PC 160 JT benchtop jointer from porter-cable has a two knife cutter head, a table that’s a little over 6 inches wide by about 30 inches long, and a fence that’s 4 and a quarter inches tall by about 20 inches long. The variable speed cutter head ranges from 6,000 RPMs up to 11,000 RPMs.
- Easy to assemble
- Portability
- Variable speed control
- Affordability
- Compact and lightweight
Check Price The depth of cut goes up to 8 of an inch. It has a cutter head lock to help with installing new blades, and a 2.5-inch dust collection port. The maximum board width that can be cut is 6 inches and the maximum length of a board you can cut is debatable. You can build some infeed and outfeed extension table sport to help you joint boards that are a little bit longer.
Key features
- Variable speed range: The Porter-Cable PC160JT Benchtop Jointer features a variable speed range of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM. This allows for greater control and precision when working with different types of wood.
- Cutter head speed: The cutter head speed of the Porter-Cable PC160JT Benchtop Jointer is 12,000 to 22,000 cuts per minute. This high speed allows for efficient and smooth cutting of wood.
- Ample work support: The jointer has an extra-large table that provides ample work support and can surface stock up to a full 6 inches wide. This makes it easier to work with larger pieces of wood.
- Center-mounted fence: The center-mounted fence of the Porter-Cable PC160JT Benchtop Jointer provides needed support and helps to ensure accurate cuts.
- Variable cutting depth: The jointer allows for variable cutting depth, which can be adjusted from 0 to 1/8 inch. This allows for greater flexibility when working with different types of wood.
- Easy to use: The Porter-Cable PC160JT Benchtop Jointer is designed to be easy to use, with simple controls and a user-friendly design.
Overall, the Porter-Cable PC160JT Benchtop Jointer is a powerful and versatile woodworking tool that offers a range of features to make it easier to work with different types of wood. Its variable speed range, cutter head speed, ample work support, and center-mounted fence make it a great choice for DIY woodworkers and small shops.
A Journey of Woodworking Mastery: PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer Review
Chapter 1: The Artisan’s Ascent
My woodworking journey had always been an evolving story. What started as a humble passion had grown into an obsession with the intricacies of crafting fine wooden creations. From intricate designs to sturdy outdoor furniture, my craft demanded precision and perfection. And in that quest, I discovered the PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer, a tool that would become an indispensable ally in my woodworking odyssey.
The day I unboxed the jointer was a pivotal moment in my woodworking endeavors. It stood there, gleaming with potential, promising to transform the way I worked with wood. The assembly was surprisingly easy, and as I pieced it together, I couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship that had gone into creating this masterpiece.
Chapter 2: Precision and Power
My first project with the PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer was a slab of white oak, rough and full of character. I fed it through the jointer, and it roared to life with a purpose. The variable speed control allowed me to adjust the cutter head, ensuring a clean cut without damaging the wood. It was as if this machine understood the delicate dance required to tame the wildness of raw timber.
The results were astounding. The once uneven, rough edges of the oak were transformed into smooth, square boards. The jointer’s accuracy was impeccable, and the precision with which it worked left me in awe. This tool, with its two sharp knives, effortlessly flattened and squared the wood, readying it for my creative touch.
Chapter 3: A Symphony of Adjustment
Like any craftsman, I soon learned the nuances of my new partner. The fence required a bit of finesse to set up perfectly, but once dialed in, it held steadfast, guiding my work with unwavering precision. It was a small challenge compared to the symphony of woodworking it enabled.
The dust collection system proved to be an unsung hero. It voraciously devoured the wood chips that the jointer produced. I quickly learned that this machine demanded a hefty dust collection system, not a feeble shop vac, to keep up with its appetite. A woodworking chore made simple and efficient.
Chapter 4: A Journey Worth the Wood Chips
Months passed, and I found myself crafting intricate pieces with ease, thanks to the PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer. It had become an extension of my creative spirit, a tool that understood the language of woodworking and spoke it fluently.
