If you’re getting started at recreational woodworking, there are a lot of tools you’ll need to buy. Obviously, if at any point you can manage to get one tool instead of two, you’ll be able to cut back on your costs quite a bit. That’s why it can be a great idea to get a jointer planer combo for your home workshop.
Naturally, this will save you the trouble of getting both a jointer and a planer, and you’ll save both time and money. Even if you’re a pro woodworker, you may happen to be in need of both a jointer and a planer, and it could behoove you to invest in a combo tool instead. That’s why we’ve made this list of the best jointer and planer combos. So you can streamline your shopping and get right back to your woodworking.
Carry on reading to see our full list of the best jointer planer combos, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick here.
What’s the Difference Between a Jointer and a Planer?
If you’re really new to woodwork and still figuring things out, you may not be sure what exactly jointers or planers are and why you’d want a tool that does both. Well, a jointer is a tool that smoothens out your would and makes sure the edges are even. It also helps make sure that you’ll be able to joint your different pieces of wood together, hence the name “jointer.” On the other hand, a planer helps you cut out a piece of wood to very specific measurements.
The two tools both complete similar tasks that have to do with cutting your wood, but there’s a big practical difference in what task you’d use each tool for. If you want to smoothen out a piece of wood without drastically changing its shape, you’ll want to use a jointer. But if you’re crafting a piece from scratch and need to really cut at your wood, you’ll need to use a planer. Obviously, if you have a jointer planer combo tool it saves you a lot of trouble of worrying about which one you’ll need, and you’ll be able to get all of your wood-related tasks done with just one convenient machine.
What Should You Look For in a Jointer Planer Combo?
Now we know why you’d want a jointer planer combo, but what do you look for in your jointer-planer? Since you’re effectively buying two tools at once, it can feel a little overwhelming trying to evaluate what you’re looking at. After all, deciding which product of one tool to buy is hard enough, and now you’re doing it for two tools. But don’t worry, we’ve made a list of easy-to-understand criteria that will help you understand how we decided which jointer planer combos to include on our list, and we hope that when you’re done reading our criteria you’ll feel ready to do your own research.
Criteria #1: Motor Strength – I think everyone will understand this one. Woodworking is not light work, and you need machines that can handle a tough task. The motor of a jointer planer combo is measured in horsepower, and the stronger a motor is, the easier and quicker it’ll be for you to get the results you want from your jointer planer.
Criteria #2: Size-Compatibility – Not to be confused with size – unfortunately, almost all jointer planer combos will be pretty large – this refers to the largest size of wood that a jointer planer combo can handle. All things being equal, the larger wood a machine can handle, the better. That being said, you’ll need to pay more for that luxury, and depending on what you’ll be doing with your jointer planer combo, it may just not be worth it to spring for the strongest machine. Jointer planer combos usually come in compatibility sizes of 8, 10, or 12 inches.
Criteria #3: Extra Features: The little things can go a long way and become the big thing. Obviously, there’s no set feature that will satisfy this criterion, but we’ll make sure to point out any good features a jointer planer combo has, and we’ll reward the machine accordingly. I will say that we’re most likely to point out how convenient it is to actually use a given machine as either a jointer or a planer. Some machines will take a lot of effort to switch purposes, while others will do it seamlessly. I don’t think I need to tell you that we’re ideally looking for a machine that fits in the second category.
Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Jointer Planer Combo
We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best jointer planer combo” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised.
And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best jointer planer combo.
#1: Jet JJP-8BT Jointer Planer Combo (Best Value – All-Purpose)
Replace Image below with Amazon SiteTools Image
Jet is one of the biggest names in the home improvement business, and they’re particularly known for their jointer planer combo tools. In fact, a quick Google search for “best jointer planer combos” will spit out several lists that are filled with different Jet products. And the Jet JJP-8BT Jointer Planer Combo is both their cheapest product and the one most accessible to beginners.
This jointer planer can fit pieces of wood up to 8 inches thick, making it more ideal for hobbyists who just want to make some pieces around the house. It’s the best value for its money, and it gets the job done, if you don’t need to go over the size limit. The Jet JJP-88BT has a strong 13-amp motor that provides this machine with 3 horsepower to help you breeze through your lumber and see your creations come to life that much quicker.
