5 Best Jointer Planer Combo Machines (Benchtop, Heavy-Duty, and More)

Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Barry Gray

A jointer planer combo machine has the ability to completely transform your projects in seconds. Personally, I wasn’t aware of how effective a tool it could be until I saw one in action.

I now have a completely different appreciation for this tool, and here’s the best part. As it’s a combo machine, it takes up less space, which is perfect for anybody where space is an issue.

A jointer planer can perform a number of tasks. It can quickly plane surfaces, on the one hand, followed by creating those jointer cuts without jumping over to a completely different machine.

But as with any power tool, I know you can quickly run into problems when trying to ascertain which machine to purchase. So, I’m going to make your life a whole lot easier.

Below, you will find details on five of the best jointer planer combo machines, and I’m confident at least one machine will prove to be highly effective and will meet your requirements. 

But I’m also aware that not everyone knows how good a jointer planer combo machine can be. So, after checking out the five machines on my list, you will see several tips on what to look for when buying your brand-new power tool.

using jointer planer combo machine

How I Made My List

As always, I spend a lot of time looking through the various options on the market before settling on those models that meet my desired criteria. After all, I want to ensure the models I select are indeed the best around.

But I have specific things I want to focus on when creating my list. 

For example, I know some machines and power tools have the ability to become confusing and complex to use. So, I make sure each model on my list is easy to use so anybody can set it up and get to work.

Setting up the machine is another crucial point. I always prefer when you can pretty much take the tool out of the box and get to work with it. While I admit that’s not always possible, I’ve taken steps to ensure the setting up process of all five machines is as pain-free as possible.

But aside from looking at the machine and how it operates, I also checked out what other owners had to say regarding their experience with the machine. That allowed me to determine if each machine is reliable and will continue to produce the type of end results people hope for.

After a lot of research and studying the different options, I was ultimately left with these five machines, and I think each one is excellent in its own right.

Best Jointer Planer Combo Machine – JET JJP 10btos 10” Jointer Planer Combo

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  • Head Inches: 10”
  • Power: 13 Amp
  • Speed: 9,000 RPM
  • Jointer Cutting Depth: ⅛”

As a brand, JET has produced several different jointer planer combo machines over the years. Still, I’ve selected this model because I feel it combines some of the best features from several of their more popular models. 

This model comes with a 13 Amp motor and offers speeds of 9,000 RPM while also producing up to 18,000 cuts per minute. That’s impressive, and with a jointer cutting depth of ⅛” and a planer cutting depth of 6/8”, it does make quick work of planing down that surface and getting the material nice and smooth.

In addition, it comes with adjustable boards allowing you to work on wood up to 10” thick. When you consider it’s a relatively small combo machine, that’s another hugely positive feature.

The cutter head also comes with two knives that are very easy to change when required. Setting up the machine takes just minutes to do, and this model does come with its own stand. Weighing only 74lbs, this is a relatively light machine for what it can do, so it takes up little space in your workshop.

Overall, I’ve chosen this model because of the ease with which it can be used and also its cutting and planing capabilities. I’m impressed by the speed at which it operates; they even made the control knobs very easy to work with.

Pros

  • The cutting speed and depth are impressive
  • You can tilt up to 45 degrees for those jointer cuts
  • The machine is easy to control
  • It takes up little space while also offering a sturdy stand
  • It has a precise scale and pointer for the planer part

Cons

  • The locking mechanism can sometimes be slightly tough to operate

Best Benchtop Jointer Planer Combo – JET JJP 8bt 8 Jointer Planer Combo

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  • Power: 13 Amp
  • Speed: 9,000 RPM
  • Feed Speed: 19.5 FPM

If you wish to own a benchtop jointer planer combo machine, I recommend this JET model as it manages to pack so much into one machine. Even though it’s relatively compact, it still packs a 13 Amp motor producing a cutter head speed of 9,000 RPM. That equals 18,000 cuts per minute since this model comes with two knives.

I also love that it has a decent feed speed of 19.5 feet per minute, so you should feel as if you can press on with the task and that the machine won’t hold you back. 

I do find that this model offers a decent cutting angle of up to 45 degrees, and that should be sufficient for most projects. I admit I would prefer if it had gone slightly past that mark, but it’s still good enough.

Another thing I like about this model is the ease with which things lock into place. It means this benchtop machine will not move around when in use, providing you with even greater control.

JET has also ensured it has included large knobs that are easy to control, and the machine feels robust and stable. Changing the knives is quick and easy, so I see this model as straightforward to use, even if you are new to this type of machine.

Overall, the power and speed with which this model can operate is astonishing, considering its size. If you want a quick and easy solution, this is the jointer planer combo machine for you.

Pros

  • It packs a real punch in such a compact machine
  • It’s straightforward to use
  • It takes up little space
  • It’s difficult to make mistakes with this model
  • It even comes with height adjustment options

Cons

  • The documentation you get with the machine is actually pretty poor

Best Spiral Cutterhead Jointer Planer Combo – WEN JT630H 6” Spiral Jointer Planer

  • Power: 10 Amp
  • Cutting Depth: ⅛”
  • Speed: 12,000 RPM

If you prefer a spiral cutter head, then this model by WEN is certainly one I would check out. This model comes with 12 staggered HSS blades, and with 10 Amp of power behind it, it does mean this small machine doesn’t mess around.

With this level of power, it does mean the machine can cut through all types of wood, and it does so with relative ease. 

Regarding the cutting of the boards, it can remove up to ⅛” with each pass, and that’s perfectly adequate. I also feel that at 6”, while most will see this as being too small, it does mean it’s ideal for small projects, and I would also suggest for people new to using this type of machine.

