#1
WEN JT1224HWEN JT1224H 12in Spiral Benchtop Jointer
A 12 in spiral cutterhead with 24 inserts, a cast iron table, and a 2-year warranty.
- Cutting width
- 12 in
- Motor power
- —
- Weight
- 103 lb
Jointers · 8 compared side by side
Best Benchtop Jointers in 2027
A benchtop jointer needs to be small enough to move and store, yet wide enough to flatten the boards you actually work with. Cutterhead width, cutterhead type, and table length decide most of that. Motor power matters too, but many makers don't publish it. We put 8 products on one spec sheet so you can compare width, inserts, weight, and fence design in one place.
Quick answer
- Best overall: WEN JT1224H (#1, Best Score 80; cutting width 12 in)
- #1 on our Best Score: CUTECH 401120HI-IF (#2, Best Score 80; cutting width 12 in)
- Mid-size 8 in spiral: CUTECH 40180HB (#3, Best Score 62; cutting width 8 in)
Ranked from 8 jointers that met our standard, compared on cutterhead width, cutterhead type, motor power.
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Top picks
#2
CUTECH 401120HI-IFCUTECH 12-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
Fence range runs 90 to 135 degrees on a 12 in cast iron machine.
- Cutting width
- 12 in
- Motor power
- —
- Weight
- 112 lb
#3
CUTECH 40180HBCutech 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer 40180HB
An 8 in spiral head at 55.1 lb, between the 6 in and 12 in models.
- Cutting width
- 8 in
- Motor power
- —
- Weight
- 55 lb
Comparison table
Swipe or scroll sideways to see every model.| Spec | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Scoreout of 100 | 80 | 80 | 62 | 54 | 49 | 42 | 39 | 36 |
| Cutting widthin | 12 in (best in row) | 12 in (best in row) | 8 in | 6 in | 6 in | 6 in | 6 in | 6 in |
| Motor powerHP | — | — | — | — | 2.0 HP (best in row) | — | 1.5 HP | 1.5 HP |
| Cutterhead type | spiral (best in row) | spiral (best in row) | spiral (best in row) | — | straight_knife | straight_knife | spiral (best in row) | spiral (best in row) |
| Cutting insertscount | 24 count (best in row) | 24 count (best in row) | 16 count | — | — | — | 12 count | 12 count |
| Max depth of cutin | 0.125 in | 0.125 in | 0.125 in | 0.125 in | 0.125 in | 0.125 in | 0.125 in | 0.125 in |
| Table lengthin | 34 in (best in row) | 34 in (best in row) | 34 in (best in row) | 30 in | 23 in | — | 30 in | — |
| Fence lengthin | 24.0 in (best in row) | 24.0 in (best in row) | 19.6 in | 19.8 in | — | — | — | — |
| Fence bevel rangedeg | 0–45 | 90–135 (best in row) | — | 0–45 | — | 90–135 (best in row) | — | 90–135 (best in row) |
| Table material | cast_iron (best in row) | cast_iron (best in row) | aluminum | — | aluminum | — | — | aluminum |
| Weightlb | 103 lb | 112 lb | 55 lb | — | 21 lb (best in row) | 23 lb | — | — |
| Portable benchtop design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warrantyyr | 2 years | — | — | 2 years | — | — | — | — |
Best in row— not published by the maker yet
How we chose
We reviewed 25 jointers and kept only the 8 that pass every check below. Those are ranked by a Best Score built from spec fit for this job, warranty, sales rank.
- 4.0★ or higherAverage customer rating
- Proven demand25+ reviews or an Amazon sales rank
- In stockAvailable to order when checked
- 50%+ specs knownEnough data to compare fairly
In-depth reviews
These reviews are based on specifications and listing information, not hands-on use. We cover the five top-ranked models on our Best Score.
Best overall
WEN JT1224HWEN JT1224H 12in Spiral Benchtop Jointer
A 12 in spiral jointer that leads our ranking
- Cutterhead type
- spiral (best of the reviewed tools)
- Motor power
- —
- Table length
- 34 in (best of the reviewed tools)
- Weight
- 103 lb
It has a 12 in cutting width, the highest in this lineup, shared with one other model. That width lets you flatten wide boards that 6 in machines cannot take.
The spiral cutterhead carries 24 inserts, which is the highest count here. The listing describes them as staggered HSS blades. Max depth of cut is 0.125 in per pass. The table is cast iron and 34 in long, which gives a board more support as it passes over the cutterhead.
The fence is 24 in long and bevels from 0 to 45 degrees. It is also one of two models with the longest fence. At 102.8 lb, it is still labeled portable, but it is far heavier than the 6 in models. The maker lists a 2-year warranty and does not publish motor power.
Pros
- 12 in cutting width
- 24 inserts on spiral head
- Cast iron table, 34 in
Cons
- Heavy at 102.8 lb
- Motor power not published
- Buy it if
- you need to flatten wide boards on a bench.
- Skip it if
- you must lift the machine often.
VerdictIt offers the widest cut and the most inserts, and it earns first place.
#1 on our Best Score
CUTECH 401120HI-IFCUTECH 12-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
Same 12 in capacity, with a different fence angle
- Cutterhead type
- spiral (best of the reviewed tools)
- Motor power
- —
- Table length
- 34 in (best of the reviewed tools)
- Weight
- 112 lb
The CUTECH 401120HI-IF ranks second at 80. Its core specs match the WEN closely: 12 in cutting width, a spiral head with 24 inserts, 0.125 in depth of cut, and a 34 in cast iron table.
