Best Jointers Compared: Which One Belongs in Your Workshop?
Stop Fighting Warped Wood and Start Creating Masterpieces!
Every serious carpenter knows: a project is only as good as its foundation. If your lumber is bowed or twisted, your final piece will fail. That’s why an 8-inch jointer is an indispensable tool in any shop. But with dozens of options from Grizzly, RIKON, and WEN, which benchtop jointer is actually worth your money?
We break down the top-rated 8-inch jointers for durability, precision, and value so you can make an informed decision before you buy.
Understanding the 8-Inch Benchtop Jointer
A jointer is a machine with a rotating cutterhead. It planes the surface of wood. The “8-inch” refers to the maximum width of the board that the machine can handle. This size is popular for its balance. It can handle a variety of projects. It also fits easily in small workshops. Jointer cutterheads come in different types.
The most common are straight-knife, spiral, and helical. Each type has an impact on the cut quality. They also affect noise levels and maintenance. Understanding these types is key to a good purchase.
The fundamental parts of a jointer are the infeed table, outfeed table, and fence. The infeed table is where the wood is placed. The outfeed table supports the wood after cutting. The fence guides the wood for a precise cut. An effective jointer will have a long and stable fence. It should also have tables that are perfectly flat.
Top 5 Benchtop Jointers
1. Wahuda 8-Inch Benchtop Jointer
If you want a tool that delivers an exceptionally smooth finish, the Wahuda is a top contender. This machine is a favorite among serious creators who demand accuracy without the high-end price.
Performance
- Spiral Cutterhead
Equipped with 16 four-sided carbide inserts that rotate individually, this jointer cuts cleaner and runs quieter than straight-knife models.
- Reduced Tear-Out
Handles tricky wood grain with ease, leaving a smooth surface even on knotty or dense hardwoods.
- Consistent Results
Operates at a steady 12,000 RPM, so each pass delivers uniform cuts without the risk of chatter.
Build & Design Features
- 10-Amp Motor
Strong enough for both softwoods and hardwoods, making it versatile for furniture and cabinetry work.
- Aluminum Fence
Tilts from 90° to 135° for angled edges and bevel cuts, giving you more flexibility on projects.
- Cast Iron Tables
Heavy, vibration-absorbing tables keep stock stable and help ensure perfectly flat finishes.
Pros
- Produces a smooth, tear-out-free finish on difficult grain.
- Solid construction with cast iron tables for stability.
- Spiral cutterhead is quieter and requires less frequent blade changes.
Cons
- Fixed speed (12,000 RPM) may limit precision adjustments for delicate work.
- Heavier build makes it less portable compared to lighter benchtop models.
- Dust collection requires a good external system for best results.
2. RIKON 20-800H 8-Inch Benchtop Jointer
Known for producing reliable, high-performing tools, RIKON’s 20-800H is a solid choice. It’s a dependable machine built for durability and correctness.
Performance
- Helical-Style Cutterhead
Features a 6-row cutterhead with staggered, double-edge carbide inserts for a shear-cut action that greatly reduces tear-out and noise.
- Smooth Finish
The staggered inserts deliver an impressively smooth finish, often requiring minimal to no sanding afterward.
- Low Maintenance Blades
Carbide inserts last longer than straight knives, and their double edges mean you can simply rotate them when dull for a fresh cut.
Build & Design Features
- Extra-Long Support
Integrated, pull-out extensions expand the total bed length to over 51 inches, providing excellent support for jointing longer stock.
- Durable Build
Constructed with all-steel components and coated tables, offering stability and a low-friction surface for smooth material flow.
- Easy Adjustments
Includes a clear depth-of-cut scale and a simple fence tilt mechanism, making it safe and user-friendly even for new woodworkers.
Pros
- Long, extendable tables provide the stability of a larger machine.
- Helical-style cutting action is noticeably quieter than traditional straight-knife models.
- Carbide inserts drastically increase blade life and simplify the replacement/sharpening process.
Cons
- Priced significantly higher than budget 8-inch jointers.
- All-steel construction makes it heavier than most benchtop models, limiting easy portability.
- Though the tables extend, the 8-inch width is still restrictive for very wide boards.
3. Grizzly G0947 8″ Benchtop Jointer
Grizzly has a long-standing reputation for quality, and the G0947 brings that engineering to a compact machine. This is evidence to the idea that great things can come in small packages.
Struggling to choose between these two market leaders? Our detailed Grizzly vs. JET jointer comparison provides the clarity needed for a confident purchase!
Performance
- Powerful Motor
Equipped with a robust 1-1/2 HP motor that ensures consistent speed and power, allowing it to cut through hardwoods without bogging down.
- Quiet, Clean Cuts
Features a spiral-type cutterhead that uses rotating carbide inserts. This design makes cuts more quietly and produces a very smooth finish with less tear-out.
- Cutting Action
The unique shearing action of the spiral head is ideal for tough, figured, or knotty woods, providing a high-quality surface that requires minimal sanding.
Build & Design Features
- Exceptional Portability
Weighing only 59 pounds, this is one of the lightest 8-inch jointers available, making it simple to move, store, or set up in a small, crowded shop.
