If you’re looking for a power jointer that can handle wider boards and longer workpieces, then an 8 inch jointer might be the right choice for you. These machines offer a larger cutter head, more knives, and longer infeed/outfeed tables.
These jointers also have a helical cutter head, which ensures smoother cuts and quieter operation. And the carbide bits are replaceable, so you won’t have to worry about chipped blades.
Power
An 8 inch jointer is an excellent choice for woodworkers looking to create jobs that require straight edges and flat surfaces. This powerful tool can take rough-sawn lumber and send perfectly smooth boards out of the machine, making it an essential part of any woodworking shop.
A power jointer can also be used to surface a board, making it look beautiful by removing high spots. This is similar to how a jointer plane works, and it’s a great way to get your stock ready for final shaping and finishing.
While there are many different types of jointers, the most popular ones are 8-inch models that have a 6 to 7-1/2 horsepower motor and a power rating of around 10-11 amps. This makes them ideal for woodworkers, whether they’re a hobbyist or a professional.
Size
The 8 inch jointer is a popular option for woodworkers who want to create jobs that need wider boards. But a jointer isn’t always necessary for creating flat surfaces, especially on narrow stock.
You can also use a planer to smooth surfaces and a table saw to straighten them. But a jointer can be used to create a board with a perfectly flat surface along its length, something that the planer and table saw can’t do.
The best jointers have long tables, which means you can work with a lot of board width at once. They also have adjustable fences, which are great for precision angle cuts. Some even offer extensions that can expand the table size for more space.
Precision
An 8 inch jointer can be a great tool for woodworkers who need to create jobs like beveling or chamfering edges. It can also be used to square large stock without sanding.
The power of a jointer equates to smooth cuts, especially when working with harder woods. The right 8 inch jointer can help you achieve a perfect finish on everything from furniture to kitchen cabinets.
A larger size than a 6 inch jointer, an 8-inch jointer has a bigger cutter head width and is capable of handling wider boards and longer workpieces. Some models offer longer infeed and outfeed tables, making them ideal for commercial use or serious woodworkers.
The Shop Fox 8-inch jointer is one of the best of its kind. It offers a unique parallelogram table design that keeps the tables in coplanar alignment when you tighten and loosen them, which is important to ensure a precise surfacing job.
Safety
The 8 inch jointer can create jobs that would be impossible with a smaller jointer, but it can also be dangerous. It’s essential to pay close attention to the machine and how it works, particularly when handling small pieces of wood.
Safety tips for using an 8 inch jointer include keeping your hands away from the cutterhead while it’s in motion. This can help prevent a kickback that could expose your hands to the knives or cause them to come into contact with the wood.
Safety is important for all woodworkers, but it’s especially critical when working with power tools. The best jointers have safety features such as a push-button switch with a large off paddle, a rabbeting table, and a built-in mobile base.
