Is a Benchtop Jointer Worth It
A benchtop jointer can be worth it for small or new shops that are looking for a cost-effective option.
They are useful for flattening the face of a board and squaring an edge, and when paired with a thickness planer, they can process roughsawn lumber into surfaced boards quickly and reliably.
Benchtop jointers have a small footprint and are lightweight, making them ideal for shops with limited space.
They also have the same board-width capacities as more expensive floor-standing jointers and often include disposable or inexpensive cutters, eliminating the need for sharpening.
However, they do have limitations, such as shorter tables that make it difficult to work with longer boards, and the need for slower feed rates with deeper cuts due to their smaller motors.
Additionally, steel cutters or knives may dull faster compared to long-wearing carbide knives.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in a benchtop jointer will depend on the specific needs and budget of the individual shop.
Did You Know?
1. The first portable benchtop jointer was invented in 1926 by William B. Wysong, revolutionizing woodworking by allowing craftsmen to easily flatten and square their lumber.
2. One of the most critical components of a benchtop jointer is the cutterhead, which typically consists of two to three high-speed rotating blades that remove material from the wood to create a smooth surface.
3. Contrary to popular belief, benchtop jointers aren’t limited to professional woodworkers. They are incredibly useful for beginners as well, as they help in achieving precise and straight cuts, making woodworking projects more manageable.
4. Over time, benchtop jointers have evolved to include innovative features such as built-in dust collection systems, which efficiently collect sawdust and debris, keeping both the workspace and the user clean.
5. While many people associate benchtop jointers with woodworking, they can also be used in the restoration of old furniture. When carefully used, a jointer can strip away old, worn layers of wood, revealing the true beauty and potential hidden within antique pieces.
Introduction: Benchtop Jointers For Small Or New Shops
Benchtop jointers are gaining popularity among small or new woodworking shops due to their cost-effectiveness and practicality. These machines are primarily used to flatten the face of a board and square an edge to that flat face. Paired with a thickness planer, they efficiently process roughsawn lumber into surfaced boards.
Key points to note about benchtop jointers:
- Cost-effective and practical for small or new woodworking shops
- Flatten the face of a board and square an edge to that flat face
- Can be used in combination with a thickness planer to process roughsawn lumber
- Affordable option with prices starting as low as $250
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Ideal for shops with limited space due to their small footprint and lightweight design
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To flatten the face of a board and square an edge to that flat face
- Efficiently process roughsawn lumber into surfaced boards
- Affordable option for those on a budget, with prices as low as $250
- Ideal for shops with limited space due to their small footprint and lightweight design
“Benchtop jointers are an affordable and practical choice for small or new woodworking shops. They effectively flatten a board’s face and square an edge to that flat face. When combined with a thickness planer, they can efficiently process roughsawn lumber into surfaced boards.”
Price And Size: Cost-Effective And Space-Saving Options
One of the most enticing aspects of benchtop jointers is their affordability. With a wide range of prices, starting as low as $250 and maxing out at $1,100, benchtop jointers are undeniably the most budget-friendly option for those in the market for a jointer. Despite their low cost, benchtop jointers boast the same board-width capacities as their more expensive floor-standing counterparts, making them a cost-effective choice.
In addition to their affordability, benchtop jointers also offer the advantage of a compact size. With their small footprint, these jointers can be easily accommodated in shops with limited space. Whether placed on a stand or a workbench, their lightweight design ensures that they can be positioned at a comfortable height for optimal usage.
Performance: Testing And Comparison Of Different Models
To assess the performance of benchtop jointers, twelve models were tested in the Wood shop. All test jointers used 110-volt motors.
The Grizzly G0946 emerged as the fastest model, taking just 1 minute and 3 seconds to cut a 6″x3′ hard-maple board. On the other hand, the Delta 37-071 proved to be the slowest, taking 2 minutes and 18 seconds for the same task.
It was found that 8″ jointers generally performed slightly better in tests requiring a ⅛”-deep cut. On the other hand, the 6″ models required a significantly slower feed rate for full-width cuts.
Despite these differences, benchtop jointers as a whole were able to deliver satisfactory performance.
Cutter And Blade Options: HSS, Carbide, And Insert Replacements
When it comes to cutter and blade options, benchtop jointers offer a variety of choices. Many models come with disposable or inexpensive cutters, eliminating the need for frequent sharpening. The different types of cutters used in benchtop jointers include:
- High-speed steel (HSS) straight knives
- HSS inserts
- Carbide inserts
Easy blade changes and adjustments are crucial for efficient operation, and most benchtop jointers excel in this aspect. Replacement knives cost between $10 and $44 per pair, providing an affordable solution for maintaining optimum performance. However, it is worth noting that steel cutters or knives tend to dull faster compared to long-wearing carbide knives. For those seeking longevity, models like Jet’s spiral cutterhead, which uses four-sided carbide insert cutters, offer a durable option. Replacement inserts for these models cost $100 per 10-pack.
