- LL Flooring Review: Should You Buy From There? - June 25, 2022
- Grizzly G0771Z Review: Do We Recommend? - June 25, 2022
- Micrometer vs Caliper Compared: Which Measurement Tool Should You Buy? - June 25, 2022
Ensuring that you have the best jointer planer combo for your woodworking projects will save you a lot of time and effort.
Jointer planers are a fantastic ‘two-in-one’ tool that has both a jointer and a planer with one cutter head for both purposes.
Having one of these machines means you will get straight and accurate cuts from wood. This will save you a ton of time fixing up errors and uneven cuts further down the line. If you are taking on any woodworking DIY projects, a jointer planer is a must-have piece of the kit.
We’re going to show you the best jointer planer combos that are on the market today so you can buy the model that is right for you.
The 6 Best Jointer Planer Combos in 2021
| Best Overall: JET JJP-12 12″ Planer/Jointer | Check price |
| Best Benchtop: JET JJP-8BT 8″ Jointer/Planer | Check price |
| Great Value: CRAFTSMAN Planer/ Jointer | Check price |
| Most Affordable: JET JJP-10BTOS 10″ Planer/ Jointer | Check price |
| RIKON 25-210H 12″ Planer/ Jointer | Check price |
| Grizzly G0634Z Planer/Jointer | Check price |
JET JJP-12 12″ Planer/Jointer – Best Overall Jointer/ Planer
The best all-around jointer planer combo that you can buy is the JET JJP-12 12″ Planer/Jointer.
It isn’t cheap by any means but it provides fantastic all-round performance.
This planer jointer combo has three steel cutter heads made while switching from jointing to planer is a simple process. You don’t even need to remove the fence to do this.
This machine is pretty sturdy – it weighs around 250kg – so you shouldn’t have any problems with durability. It can withstand a lot of use and still perform to a high standard.
This is also a very safe machine to use although there is a slight flaw that we will mention below. Safety measures include things such as kickback from the cutter head, self-engaging locks in addition to a magnetic on/off switch with protection against power outages so it doesn’t start back up again right away.
One thing to note with the safety of this machine is the bracket for the blade guard. It isn’t the strongest and can break pretty easily. Just something to be careful with.
With its three cutter heads, a heavy-duty 13 Amp motor, 12” capacity, and all-around great performance, the JET JJP-12 12″ Planer/Jointer is definitely an option to consider – if you have the money to spare.
Pros
- All-round high performing
- Sturdy machine and will last for years
- Three steel cutter heads and heavy-duty motor
- Big controls for easy operation
- Has a five-year warranty
Cons
- Bracket for the blade guard is flimsy
- Is pretty expensive
JET JJP-8BT 8″ Jointer/Planer – Best Benchtop Jointer Planer
The JET JJP-8BT 8″ Jointer/Planer is one of the few benchtop jointer planer combos that you can buy.
It is designed to save on space by combining both a jointer and planer in a compact design. If you don’t have tons of room at home and need both functions, this is an ideal power tool.
The JET JJP-8BT 8″ Jointer/Planer comes equipped with a large aluminum-extruded fence for precision and accuracy while there is also a 13-amp motor. The oversized controls make using this jointer planer pretty easy and straightforward.
There are two high-speed knives with this machine and it weighs just 67 lbs so you can easily move it around as you need.
One downside is that you can’t really adjust and level the bed. There aren’t any adjustment screws.
Overall an ideal machine for small home projects and one that is great if you don’t have much storage space.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Comes with two knives
- Oversized controls and knobs for ease of use
- Large aluminum fence for increased safety
Cons
- Can’t adjust the bed if you need to
- Not suitable for professional use
JET JJP-10BTOS 10″ Jointer/Planer with Stand – Best Value for Money jointer Planer
The best jointer planer combo that represents value for money is the JET JJP-10BTOS 10″ Jointer/Planer with Stand.
In terms of affordability, it isn’t the cheapest on the list but it is lower in price than the larger models.
For the performance that you get, it does provide great value for your buck as this one comes with a heavy-duty 13-amp motor. It is also capable of up to 18,000 cuts per minute.
This is a highly versatile model too. It can either be used as a benchtop machine or you can use the provided stand as well. This makes it perfect for utilizing what space you have at home.
