Best Jointer Planer: Top 5 Picks for Woodworking

A jointer planer combo is a versatile power tool that allows you to surface, straighten, and square pieces of wood. Also, it ensures that the finished pieces are precise and of high quality. Numerous jointer planers are available, but how do you determine which to select for your next woodworking task?

When considering getting a planer jointer combo, consider the construction material. You should look for models from sturdy materials such as cast iron, steel, or aluminum. It is also important to consider the motor amperage to achieve better cutting accuracy and precision.

Today we will discuss the five best jointer planers and the top features you must consider when choosing the right one for your carpentry work. These woodworking machines cover everything from build quality, cutter head type, price, and budget. So let’s discuss.

Five Best Jointer Planer Combo Machines

A jointer planer combo saves time on two separate machines and ensures greater accuracy and consistency. But with so many planer jointer options available on the market, which machine is truly the greatest for any woodworking task? The following are the five most recommended jointer planer combos you can consider:

1. PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer Planer Combo Machine

One of the best jointer planer combos is the PORTER-CABLE jointer planer combo machine. With variable speed, a two-knife cutter head, and a spacious table, these compact powerhouses are ideal for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Key Features:

• Variable speed range: 6,000 to 11,000 RPM
• Two-knife cutter head with easy adjustments
• Extra large planer table for ample work support
• Effective jointing for squaring and fence adjustment
• Efficient dust collection system with shop vac recommendation

Variable Speed and Cutter Head Features

One standout feature of the PORTER-CABLE jointer planers is the 6,000 to 11,000 RPM speed range for 6″ jointer and 12, 000 to 22, 000 CPM (cuts per minute) for planer. This allows users to adjust the machine speed to match the needs of different wood species and cutting depths.

Also, the two-knife cutter head features a jack screw knife adjusting arrangement and a built-in cutter head lock for easy adjustments and increased precision.

Ample Work Support and Easy Assembly

Despite its compact size, this jointer planer combo boasts an extra large table for maximum work support and is easy to assemble. Some users claim that setup is a breeze and the machine works well right out of the box.

Jointing Capabilities and Dust Collection

One of the primary functions of a jointer planer combo machine is jointing capabilities, and these PORTER-CABLE Benchtop jointer planers do not disappoint.

Users report successful jointing of cupped cherry boards and accurate squaring up and fence adjustment. The dust collection system also works well, though a powerful shop vac is recommended for best results.

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2. Wahuda Tools Jointer 8-inch Benchtop Combo Machine

The Wahuda Tools 8-inch jointer planers are versatile, compact woodworking machines that easily create flat surfaces and edges. With its spiral cutterhead featuring four-sided carbide inserts, these jointer planer combo machines offer sharper and quieter cutting precision.

Key Features:

• 8-inch jointer planer combo
• 16 four-sided carbide cutters
• 120V Motor with 12,000 RPM
• Durable aluminum adjustable fence

Quieter and Sharper Cutting Precision

Its spiral cutterhead features 16 four-sided carbide cutters, providing a smoother cut than helical cutters or traditional straight blades. This jointer planer combo operates at a lower decibel level than many other compact jointer planer combination machines with similar cutting ability.

Also, the 120V motor with a fixed 12,000 RPM ensures steady and reliable performance. The Wahuda 8 jointer’s adjustable and expandable cast iron jointer tables provide stability and make it the ideal jointer planer for job sites and small shops.

Cast Iron Jointer Tables for Stability and Flexibility

The Wahuda 8 jointer’s cast iron infeed and outfeed tables are adjustable and expandable for ultimate stability and flexibility. Whether you need to join long boards or work with shorter stock, these jointer tables provide the necessary support and alignment.

Setup and Usage

This jointer runs smoothly without bogging down and creates flat surfaces and edges without sniping. Also, the fence is adjustable with leveling screws and made of aluminum, providing a durable and reliable jointer fence.

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3. CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer Planer Combos

For those who enjoy woodworking, the CRAFTSMAN jointer planer combo is crucial in any carpenter’s toolkit. This machine allows you to combine two pieces of wood while planning it down to the desired thickness.

Key Features:

• Variable speed feature for soft and hard woods
• Extra-large 6-3/16 X 30 inches outfeed table
• Center-mounted fence for precise cuts
• Built-in planer cutterhead lock

Variable Speed Feature for Soft and Hardwoods

The benchtop jointer planer machine is known for its variable speed feature, which is useful when working with different types of wood with varying densities. This feature is especially useful in selecting the right speed for the project.

Extra-Large Outfeed Table and Center Mounted Fence

This jointer planer machine also comes equipped with an extra-large table, measuring 6-3/16 X 30 inches, which can accommodate larger pieces of wood and make the process more efficient. It also has a center-mounted fence allowing precise and accurate cuts.

Built-In Planter Cutterhead Lock for Convenience

Another feature that sets this jointer machine apart is its built-in planter cutter lock. This lock secures the cutterhead in place, ensuring accuracy in the cuts and safety for the user.