Features And Factors: Depth Capacity, Fence Adjustment, Dust Collection, And Warranty
Benchtop jointers are a popular choice for small or new woodworking shops due to their cost-effective nature and ability to flatten boards and square edges. When purchasing a benchtop jointer, there are several features and factors to consider.
One important feature to look for is a depth capacity indicator. Most jointers have a magnified scale that allows for precise adjustments to the ⅛” cut depth capacity. However, it should be noted that some models, like those from Jet and Delta, have fewer increments on their scales, making it more challenging to set the depth precisely.
Fence adjustment is another area to consider. Most benchtop jointers come with an aluminum fence that is approximately 4 1/4″ tall and two-thirds the length of the combined table. While fences can be adjusted front to back manually, rack-and-pinion gears are not present in most models.
Dust collection is a vital factor to keep in mind. Benchtop jointers excel in this aspect, with many models featuring 2½” O.D. dust ports for effective chip collection. It is worth noting that using a vacuum hose tends to be more efficient than relying solely on dust bags.
Finally, warranty coverage varies among manufacturers. Delta and Rikon jointers stand out with their generous five-year warranties, providing peace of mind to buyers. Craftsman and Jet offer three-year warranties, while others have one or two-year coverage.
In summary, benchtop jointers offer a reliable and cost-effective option for woodworking shops. They can effectively flatten boards, square edges, and process roughsawn lumber. With their affordable prices, compact designs, and impressive performance, benchtop jointers are definitely worth considering for those seeking a reliable jointer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the advantages of investing in a benchtop jointer for woodworking projects?
Investing in a benchtop jointer offers several advantages for woodworking projects. Firstly, it allows for precise and accurate flattening of wood surfaces. The jointer has a flat table and a rotating cutterhead, which helps remove any unevenness or warp in the wood, ensuring a smooth and even surface. This is crucial for creating seamless joints and achieving professional-looking results.
Secondly, a benchtop jointer is relatively compact and portable, making it suitable for small workshops or hobbyist woodworkers with limited space. It can be easily maneuvered and stored when not in use, without taking up much room. This convenience allows woodworkers to have access to the benefits of a jointer without sacrificing valuable space in their workspace. Overall, a benchtop jointer offers precise and efficient wood surface preparation, allowing for better woodworking outcomes, while remaining versatile and practical for various workshop setups.
2. Are there any limitations or drawbacks to owning a benchtop jointer that might make it not worth the investment?
While benchtop jointers can be a valuable tool for woodworking, there are a few limitations and drawbacks to consider before making an investment. Firstly, benchtop jointers have a limited width capacity, typically around 6 to 8 inches, which may restrict your ability to work on larger pieces of wood. This can be a significant drawback for those who frequently work with wider or longer boards.
Another limitation is the size and stability of the machine. Benchtop jointers are smaller and lighter compared to their larger counterparts, which means they may not provide the same level of stability and precision. This can result in less accurate jointing, resulting in uneven surfaces or imperfect edges. Additionally, the reduced power and motor size of benchtop jointers may make them less suitable for heavy-duty or professional woodworking tasks.
Overall, while benchtop jointers offer convenience and affordability, their limitations in terms of width capacity, stability, and power make them less suitable for certain projects or professional use.
3. How does the cost of a benchtop jointer compare to other woodworking tools, and is it a worthwhile addition to a beginner’s workshop?
The cost of a benchtop jointer varies depending on the brand and model, but generally, it is considered to be less expensive compared to other larger woodworking tools such as table saws or planers. While prices can range from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand, benchtop jointers are typically more affordable for beginners or those with limited budgets.
Whether a benchtop jointer is a worthwhile addition to a beginner’s workshop depends on the specific needs and projects of the individual. A jointer is primarily used to flatten and square rough lumber, which is essential for creating smooth and precise edges. If the beginner intends to work with rough lumber frequently or requires precise edges for their projects, a benchtop jointer can be a valuable investment. However, if the projects mostly involve pre-surfaced stock or do not require precision, other tools may be more suitable for the beginner’s workshop.
4. Can a benchtop jointer help save time and improve the overall quality of woodworking projects, making it worth the expense for professional woodworkers?
Yes, a benchtop jointer can indeed save time and enhance the overall quality of woodworking projects, making it a worthwhile investment for professional woodworkers. A jointer is a tool specifically designed for flattening and squaring the edges and surfaces of boards, which is crucial for creating precise and seamless joints in woodworking. By using a benchtop jointer, professionals can easily achieve smooth and even surfaces, eliminating the need for manual sanding or planing and saving significant time in the process. Additionally, a jointer ensures that all edges are accurately squared and aligned, leading to stronger joints and a higher overall quality of the finished woodworking project.