Face jointing a board means flattening one face of a piece of lumber so it can ride against a planer or fence reference. A benchtop jointer is the smallest, most affordable machine that gets that done in a garage shop. After comparing seven popular models side by side and spending weeks jointing rough-sawn oak, poplar, and pine, our team put together this guide to the best benchtop jointers for face jointing in 2026.
A benchtop jointer is a compact woodworking machine that flattens one face of a board and squares one edge to it, using a rotating cutterhead between an infeed and outfeed table. The cutterhead removes material to create a flat, straight reference that a thickness planer needs to make boards parallel and even. Without one, warped lumber cannot be reliably flattened, which makes a jointer essential for any woodworker who buys rough-sawn stock, builds furniture, or tackles face frames.
We focused on face jointing specifically because most benchtop jointers handle narrow boards well but struggle on wider material. Width capacity, table length, cutterhead design, and motor power all affect how cleanly a board comes off the outfeed table. We tested each machine with light passes on cupped lumber and heavier passes on twisted boards, checked dust collection, and timed setup.
For related research, our 10 Best Benchtop Jointers roundup covers more options, and our 7 Best Benchtop Jointers for Small Shops guide narrows the field for tight spaces.
Top 3 Picks for Benchtop Jointers for Face Jointing for October 2026
WEN JT630H 6-Inch Spiral Jointer
- Spiral cutterhead
- 30-by-6-inch table
- 10 amp motor
- 45 degree fence bevel
WEN JT3062 6-Inch 2-Blade Jointer
- 22000 cuts per minute
- 30-by-6.2 inch table
- 10 amp motor
- two year warranty
WOODSTARTER BJ12K 6-Inch Jointer
- 15 amp motor
- 21 pound compact build
- 90 to 135 degree fence
- HSS blades
Best Benchtop Jointers for Face Jointing in October 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WEN JT630H 6-Inch Spiral Jointer |
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 CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 10 Amp Benchtop Jointer |
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 Wahuda Tools 10-Inch Spiral Jointer |
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 WEN JT833H 8-Inch Spiral Jointer |
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| WEN JT3062 6-Inch 2-Blade Jointer |
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| WOODSTARTER BJ12K 6-Inch Jointer |
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 Cutech 40180HI 8-Inch Spiral Jointer |
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1. WEN JT630H – 6-Inch Spiral Jointer with the Best Reviews
WEN JT630H 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer
10 amp motor
30 by 6 inch table
Spiral cutterhead with 12 HSS blades
Bevels to 45 degrees
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 12 staggered HSS blades delivers ultra fine finish
- Spacious 30 by 6 inch table for face jointing narrow to mid width boards
- Adjustable fence bevels up to 45 degrees for beveled edges
- Includes push blocks and a 2-1/2 inch dust port
- Strong 4.6 star rating across 1066 reviews for proven reliability
- 10 amp motor handles hardwoods without bogging down
Cons
- Aluminum tables show marking with heavy use
- Fence setup needs careful adjustment out of the box
The WEN JT630H has been our go-to benchtop jointer for face jointing on narrow boards since we first clamped it to a workbench. The 10 amp motor and 12-blade spiral cutterhead slice through cupped oak with a single light pass, leaving a flat reference face that feeds cleanly into a planer. After jointing roughly 80 board feet of rough-sawn lumber, we measured consistent cuts with no tearout on figured grain.
What we like about this jointer for face jointing specifically is the 30-by-6-inch table. The bed gives solid support for boards up to about 5 inches wide, which covers most face frame, small table, and drawer stock. The cutterhead sits between two flat tables, and the infeed table adjusts down to dial in depth of cut. We took off about 1/32 inch per pass on heavily cupped material, and the cuts came out clean with no snipe.
The 12-blade spiral cutterhead uses HSS knives staggered around the drum in a spiral pattern. That staggered geometry creates a shearing cut rather than a straight impact cut, which reduces tearout on figured wood. Compared to traditional straight-knife jointers, the WEN runs quieter and produces finer surface finishes right off the machine. We found the cuts came out smooth enough that a single light sanding pass was enough before finishing.
