough power (1.5 HP or more) to work with hardwoods, but you need to be mindful of your technique. Take lighter passes—think 1/32″ or 1/16″ instead of the full 1/8″ depth of cut. This prevents the motor from straining and gives you a cleaner finish. The key is sharp knives or inserts; a dull cutterhead will struggle and burn the wood. So yes, it can handle it, just work a bit slower and keep your tools sharp.
How critical is it to have a helical cutterhead?
It’s not strictly critical, but it’s one of the best upgrades you can get. The traditional straight knives work fine, but they are louder, can chip more easily, and require careful setup to align perfectly. A helical head is quieter, produces a much smoother surface with less tear-out on tricky grain, and maintenance is simpler. You just rotate a single carbide insert when it gets dull. For a hobbyist who values a great finish and easy upkeep, I think it’s a worthwhile investment.
What’s the main limitation of a benchtop model compared to a floor-standing jointer?
The primary limitation is bed length. Shorter beds make it challenging to accurately joint very long boards. The infeed and outfeed tables support the wood, and if the board is much longer than the total bed, it can pivot and create an uneven surface. Floor-standing jointers have longer beds for longer stock. Benchtop models are fantastic for shop space savings and for the majority of furniture-sized components, but if you regularly work with 8-foot slabs, you’ll feel the constraint.
Do I need a separate joiner and planer, or can one tool do both?
These tools do two distinct jobs. A jointer flattens one face and squares up one edge, creating a flat reference surface. A planer then makes the opposite face parallel to that jointed face, ensuring uniform thickness. You cannot use a planer to flatten a twisted board, and you cannot use a jointer to make two faces parallel. For serious milling of rough lumber, you really need both. Some combination machines exist, but dedicated tools typically perform better and are easier to set up.
How often do I need to adjust or maintain my benchtop jointer?
Regular maintenance is light but important. After any major move or if you notice a drop in performance, check that the tables are co-planar (perfectly level with each other) and that the fence is square to the tables. The knives or inserts need attention based on use. Straight knives need honing or replacement when dull, which might be every few months of active use. Helical inserts last years before needing rotation. Also, keep the beds waxed for smooth material feed and clean out dust from the mechanism frequently to keep everything running smoothly.