For woodworkers and builders, wood jointers are crucial equipment. They can be used for a number of things, including as removing burrs from edges, flattening boards, and making joints that are precisely angled. A high-quality wood jointer is essential to have in your workshop, whether you’re a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast.
In this definitive guide, we’ll give a thorough analysis of the top wood jointers available today, covering all of its features, advantages, and disadvantages. Our goal is to arm you with the knowledge you need to use a wood jointer properly, as well as to assist you in making an informed selection when buying one.
Types of Wood Jointers
There are various distinct types of wood jointers available, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. Wood jointers come in a variety of designs, some of which include benchtop, portable, and fixed.
As its name implies, stationary jointers are intended to be stationary and are often mounted to a workstation or table. These jointers are suited for heavier-duty applications because they are often bigger and more powerful than handheld or benchtop counterparts. They are more suited for usage in a workshop rather than on the job site due to their size and weight, which also make them less portable.
On the other hand, handheld jointers are more compact, lighter, and portable than their stationary counterparts. Due to their one-handed operation design, they offer better agility and dexterity in confined places or when working on smaller jobs.
As the name implies, benchtop jointers are created to be placed on a workbench or table. They are still larger and more adaptable than handheld jointers, but they are weaker and less powerful than stationary jointers. They’re an excellent alternative for woodworkers with a small workspace because they take up less space than a fixed jointer.
The Value of Maintaining Your Wood Jointer Correctly
Maintaining your wood jointer properly is crucial for ensuring that it keeps operating at its peak performance. Regular maintenance will increase your machine’s performance and increase its lifespan, making your woodworking operations simpler and more productive. Here are some pointers for maintaining your wood jointer properly:
Keep the jointer’s bed clear of sawdust to prevent inaccurate cuts. Over time, sawdust can build up on the jointer’s bed. This can be avoided by routinely cleaning the bed with a gentle brush or cloth.
Lubricate moving parts: Your jointer’s infeed and outfeed tables, as well as the blades, can run more smoothly and endure less wear and strain if they are regularly lubricated.
The infeed and outfeed tables on your jointer may fall out of alignment over time, which can result in inaccurate cuts. To correct this, adjust the tables. This can be avoided by regularly examining and modifying these tables.
Routinely inspect the blades: Dull blades can result in tear-out and harsh cuts, therefore it’s crucial to regularly inspect the blades on your jointer for dullness or chips. Keeping your cuts of a high caliber requires replacing dull blades.
When not in use, store your jointer in a dry, sheltered area to guard against corrosion and other types of damage.
By adhering to these suggestions, you can make sure that your wood jointer keeps operating at its peak efficiency, making your woodworking chores simpler and more productive.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Wood Jointer
Benchtop jointers and floor-standing jointers are the two primary categories of wood jointers. When not in use, benchtop jointers are more portable, compact, and convenient to store. They are perfect for tiny workplaces or for people who only infrequently need to use the tool. On the other hand, floor-standing jointers are bigger, stronger, and come with more functionality. They are best for professional woodworkers who need to use the tool on a daily basis because they are frequently utilized in commercial settings.
It’s crucial to think about your needs and the type of work you’ll be using the wood jointer for before selecting one. A benchtop jointer may be the ideal choice if you just need to use the instrument rarely. A floor-standing jointer can be a better option if you’re a professional woodworker who needs to use the equipment on a regular basis.
How to Effectively and Safely Use a Wood Jointer
Knowing how to use a wood jointer safely and effectively is crucial because the instrument can be harmful to use if you’re not familiar with it. Here are some pointers to get you going:
Read the instruction manual: It’s crucial to read the instruction handbook and comprehend the wood jointer’s capabilities and restrictions before using it.
Wear the right safety equipment: To protect yourself from flying noise and debris when using your wood jointer, it’s vital to wear the right safety equipment, such as safety glasses and ear protection.
Use the right method: It’s crucial to use the right technique when operating your wood jointer, which includes keeping your hands away from the blades and applying steady, equal pressure.
Adjust the fence: It’s crucial to set the fence on your wood jointer at the right angle for the operation at hand.
Important Considerations When Purchasing a Wood Jointer
There are a number of important factors to take into account when choosing a wood jointer. These consist of:
Cutting width: A jointer’s cutting width is a crucial consideration because it affects how wide a board you can work with. Working with wider boards will be possible with a greater cutting breadth, but this will also require a bigger, heavier equipment.
Power: A jointer’s motor determines its power, which is expressed in horsepower. A machine with a more powerful motor will operate more effectively, but at a higher cost.
Fence: The fence, which aids in guiding the board while you work, is an essential part of a jointer. A high-quality fence need to be stable, simple to adjust, and accurate.
How long a board you can work with depends on the jointer’s bed length. In order to work with longer boards, you need a machine that is bigger and heavier, which comes with a longer bed.
A jointer’s speed is expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM). Faster cutting speed is associated with higher RPM, but it also increases noise and vibration.
Top 5 Wood Jointers: An in-depth Evaluation
1) 13-Inch Two-Speed Planer, DEWALT DW735X: Professional woodworkers and carpenters will love this sturdy jointer. It has a strong 15-amp motor, a cutting width of 13 inches, and a two-speed mechanism that lets you change the cutting speed to suit the material you’re working with.
2) The JET JJP-12 12-Inch Planer/Jointer Combo is a multipurpose tool that combines the capabilities of a jointer and a planer, making it the perfect choice for users that require both features in a small machine. It has a strong 1.5 horsepower motor, a cutting width of 12 inches, and an angle-adjustable fence.
4)For individuals who require a jointer and a planer in one device, the GRIZZLY G0634Z 12-Inch Planer/Jointer is ideal. With a 3-horsepower motor, a 12-inch cutting width, and a cast iron table that offers a steady, flat platform for your work, it has all the functionality you could want.
3) The POWERTEC BJ600 Benchtop Jointer is a tiny, portable jointer that is perfect for sporadic use or for small workshops. It has a 6-inch cutting width, a strong 6-amp motor, and an adjustable fence that yields exact results.
5) SHOP FOX W1829 Benchtop Jointer: Designed for both professional and amateur woodworkers, this benchtop jointer is of the highest caliber. It has a robust 2 horsepower motor, a 6-inch cutting breadth, and an easy-to-store compact design.
Conclusion
As a result, wood jointers are crucial equipment for woodworkers and carpenters. They are used for a range of jobs, such as rounding off rough edges, flattening boards, and producing joints that are precisely oriented. It’s crucial to take the cutting breadth, power, fence, bed length, and speed into account when selecting a wood jointer. The top-notch wood jointers include the DEWALT DW735X, JET JJP-12, GRIZZLY G0634Z, POWERTEC BJ600, and SHOP FOX W1829, all of which offer a variety of features and advantages.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a wood jointer?
A wood jointer is used to flatten boards, sand down sharp edges, and make precisely angled joins.
What distinguishes a tabletop jointer from a floor-standing jointer?
When not in use, a benchtop jointer is smaller, more manageable, and simpler to store. A jointer that is floor-standing is bigger, more powerful, and has more functions.
What factors should I think about while selecting a wood jointer?
You should think about the cutting breadth, power, fence, bed length, and speed when selecting a wood jointer.
What is the strongest wood jointer currently available?
The most potent motor is found in the GRIZZLY G0634Z, which boasts a 3 horsepower motor.
What wood jointer fits the bill the best?
Budget-friendly and offering good performance and quality for the price is the POWERTEC BJ600.