You do also have the option of creating that bevel angle of up to 45 degrees simply by tilting the fence, and this is straightforward to do. It comes with a spring-loaded guard, so the chances of hurting yourself will be reduced.

Overall, this jointer planer combo machine can be set up in minutes, and it can then produce extraordinary results in a short period of time. I find it easy to use, and I am consistently impressed by its results.

Pros

  • It makes short work of planing down those boards
  • It’s perfect for small projects
  • You can set it up in minutes and get to work
  • It delivers impressive results without you doing too much
  • The machine is exceptionally safe to use

Cons

  • Clearly, the size of the cutting area restricts the boards you can work with

Best Jointer Planer for Versatility – Porter-Cable 6” Jointer Planer Combo (pc160Jtr)

  • Power: 10 Amp
  • Speed: 6,000 RPM – 11,000 RPM
  • Knives: 2
  • Weight: 35 lbs

Porter-Cable is a name I love when I’m searching for a well-made tool that doesn’t exactly come with a hefty price tag, and this jointer planer combo machine is a prime example. 

Complete with 10 Amp of power, I like how this model makes it easy to vary the speed from between 6,000 and 11,000 RPM. That does mean it offers a cutting limit of anywhere from 12,000 to 22,000 cuts per minute.

Porter-Cable does make a habit of producing tools that are easy to use, and I know that this also applies here. For example, when changing the knives, it takes minutes to do, thanks to the ease of access and you can then resume cutting those boards immediately.

I also appreciate that this machine comes with a reasonable size table, so you feel as if the boards can sit comfortably as you work on them. Once again, that provides a steady feel to it all, and I see that as crucial for producing the results you want.

Overall, this inexpensive jointer planer combo machine provides everything you need, from boards to an easily adjustable fence for angles and even a dust port to keep everything clean.

Pros

  • It’s small but powerful
  • It has a variable speed option
  • The knives are easy to change
  • It offers a large working surface
  • It’s very easy to set up

Cons

  • It doesn’t feel as robust as other models but still performs well

Best Heavy-Duty Jointer Planer Combo – JET JPJ-12B 

  • Cutting Size: 12”
  • Speed: 5,300 RPM
  • Power: 15 Amp

I’m going back to another model by JET for the jointer planer combo I feel represents the best option for heavy-duty use. In this instance, you get a bit more power at 15 Amp even though the cutting speed is reduced to 5,300 RPM. However, I don’t see that as too problematic as the power will shine through.

This model comes with three knives and offers a 12” cutting width, which is larger than most. Also, that 15 Amp motor churns out a total of 3 HP, making it one of the more powerful options on the market.

I do love how it comes with an extra large fence that remains exceptionally easy to adjust. It’s also straightforward to get those desired cutting angles as well with this model, so versatility is not an issue.

But this machine is heavy. You need space in your workshop because moving around will not be easy. However, it still means you get two machines built into one, so it’s less of an issue than you may feel.

Overall, I just think that this machine’s power and robust nature are why I see it as the best heavy-duty model out there. 

Pros

  • It packs so much power into the machine
  • It’s built to withstand a lot of punishment
  • It’s very easy to adjust
  • It has a large dust chute
  • It has 3 knives making quick work of planing things down

Cons

  • It’s heavy, so certainly not portable

How to Choose your Jointer Planer Combo Machine

working benchtop jointer

I have several tips on what to look out for when it comes to choosing your brand-new jointer planer combo machine. After all, you want to feel confident you have made the correct decision at the first time of asking.

Power

You do need some power to cut through harder wood, and I would never go below 10 Amp as an absolute minimum. Actually, 13 Amp would prove better, as it means there’s no chance of the machine struggling.

Even a benchtop or portable version should have at least 10 Amp, so avoid anything that has less than that.

Speed

Speed is another main concern, and I do find it helpful if the machine has a speed of more than 5,000 RPM. That will result in a minimum of 10,000 cuts per minute if the machine has a 2 knife setup, which typically leads to quite a smooth cut. 

Do look out for options with a variable speed. That does provide you greater control over the cuts, and I find this helps when you have never used this type of machine before.

Cutting Options

You have several options regarding the cutting aspect, even though the most common type of cutting head involves two knives. Other options are helical cutter heads and also spiral cutter heads.

A helical cutter head has blades along a slant. It’s often used for harder woods and usually offers greater precision.

A spiral cutter head tends to appear on more heavy-duty machines, but not always, and it often performs better with softer woods. They are usually less expensive but may require more maintenance.

So, think about the materials you will use most often, and work out the cutter style from there.

Cutting Depth and Angles

As this combo machine performs more than one task, you need to know both the cutting depth and the cutting angles it can operate up to. You should be looking at it removing up to ⅛” per pass and a cutting angle of 45 degrees as a minimum.

Other Features

Pay attention to push boards, dust chutes, and how guards work on each model. I would also check out how easy it is to find the controls, as you want to be able to get to them without too much fuss when the machine is in operation.

For me, those are the key areas to focus on when choosing a jointer planer combo machine. However, the crucial thing is to know what you plan on doing with the machine to then ensure things such as the cutting area are big enough for your needs.

Overall Conclusion

Those are my five top suggestions for the best jointer planer combo machine available to buy right now. I know that at least one machine will fit in perfectly with your needs or requirements, and I implore you to take the time to check out the various options.

But if you still feel somewhat confused about the model you should select, don’t stress. Read over my tips on the key things to look out for, and I can assure you that the entire task of finding the perfect jointer planer combo machine should become a whole lot easier.

If you plan on working with boards as part of your project and want to work quickly to sort everything down to ensure things are uniform, then this is the machine you need. You will be amazed at the difference it makes and how quickly you will be able to then get on with other aspects of your project.

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Barry Gray

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.

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