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4. WEN Spiral Benchtop Planer Jointer Combo

The WEN spiral cutter heads planer jointer is an excellent machine that promises to deliver efficient cutting, clean finishes, and ease of use. This machine helps save time, money, and space by combining two essential tools into one compact machine.

Key Features:

• 12 staggered HSS blades
• Helical cutter head with carbide inserts
• Flexible cutting depth
• Space-saving design

Efficient Cutting with Spiral Cutter Head

One of the most impressive features of the WEN planer jointer combo is its spiral cutter head system with 12 staggered HSS blades. This system efficiently cuts through wood, giving clean finishes and minimal tear-out. The helical cutterhead also has carbide inserts for enhanced durability, sharpness, and longevity.

Flexible Cutting Depth and Maximum Cutting Width

This combo has a 6-inch jointer and handles wood up to 30 inches wide. It can remove material up to 1/8 of an inch with each pass, allowing for flexibility in the depth of cut. This planer jointer machine has adjustable infeed and outfeed tables that enable you to work with longer pieces of wood.

Jointer and Planer Modes

The WEN planer jointer is a combo machine that can function as both a jointer and a planer. This machine has separate infeed and outfeed tables for both functions, allowing quick and easy switching between planer and jointer modes. This feature saves time and maximizes efficiency.

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5. RIKON Power Tools Helical Cutter Head Jointer Planer

Do you need a versatile jointer planer combo for your timber-working needs? Get your hands on the RIKON Power Tools jointer planer. These compact jointer planer combo machines have a powerful motor, a large cutting capacity and width, and a helical cutterhead that ensures smooth and clean cuts.

Key Features:

• Powerful 10-amp motor
• 12 high-speed steel inserts
• Large cutting width and depth
• 90 to 45 degrees for bevel cuts
• Spring-loaded safety guard on the fence

Helical Cutterhead

One of the standout features of the RIKON jointer planer combo is its helical cutter head. This 6-row helical-style cutterhead has 12 high-speed steel inserts, providing superior cutting performance and reducing noise and vibration. The helical head produces less tear-out and smoother finishes than traditional straight knives.

Large Table and Fence

This planer jointer combo has a large 30-inch by 6-3/16-inch table, providing ample space for jointing and planing boards up to 6 inches wide. The table is made of machined aluminum, which is durable and smooth.

Also, the adjustable fence can tilt from 90 degrees to 45 degrees for bevel cuts. The fence also has a spring-loaded safety guard that keeps your hands away from the cutterhead and prevents kickback.

Powerful Motor and Quick Depth Setting

The RIKON jointer planer combo has a powerful 10-amp motor that can handle tough hardwoods and softwoods. The motor runs smoothly and does not strain even when cutting at maximum depth.

This machine also has a quick depth setting mechanism with a scale that allows you to set the depth of cut accurately and easily. The depth scale is visible and easy to read, which saves you time and hassle.

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Comparison Table for the Best Planer Jointer Combo Machines

Feature	PORTER-CABLE(PC160JT)	Wahuda Tools(50110CC-WHD)	CRAFTSMAN(‎CMEW020)	WEN(‎JT630H)	RIKON Power Tools(20-600H)
Cutter Head	Two-knife	Spiral (16 cutters)	Single-knife	Spiral (12 cutters)	Helical (12 inserts)
Table Size	Extra large	Adjustable & expandable	Extra large	Adjustable & expandable	Large
Cutting Width	Up to 6″	Up to 8″	–	Up to 6″	Up to 6″
Spiral Cutter Head	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Variable Speed	Yes	No	Yes	No	No
Infeed/Outfeed Tables	Adjustable	Expandable	Extra-large	Adjustable	Large
Fence	Adjustable	Adjustable	Center-mounted	–	Adjustable

How to Select a Top Jointer Planer Combo?

When choosing the most suitable jointer planer combo machines, there are several key points to consider, such as:

1. Build Quality

To ensure a durable and stable planer jointer, look for models with sturdy materials like cast iron, steel, or aluminum. These materials are known for their strength and ability to withstand heavy use without warping or bending.

Cast iron, in particular, is a popular choice due to its excellent vibration-dampening properties, which helps minimize shaking and movement during operation.

Steel is also a great option as it provides durability and rigidity while being lightweight. Aluminum is another good choice as it balances strength and weight, making it easier to move around if needed.

2. Space and Size

When choosing a planer jointer, ensure it fits comfortably without compromising your workspace. Start by measuring the length, width, and height of the machine. Take into account any additional space needed for maneuvering around it.

Consider the size of your workshop and how much room you have available for the planer jointer. Consider any other equipment or workstations nearby when determining where to place the machine.

3. Cutter Head Type

It’s also important to consider the specific requirements of your projects when choosing the right cutter head type for your planer jointer. Spiral and helical cutter heads have distinct advantages for different woodworking shop needs.

A spiral cutter head is a versatile option that offers cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Its design features multiple small cutting edges arranged in a spiral pattern, which ensures smooth and clean cuts on various wood types.

