Jet 6" Benctop Jointer JJ-6HHBT (718600)

[James Kirkpatrick]

New Jet jointer has been shipping since September according to tech support. Haven't found one review or any commentary on this product. Just the Jet website and user manual.

Interesting machine:
- Outfeed table isn't an isolated slab; rather it's integral to the entire top "Body with Outfeed Table". Don't think I've seen a jointer like this previously
- Manual says "The outfeed table is set to be level with the knives at the highest point in their revolution. The infeed and outfeed tables are preset at the factory to be aligned with the cutterhead."
- 14 helical cutterheads with slight angle (not spiral with straignt-on knife faces like Wahuda or Rikon) looks nice, like a higher-end floor stander
- Integral dust collection - there's a plastic shroud underneath the cutterhead, appears to be pretty well sealed. No blower motor like their floor standing cousins
- Cast iron tables and fence, kinda small but usable (28 5/8" table, 22 3/4 x 4 3/8" fence)

What I'm curious about:
- Is there any way to adjust the tables if needed?? Appears the outfeed is not adjustable at all, unless you somehow adjusted the entire upper body of the machine. The infeed table has a few socket set screws under it but it's unclear if they provide adjustments or are just assembly pieces
- Seems the cutterheads on this thing are significantly upgraded vs. Wahuda/Rikon. Is that really the case, how well does it cut?

So many questions... a basic review would be very helpful.

[James Kirkpatrick]

User Manual with exploded parts list: https://content.jettools.com/assets/manuals/718600_man_EN.pdf

[Ronald Blue]

What's the appeal of this? Are you restricted so much for shop space that benchtop is your only option? If so here is another option.

https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-6-benchtop-jointer-with-helical-cutterhead/g0893

[Curt Harms]

Sears/Craftsman sold a jointer with a fixed outfeed table at one time years ago. It was not popular. I adjust my outfeed table every time I change blades. I have straight knives in a Jet JJP-12 jointer planer. A rule of thumb is that you can practically joint material 1.5X to 2X the length of the tables, I find 1.5X more comfortable. Is that long enough for you? I have used freestanding supports in a pinch but that's not optimum.

[James Kirkpatrick]

What's the appeal of this? Are you restricted so much for shop space that benchtop is your only option? If so here is another option.

https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-6-benchtop-jointer-with-helical-cutterhead/g0893

I'm looking for a benchtop jointer for typical reasons... space being #1. I've reviewed every benchtop jointer out there - including Grizzly, Wahuda, Porter Cable / Craftsman, et al. The Jet jointer is unique as noted earlier - it's the only one with a true helical cutter. It's the only one I've seen with a fixed outfeed table (meaning the entire top assy is one piece as noted in the initial post). It's different than the others.

[James Kirkpatrick]

Sears/Craftsman sold a jointer with a fixed outfeed table at one time years ago. It was not popular. I adjust my outfeed table every time I change blades. I have straight knives in a Jet JJP-12 jointer planer. A rule of thumb is that you can practically joint material 1.5X to 2X the length of the tables, I find 1.5X more comfortable. Is that long enough for you? I have used freestanding supports in a pinch but that's not optimum.

I'd like a longer jointer of course, and am considering the Jet 6" helical model. Fitting it in my space is my biggest issue. Cost is a second, slightly less important reason. I'm sure if I buy the benchtop I'll eventually lament not having the longer bed. Main reason for posting this is the hope that someone, anyone, has actually purchased one of these units so I can get some feedback prior to making a final decision. Normally I wouldn't bother, but this unit is unique enough in the benchtop jointer space that I thought it was worth checking in with the experts.

[james manutes]

Looked at the manual , infeed side goes up/down like any other jointer out there . It's not " fixed " , its level w/ the cutterhead when you get it . That's what I see .

[Ronald Blue]

I'm looking for a benchtop jointer for typical reasons... space being #1. I've reviewed every benchtop jointer out there - including Grizzly, Wahuda, Porter Cable / Craftsman, et al. The Jet jointer is unique as noted earlier - it's the only one with a true helical cutter. It's the only one I've seen with a fixed outfeed table (meaning the entire top assy is one piece as noted in the initial post). It's different than the others.

I had one of the Craftsman jointers referenced by someone else. It wasn't a benefit in my opinion. Setting the knives to match the outfeed table took some time. I wouldn't go back to it certainly. I realize with inserts that might not be a problem. As info the Grizzly version is also helical. Your shop and your money so I wish you luck.

[James Kirkpatrick]

Looked at the manual , infeed side goes up/down like any other jointer out there . It's not " fixed " , its level w/ the cutterhead when you get it . That's what I see .