Jet also deftly prioritizes the more important parts of the machine to give this jointer planer a compact design that will fit easily in home shops. The infeed table is nice and sturdy, while the less-important outfeed table is made of sheet metal which helps keep the machine light, and it’s adjustable to help reduce sniping. The machine features large, ergonomic knobs that will make this jointer planer combo easy on your body and comfortable to use. Finally, this 8-inch jointer planer has two knives spinning at a rate of 9,000 RPM, so you know you’ll get your results quickly.
As I mentioned, most lists of the top-quality jointer planers feature a whole slew of Jet products, and the Jet JJP-8BT Jointer Planer Combo is one of many Jet jointer planers that makes the cut. Reviewers praised the compact design, the strong motor, the ergonomic knives, and of course, the cheap price. Unfortunately, cheap is a relative term here, and the truth is woodworking is an expensive hobby, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper option anywhere. The only real reason to avoid this machine is if you specifically need something that can handle thicker planks. But if 8 inches is enough for you, then the Jet JJP-8BT Jointer Planer Combo is the best value you’ll get, and that’s why it’s number one on our list of the best jointer planer combos.
#2: Jet JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer (Best Machine)
Replace Image below with Amazon SiteTools Image
We’ve been pretty clear about how popular Jet is, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that they managed to earn the number two spot on our list in addition to the top product. While the JJP-8BT is ideal for beginners and is the most accessible machine, the et JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer is for those customers who are already pros, and who know exactly what they want. This jointer planer is more expensive than our number one product, but it’s better for certain more heavy-duty tasks. Here are some reasons you might decide that it’s worth it to splurge and buy the Jet JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer over its younger brother, the Jet JJP-8BT Jointer Planer Combo.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Industrial Size
Like we said, the Jet JJP-8BT 8-inch jointer planer is almost perfect if you don’t plan on going over that 8-inch limit. But if you do plan on going over that limit, then you’ll need an industrial-grade jointer planer that can handle the job, and that’s where the Jet JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer comes in. The Jet JJP-12 can handle larger wood sizes so you can make amazing large-scale masterpieces that will impress all of your friends and family. You can even begin to save money over time by making your own furniture instead of buying new pieces. This jointer planer is big enough that it can be the centerfold of a commercial business and not just the hub of your at-home workshop.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product: Parallelogram Design
Most jointers use a wedge-style adjust on the jointing table, but the Jet JJP-12 Jointer Planer Combo comes with a parallelogram design that keeps all of your measurements in place and allows you to keep the jointer and the planer completely in sync, so that all of your pieces can have the perfect symmetry that will have your friends thinking you bought that new piece in your living room. They’ll be amazed when you found out you made it yourself.
On top of the smooth parallelogram design and the industrial-grade 12-inch size-limit, this machine switches quickly from jointer to planer, so you’re really getting that multi-purpose experience without going through any trouble. The only real downside to this machine is that it’s not as strong as it should be. Despite its bigger size, it has the same horsepower as the JJP-8BT, and it uses the three high-speed knife cutter head which is typical in more recreational jointer planers. This means that cutting through 12-inch pieces of wood may not be a breeze, but you’ll get there. Even with the relatively weak power, the extra size limit is irreplaceable for some people.
Be warned: This benchtop jointer planer is expensive. But if you’re willing to pay top-dollar to further your hobby, or if you’re using it as an eventual source of income, the Jet JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer is an amazing industrial-grade machine that will take care of all of your jointing and planing.
#3: Jet 708476 Model JJP-12HH 12-Inch Planer/Jointer (Best Industrial Option)
We warned you – Jet makes yet another appearance on our list. (At a certain point, I’ll have to make another list just for Jet jointer planers.) We listed the Jet JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer because some customers are willing to splurge more for a better product, but if our second jointer planer combo is still too small-time for you, then you’ll want to break the bank on the Jet 708476 Model JJP-12HH 12-Inch Planer/Jointer.