The fence is the main difference. It is 24 in long and set to 90 to 135 degrees, so it is measured from the table rather than from vertical. The listing mentions quick stops at 90 and 135 degrees, plus taller fence brackets for stability.
This is the heaviest model in the lineup at 111.8 lb. The listing calls the motor 12 amp, but gives no horsepower figure. No warranty length is listed in the data. The inserts are two-sided, per the listing.
Pros
- 12 in cutting width
- 24 inserts, two-sided
- Fence quick stops at 90 and 135
Cons
- Heaviest at 111.8 lb
- No warranty length listed
- Buy it if
- you want a 12 in cast iron jointer with fence stops.
- Skip it if
- weight and storage are a concern.
VerdictIt is a close second to the WEN, with a similar cut and a different fence.
Mid-size 8 in spiral
CUTECH 40180HBCutech 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer 40180HB
An 8 in spiral jointer that stays lighter
- Cutterhead type
- spiral (best of the reviewed tools)
- Motor power
- —
- Table length
- 34 in (best of the reviewed tools)
- Weight
- 55 lb
The Cutech 40180HB ranks third at 60. It has an 8 in cutting width, wider than the 6 in models but narrower than the 12 in pair.
It has a spiral cutterhead with 16 inserts and a 0.125 in maximum depth of cut. The table is 34 in long, matching the longest in the lineup, though it is aluminum. The listing says a 6H Teflon coating hardens the surface.
The fence is 19.625 in long, the shortest among the models that list it, with quick stops at 90 and 135 degrees. The unit weighs 55.1 lb. Motor power and warranty are not published in the data.
Pros
- 8 in spiral cutterhead
- 34 in table
- 55.1 lb, easier to move
Cons
- Shortest fence listed
- Motor power not published
- Buy it if
- you want more width than 6 in but less weight.
- Skip it if
- you want a cast iron table.
VerdictA middle option that adds width and a long table at moderate weight.
#4 on our Best Score
WEN JT3062WEN JT3062 10-Amp 6-Inch 2-Blade Benchtop Jointer, Black
A 6 in two-blade jointer with a bevel fence
- Cutterhead type
- —
- Motor power
- —
- Table length
- 30 in
- Weight
- —
The WEN JT3062 ranks fourth at 54. It has a 6 in cutting width, which is fine for edges and narrow boards but not for wide stock. Depth of cut is 0.125 in.
The data does not give a horsepower figure, insert count, or table material.
The table is 30 in long. The fence is 19.75 in long and bevels from 0 to 45 degrees. WEN lists a 2-year warranty and includes two push blocks. Weight is not published, though it is listed as portable.
Pros
- Bevels 0 to 45 degrees
- 2-year warranty
- Includes two push blocks
Cons
- Only 6 in wide
- Weight not published
- Buy it if
- you joint narrow stock and want a warranty.
- Skip it if
- you want a spiral cutterhead.
VerdictA basic 6 in option with a bevel fence and warranty coverage.
Lightest in the lineup
VEVOR M1B-LS-1558VEVOR 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer
The lightest jointer, with a 2 HP motor
- Cutterhead type
- straight_knife
- Motor power
- 2.0 HP
- Table length
- 23 in
- Weight
- 21 lb (best of the reviewed tools)
It weighs 21.16 lb, the lowest in the lineup, so it is the easiest to carry and store.
It lists 2 HP, the highest motor power among the three models that publish it. The cutterhead is straight knife with two blades, and the cutting width is 6 in. Max depth of cut is 0.125 in.
The table is aluminum and 23 in long, the shortest here. That gives less support for longer boards. Fence length, bevel range, and warranty are not published in the data. It suits short workpieces in a tight space.
Pros
- Lightest at 21.16 lb
- 2 HP listed
- Compact for small shops
Cons
- Shortest table at 23 in
- Fence details not published
- Buy it if
- you need a very portable machine for short stock.
- Skip it if
- you joint long boards often.
VerdictA light, compact jointer for short workpieces, with limited fence information.
Best among the reviewed tools
Buying guide
Match width to your boards
Cutting width sets the widest board you can flatten on one face. Six in handles edges and narrow stock. Eight in adds some room. Twelve in covers wide boards, but those machines here weigh over 100 lb.
Spiral or straight knives
A spiral head uses many small inserts, and you rotate each one when it dulls. Straight knife heads use two blades. In this lineup, spiral models list 12 to 24 inserts.
Check table length
A longer table supports the board before and after the cut. This lineup runs from 23 in to 34 in among models that list it. Short tables suit short stock best.
Weigh portability against capacity
Weights here range from 21.16 lb to 111.8 lb among models that list it. A light unit is easy to store. A heavier cast iron machine adds width and table support.
FAQ
What is the widest benchtop jointer here?
Two models offer a 12 in cutting width: the WEN JT1224H and the CUTECH 401120HI-IF. Both have spiral cutterheads with 24 inserts and 34 in cast iron tables. Every other model is 6 in or 8 in wide.
Which benchtop jointer is the lightest?
The VEVOR M1B-LS-1558 is the lightest at 21.16 lb among models that list weight. The WOODSTARTER BJ12K follows at 23.26 lb. The heaviest listed is the CUTECH 401120HI-IF at 111.8 lb.
Is a spiral cutterhead better than straight knives?
A spiral head uses many small inserts that you rotate when one dulls. Straight knife heads use two blades. Five models here list spiral heads, and two list straight knives. The choice depends on how you want to maintain it.
How deep can a benchtop jointer cut?
Every model that lists depth of cut gives 0.125 in, or 1/8 in, per pass. For heavier stock removal, you make more passes. Cutting width and table length vary much more between models.
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