Right. It's the outfeed table that is fixed and not adjustable, as noted.

[James Kirkpatrick]

I had one of the Craftsman jointers referenced by someone else. It wasn't a benefit in my opinion. Setting the knives to match the outfeed table took some time. I wouldn't go back to it certainly. I realize with inserts that might not be a problem. As info the Grizzly version is also helical. Your shop and your money so I wish you luck.

Thanks RB, took another look at the Grizzly and it's helical cutter head is similar as you noted. Also discovered that it's just like the Jet - the outfeed table is not adjustable for parallelism, it's factory set to be parallel to the cutter heads and that's it. It has a similar one-piece upper body design as the Jet. It's also quite a bit cheaper.

The Grizzly has 3 rows w/ 18 cutter heads compared to 2 rows w/ 14 cutters on the Jet. Grizzly spins slower at 8,000 RPM vs. 10,000 for the Jet which makes sense given the number of rows for each.

[Curt Harms]

Right. It's the outfeed table that is fixed and not adjustable, as noted.

The difference here is the cutterhead. I've never used one but can see where it might not be necessary to adjust the outfeed table because the cutters are in a fixed position, not variable like straight knives.

[james manutes]

I'd buy a 6" Grizzly full size floor standing model . With straight knives it is less $ than that little Jet . Secondly , longer beds will serve you better and longer before the next upgrade . Last , it will return more of it's purchase price when you sell it . I think at the entry level stage , straight knives will do . Get the helical cutter head on the next jointer , 8" or larger .

[Mitchell Ristine]

Grizzly spins slower at 8,000 RPM vs. 10,000 for the Jet which makes sense given the number of rows for each.

The Griz also has a 1.5 hp motor (Jet is 1).

[James Kirkpatrick]

The Griz also has a 1.5 hp motor (Jet is 1).

Also, the Grizzly is all aluminum (tables and fence) while the Jet is all cast iron (tables and fence). Guessing that accounts for much of the price difference. For a bench top jointer, is cast iron necessary? I guess since it’s a small unit the cast iron would help it feel more hefty amd stable.

[Curt Harms]

Also, the Grizzly is all aluminum (tables and fence) while the Jet is all cast iron (tables and fence). Guessing that accounts for much of the price difference. For a bench top jointer, is cast iron necessary? I guess since it’s a small unit the cast iron would help it feel more hefty amd stable.

Often cast iron is lauded for being stable and vibration damping. It's also heavy which may not be an attribute for a machine you'd want to move somewhat frequently. Grizzly is 56 lbs. shipping weight, Jet is 76 lbs. Don't know if that matters.

[James Kirkpatrick]

After some more research, pulled the trigger on the Jet 6" benchtop jointer. Purchased through HD, ship-to-store. Amazingly, still haven't found any reviews, videos, ... nothing regarding this jointer, so am relying on Jet branding to not let me down. Finalists were Grizzly's G0893 and Jet's JJ-6HHDX floor stander. Decision came down to (1) material size - most of what I do involves pieces <48" so am comfortable this table is good enough for now; (2) helical head - unlike Wahuda/Rikon/Wen, Jet's is a true helical head. Grizzly's benchtop is the only other true helical out there; (3) Cast iron fence - separates Jet from Grizzly. Users complain the Grizzly's aluminum fence has give out at the edges and overall have to be more careful when applying pressure as aluminum will flex; (4) Motorized chip ejection - majority of low star ratings on benchtops in general has to do with premature failure, most likely the motor. User manuals warn to ensure adequate clearing of debris or motor can get gummed up and overheat. Jet goes a step further by employing an integrated blower motor; (5) Depth gauge - simple thing, but for whatever reason the Grizzly benchtop doesn't have any depth gauge on it. Sure I could scribe one into the side or make a little plate or whatever... just seems like lazy engineering to me to not include something so basic; (6) Weight - went back and forth on this one. Ideally a benchtop product should be portable, so lighter is better. On the other hand, for a jointer stability when applying pressure and cantilevered weight is nice to have, so heavier is better. Opted for heavier in the end... Jet is about 15 lbs heavier than the Grizzly; (7) Price - about $300 more than the Grizzly, arguable whether it's worth the premium. Maybe/maybe not, but if the product isn't all I expected there's always the HD return policy... (8) Shop space - the third option, the Jet helical floor-stander, is something I'd like to have but space is a problem for now. Perhaps when I can remedy that, I'll sell the benchtop and go for a bigger version.