This machine is not for hobbyists. If you’re interested in this top-tier Jet model, you should either be incredibly serious about your woodworking passion or already making pieces for a living. That said, almost nothing competes with it in terms of raw performance. This machine comes with most of the same features as the standard JJP-12, but it has an upgraded knife system that will help you breeze through all your cutting and quickly have more finished pieces than you know what to do with. Instead of the three-knife cutter head system, this jointer planer jointer uses the top-of-the-line helical cutter head system. The benefits of the helical cutter head system over the three-knife cutter head system are that the helical cutter heads are easier to replace, easier to adjust, longer-lasting, and quieter.
As one review aptly explained, “When a helical head goes dull, all you need to do is turn the indexable carbide tip 90 degrees to restore your jointer to working order.” And you still get the quick adaptability and the large, easy-to-handle knobs of the standard JJP. The Jet 708476 Model JJP-12HH 12-Inch Planer/Jointer may cost an arm and a leg, but it will give you the most streamlined jointing and planning experience possible, and for some people, that’s just priceless.
#4: Rikon Power Tools 25-210H 12-Inch Planer/Jointer (Cheapest with the Helical Cutter Head)
I told you this wasn’t just a list of Jet products. Rikon caps off our list with the Rikon Power Tools 25-210H 12-Inch Planer/Jointer. If you just need to have the convenient, durable, and quiet helical cutter head system but you’re not willing to pay several months’ rent, then the Rikon Power Tools 25-210H 12-Inch Planer/Jointer is a greater alternative to the Jet 708476 Model JJP-12HH.
On top of having the incredible helical head system, this 12-inch jointer planer combo machine comes with a 3-HP motor that provides 3400 RPM to give you a quick and clean cut for your jointing and planing. It also has a feed rate of 23 feet per minute that will have you working quickly and accurately so you knock out entire projects all in one session.
This Rikon machine also features three rubber-coated outfeed rollers that will keep all of your wood stable on its way out of the machine, which will be incredibly helpful for preventing sniping. Overall, this is a high-end, more expensive jointer and planer combo machine. That means that, like our other more expensive machines, it’s best for people already firmly certain that woodwork is the hobby for them, or for anyone looking to use this machine as a source of income. Plus, the amazing cutter head is worth the price alone, and the Rikon Power Tools 25-210H is a great compromise option if the Jet 708476 Model JJP-12HH was just too expensive for you.
Verdict: Your Best Jointer Planer Combo
There you have it, those are our 4 top jointer planer combo machines. Don’t worry if that was a lot at once, especially if you’re newer to woodworking, it can be a lot to handle. That’s why we’ve provided a quick recap that will nicely summarize all of the standout features of our products and help you decide which one is best for your budget and your needs.
If you want the best value for money, pick the Jet JJP-8BT Jointer Planer Combo Machine.
To be blunt, this is the only machine on our list that isn’t incredibly expensive. If you’re new to woodworking and still testing the waters, this is almost definitely the jointer planer you’ll want for your workshop. It’s cheap, powerful, and easy to use. Basically, the only reason you’ll have a problem with it is if you know you need something that can handle planks thicker than 8 inches. It’s the number one value pick and our number one pick overall.
If you need the luxurious option, pick the Jet 708476 Model JJP-12HH 12-Inch Planer/Jointer.
If the value pick just won’t cut it, you’ll want to look into this Jet product. It has all of the quality-of-life features of the JJP-8BT, but it can handle anything up to 12 inches. It also has the amazing helical cutter system that gives you some peace and quiet while you work, and it’s durable, easy to use, and easy to replace. This machine is the real deal and only for serious woodworkers.
If you want to keep a cheaper industrial option, pick the Jet JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer Machine.
If you really need something that can handle thicker pieces of wood but you aren’t willing or able to break the bank for our luxury pick or for the Rikon Power Tools products, the standard Jet JJP-12 is a great choice for you. It handles anything up to 12 inches and has all of the convenient features we’ve come to expect from Jet, and it’s not quite as expensive as the other 12-inch machines.
Remember to think about what your priorities are when you’re buying your planer jointer combo. If you really had your eyes set on the helical cutter system but you can’t afford the Jet 708476 Model JJP-12HH, the Rikon Power Tools 25-210H might be a more realistic option, and it gives you a fantastic feed rate. As soon as you figure out what you need, the decision of which product to get becomes much easier and much less stressful. That’s it for our list and our advice. We hope it helped, and we hope you’re on your way to becoming a master woodworker.