I recently got my hands on the WOODSTARTER 6” Benchtop Jointer, and I’ve been putting it through its paces in my shop. As a woodworker, finding a compact jointer that doesn't compromise on power is key. To really test this 6 inch benchtop jointer, I used it to prep lumber for a new cutting board build — a task that perfectly highlights a jointer's importance. You can check out the full process and review in my video below.
Why a Benchtop Jointer is Essential
Before the review, let's cover the "why." You can't get professional, seamless glue-ups if your boards aren't perfectly flat and square. Lumber from the store is almost never ready to use. A benchtop jointer is the only tool that reliably does two critical jobs: face jointing (making one face of a board perfectly flat) and edge jointing (creating a perfectly 90° edge on that flat face). This one-two punch is the secret to invisible glue lines on panels and cutting boards.
First Impressions and Setup
Right out of the box, the WOODSTARTER jointer feels like a serious piece of equipment for its size. The build quality is solid, with heavy-duty cast iron tables, and the adjustments are intuitive. The setup was straightforward; the most critical step for any new jointer is checking that the infeed and outfeed tables are co-planar (perfectly aligned). Mine was well-calibrated out of the box. For a 6” model, it’s ideal for small jointing projects — cutting boards, boxes, edge-gluing panels, or squaring up smaller pieces before glue-ups.
Performance and Cut Quality
The motor and blades are excellent. I ran oak, walnut, and pine through this benchtop jointer, and every board came out clean with perfect 90° edges. This is the precision you're paying for. There was no tear-out, no chatter, and no burn marks — just smooth, straight cuts ready for glue.
The fence height is a bit short, which is a common trade-off on compact jointers. However, this is a minor issue. It’s easy enough to build a quick fence extension jig (a taller piece of flat plywood or MDF) that clamps to the stock fence. Once that’s in place, the jointer feels even more stable for face-jointing taller pieces.
During use, the jointer feels comfortable and balanced. The blade and motor are strong enough for a steady feed rate, and the cutterhead keeps up effortlessly — even on dense hardwoods like oak. Vibrations are minimal during use. I have it on a portable workbench, and it felt sturdy and secure.
Dust Collection
The dust collection system works surprisingly well for a **compact benchtop jointer**. This is often an afterthought on smaller tools, but not here. The port is well-designed and, when connected to my shop vac, it captured over 95% of the chips. This is a massive win if you’re running a small shop or garage setup, as jointer chips build up incredibly fast and can clog the machine or ruin a cut.
Final Thoughts on Cut Quality
Honestly, this 6” benchtop jointer punches way above its weight. It delivers professional-grade results without the footprint or price tag of larger machines. As someone who’s used full-sized, cabinet-style jointers in a professional shop, I can confidently say this one matches up in pure cut quality.
Who is this Jointer For?
This machine isn't for a production shop trying to flatten 12-foot boards. It's built for a specific, and very large, group of woodworkers:
- The Small Shop Hobbyist: If your shop is in a garage or basement, space is your biggest enemy. This compact benchtop jointer gives you 90% of the functionality of a full-sized machine at 20% of the footprint.
- The Beginner Woodworker: This is the perfect first jointer for beginners. It's not intimidating, it's easy to learn on, and it will immediately elevate your projects from "handmade" to "professional."
- The Craft & Cutting Board Maker: If your projects (like boxes, frames, and cutting boards) primarily use stock under 3-4 feet long, this jointer is all you will ever need.
If you’re short on space but don’t want to compromise on precision, the WOODSTARTER 6” Benchtop Jointer is absolutely worth the investment.
