How to Buy a Benchtop Jointer

Introduction

Benchtop Jointers for DIYers Table

Benefits of Owning a Benchtop Jointer
Adjustable Blades
Easy to Use and Store
Achieve Professional Results
Wide Variety of Sizes and Shapes

Owning a benchtop jointer can help every DIYer take their woodworking projects to the next level.

With adjustable blades, they make it easy to create perfectly straight and even edges with a range of sizes and shapes.

This cutting tool will help you easily achieve professional results in your home workshop.

It’s easy and very convenient to set up and store, ensuring that you can take on projects quickly and safely.

Whatever your project may be, owning a benchtop jointer can make it easier to find success!

Defining the Benchtop Jointer

A benchtop jointer is a handy woodworking tool used to flatten and square edges on boards.

It is used in both commercial and home woodworking shops and is easily identified by its two protruding arms – a “jointer” and a “planer,” each made of a series of cutting blades.

The jointer smoothes the long edges of boards while the planer flattens the boards themselves.

Benchtop jointers are also valuable in making furniture and wood projects, and they’re often less expensive than traditional jointers.

These tools are designed to accommodate different board sizes and can handle various types of wood.

The benchtop jointer is perfect for those ready to get started in woodworking.

Our Goal

Our goal is to show you the many benefits of having your own benchtop jointer.

With the help of the right tools, you’ll soon be making all sorts of wood joinery projects with ease and confidence.

A benchtop jointer can help you create smooth, even surfaces that are difficult to achieve with just hand tools.

You’ll also be able to make straight edges on otherwise twisted or warped wood.

With the right benchtop jointer, you’ll be able to make precision cuts perfect for any home DIY project.

What Sets Benchtop Jointers Apart

Advantages

Benchtop jointers are a useful and convenient tool for woodworkers.

One big advantage is that they are much more compact and portable than larger jointers.

They can easily be moved from one worksite to another or tucked away for storage when not in use.

Another plus is that they don’t require much setup.

Once the machine is unpacked and set up, woodworkers can simply plug it in and get to work.

With a benchtop jointer, woodworkers also don’t have to worry about dealing with difficult setup and configuration issues, as all the components are ready to go in the box.

Lastly, compared to other jointers, benchtop jointers are usually more affordable, making them a great choice for hobbyists and beginners.

How Benchtop Jointers Work

Benchtop jointers work by helping you to create straight, consistent edges for your wood projects.

The jointer is made up of two parts; the infeed table and the outfeed table.

The infeed table has blades called knives, which are pushed against the wood and plane the edges.

The outfeed table follows the knives and collects shavings.

As the wood passes the infeed table, the blades take small pieces of the wood away as they rotate.

This leaves you with even edges, so that you can better fit two or more pieces of wood together.

The bench top jointer is designed for small scale projects that require clean and precise edges.

Features to Look For

When shopping for a benchtop jointer, it’s important to consider features like the table width, fence angle and size, power of the motor, dust collection capacity, and the quality of the blades.

Table width is important because it will determine the size of the boards you can plane.

The fence should be adjustable and sturdy enough to help guide your boards into the blades.

A motor with higher horsepower will allow you to cut through thicker boards.

Dust collection helps keep your workspace clean and also reduces the amount of dust in the air.

Lastly, make sure the quality of your blades are up to snuff—they should be straight and sharp, precision ground.

When to Use a Benchtop Jointer

Common Applications

A benchtop jointer can be used for a variety of common applications.

Many woodworkers use them to create a smooth finish on a surface, such as a tabletop or countertop.

The jointer can also be used to make long and straight lines along board edges.

Using a jointer is also great for making arched shapes or rounded edges, as the process of jointing forms consistent curves.

Additionally, benchtop jointers are used to create miter joints when making frames or picture frames, and to create accurate angles for furniture and other projects.

Benchtop Jointers In Your Workshop

When it comes to making furniture, having a benchtop jointer in your workshop can be a major asset.

The jointer can help turn rough lumber into a flat, rectilinear surface, replacing the need for a planer.

It can also be used for edge joining two boards or decorative bevels.

You can even use it to shape and size your material for a better fitting edge.

Benchtop jointers help to save time and energy when preparing wood, unlike hand planes, which can leave surface imperfections.

Benchtop jointers can be used in combination with other tools, like a bandsaw or table saw, creating an all-around complete workshop.

Techniques and Tips

A benchtop jointer often comes in handy when finishing a project.

Techniques for successful use include the following: first, make sure that the fences, infeed and outfeed tables are all level.

This will allow for smooth and even cuts.

