Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for a benchtop jointer that costs under $300 since I don't see myself using it a ton. I've been checking Facebook Marketplace for months but haven't found any good used options. I need a compact model because I don't have a shop—everything is stored on walls and shelves until I take it out for projects. Currently, I'm looking at brands like Craftsman, WEN (various models), Bauer, and Grizzly. A 6" model should be fine since most of the projects I work on involve material that's 6" or smaller.
3 Answers
I’m right there with you on the WEN. I have their 8” model, which was about $400. If the 6” is anything like it, it’ll serve you well. I haven't used it for anything larger than 6” yet, but it was super easy to set up and use.
I bought the WEN 10 Amp 6 in. Spiral Benchtop Jointer a few months ago for about $257 at Home Depot, and I've been really happy with it. I hardly had to make any adjustments right out of the box and I use it for most of my projects.
Are you sure you actually need a jointer? I'd personally go over a stack of benchtop jointers just to get to a number 7 jointer plane. I do have a long bed jointer, but I once had to deal with a twisted 8' 4x4 and ended up using a hand planer to fix it because the twist made it tough to get it flat on the jointer. Hand planes can do a lot, including making "spring joints."
I definitely want it mainly for fixing cupping and warps, and maybe for edge jointing. I use a few planes, but if they mess up the boards, I’d prefer to avoid that. Plus, it would help a lot with squaring up Douglas fir since I make plenty of benches and potting stations.
That sounds great! I’m leaning towards the WEN or maybe the Grizzly. I really appreciate your feedback! Finding a used or open-box one would be ideal, but I guess I’ll have to settle for new.