Conversely, a helical cutter head would be more suitable if you frequently work with harder woods. Its angled cutting edges positioned strategically along the cylindrical drum provide exceptional cutting performance and durability when dealing with dense materials.

4. Cutting Accuracy

For accurate cuts, make sure your jointer planer combo has high cutting precision. Cutting accuracy is important when choosing the best jointer planers for your project. A jointer planer combo with superior cutting precision will give you clean and smooth surfaces, producing high-quality finished pieces.

To achieve this, look for machines with precise fence adjustments. These adjustments allow you to achieve accurate angles and straight edges effortlessly. 

Also, consider models with helical cutter heads. These heads have multiple small carbide inserts that create a shearing action. This reduces tear-out and ensures consistent results across different types of wood.

Investing in a jointer planer combo with high cutting accuracy will improve your work’s quality and make your woodworking experience more enjoyable.

5. Motor Power

The motor power of a jointer planer directly affects its performance and ability to handle different types of wood. Higher horsepower (HP) is particularly beneficial for larger or denser materials.

A more powerful motor can effortlessly cut through hardwoods like oak or walnut, ensuring smooth and accurate results. Alternatively, a lower HP motor may suit your needs if you primarily work with softer woods like pine or cedar.

Matching jointer glider motor power with the type of wood you commonly work with is essential to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

6. Cutting Capacity

To ensure you can handle a wide range of wood sizes, consider the machine’s cutting capacity. The cutting capacity refers to the maximum width and depth the jointer planer can accommodate.

A larger cutting capacity allows you to work with bigger pieces of wood, providing greater versatility for your projects. When considering the cutting capacity, consider the width and depth measurements.

Some machines may have a wide width capacity but limited depth, while others may have a deep depth but narrower width. Choosing a jointer planer with a cutting capacity that aligns with your specific woodworking needs is essential.

7. Dust Collection Port

The jointer planer combo should have a dust collector port that effectively removes dust from the workspace. This is essential because effective dust collection keeps your workspace clean and improves overall safety and health.

When operating a jointer planer combo, the cutting process generates a significant amount of fine dust particles that can be harmful when inhaled. A reliable dust collection system will prevent these particles from becoming airborne and settling on surfaces or being breathed in by you or others nearby.

Look for a jointer planer combo with a well-designed dust collection port that efficiently captures and contains the dust. Ensure it has sufficient airflow and proper filtration to remove even the finest particles, keeping your working environment clean and hazard-free.

8. Price and Budget

A jointer planer combo is an investment in your woodworking projects, and you want a machine that will deliver precise and accurate results. A higher price tag indicates better build quality, durability, and performance.

Cheaper options may compromise on these essential factors, leading to frustration and disappointment in the long run. Researching and comparing different models can help you find the perfect jointer planer combo that offers excellent value for your budget without sacrificing quality or performance.

What is a jointer planer combo primarily used for?

A jointer planer combo is primarily used for creating a smooth and even surface along the length of a board. This versatile same machine combines the functions of both a planer and a jointer, making it an essential tool for any woodworking project.

When using the jointer function, the machine flattens one face of the board and squares up one edge, ensuring you have a straight reference surface.

The planer function then allows you to remove any imperfections or inconsistencies in thickness across the board, resulting in a uniform and level surface.

Whether working on furniture, cabinets, or other wooden projects, a jointer planer combo is crucial for achieving professional-looking results by precisely controlling your material’s dimensions.

What is the thinnest board I can run through a jointer planer?

You can run boards as thin as 1/8′ through a jointer planer. This means the machine might not effectively process any board thinner than this.

Remember that running extremely thin boards through a jointer planer can be challenging because they may need more material for the machine’s feed rollers to grip securely. There is a risk of tear-out or damage if the board is too thin or delicate.

Is it OK to run plywood through a planer?

Plywood presents unique challenges due to its adhesive layers and fibrous grains. These characteristics can accelerate tool wear and cause machine parts to become clogged with long chips.

However, with proper precautions, it is possible to plane plywood effectively. To minimize the risk of damage, ensure your planer blades are sharp and in good condition.

Also, take lighter passes when feeding plywood through the machine to prevent excessive strain on the tool and reduce tear-out. Using a dust collection system is also advisable to remove any dust accumulating during the process.

Choose the Best Jointer Planer Combo for Flawless Woodworking Results

Finding the best jointer planer combo for your woodworking needs requires careful consideration of several essential features. From space and size to cutting accuracy to power and capacity, your jointer planer combo should be high quality, durable, and efficient.

While some may argue that a separate jointer and planer offer more precision and versatility, a combo’s convenience and space-saving benefits must be considered. With proper setup and care, running plywood through a jointer planer is fine.

Even though all the jointer planers we discussed above are of the highest quality, the PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer Planer Combo Machine provides the best performance. So don’t hesitate to invest in a high-quality jointer planer combo and create perfectly smooth and straight boards for your woodworking projects.