For hobbyists and professionals alike, having a high-quality jointer in the workshop can make a big difference to every woodwork’s quality. And if you want to elevate from good to great, ensuring clean, straight edges on your wood every time, an 8-inch jointer is the answer.
An 8-inch jointer is a versatile tool that can help you straighten, flatten, and square rough-cut lumber to prepare for shaping and finishing. Whether it’s a new bookcase, a wooden table, or custom cabinetry, an 8-inch jointer streamlines your projects’ precision and accuracy.
But what’s the best 8-inch jointer for you? Check out our best five picks of 2023 and an easy-to-follow buying guide to find your perfect fit, so you can stop browsing and start building.
Why Use an 8-inch Jointer?
Jointers are power tools used to straighten, flatten, and square rough-cut lumber to make it ready for final shaping and finishing. The “8-inch” here refers to the width of the cutter head, which is part of the tool that rotates and removes wood from the edge of the board.
While there are other size jointers, such as 6-inch and 12-inch models, 8-inch jointers offer the perfect balance between power and size. Here are the most common reasons for using an 8-inch jointer.
Increased Edge Joinery Capability
An 8-inch jointer’s larger cutting capacity allows you to join edges of boards up to 8″ wide. You can join the board on its face or visible side, up to eight inches wide. This means you can join boards for greater stability and strength in larger projects like tables or large desks.
Accurately Joining Longer Workpieces
Thanks to infeed and outfeed tables longer by 10 to 18 inches compared to a 6-inch model, 8-inch jointers allow for more precise jointing of longer wood pieces without additional support. As a result, projects requiring longer boards, such as bookshelves, can benefit greatly.
More Power for Faster and Efficient Jointing
An 8-inch jointer typically has 2-3 horsepower motors which deliver more power to the cutter head, letting you remove more material per pass when needed. It saves you time and effort by joining the boards faster and more efficiently.
Precision and Versatility
The 8-inch jointer also has a larger cutter head than the 6-inch model, so you get a more precise and accurate cut. And since you also get various cutting knives—standard, reverse, angle, and helical—you can achieve different finishes on the edge of the wood boards.
Longer Motor Life
In a shop with 220 volts, a jointer with an 8-inch drive will draw less power than one with 110 volts. This results in a longer lifespan for the motor with lesser maintenance.
Cost Savings
While they may require more upfront investment than smaller jointers, 8-inch jointers can save you money in the long run. This is due to their capacity for more work simultaneously, higher performance levels, and greater versatility across applications.
5 Best 8-inch Jointers – Single Product Review
In light of all the reasons to use an 8-inch jointer for your woodworking projects, let’s review the five best 8″ jointers in 2023. We’ve considered power, precision, cost, and other features to bring you the top models.
1. Wahuda Benchtop 8-inch Wood Jointer – Best Overall
The Wahuda Tools Jointer is an ideal woodworking companion for those looking for a powerful and precise 8-inch benchtop jointer to tackle any project.
One of the standout features of this jointer is its spiral cutter head, which is equipped with four-sided carbide inserts that make cutting sharp and quiet. This not only makes the jointer more precise but also makes it more cost-effective since the standard blade size is easy to replace.
When it comes to performance, the jointer is powered by a 120-Volt motor operating at 12,000 RPM, which can handle any job, from edging to jointing, flattening, and tapering.
The jointer is also built with durability in mind. The cast iron tables can be adjusted and expanded to provide added stability, so they can be used for bigger pieces as well. The fence can tilt from 90 to 135 degrees, adding versatility to the jointer.
It also offers ample space to work comfortably, with a 34-inch table length that extends up to 51 inches. This is perfect for larger projects, yet the jointer still maintains a compact footprint, similar to that of a 6-inch model.
Pros
- Ingenious spiral cutter head
- Longer-lasting blades
- Noise-reduced operation
- Easily transportable
- Simple setup
Cons
- A little alignment work is needed
2. WEN JT833H 10-Amp Spiral 8-Inch Benchtop Jointer – Best for Expandability
The WEN JT833H 8-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer is a powerful and versatile tool that is perfect for woodworkers of all skill levels.
