I'm considering buying a 10" benchtop jointer since I already have a 6" floor model for edge jointing. My main focus with this new tool would be face jointing. I've noticed that with benchtop jointers, you can typically manage 3-4' lengths at most. What do you all think? Would a 10" benchtop jointer be a good investment, or am I off base here?
3 Answers
You can get by face jointing 10" boards with a 6" jointer; I’ve done it before. I just use a handplane for wider boards, then run them through the planer. It might not be perfect, but it gets the job done.
I've got a few #5 planes myself. Have you thought about trying a longer plane for face jointing? I’m considering picking up an old Miller Falls jointer plane.
Honestly, for 10" wide boards, you might have better luck with a planer sled. They can make the process easier, even if it feels slow sometimes.
Yeah, I have one too. It does take a bit longer.
A 10” benchtop jointer might struggle with power, depending on the motor type—look for induction vs. universal. I found one that weighs 72 lbs, and I think it’d need to be secured to avoid any wobbling. I wouldn’t recommend taking more than a 1/16 depth at a time.
I always stick to 1/16 anyway, which seems totally fine. And yeah, bolting it down seems wise.
True, it seems fast and simple. I’ve jointed wider boards with my 6" as well, but it can be slow. Plus, some boards are tricky, and I end up wasting material.