La Vergne, TN – JET ® has introduced a new 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer (JJ-6HHBT) that combines consistently smooth and accurate edge-planing performance with space-saving design, stability and durability.
The cutterhead assembly of the 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer is equipped with 14 carbide-tipped, helical-head blades in two spiral rows. The cutterhead’s individual, four- sided blade inserts can be easily rotated or replaced when dulled or damaged. Speed of the 2”-diameter cutterhead is 10,000 (no-load) rpm.
“Squaring board edges for joinery or finishing; beveling boards for trim work; flattening of warped board faces – these are just a few of the essential woodworking tasks performed quickly and dependably by our new 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer,” said Tobias Bridges, JET’s Product Development Director – Wood. “Plus, the jointer’s durable construction and compact size make it a great choice for enthusiasts, furniture makers, small to medium-size production shops and jobsites.”
The sturdy benchtop jointer features precision ground, cast iron infeed/outfeed tables, which, together, measure 28-5/8” x 6-1/4”. Depth-of-cut is set by rotating a large knob beneath the infeed table, according to a scale on the front of the machine. Maximum depth of cut is 1/8” and maximum width cutting capacity is 6”.
The jointer’s cast iron fence measures 22-3/4” x 4-3/8”. The fully adjustable fence tilts from -45 o to +45 o with positive stops at -45 o , 90 o , and + 45 o . A push stick and push block are included with the jointer.
The benchtop jointer is powered by a 1 HP, 115V, 60Hz, motor. The motor is operated by an on-off toggle switch on the front/center of the tool. A removable key allows the switch to be locked in the “off” position for security.
Efficient dust collection is provided by an integrated blower motor that directs chips and debris away from the cutterhead into the included dust collection bag, which attaches to the 2-1/2”-diameter dust port on the lefthand side of the jointer. The jointer also can be attached to a shop’s dust collection system, using a 4” adapter.
The JET 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer is covered by a three-year warranty, as well as JET’s RED Assurance TM , the industry’s most dependable service and support guarantee program.
Visit www.jettools.com for more information or to locate a dealer for the new JET JJ-6HHBT 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer (718600, $849.99 Retail). A 10 pc. kit
containing JJ-6HHBT Carbide Helical Head Blades (718601, $69.99 Retail) also is available.

[Bob Johnson2]

I would be interested in your impressions when you get it. I like that it's cast iron as opposed to aluminum. Needing to lighten up, as in weight, my basement shop. Sold my floor standing jointer and need a portable/lightweight replacement.

[James Kirkpatrick]

I would be interested in your impressions when you get it. I like that it's cast iron as opposed to aluminum. Needing to lighten up, as in weight, my basement shop. Sold my floor standing jointer and need a portable/lightweight replacement.

Will do Bob. Hobbyist, currently working on cutting boards, cabinets/drawers, other odds and ends. Have been executing jointer workaround trickery long enough, hoping this little machine simplifies things.

[James Kirkpatrick]

Received Jet bench top jointer today, shipped through Home Depot. Well packaged, no damaged goods. As expected, no coplanarity adjustments are available, so ya get what ya get. Initial check looks good, a bit of droop on the infeed table along its leading edge, roughly 0.008”. Moderate noise level, I can believe 92 dB spec. Cuts like a true helical should, very smooth finish. Chip ejection motor works great, just using a bag is adequate as hardly any chips remain up on the tables. Weighs 71 lbs but handles and overall length make it easier than you might think to move around. Well balanced. Cast iron fence is solid, nice fine adjustment capability. Only a few runs so far but pretty easy to square up a board with this, the planer and a table or chop saw. Happy so far.

[Bob Johnson2]

Appreciate the follow up.

[Dave LoSapio]

Can you provide an update on your satisfaction with the performance of the Jet? If you were going through the purchase all over again, would you again choose the Jet over its competition in the 6" Jointer space? What do you like/dislike about it? I'm working through the decision making process now, looking at the same options you were considering, tough to make a final call, this Jet, despite the price, is very appealing for reasons mentioned. Thanks!