The oversized knobs make the control and operation of this Jet 10” jointer planer easy and straightforward. There is an aluminum extruded fence which you can angle up to 45 degrees and you also get a very decent three-year warranty.
It can struggle with particularly hardwoods such as oak and there have been some reports of marks being left on the wood after use.
That being said, this power tool is powerful, compact, and for what you pay it is difficult to find a better value on the market for a jointer planer combo.
Pros
- Versatile and can be used as a benchtop or free-standing machine
- Powerful
- Capable of up to 18,000 cuts per minute
Cons
- Struggles with some hardwoods like oak
- Can leave marks on the wood
CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Planer & Benchtop Jointer
These are actually two separate products and even though we are looking at jointer and planer combos in this guide, it is worth mentioning.
The reason is that the CRAFTSMAN Benchtop Planer, & Benchtop Jointer comes as a bundle and they are compact enough so you don’t need a load of space to house both the planer and the jointer.
The planer is a benchtop model with a 15 amp motor and two steel knives. The motor means that it is ideal for both hard and softwoods.
The jointer comes with a 10 amp motor and a big advantage is that it has a variable speed of between 6000 and 11,000 RPM. It is easy to adjust this jointer as it has a jackscrew knife leveling arrangement and built-in cutter headlock – there is also a two knife cutter head.
This bundle is ideal if you need both a planer and a jointer but, for whatever reason, don’t fancy the true combo models. It will take up more space as it is two separate machines but they are small enough to not cause much of an impact.
Pros
- Effective with both hard and softwoods
- Jointer has variable speeds
- Planer is a powerful 15 amp motor
- Great deal with the bundle for two power tools
Cons
- Isn’t a true ‘combo’ and will take up more space
RIKON Power Tools 25-210H 12-Inch Planer/Jointer with Helical Head
This pretty big floor jointer planer combo packs quite a punch.
The RIKON Power Tools 25-210H 12-Inch Planer/Jointer with Helical Head will take up a bit of space in your garage or home (compared to the benchtop models like the Jet 8” anyway) but does come with a wide range of features.
This includes a 220V 3 HP, 3400 RPM alongside a 4-row helical cutter head. It can cope with a feed rate of up to 23 feet per minute. This model doesn’t actually produce a whole lot of noise which is a bonus and the overall operation of the RIKON is straightforward. With big controls, you shouldn’t encounter any problems.
There are a few drawbacks. One is that the fence isn’t easily adjustable and the tables don’t stay calibrated either. This can cause inaccurate cuts and precision issues if not tended to properly. Vibrations can also cause the calibration to adjust unknowingly as well.
Overall this is a powerful jointer planer combo but a model that does come with a few flaws.
Pros
- Powerful
- 4-row helical cutter head
- Feed rate of up to 23 feet per minute
Cons
- Fence adjustment can be tricky
- Problems with the calibration
Grizzly G0634Z Planer/Jointer with Spiral Cutter head
The last jointer planer combo on our list is the Grizzly G0634Z Planer/Jointer with Spiral Cutter head.
Be warned, this is a big machine and weighs over 700 lbs. If you don’t have a lot of space to store and use, you might want to look at one of the benchtop machines.
Although, this is a really powerful jointer planer that is almost on par with the JET JJP-12.
It has a 12-inch cutter head and can perform 20,000 cuts per minute. While this machine can seem a bit daunting at first, it is actually easy to use with simple to control knobs. The quick-release fence is a nice addition and the sturdiness of this machine means it will last for a long time even with heavy use.
You’ll get smooth, precise, and even woodcuts with the Grizzly G0634Z and the large tabletop means you can cut big pieces of wood too.
There aren’t really a ton of downsides with this model. It is heavy and it is pretty big which isn’t going to suit most people however it provides everything you need from a jointer planer combo machine.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- 12-inch cutter head and can perform 20,000 cuts per minute
- Easy to control with oversized knobs
- Quick-release fence
Cons
- Big and heavy which might not be ideal for home use
Why use a jointer planer combo?
There are a couple of reasons why you should consider investing in a jointer planer combo as opposed to buying a jointer and planer separately.
The first is that it saves space.