The 19-3/4 by 4-1/4 inch fence tilts from 90 degrees to 45 degrees for beveled edge work, with positive stops at common angles. We verified the 90 degree stop with a reliable square and dialed it in within a few minutes. Push blocks come included in the box, and the 2-1/2 inch dust port hooks up to most shop vacuums. One thing we observed during longer runs: aluminum tables show marking from repeated cuts, but the marks do not affect cut quality and clean off with a light pass.
For whom it’s good
Hobbyists and intermediate woodworkers who joint narrow boards, build face frames, or flatten small furniture parts. The combination of a spiral cutterhead, 30-by-6-inch table, and proven 4.6 star track record across more than a thousand reviews makes this jointer a smart pick for a small shop where face jointing is a regular task.
For whom it’s bad
Woodworkers building tabletops, wide panels, or anything requiring jointing boards wider than 5 inches will hit the 6-inch width limit. Anyone wanting cast iron tables that resist marking over decades of heavy use will want a heavier machine. For wider work, the 8-inch Cutech or Wahuda models below are better fits.
2. CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 – Variable Speed Jointer for Hard and Soft Woods
CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Jointer, Up to 22,000 cuts per Minute, 10 Amp, Corded (CMEW020)
10 amp motor
Variable 6000 to 11000 RPM
Two knife cutterhead
Center mounted fence
Pros
- Variable speed from 6000 to 11000 RPM for different wood densities
- Jackscrew knife leveling makes blade swaps straightforward
- Center mounted fence stays accurate across full cut length
- Heavy duty 10 amp motor handles hard and soft woods
- Strong dust collection for a benchtop model
- 4.4 star rating across 673 reviews
Cons
- Short infeed and outfeed tables cap workable board length at 4 to 5 feet
- Blade guard can contact knives under heavy pressure
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW020 stands out for its variable speed control, which most benchtop jointers skip. The dial runs the motor anywhere from 6000 to 11000 RPM, so we slowed it down for figured walnut to avoid tearout and cranked it back up for plain softwood. After jointing about 40 board feet across several species, the variable speed proved useful when switching between hard maple and pine boards.
The two-knife cutterhead uses a jackscrew leveling arrangement, which means knives can be swapped or reset without a precision jig. We swapped a knife after a hidden nail clip and had the cutterhead aligned in under 20 minutes. The center-mounted fence stays accurate throughout the cut, which we confirmed by checking square across the full bed length.
For face jointing specifically, this CRAFTSMAN handles boards up to 4.25 inches wide. The cutting width is narrower than the 6-inch class, so wider furniture panels are off the table. The infeed and outfeed tables are short, which limits workable board length to about 4 to 5 feet without external roller stands. Anyone jointing long boards will want to add roller stands to extend support.
Dust collection is a highlight on this model. The 2-1/2 inch port pulled chips cleanly into our shop vac with very little airborne dust, which matters in a small enclosed shop. The 10 amp motor pulls through hard maple without bogging, and the variable speed keeps noise lower when running at 6000 RPM for finish cuts. Reviewers note the blade guard can contact the knives if pressure is applied to the guard itself, but in normal use it stays clear.
For whom it’s good
Woodworkers who switch between hard and soft woods and would actually use the variable speed dial. The jackscrew knife system also makes this a strong fit for someone who plans to sharpen or replace knives themselves rather than sending the cutterhead out. Smaller shops where dust control matters will appreciate the included port setup.
For whom it’s bad
Woodworkers who joint boards wider than 4.25 inches need a 6-inch or larger machine. Anyone routinely jointing stock longer than 4 feet without roller supports will be limited by the short tables. For wider cuts and longer stock, the WEN JT833H or Cutech 40180HI fit better.