After some more research, pulled the trigger on the Jet 6" benchtop jointer. Purchased through HD, ship-to-store. Amazingly, still haven't found any reviews, videos, ... nothing regarding this jointer, so am relying on Jet branding to not let me down. Finalists were Grizzly's G0893 and Jet's JJ-6HHDX floor stander. Decision came down to (1) material size - most of what I do involves pieces <48" so am comfortable this table is good enough for now; (2) helical head - unlike Wahuda/Rikon/Wen, Jet's is a true helical head. Grizzly's benchtop is the only other true helical out there; (3) Cast iron fence - separates Jet from Grizzly. Users complain the Grizzly's aluminum fence has give out at the edges and overall have to be more careful when applying pressure as aluminum will flex; (4) Motorized chip ejection - majority of low star ratings on benchtops in general has to do with premature failure, most likely the motor. User manuals warn to ensure adequate clearing of debris or motor can get gummed up and overheat. Jet goes a step further by employing an integrated blower motor; (5) Depth gauge - simple thing, but for whatever reason the Grizzly benchtop doesn't have any depth gauge on it. Sure I could scribe one into the side or make a little plate or whatever... just seems like lazy engineering to me to not include something so basic; (6) Weight - went back and forth on this one. Ideally a benchtop product should be portable, so lighter is better. On the other hand, for a jointer stability when applying pressure and cantilevered weight is nice to have, so heavier is better. Opted for heavier in the end... Jet is about 15 lbs heavier than the Grizzly; (7) Price - about $300 more than the Grizzly, arguable whether it's worth the premium. Maybe/maybe not, but if the product isn't all I expected there's always the HD return policy... (8) Shop space - the third option, the Jet helical floor-stander, is something I'd like to have but space is a problem for now. Perhaps when I can remedy that, I'll sell the benchtop and go for a bigger version.

La Vergne, TN – JET ® has introduced a new 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer (JJ-6HHBT) that combines consistently smooth and accurate edge-planing performance with space-saving design, stability and durability.
The cutterhead assembly of the 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer is equipped with 14 carbide-tipped, helical-head blades in two spiral rows. The cutterhead’s individual, four- sided blade inserts can be easily rotated or replaced when dulled or damaged. Speed of the 2”-diameter cutterhead is 10,000 (no-load) rpm.
“Squaring board edges for joinery or finishing; beveling boards for trim work; flattening of warped board faces – these are just a few of the essential woodworking tasks performed quickly and dependably by our new 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer,” said Tobias Bridges, JET’s Product Development Director – Wood. “Plus, the jointer’s durable construction and compact size make it a great choice for enthusiasts, furniture makers, small to medium-size production shops and jobsites.”
The sturdy benchtop jointer features precision ground, cast iron infeed/outfeed tables, which, together, measure 28-5/8” x 6-1/4”. Depth-of-cut is set by rotating a large knob beneath the infeed table, according to a scale on the front of the machine. Maximum depth of cut is 1/8” and maximum width cutting capacity is 6”.
The jointer’s cast iron fence measures 22-3/4” x 4-3/8”. The fully adjustable fence tilts from -45 o to +45 o with positive stops at -45 o , 90 o , and + 45 o . A push stick and push block are included with the jointer.
The benchtop jointer is powered by a 1 HP, 115V, 60Hz, motor. The motor is operated by an on-off toggle switch on the front/center of the tool. A removable key allows the switch to be locked in the “off” position for security.
Efficient dust collection is provided by an integrated blower motor that directs chips and debris away from the cutterhead into the included dust collection bag, which attaches to the 2-1/2”-diameter dust port on the lefthand side of the jointer. The jointer also can be attached to a shop’s dust collection system, using a 4” adapter.
The JET 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer is covered by a three-year warranty, as well as JET’s RED Assurance TM , the industry’s most dependable service and support guarantee program.
Visit www.jettools.com (http://www.jettools.com) for more information or to locate a dealer for the new JET JJ-6HHBT 6” Helical Head Benchtop Jointer (718600, $849.99 Retail). A 10 pc. kit
containing JJ-6HHBT Carbide Helical Head Blades (718601, $69.99 Retail) also is available.

[James Kirkpatrick]

Can you provide an update on your satisfaction with the performance of the Jet? If you were going through the purchase all over again, would you again choose the Jet over its competition in the 6" Jointer space? What do you like/dislike about it? I'm working through the decision making process now, looking at the same options you were considering, tough to make a final call, this Jet, despite the price, is very appealing for reasons mentioned. Thanks!