Second, apply pressure to the infeed table while pushing the stock against the jointer’s cutting head.

This will ensure a straight cut.

Third, pay attention to the grain when jointing such that the fibers of the wood are not crushed.

Finally, use a push stick when jointing long pieces, as it will help you keep your hands away from sharp blades.

These tips will ensure safe, clean and efficient jointing.

What To Look For In A Benchtop Jointer

Benchtop Jointer Options

When you’re using a benchtop jointer, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Start by setting up your benchtop jointer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once your benchtop jointer is set up, here are some techniques you can use to get the most out of it.

When cutting hardwoods, use a shallow cutting depth for best results.

Make sure to use plenty of pressure on the boards you’re pushing through the jointer to make sure they are perfectly smooth.

You should also use a good amount of downward pressure on the board as it is being cut.

When cutting softer woods, you can use a slightly deeper cutting depth to get the desired result.

To finish the cut and give the board a smooth, professional-looking finish, use a router on the cut edge or lightly sand the board.

That’s it! You’re now ready to use your benchtop jointer.

Choosing the Right Benchtop Jointer

When buying a benchtop jointer, there are a few key things to consider.

First, think about the size of the jointer – the right size for your workbench will depend on the size of the room you have and what you plan to do with it.

If you’re planning more complex projects, make sure you check that the jointer you’re buying has all the features you need.

You also want to make sure you get a high-quality jointer that will last.

Look for benches that have adjustable beds, fences, and stop blocks for better accuracy.

Consider the materials you’ll be using, and make sure your jointer is well-suited for them.

Finally, be sure to read customer reviews and ask experts about different benchtop jointers so you can find the best fit for your needs.

Brand Reliability

Finding a reliable brand of benchtop jointer is key in buying a quality machine.

Many customers suggest JET as a trusted name in the woodworking industry; they have a wide selection of jointers that come with impressive features.

Another recommended brand is Rikon, known for its durability and usage in finer furniture pieces.

Grizzly offers budget-friendly machines that don’t sacrifice quality, while Baileigh has options made to handle heavy-duty projects.

If you’re in need of extra accessories, Delta and Powermatic make great add-ons.

No matter which option you choose, these brands are reliable sources when it comes to buying a benchtop jointer.

Safety Measures and Precautions

Troubleshooting

Benchtop jointers can have troubleshooting issues from time to time.

It’s important to know how to take care of such issues quickly and safely.

One of the most common issues is dirty blades, which can cause an imbalance in power and result in poor cutting.

This can be easily addressed by replacing the blades or cleaning them with a solvent.

Another frequent issue is a misaligned fence, which can throw off the accuracy of your cuts.

This can be resolved with a ruler or adjustable wrench to help you adjust the alignment of the fence.

Finally, you may find that the jointer has too much friction, causing it to overheat.

You can alleviate this problem by maintaining a regular cleaning and lubrication schedule.

With a little care and troubleshooting, you can help keep your benchtop jointer running smoothly.

Maintenance and Upkeep

It’s important to keep your benchtop jointer up and running.

Give it a checkup every now and then - look for rust or worn parts and replace them as needed.

Lubricate any moving parts if recommended.

Make sure your tools are properly fitting and secured, and check to make sure all the blades are sharp and in good condition.

Clean off sawdust and debris after each use, as it can damage the machine over time.

Finally, make sure you follow the instructions in the user manual when it comes to waving blades and other maintenance procedures.

Staying Safe

Operating a benchtop jointer can cause potential safety risks.

When using the jointer, always make sure it is securely fastened to the tabletop and stable.

Wear eye protection, gloves and sturdy shoes to help minimize the danger of wood or dust particles entering your eyes, getting skin irritation, or foot injury such as stubbed toes.

If using the jointer for long periods, take frequent breaks and stretch to avoid fatigue.

Keep your focus on the task by not being distracted by conversations or text notifications.

Make sure the jointer blade is sharp and the guard is in place.

Unplugging the tool and cleaning out any excess dust before working is also important.

Conclusion

Buying Your Benchtop Jointer

Buying a benchtop jointer is a great addition to any DIY enthusiast’s workshop or garage.

When buying, consider the size, power, dust chute, and of course the price.

Make sure the model you’re considering has the capacity to handle the kinds of projects you’re interested in.

Don’t forget to consider the range of materials your benchtop jointer can cut effectively.

Also pay attention to the safety features on the machine so that you can work with better peace of mind.

Lastly, look for the best deal you can get for the features that will suit your needs.

With careful consideration, your benchtop jointer purchase will be a great addition to your arsenal of DIY tools.