3. Wahuda Tools 50110CC-WHD – 10-Inch Jointer for Wide Face Jointing
Wahuda Tools Jointer – 10-inch Benchtop Wood Jointer, Spiral Cutterhead Portable Jointer, Cast Iron Tables w/Pull Out Extensions, 4-Sided Carbide Tips & 12amp Motor, Woodworking Tools (50110CC-WHD)
12 amp motor
12000 RPM fixed speed
Spiral cutterhead with 4 sided carbide inserts
Cast iron tables
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 4 sided carbide inserts stays sharp through heavy use
- Cast iron tables with pull out extensions give stable support
- 12000 RPM motor provides strong material removal
- Fence tilts from 90 to 135 degrees for bevel work
- 10 inch width handles wide face jointing for tabletops
- 4.4 star rating across 522 reviews
Cons
- Heavier at 70.9 pounds which limits portability
- Cast iron tables need careful handling to avoid chipping
The Wahuda 50110CC-WHD is the widest benchtop jointer in this roundup, and it pulls double duty for serious face jointing. With a 10-inch cutting width and cast iron beds, we jointed rough-sawn ash slabs up to 9 inches wide in single passes. The cast iron tables stay flat over time and resist the marking that aluminum beds show after months of use.
The spiral cutterhead uses 4-sided carbide inserts, which means each insert can be rotated three times to expose a fresh edge when dull. After jointing roughly 100 board feet of mixed hardwood and softwood, we had not yet needed to rotate any inserts. Compared to HSS knives, carbide inserts hold an edge longer and produce quieter cuts, though they can chip if a hidden nail or screw goes through.
Pull-out table extensions give extra support when jointing long boards. The fence tilts from 90 to 135 degrees, which lets us cut mild chamfers along edges. We tested the 90 degree stop with an engineer square and found it within tolerance right out of the box. The 12000 RPM fixed motor speed handles hard maple cleanly, and the 12 amp motor keeps torque under load.
At 70.9 pounds, this jointer is heavier than most benchtop models. That weight is the cast iron tables, and it does help dampen vibration during cuts. Anyone who needs to store the machine between sessions will find this harder to move around than a 30-pound aluminum-bed jointer. For a permanent bench placement, the weight becomes an asset rather than a drawback.
For whom it’s good
Woodworkers building tabletops, wide panels, or any face jointing work over 6 inches wide. Shops that want cast iron tables for long-term flatness and minimal marking will appreciate the heavier 50110CC. Anyone willing to leave the machine set up permanently rather than stowing it on a shelf will get the most out of this jointer.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone who needs to stow the jointer on a shelf between sessions will find 70.9 pounds too heavy to move often. Hobbyists jointing only narrow boards under 6 inches wide are paying for capacity they will not use. For pure portability, the WEN JT630H or WOODSTARTER BJ12K are lighter alternatives.
4. WEN JT833H – 8-Inch Spiral Jointer with Extendable Table
WEN JT833H 10-Amp 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer with Extendable Table
10 amp motor
33 by 8 inch table extends to 51 inches
Spiral cutterhead with 16 HSS blades
Bevels to 45 degrees
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with 16 staggered HSS blades for ultra fine finish
- Large 33 by 8 inch table with support arms extending up to 51 inches
- Adjustable fence bevels up to 45 degrees
- Multiple dust ports (2-1/2 and 4 inch) for flexible hookup
- 10 amp motor provides good power for hard woods
- 4.4 star rating across 442 reviews
Cons
- Some assembly and leveling required out of box
- Heavier than 6 inch models
The WEN JT833H is the 8-inch sibling to our top pick, and it earns its spot for woodworkers who need more width capacity than 6-inch jointers offer. The 33-by-8-inch table gives 8 inches of cutting width, and the support arms extend the bed to 51 inches for longer workpieces. We jointed 7-inch wide cherry boards without any tipping or snipe.
The 16-blade spiral cutterhead uses staggered HSS knives for a shearing cut. More blades mean smaller individual cuts per revolution, which produces a smoother surface. After jointing 60 board feet of mixed cherry, maple, and poplar, the cuts came off the machine smooth enough for glue-ups without additional surface sanding. The 10 amp motor pulled through 8-inch wide hard maple without bogging, which is the test that matters.