Its spiral cutter head uses 16 staggered high-speed steel blades for ultra-fine finishes. This makes it easy to achieve a smooth and precise finish on your woodworking projects, whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist.
The jointer features a spacious 33-by-8-inch table with support arms that extend up to 51 inches. This provides ample space to work on larger pieces, and the support arms ensure that your workpiece stays stable and secure.
Besides, the jointer allows easy thickness adjustments by removing up to 1/8 inch of wood per pass. It also has an adjustable fence that tilts up to 45 degrees and measures 19.75 by 4.25 inches, making angled cuts simple and precise.
Also, the motor is fitted with a thermal overload protection switch to keep it cool during extended use. This ensures that you get the most reliable performance out of your jointer.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Spiral cutter head system
- Large support arms
- Adjustable fence
- Thermal overload protection switch
Cons
- Not ideal for lengthy projects
3. Grizzly G0858-8×76-inch Parallelogram Jointer – Best for Industrial Use
The Grizzly G0858 8×76-inch Parallelogram Jointer is a heavy-duty machine best suited for industrial use. Its 3 HP, 230V, single-phase motor is built to handle even the toughest woodworking projects.
With a table size of 8″ x 76″ and a fence size of 4-1/2″ x 38″, it provides ample space to work on larger pieces. More so, a maximum depth of cut of 1/8″ and a rabbeting capacity of 1/2″ make it a versatile tool for various cutting applications.
The cutter head of the jointer spins at an impressive 5500 RPM and has a diameter of 3-1/16 inches, making 22,000 cuts per minute. It also has 36 cutter head inserts and a helical design for a smooth and precise finish.
With the jointer’s 40″ infeed table, you can quickly and easily join large materials with precision. The adjustable fence ensures an accurate, consistent cut while the 4″ dust port with a built-in dust chute helps to keep your work area clean and safe.
The jointer is designed for ease of use with its parallelogram table adjustment and lever-adjusted tables with a depth gauge. With a precision-ground cast-iron table and a magnetic switch mounted on a pedestal, it’s remarkably stable and precise.
Furthermore, this 8-inch jointer Grizzly boasts several safety features, such as a push-button switch with a large off paddle, a rabbeting table, and a built-in mobile base.
Pros
- Heavy-duty motor
- Large infeed table
- Adjustable fence
- Helical cutter head
- Precision-ground cast-iron table
- Several safety features
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
4. Powermatic 60HH Helical Jointer 8-Inch – Best Helical Cutter Head
Whether a 6 or 8-inch jointer, helical heads ensure greater accuracy, smoother cutting, and quieter operation. And with the Powermatic 60HH Helical Head 8-Inch Jointer, you can get that top-of-the-line power and versatility no matter your level of expertise.
Its helical cutter head is equipped with four-sided carbide bits. A total of 54 of them provide quieter and smoother cuts as compared to traditional straight cutter heads. This means that your cuts will be more precise, and your projects will have a superior finish.
Moreover, the jointer offers a customizable cut depth with an adjustment lever for adjusting the infeed table rapidly. Meaning your project’s precision depth can be adjusted on the fly. It also has long tables to provide stability and support for your workpiece as they’re mounted in dovetail ways.
The jointer’s hand-cranked worm gear mechanism gives it a smooth and precise fence tilt for easier angled cuts. While its high-mounting magnetic button is easily accessible for convenience, you can store its magnetic push blocks alongside to keep your workspace tidy and organized.
Pros
- Quieter and smoother cuts
- Fine-tuned cut depth
- Long support tables
- Smooth fence tilt
- High-mount magnetic switch
Cons
- Pricey for what it offers
5. JET 8-Inch JJP-8BT Planer-Jointer Combo – Best Combo Pack
The JET JJP-8BT is a powerful, compact tool perfect for small workshops. Boasting a slim footprint, this 8-inch planer-jointer combo offers the convenience of both a jointer and a planer in one machine.
It’s designed for precision, with a big aluminum-crafted fence to ensure precise and stable jointing. For professional-looking cuts, it features a large work surface, a 29×8.25 inches jointer, and 10.625×8.5 inches planer table, allowing efficient and accurate cuts on larger wood pieces.
