Jointer height

[fred henkin]

Just got a new benchtop jointer. I'm in the process of building a mobile base for it. What's the best way to determine the proper height so it is comfortable to use?

[Cary Falk]

My 8" jointer has the table at 31-1/4" from the floor. I would start somewhere around there. Yoy could mock something up an then stack plywood under it until you find the right height.

[Gary Ragatz]

My 8" jointer has the table at 31-1/4" from the floor. I would start somewhere around there. Yoy could mock something up an then stack plywood under it until you find the right height.

+1 on doing a mock-up (but don't actually run the jointer on there unless your mock-up is really​ solid). Best height will depend on your height and personal preference. I think most floor-standing jointers have tables that are 31" - 33" above the floor.

[Jeff Heath]

Benchtop jointers are typically always not very wide, so you're not going to be leaning over them, like you would a 24" jointer, to flatten a board. Most usage will be edge jointing. As stated, the answer depends on how tall you are. A good, quick way to determine a comfortable height for any bench top is to measure the distance from the floor to your wrist, and subtract 2". A general starting point that can be adjusted, but will get you in the ball park of comfortable use very quickly. Tweak it from there, if necessary.