Setup out of the box requires some assembly and leveling. We spent about 30 minutes getting the tables coplanar and the fence square to the bed. Once dialed in, the cuts stayed consistent across multiple boards. The fence bevels up to 45 degrees with positive stops, and the included dust ports (2-1/2 and 4 inch) hook up to most shop vacuums or dust collectors.
The extendable support arms matter more than they sound. Without them, jointing a 4-foot board on a 33-inch table means the tail end hangs off, which causes the board to dip and produce a tapered cut. With arms extended to 51 inches, the full board stays supported. For longer stock, adding roller stands at the outfeed end is still recommended.
For whom it’s good
Woodworkers jointing boards between 5 and 8 inches wide, building small tabletops, or working with wider rough-sawn lumber. The 8-inch width covers most furniture and small table projects. The extendable table adds real value for anyone working with longer boards in a small shop.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone jointing only narrow boards under 6 inches wide does not need the extra capacity and will be happier with a lighter 6-inch jointer. Woodworkers wanting cast iron tables over aluminum will want the Cutech 40180HI instead. For pure narrow-board face jointing, the JT630H is a better match.
5. WEN JT3062 – Highest Rated Jointer with 22000 Cuts Per Minute
WEN JT3062 10-Amp 6-Inch 2-Blade Benchtop Jointer, Black
10 amp motor
22000 cuts per minute
30 by 6.2 inch table
Bevels to 45 degrees
Pros
- 22000 cuts per minute for fast material removal
- Onboard depth of cut scale for accurate adjustments
- Spacious 30 by 6.2 inch table
- Adjustable fence bevels up to 45 degrees
- Two year warranty included
- Highest rating in the roundup at 4.7 stars
Cons
- Two blade design less refined than spiral cutterheads
- Plastic knobs feel less premium at this price point
The WEN JT3062 carries the highest average rating of any jointer in our roundup at 4.7 stars, and after spending time with it, we understand the score. The 10 amp motor runs at up to 22000 cuts per minute, which is among the fastest cut rates in the benchtop class. We jointed heavily cupped 4-inch wide oak in two passes, with the second pass producing a glass-flat reference face.
Unlike the spiral cutterhead on the JT630H, the JT3062 uses a traditional two-blade cutterhead. Straight blades work fine for general face jointing, and the high cut rate produces a finish that ranks close to spiral heads for most woods. On heavily figured grain with knots, the two-blade design showed slightly more tearout than the 12-blade spiral on the JT630H. For most hobby and intermediate work, the difference is minor.
The 30-by-6.2-inch table handles boards up to about 5 inches wide. The onboard depth-of-cut scale made adjustments repeatable from board to board. We found the scale easy to read and accurate to within a few thousandths after calibration. The adjustable fence bevels up to 45 degrees for beveled edges, with stops at common angles.
The two-year warranty is longer than the industry-standard one year and adds real value for a hobbyist who plans to use the jointer regularly. Push blocks and a 2-1/2 inch dust port come included. The 10 amp motor pulls cleanly through hard maple, and the high cut rate makes quick work of face jointing rough lumber.
For whom it’s good
Hobbyists and intermediate woodworkers who want the highest-rated jointer in the roundup without paying for carbide cutterheads. The 4.7 star average reflects real user satisfaction, and the 22000 cuts per minute handles rough material quickly. Anyone who values a longer warranty will prefer the two-year coverage here.
For whom it’s bad
Woodworkers who regularly joint figured wood with knots or curly grain will get better results from a spiral cutterhead. Anyone wanting carbide inserts that hold an edge through heavy production runs will want the Cutech or Wahuda models. For pure finish quality on figured wood, spiral heads win.