Besides the generous workspace, the Jet JJP-8BT has a highly efficient 13-amp motor that can handle a variety of cutting purposes, making it a versatile tool for any woodworking project.
The jointer is also portable, with an integrated cord management system that ensures easier transportation and workshop safety. It also has huge, ergonomic knobs that are extremely easy to use and provide maximum control.
Related: 7 Best Hand Planers For Beginners (Quality Ensured + Affordability)
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Large aluminum-extruded fence
- Heavy-duty motor
- Integrated cord wrap
- Ergonomic knobs
Cons
- Cheap drive belt
Buying Guide: What to Look for When buying an 8-Inch Jointer
Even with our top five 8-inch joiners in mind, there are still several factors you should consider before making a purchase. Here’s what to look for when buying an 8-inch jointer.
Purpose of the Jointer
The first thing to consider when buying a jointer is what the purpose of the machine will be. Will it be used for professional woodworking or just for hobbies? This will help determine your jointer’s size and type.
For example, if you’re looking for a jointer for commercial use, you’ll want to find the type with the largest and most powerful tables. On the other hand, a smaller jointer with a lower power output may be best for hobbyists.
Power
8-inch jointers come in different sizes and with varying power ratings. The most popular jointers are 8-inch models with a 6 to 7-1/2 horsepower motor and amp rating of around 10-11 amps. If you’re looking for a machine with more power, you may opt for an industrial-grade model.
Cutting Capacity and Speed
A jointer’s cutting capacity is determined by its cutter head size, the number of knives, and the maximum cutting depth. With a larger cutter head and more knives, you will be able to cut harder materials more efficiently and at a faster pace.
Type of Cutter Head
The three types of cutter heads are straight, spiral, and helical. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Straight cutter heads are the most common but are also the noisiest. Spiral cutter heads are quieter and leave a better finish. The helical is the quietest and leaves the best finish.
Table Size
As important as the jointer’s table is its size. A smaller one won’t be as versatile as a large one when working on bigger pieces. You’ll also want to choose a jointer with an adjustable fence for precision angle cuts. Besides, some jointers can add extensions to the table for even more space.
Dust Collection
The best 8″ jointers must also feature an effective dust collection system. A jointer with a built-in dust collection system will make cleanup easier and improve the air quality in the workshop.
Safety Features
Safety is always a top priority. A jointer with a push-button switch with a large off the paddle, a rabbeting table, and a built-in mobile base can always improve the machine’s safety.
Price
Last but not least, the price. 8-inch jointers can range from around $800 to more than a few thousand dollars, depending on the features and power of the machine. Quality and performance generally improve as you spend more.
FAQ
If you have further questions about 8-inch jointers and their accessories, here are some of the most common ones.
6 and 8-inch jointers differ primarily in their cutter head width. An 8” jointer can handle wider boards & longer workpieces, have a more powerful motor, and longer infeed/outfeed tables compared to a 6” jointer.
The most common type of steel used in 8-inch jointers is high-speed steel. It’s known for its durability and is more resistant to wear than other types of steel. Besides high-speed steel, some jointers use carbide-tipped blades, which are also durable.
The price of 8-inch jointers can range from around $800 to $3,000 or more, depending on the features and power of the machine. Generally, the more you spend, the better quality and performance you can expect from the jointer.
It really depends on your needs and preferences. Both Rikon and Laguna jointers offer great 8-inch jointers, with several variations between models. So it’s best to compare the features and decide which suits your needs better.
An 8-inch spiral benchtop jointer is a smaller version of the traditional 8-inch jointers, designed for woodworking projects that don’t require as large a jointer. It comes with spiral cutters, ideal for cutting softwoods and hardwoods.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Hopefully, our 8″ jointer reviews and buying guide have given you a clear insight into the features and capabilities of the best 8-inch jointer and how you can find your right fit.
When you need straight edges on your woodcuts before you either shape them or use them in one of your projects, an 8-inch joiner can be a great addition to your workshop. And there’s certainly no shortage of top-quality options for you.
On a final note, to get the most out of your 8-inch jointer, consider investing in some accessories and attachments. A miter gauge, parallel fence, dust bag, and mobile base can make your woodworking projects easier and tidier.
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