WEN JT6561 10-Amp 6-Inch Corded Benchtop Jointer with Cast Iron Table and Fence

I was tempted to buy the aluminum version because it would arrive faster, but I'm glad I didn't. If you're new to machine tools, keep in mind that cast iron is the best metal for vibrating objects. It has a distinct microscopic structure, with carbon precipitating out and forming graphite flakes. The dry lubricant graphite is excellent. This allows the crystals to slide past each other slightly, allowing a sound wave to be absorbed quickly as it passes through the material. This is terrible for an anvil, but it's fantastic for something that's supposed to stay put when a cutting tool is attached and chopping away at something. Aluminum is much more flexible than cast iron. br>br>Because a jointer is about as close to precision as a woodworker can get, this is crucial. br>br>On the same day that this jointer arrived, I happened upon a nice surface gauge at a pawn shop, so I attached my dial indicator to it and swept it across the two tables. I discovered that the infeed table had a slight incline of about 0. 030" right out of the box, so double-check it as soon as you get it. The leveling of the infeed table can be adjusted using set screws underneath the motor at each of its four corners. Check the manual first, as it's easy to mix up the motor mounting screws with them. If you have an indicator, you can really dial it in, but you can probably get away with a nice straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward straight-forward edge, as well as a few low-cost feeler gauges If that fails, you'll need a flashlight behind your straightedge, a lot of patience, and most likely some lower back pain. br>br>Oh, and it cuts well; however, the motor will bog down if you make a heavy 6" wide cut, so. Just be gentle with them and you won't notice. The fence is nice as well, but the angle adjustment is a little wonky; instead, get a digital angle gauge with magnets and set it to whatever angle you need. br>br>UPDATE: br>br> Cutting is still very good. So far, I've covered it with pine. When I reread my review, I realized that some people might mistake the slanted infeed table for a sign of poor construction quality. It's not. Before using a jointer, make sure you check all of the adjustments, regardless of where you bought it or who sold it to you.

Rogelio Reilly

| Nov 17, 2021

Because it's a cheap portable jointer, you'll have to modify it if you want precision, but precision is possible. It's not because I got a faulty unit that the fence won't sit 90 degrees to the ramps. It's a mixture of poor part quality and poor design. The piece labeled "left linkage" has three holes drilled through it, according to the owner's manual's parts list. When tightening down the fence, one of the holes is larger than it should be, allowing the linkage to twist. I contacted customer service (who was extremely helpful and efficient), and a new one was delivered to my front door within a few days. Unfortunately, it was in vain because the replacement part was exactly the same as the original. I fixed the issue by making shims out of an aluminum Coca-Cola can. The fence has been adjusted to a 90-degree angle from the original position. From one end to the other, it's a long way. br>br>Now it's time to get on the ramps. They aren't even close to being level. When it comes to a machine that's supposed to make precise cuts, they're not even close; I'm not sure how far off from flat they are because I was measuring with my dial indicator and found a dip deep enough to hold a puddle of water almost immediately. The indicator on my dashboard read. 020 So I came to a halt and grabbed my straight edge, assuming my indicator was broken, but as I laid down and dragged it across the ramps, I noticed the low spots. Wow, given how simple it is to manufacture a completely flat part like a jointer ramp, that's pretty bad. There is no excuse for such shoddy workmanship, especially on a tool, in my opinion. a jointer, for example I haven't done anything about it yet because shimming the fence got it close to accurate cutting. I'll probably take the fence and ramps to a machine shop to be flattened at some point, but I'm guessing it'll cost a few hundred dollars. br>br>On the plus side, the blades are incredibly simple to replace and sharpen up nicely with a wetstone. Overall, it's a good jointer, but if you don't want to fiddle with it, I recommend investing in a higher-end model. Oh, and the quality wasn't so bad that I wouldn't buy anything else from Wen. In fact, since purchasing this jointer, I've purchased their 13" planer with three blade cutter head and granite table, and it's fantastic. I'm thinking of trying out one of their drill presses next because mine is old and worn out.

Rayne Callahan

| Jul 14, 2021

If you're looking to buy a jointer, marketing jargon will most likely lead you astray by making you focus on features that aren't important. The Wen JT6561 has all of the features you'll need and none that aren't absolutely necessary. Both the table and the fence are made of cast iron and are flat on the ground. Flat as a pancake. When you run a straight edge across it, no light comes through. The unit was perfectly aligned when it arrived. The outfeed table is fixed and cannot be adjusted because it is cast as part of the jointer frame. But it can be adjusted to suit your needs. The infeed table is flat on both sides, and the depth of cut is achieved by lowering it. When you use a straight edge on the infeed table, it will stay true to the plane of the outfeed table as you adjust it. The fence is also true to its word and remains in place. The manual depth gauge on the model I received was adequate for the task. In any case, you shouldn't be changing the depth very often. Set it to 1/32" and don't touch it until you're ready. The instructions for putting up the fence could be better, but if you're skilled enough to need a jointer, you'll be able to figure out where the flaw is in the instructions. Regardless of how loud it is, you should wear ear protection. There is no vibration (it weighs 66 lbs. ) when properly set up. I used a HF tool stand with a 12"x24" DIY shelf bolted (not included) to the stand, and I agonized for months over the 6" vs. 6" vs. 6" vs. 6" vs. 6" vs. 6" vs. 6" vs. 6" vs. 6" vs 8". Simply buy what you can afford and what you require. Finally, get two push blocks as a courtesy to yourself. One is already included, so get one with a retractable lip.

Brynleigh Neal

| Feb 20, 2021