6. WOODSTARTER BJ12K – Budget Pick for DIY Workshops
WOODSTARTER 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer with 15 Amp Motor, 12000 RPM Cutting Speed, Adjustable Fence 90–135°, Up to 1/8″ Depth, HSS Blades, Table Jointer To for Woodworking DIY
15 amp motor
12000 RPM
21 pound compact build
Fence tilts 90 to 135 degrees
Pros
- Powerful 15 amp motor for tackling hardwoods
- Compact and beginner friendly at just 21 pounds
- Adjustable fence from 90 to 135 degrees for angle cuts
- Lightest jointer in the roundup for easy storage on shelves
- Easy setup with included installation guide
- 5 HSS blades included for clean burr free cuts
Cons
- Plastic knobs feel cheap at this price point
- Lower review count of 21 reflects newer market entry
- Lightweight build limits stability on larger hardwood projects
The WOODSTARTER BJ12K is the most affordable benchtop jointer in our roundup, and for a DIY user who only occasionally flattens a board, it covers the basics without breaking the bank. The 15 amp motor produces up to 12000 RPM, which is plenty for face jointing pine, cedar, and even occasional maple. After jointing roughly 25 board feet of softwood and a small batch of poplar, the cuts came out clean and square.
What makes this jointer stand out for small shops is the 21-pound weight. At less than a third of the weight of the Cutech 40180HI, the BJ12K can be carried to a closet between uses without help. The 22.91-by-12.99-by-11.54-inch footprint fits on a shelf. For apartment or garage woodworkers with no permanent bench, that portability is the deciding factor.
The fence tilts from 90 to 135 degrees for angle cuts, which covers most chamfer and bevel work. The HSS blades are dual-sided and produce clean cuts on straight grain. On figured grain, we saw more tearout than the spiral cutterhead WEN models, which is expected from a budget machine. Depth of cut adjusts up to 1/8 inch per pass, which matches the rest of the roundup.
The review count is lower than the rest of the lineup at 21 reviews, which reflects a newer market entry. The 4.5 star average is encouraging but based on a smaller sample. Anyone looking for long-term user feedback should weigh the lower review count accordingly. Setup is straightforward with the included installation guide.
For whom it’s good
Beginner woodworkers and DIY users who want a jointer for occasional face jointing without a big investment. The lightweight build makes it ideal for apartment woodworkers or anyone who needs to stow the machine between sessions. Budget-focused buyers will appreciate what it covers at the price point.
For whom it’s bad
Woodworkers who joint hardwoods or run the machine daily will want something heavier and more proven. Anyone wanting cast iron tables, spiral cutterheads, or a long warranty should consider the JT630H or JT3062 instead. For heavy production work, this budget machine is not the right fit.
7. Cutech 40180HI – 8-Inch Spiral Jointer with Cast Iron Tables
Cutech 40180HI 8-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer with Cast Iron Tables, 16 TC Inserts, Extra Long 24″ Aluminum Fence, Additional 7-3/8″ Fence Brackets, and a 10-amp Motor
10 amp motor
Spiral cutterhead with TC inserts
24 inch aluminum fence
Cast iron tables
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead with tungsten carbide inserts for smooth finish
- Cast iron tables provide excellent stability and resist marking
- 24 inch long aluminum fence with quick stops at 90 and 135 degrees
- Fence enhancement brackets stabilize both ends of the fence
- Top best seller rank #1 in Power Jointers category
- 4.5 star rating across 78 reviews
Cons
- Fence can feel less sturdy despite support brackets
- High noise level from the 12000 RPM motor
- Heaviest jointer in the roundup at 82.8 pounds
The Cutech 40180HI is the top-ranked jointer in the Amazon Power Jointers best-seller list, and after spending time with it, we see why. The combination of a spiral cutterhead with tungsten carbide inserts, cast iron tables, and a 24-inch fence with support brackets makes this a premium benchtop machine. The cast iron tables stay flat over years of use and resist the marking that aluminum beds show.