Even though some can be pretty big, they will still take up less room than having two separate machines. If you don’t have a ton of space at home for your woodworking and DIY projects, incorporating two machines in one just makes sense. It means you can have more tool storage options with increased space.
A jointer planer combo usually works out cheaper too when compared with buying the two machines separately.
The second reason is that it saves time.
As you are using the same machine for two purposes, it is easier to switch between the jointer and the planer. Instead of having to move to another area and start-up another machine, you can do this in one place and cut and treat wood quicker and more efficiently.
Factors you need to consider while choosing a jointer planer combo
It can feel a bit overwhelming buying a jointer planer combo. While the market for this type of machine isn’t massive as such, there are still quite a number of different options out there.
So, what do you need to think about before you dive straight in and make a purchase?
Size
A big benefit of a jointer planer combo is that it can cut down on the areas needed as it is combining two machines in one. Rather than having two separate machines, you get two functions in one space.
That being said, size is something to take into consideration.
Some are pretty big and heavy – the Grizzly G0634Z for example – so you need to consider if you have enough room to store and use it.
If you don’t have a lot of space at home, a benchtop model might be more suitable. Even though they don’t have the same working area as the bigger machines, they are much more compact and are still quite powerful.
Power
The power that a jointer planer combo has will really impact on its overall performance. It won’t just affect how good and precise your cuts will be but also what type of wood you can actually use.
1 HP should be the absolute lowest that you look for in a jointer planer. If you are a hobbyist and mainly working with softwoods, 1 HP should be enough. However, if you are working with hardwoods or want more versatility with your machine, look for a jointer planer with a higher HP.
3 HP should be more than enough for home use. Anything more than this is a bit overkill and will drastically increase your energy usage too.
Dust port
As you might know, working with wood can generate a lot of dust.
Have a look for jointer planers that feature a dust port for collecting dust. This will greatly cut down on the mess that cutting and treating wood will make. It also helps from a health and safety perspective.
If you are working in a small area – which many people who get a jointer planer combo for their garage are – having effective dust removal is a big thing to consider.
Number of blades
Some jointer planer combos come with more blades than others.
If you buy a machine with just one blade it isn’t the end of the world because it will get the job done. However one with more than one blade will get the job done quicker and more effectively.
You can find jointer planer combos with two, three, and even four blades. You’ll get better and more precise cuts and the time spent will be reduced as well.
Cost
The final thing to take into consideration when buying a jointer planer combo is the overall cost of the machine.
We have included a diverse range so that there is something suitable for every budget. If you need one of these tools for your hobbies or small home improvement projects – woodworking to improve your bedroom for example – you probably don’t need a really expensive model.
You do generally get what you pay for with these machines. That isn’t to say you need to spend a ton of money but when factoring in your budget, even spending just a few extra dollars can help you get a higher quality and more reliable power tool.
Frequently asked questions about jointer planer combos
Answer: Some are. Certain jointer planer models can take up a lot of space in your home and are pretty heavy. You can also buy benchtop jointer planer combos which are much more compact and will save on space.
Answer: Usually, yes. Some jointer planer combos will only have enough power to cope with softer woods however many of the more expensive machines and those that have higher HP can handle all types of wood. This includes softwoods and harder woods such as oak.
Answer: Some can cost a lot of money but there are many models out there for hobbyists that are cheaper. It is usually more cost-effective to buy a jointer planer combo than it is to buy each power tool separately. This also saves on the space you need as well.
Answer: Yes. As long as you follow the necessary safety precautions and use adequate safety gear you could encounter any problems using these machines.
Answer: It is recommended that you do. Woodworking can generate a lot of dust and while some machines will have dust ports, you should also try to ensure the area you are working in has adequate ventilation.
Our verdict: What’s the best jointer planer combo?
Investing in quality power tools is the difference between successful woodworking for home improvement projects and sub-par results.
If you want a top of the range jointer planer combo and have the money to spare, the JET JJP-12 12″ Planer/Jointer is the best choice. It is incredibly powerful and offers everything you will need.
For the more budget-conscious, the JET JJP-10BTOS 10″ Jointer/Planer with Stand is smaller and won’t cost as much. It represents great value for money when comparing the price to overall performance.
Combination benchtop jointer and planer provides a 2-in-1 machine to maximize work space. Large aluminum-extruded fence makes joining stable and precise.
