Jointers are used for flattening the surfaces of lumber so that they it be joined together with other materials in a flush manner. A good jointer will produce smooth finishes and will have precise depth of cut and fence adjustments. There’s a lot of options from cheap to expensive and everything in between. We take a look at the more popular jointers and see how they stack up.
Powermatic 54HH Jointer
The 54HH jointer from Powermatic is a go-to option for people that want the best smaller cabinet jointer on the market. These are heavy and built to last, but small enough to fit into a smaller workshop. The helical cutterhead really amps up the capability on this popular machine.
Powermatic 54A Jointer
The 54A jointer from Powermatic is another top option for a smaller cabinet jointer. The 54A version uses a three knife cutterhead vs the Helical cutterhead found on the 54HH. If you want a Powermatic 6 inch jointer but want to spend a little less, this is another great option to look at.
Porter-Cable PC160JT Benchtop Jointer
This small and affordable jointer from Porter-Cable is a decent entry-level or low budget option for hobbyists that need the capabilities of a jointer for their shop without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for those who have lighter duty jointing demands for softer lumber materials.
For older reviews check out our Jointer Archives.