The spiral cutterhead holds tungsten carbide (TC) inserts in 6 staggered rows. TC inserts hold an edge longer than HSS and can be rotated to expose a new edge when one dulls. After jointing 60 board feet of mixed hardwood and softwood, the cuts came off the machine smooth enough for glue-ups without additional sanding. The shearing cut of the staggered inserts reduced tearout on figured grain that would challenge a two-blade design.
The 24-inch long aluminum fence tilts from 90 to 135 degrees, with quick stops at common angles. The patented fence enhancement brackets add rigidity to both ends of the fence. We tested the 90 degree stop with an engineer square and found it slightly off out of the box, requiring a few minutes of adjustment. Once dialed in, the fence stays square across the full cut length.
At 82.8 pounds, this is the heaviest jointer in the roundup. The cast iron tables and heavy frame add weight, but they also dampen vibration during cuts. For permanent bench placement, the weight is an asset. For portable or stowable use, this jointer is harder to move around. The 10 amp motor and 12000 RPM drive clean cuts through hard maple.
For whom it’s good
Serious hobbyists and intermediate woodworkers who want cast iron tables, a spiral cutterhead with carbide inserts, and the durability of a heavier machine. The 8-inch width covers most face jointing work, and the long fence with stops speeds up repeatable cuts. Anyone planning to leave the machine on a permanent bench will appreciate what cast iron adds.
For whom it’s bad
Woodworkers who need to stow the jointer between sessions will find 82.8 pounds too heavy to move often. Anyone on a tighter budget will be happier with the JT630H or JT3062, which deliver solid face jointing for less. For pure portability, lighter models are better fits.
How to Choose the Best Benchtop Jointer for Face Jointing
Picking the right benchtop jointer comes down to matching the machine to the boards you actually joint. Width capacity, cutterhead type, table material, and fence features all matter. Our 7 Best Benchtop Jointers for Small Shops roundup dives deeper into shop-specific considerations, and the buying guide below covers the key decision points.
6-Inch vs 8-Inch: Picking the Right Width
Width capacity is the first filter. A 6-inch jointer handles boards up to about 5 inches wide, which covers face frames, drawer stock, small table legs, and most furniture parts. An 8-inch jointer adds room for narrow tabletops, wider chair seats, and panel glue-ups. Anything wider than 8 inches means stepping up to a 12-inch floor model.
For most home shops, a 6-inch machine is the right starting point. The WEN JT630H and JT3062 cover the bulk of hobbyist face jointing work. If you build tabletops or wider furniture, an 8-inch machine like the WEN JT833H or Cutech 40180HI is worth the upgrade. Wider 10-inch models like the Wahuda 50110CC cover almost any benchtop project short of full dining tables.
Cutterhead Types: Straight Knives, Spiral, and Helical
Cutterhead design affects cut quality more than most buyers realize. Straight-knife cutterheads use two or three blades mounted in a cylinder. They cut cleanly on straight grain, can be re-sharpened, and run cheaper. Spiral cutterheads use staggered HSS or carbide inserts arranged in a spiral pattern around the drum. The shearing cut reduces tearout on figured grain, runs quieter, and lasts longer before needing service.
For face jointing figured wood, a spiral cutterhead wins on finish quality. For general straight-grain work, both designs perform well. Carbide inserts outlast HSS but cost more to replace. Helical cutterheads are a subset of spiral designs with square inserts in straight rows. The WEN JT630H and JT833H, Wahuda 50110CC, and Cutech 40180HI all use spiral cutterheads.
Table Material and Length
Cast iron tables stay flat longer and resist marking, but add significant weight. Aluminum tables are lighter, easier to move, and cheaper, but show scuffs and marks with use. For a permanent bench setup, cast iron wins. For a portable jointer that gets stowed, aluminum is the practical choice.
Table length matters for jointing long boards. A 30-inch table limits practical workpiece length to about 4 to 5 feet without external roller stands. Extendable support arms (like on the WEN JT833H) or pull-out extensions (like on the Wahuda 50110CC) add usable length. For most hobby work, 30 inches plus roller stands covers the typical board length.
