The PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Benchtop Jointer is a Great Woodworking Tool for Flattening Wooden Surfaces
What We Like
- Extra-wide table for surfacing stock
- Variable RPM speed ranges from 6,000 to 11,000
- Blade adjustment cutter-head lock for replacement and adjustment of the blades
- Centered-mounted aluminum fence
- Lightweight
- Dust collection system
- Affordable price
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks durability
- Unreliable fence
- Only two blades
Bottom Line
As highlighted in our PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Benchtop Jointer review, it has many great features that make it an ideal jointer for the job it was created to perform.
The best feature of this benchtop jointer is the variable speed setting that allows you to change the speed to meet the needs of the wood you’re trying to cut.
The center-mounted aluminum fence will help to maintain stability and allow you to cut materials that are longer than the jointer.
However, the fence isn’t as solid as you’d expect so it is unreliable. The cutter-head only has two blades.
This isn’t bad but it’s not as good as three blades. Overall, This Benchtop Jointer isn’t durable enough for commercial purposes but it’s just fine for home use.
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3GfYZgy”]
Every woodworking power tool has a unique purpose. This is something you should know if you want to venture into woodworking either as a hobbyist or as a professional.
There are different brands of jointers in the market and they all have advantages and disadvantages. Since this is a PORTER-CABLE PC160JT review, we will be focusing on the PC160JT jointer.
When you use this benchtop jointer on a board of wood, you will smoothen out of the edges and pieces of timber. The finished product will be as smooth and sleek as you can imagine.
Since the PC160JT is a benchtop jointer, it is smaller than regular jointers but it is just as efficient thanks to a combination of features that we will discuss in this PORTER-CABLE PC160JT review.
Related article: Delta 37-071 Benchtop Jointer
Features of the PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Benchtop Jointer
Variable RPM Speed Ranges from 6,000 to 11,000
As stated above, one of the best features of the PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Benchtop Jointer is the option to choose from variable speed options that range from 6,000 RPM to 11,000.
With the 6,000 RPM, you can get up to 12,000 cuts per minute. With the 11,000 RPM setting, you can get up to 22,000 per minute.
This is a wide range so you can work on different types of wood no matter their texture or density. Most jointers only have a one-speed option.
Some others have two but you’ll get more than that with this tool.
The 10 AMP motor might not be the most powerful in the world but it will give you just enough power to handle your home projects.
As long as you don’t use it commercially or daily, you don’t need to worry about overload.
It’s also important that you stick to flattening surfaces that aren’t above the recommended size to increase the durability of the jointer.
Extra-wide Table Length and Adjustable Fence
The wider the table length of a jointer, the more productive you will be in the workshop. The PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Benchtop Jointer comes with a 30-inch table which happens to come with several benefits.
For starters, the table gives you more than enough space to work. This allows you to work on wide planks without cramping it. You’ll have more than enough room to complete your project and 6 inches surfacing stock.
To top this up, the table is adjustable. So, you can choose not to use it when you don’t need the extra-wide extension. To complement the table, there is an adjustable aluminum fence.
Using the fence, you can always adjust the angle of the material to make sure that each cut is smooth. It is a centered-mounted fence that provides more than enough support for the jointer.
With both features in place, you can work on materials that are longer than the length of the jointer.
While the description says you can straighten boards that are twice as long as the benchtop jointer, we don’t recommend this option since the table can be unreliable sometimes.
The board can be longer but it should not be twice as long as the jointer. If it’s too long, the aluminum fence might drift while the jointer is in use.
Blade Adjustment Cutter-head Lock
There is a cutter-head lock that makes blade replacement and adjustment quick and easy. The two blades are reliable so they will last for a long time before you have to change them.
When you have to, you can easily get the replacement from any hardware store or Amazon.com. The jointer head comes with only two blades.
While they are helical carbide blades, it would have been better if they were three instead of two. Notwithstanding, the jointer still does a decent job for home projects.
It has a dust collection system in place to keep your work environment clean. At least 60% of the dust will be vacuumed instantly while the blade does its thing.
Related reading: Jet JJP-8BT Jointer/Planer Combo Review
Lightweight and Easy to Use
The PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Benchtop Jointer weighs about 35 pounds with a dimension of 32.1 x 12.4 x 11.2 inches. So, it’s a lightweight jointer that is easy to move around the house.
Despite the lightweight, it doesn’t wobble when you’re using it. This is partly because of the fence.
It’s also because of the anti-vibration system that buffers the vibration from the motor ensuring that the jointer remains stable.
The PORTER CABLE PC160JT Benchtop Jointer is easy to use. So, beginners will be able to use it without stress. All they need to do is read the manual.
Related article: DeWalt DW682K Plate Joiner Review
PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Benchtop Jointer Review The Verdict
As you can see from our review, it is a good and affordable product that will be beneficial to woodworkers.
However, it wasn’t built to be used commercially so you might end up overloading it if you try to so that. If you want it to last, you should only use light load.
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3GfYZgy”]