- Stable Tables
Built with cast aluminum tables, which strike a good balance between maintaining flatness and keeping the unit’s overall weight down.
- Extended Support
Includes table extensions that quickly attach to increase the effective jointing bed length, improving stability and accuracy when working with longer boards.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and compact, making it the easiest to transport and store away when not in use.
- The 1-1/2 HP motor offers professional strength rarely found in such a light, portable machine.
- The carbide-tipped spiral cutterhead delivers a superior, glue-ready finish compared to standard straight-knife setups.
Cons
- Aluminum tables are lighter but do not dampen vibration as effectively as the heavier cast-iron models.
- Users often report that the fence and tables require careful alignment and setup right out of the box to achieve perfect cuts.
- While offering great features, its price is higher than the most budget-friendly benchtop jointer options.
4. WEN JT833H 10-Amp 8-Inch Benchtop Jointer
WEN is a brand known for value, and the JT833H is a perfect example. It’s an ideal entry point for anyone looking to add a benchtop jointer to their setup without a significant financial commitment.
Performance
- Spiral Cutterhead
Features a spiral-type head with 16 staggered HSS (High-Speed Steel) blades. This design minimizes tear-out and noise compared to straight-knife cutters.
- Ultra-Fine Finish
The staggered, shear-cutting action of the blades delivers a high-quality surface, often resulting in an ultra-fine, glue-ready finish.
- Motor Power
Driven by a powerful 10-amp motor (rated up to 1-1/2 HP), giving it the strength to handle most hard and soft materials without slowing down.
Build & Design
- Extra Long Table
The spacious 33-inch table includes support arms that extend up to 51 inches. This greatly improves stability when working with long pieces of lumber
- Lightweight Frame
The jointer uses cast aluminum tables, keeping its total weight low (around 55 lbs). This makes it exceptionally easy to transport and store in a small workspace.
- Simple Operation
Includes a precise depth-of-cut scale, an adjustable fence that bevels up to 45 degrees, and push blocks for safe and efficient jointing.
Pros
- Offers a high-end spiral cutterhead and 8-inch capacity at a price point significantly lower than competitors.
- The 8-inch width and 51-inch extended bed are features usually reserved for much larger, costly jointers.
- At only 55 pounds, it’s one of the easiest 8-inch models to move between your workbench and storage area.
Cons
- The blades are High-Speed Steel, which dull faster and are less durable than the carbide inserts on more expensive models.
- The tables and fence often require careful adjustment and fine-tuning by the user out of the box to achieve perfect cuts.
- The aluminum tables are lighter but are more prone to scratching than heavy cast-iron beds.
5. JET JJP-8BT 8-Inch Planer-Jointer Combo
For those with an extremely small workshop, a combo machine can be a game changer. The JET JJP-8BT combines a jointer and a portable planer into a single, space-saving unit.
Performance
- Dual Functionality
This 2-in-1 machine allows you to joint (flatten) and plane (thickness) lumber on a single compact unit, eliminating the need for two separate tools
- Powerful Motor
Equipped with a heavy-duty 13-amp motor, providing sufficient power to handle the demands of both jointing and thicknessing without stalling.
- Cutterhead
Uses a straight-knife cutterhead with two High-Speed Steel (HSS) blades to achieve a consistent finished surface.
Build & Design Features
- Massive Space Saving
Designed specifically for compact workshops, saving a significant amount of floor space compared to owning dedicated machines.
- Fast Conversion
The machine is designed for a quick and simple changeover between the jointer and planer functions, optimizing workflow.
- Portability
The benchtop size and relatively light weight (around 58 lbs) make it easy to move and store when not in use.
Pros
- Consolidates two essential woodworking functions into one small footprint.
- Represents a significant cost savings compared to purchasing two individual, dedicated benchtop machines.
- The 13-amp motor offers enough power for hobby and small-scale projects and runs on standard 115V household current.
Cons
- You cannot switch instantly; the changeover process between modes can interrupt workflow.
- The jointer bed is relatively short, making it challenging to achieve perfectly flat results on boards longer than 3-4 feet
- The two-knife head is louder and more prone to dulling and tear-out than spiral/helical-style cutters.
8-Inch Benchtop Jointer Comparison Table
Conclusion
Each machine has its own strengths, and the best choice depends entirely on your needs.For a top-tier finish and lasting durability, the Wahuda 8-Inch is the premium pick for experienced creators. If you’re looking for a reliable, well-known brand, the RIKON 20-800H is an excellent workhorse. For those with a tighter budget, the WEN JT833H offers remarkable value. If you need a powerful yet lightweight machine, the Grizzly G0947 is the perfect choice. Finally, when space is a major consideration, the JET JJP-8BT provides an all-in-one solution.
FAQs
1.What is the maximum cutting depth for an 8-inch benchtop jointer?
The maximum cutting depth is typically 1/8 of an inch, though multiple shallow passes are recommended.
2.Can a benchtop jointer flatten both sides of a board?
No, a jointer is designed to flatten only one face and square one edge; a thickness planer is needed to flatten the second side.
3.How loud are these machines?
Jointers are loud, often exceeding 100 dB, so using hearing protection is always recommended.