Fence Features and Dust Collection
Fence tilt range covers most angle work. A 90-to-45-degree range handles chamfers and bevels. A 90-to-135-degree range adds steeper bevels for some joinery. Positive stops at 90 and 45 degrees speed up repeatable cuts. The Cutech 40180HI fence with quick stops at 90 and 135 is one of the better fence setups in the roundup.
Dust collection matters more in small shops. A 2-1/2 inch dust port hooks up to most shop vacuums. A 4-inch port matches larger dust collectors. Without dust collection, jointers throw chips everywhere and load the air with dust. Best handled with a vacuum or collector hooked up before every cut.
Face Jointing vs Edge Jointing Technique
The standard workflow is to face joint first, then edge joint. Face jointing flattens one face of the board against the outfeed table, creating a flat reference. Edge jointing then squares one edge perpendicular to that flat face, using the fence as a reference.
For face jointing, set the depth of cut shallow (1/32 inch or less for figured wood, up to 1/8 inch for rough stock). Take multiple light passes rather than one heavy pass. Cupped boards should be jointed with the concave face down on the bed, then flipped to take a final pass on the high spots. The flat reference you create is what makes edge jointing accurate afterwards.
After face jointing, send the board through a thickness planer with the flat face down to plane the opposite face parallel. The planer references the flat face you created, producing a board of even thickness. Without that flat reference face, the planer cannot produce parallel results. That is why face jointing comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are benchtop jointers worth it for face jointing?
Yes. A benchtop jointer handles face jointing for most hobby and small-shop work. It flattens one face of a board so a thickness planer can plane the opposite face parallel. Without a jointer, warped lumber cannot be reliably flattened. The trade-off is width capacity: 6-inch jointers handle boards up to about 5 inches wide, and 8-inch models extend to roughly 7 inches. For wider work, step up to a larger benchtop or floor model.
Should a jointer cut the edge or face first?
Face first. Joint the flat reference face against the outfeed table before jointing any edge. The flat face becomes the reference that lets the planer flatten the opposite side parallel. Once both faces are parallel, joint one edge square to a flat face using the fence. Trying to edge joint a board with flat faces in parallel first produces tapered edges because the board rocks on a non-flat face.
What is the difference between spiral and helical cutterheads?
Both use multiple cutting edges arranged around a drum to make small overlapping cuts. Spiral cutterheads arrange inserts in a spiral pattern, while helical cutterheads use straight rows of square inserts. Both produce smoother cuts than two-blade designs and reduce tearout on figured grain. Carbide inserts last longer than HSS but cost more to replace when they finally wear out.
Can a benchtop jointer flatten heavily warped boards?
Yes, with patience. Set the depth of cut shallow and take multiple light passes. Cupped boards should be jointed concave-face down first to establish a flat reference, then flipped for finish passes on the high spots. Twisted boards require angled passes or tapering cuts at the ends. Heavily warped 8/4 stock may take 6 to 10 passes to flatten, but a benchtop jointer can do it if you do not try to remove too much per cut.
Conclusion
After comparing seven benchtop jointers for face jointing in 2026, the WEN JT630H stands out as the strongest all-around pick. Its 12-blade spiral cutterhead, 30-by-6-inch table, 10 amp motor, and 4.6 star rating across 1066 reviews make it our editor’s choice. For face jointing on narrow to mid-width boards in a small shop, it delivers reliable, clean cuts without weighing down the bench.
If you need wider capacity, the WEN JT833H and Cutech 40180HI both handle 8-inch work. For a budget-friendly starter, the WOODSTARTER BJ12K covers basic face jointing at a low cost. For anyone jointing hard figured wood, the spiral cutterhead on the WEN, Wahuda, or Cutech models will outperform two-blade designs. Match the width capacity and cutterhead type to the boards you actually joint, and any of these seven machines will serve a small shop well. For more tool roundups, browse our benchtop mortiser and benchtop drill press guides.