Apologies have been out of commission for a little while. Posted a review on the Orange Big Box site, am repeating it here: Product arrived last month, well packaged, no damage. Fit and finish is "pretty good", looks similar to industrial-grade products. White paint has a little yellowing in spots and thin in other spots, etc, but not objectionable enough to reject the product. Mechanically, product is solid. The only assembly is the fence (and dust bag of course) which takes a bit of careful reading to get right but no big deal. Some will complain better pictures and text could make fence assembly a lot easier, and I wouldn't argue the point. After some trial & error I figured it out. Table flatness is fixed, no adjustments to either outfeed or infeed. Almost a minus one-star for that, but I knew this prior to purchase so can't complain about that now. Flatness is decent, around 0.005" on each side individually, and around 0.008" across both tables. These are coarse estimates based on a 0.0005"/1" flat stick and feeler gauges, so your mileage may vary. Aligning fence to 90 degrees was "pretty easy" using a micro-adjustment screw. Only complaint is I couldn't get perfect 90 degrees on both outfeed and infeed sides simultaneously. Delta is miniscule, probably <0.1 degrees, just being picky. What I like: true helical head with 14 cutters. Cutting is quieter than knives, can believe the 92 dB rating. Result is a very smooth surface. Fence is beefy and strong, and product is hefty at 71 lbs, so no worries about flimsiness/flexing during a run. Dust collection is 95% or so, just some chips left up top - and this is with just a bag. With a vacuum pull, it's nearly 100%. The separate chip ejector motor greatly helps the dust collection. Includes extra cutters, very nice although with 4 sides per cutter it will be a long time before I ever need to use these. And finally, size - it's nice and compact, currently sitting on a DeWalt DWST11556 folding workbench until I create a more permanent spot for it. It looks small on that 24"x33" table. Even though it's 71 lbs, the "handles" (recesses below the dust output and infeed knob) make it easier than you might think to pick up and move around - it's nicely balanced. What I don't like: lack of any flatness adjustment grinds against my neurotic ways... I'd like to be able to dial in the tables even more. That said, I had no issue with a quick run of cutting board pieces. Placed them side by side and they are tight (using jointer and also my DeWalt 735 planer). I can tell already that some day, I'll buy a bigger jointer but for now, this little beast is best-of-breed for a table top jointer and should fit my needs for a good while.

[James Kirkpatrick]

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Apologies have been out of commission for a little while. Posted a review on the Orange Big Box site, am repeating it here: Product arrived last month, well packaged, no damage. Fit and finish is "pretty good", looks similar to industrial-grade products. White paint has a little yellowing in spots and thin in other spots, etc, but not objectionable enough to reject the product. Mechanically, product is solid. The only assembly is the fence (and dust bag of course) which takes a bit of careful reading to get right but no big deal. Some will complain better pictures and text could make fence assembly a lot easier, and I wouldn't argue the point. After some trial & error I figured it out. Table flatness is fixed, no adjustments to either outfeed or infeed. Almost a minus one-star for that, but I knew this prior to purchase so can't complain about that now. Flatness is decent, around 0.005" on each side individually, and around 0.008" across both tables. These are coarse estimates based on a 0.0005"/1" flat stick and feeler gauges, so your mileage may vary. Aligning fence to 90 degrees was "pretty easy" using a micro-adjustment screw. Only complaint is I couldn't get perfect 90 degrees on both outfeed and infeed sides simultaneously. Delta is miniscule, probably <0.1 degrees, just being picky. What I like: true helical head with 14 cutters. Cutting is quieter than knives, can believe the 92 dB rating. Result is a very smooth surface. Fence is beefy and strong, and product is hefty at 71 lbs, so no worries about flimsiness/flexing during a run. Dust collection is 95% or so, just some chips left up top - and this is with just a bag. With a vacuum pull, it's nearly 100%. The separate chip ejector motor greatly helps the dust collection. Includes extra cutters, very nice although with 4 sides per cutter it will be a long time before I ever need to use these. And finally, size - it's nice and compact, currently sitting on a DeWalt DWST11556 folding workbench until I create a more permanent spot for it. It looks small on that 24"x33" table. Even though it's 71 lbs, the "handles" (recesses below the dust output and infeed knob) make it easier than you might think to pick up and move around - it's nicely balanced. What I don't like: lack of any flatness adjustment grinds against my neurotic ways... I'd like to be able to dial in the tables even more. That said, I had no issue with a quick run of cutting board pieces. Placed them side by side and they are tight (using jointer and also my DeWalt 735 planer). I can tell already that some day, I'll buy a bigger jointer but for now, this little beast is best-of-breed for a table top jointer and should fit my needs for a good while.

[James Kirkpatrick]

Sorry for long delay. Short answer, yes I’m happy with this machine. Only significant complaint so far is lack of outfeed parallelism adjustment, still bugs me I can’t OCD on fine-tuning it. Performance is solid, and am really liking the cast iron fence. Helical cutter head does a nice job as well. Am building Tommy’s One Minute Workshop planer/jointer Mobile Cart, so weight is even less of a concern. Good product. Worth the extra dollars? Dunno, haven’t used the competing versions. But so far, so good.