The jointer’s robust construction, with its steel chassis and aluminum bed, provided stability without compromising on mobility. It was a workhorse that didn’t shy away from even the toughest wood.
Chapter 5: An Ode to Woodworking Mastery
As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but smile. The PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer has become an integral part of my woodworking narrative. It’s a tool that has elevated my craftsmanship to new heights, turning rough wood into works of art.
So, to all fellow craftsmen and artisans out there, if you seek to turn your woodworking dreams into reality, consider the PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer. It’s more than a tool; it’s a companion on your journey to woodworking mastery.
Porter-Cable PC160JT Jointer Review
In the box, you get the benchtop jointer, all the components you need to set up the fence, and a couple of push grips. The push grips that came with the joints are actually not that bad. Set up was not too bad.
The first thing you’re gonna want to do is clean all of the oil off of it with some mineral spirits. The cutter head guard was already installed but you need to install the cutter headlock, the dust port, and the fence.
Out of the box the tables were coplanar within about 2 thousandths of an inch over a distance of about 12 inches and that’s excellent for a jointer in this price range. The blades were set just right across their entire links. The fence on the other hand was not perfectly 90 degrees to the table and it took some fiddling to get it set just right.
To use the jointer to loosen the end feed table locking mechanism adjust the end feed table height to create your desired depth of cut. And then retighten the infeed tables locking mechanism. Set the speed of the cutter head as desired and switch the machine on. You shall actually really impressed with how well this jointer performs at such a low price point.
Features and Specifications
- Minimum speed range of 6,000 RMP
- The maximum speed of cutters at 11,000 RMP
- Jackscrew leveling mechanism for easier blade adjustment
- Center-mounted fence for stability.
- Have built-in cutter headlock
- Compact in terms of size
Pros
- Affordability: The Porter-Cable PC160JT Benchtop Jointer is praised for its affordability and value for money. It offers good performance at a reasonable price.
- Variable speed control: The jointer features a variable speed range, allowing users to adjust the speed according to their needs. This provides greater control and precision when working with different types of wood.
- Compact and lightweight: The Porter-Cable PC160JT Benchtop Jointer is compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around the workshop. This is especially beneficial for those with limited space or who need portability.
- Ample work support: The jointer has an extra-large table that provides ample work support, allowing for the surfacing of stock up to 6 inches wide. This makes it easier to work with larger pieces of wood.
For dust collection, even small and cheap shop vac shall able to easily collect all the chips. The biggest Pros of this machine are how inexpensive it is. It’s really a great value the performance you’re getting out of this little machine. It’s not perfect but again you’re really getting a lot for your money.
Cons
- Limited cutting depth: Some users have mentioned that the cutting depth of the jointer is limited to a maximum of 1/8 inch. This may not be sufficient for certain woodworking projects that require deeper cuts.
- Quality control issues: There have been occasional reports of quality control issues, such as misalignment or adjustment difficulties. However, these instances appear to be relatively rare.
- Dust collection: The dust collection system of the jointer may not be as effective as desired, requiring additional measures to control dust and debris.
There are some drawbacks to this jointer as well. The fence feels a little bit flimsy so you’re gonna have to be careful not to apply too much lateral pressure on the fence. Otherwise, you’re gonna wind up with a board that’s out of square.
The fence might weaken and become more flimsy over time but you are just gonna have to wait and see the 90 and 45 degrees top screws feel like they’re cutting into the metal when you tighten them down. And you can actually visibly see that occurring.
I doubt it’s gonna be a long-term durability issue though because they’re never gonna cut all the way through the metal. But it does make it difficult to set the stop. As you’re turning the screw and you think oh it hasn’t bottomed doubt yet I’m gonna keep turning if it may have already actually bottomed doubt and now it’s just cutting into the metal. You just have to be very delicate when you turn the stop screws.
In a Nutshell
The only thing I wish this jointer included that it doesn’t already is upgradeability to a helical head. Maybe the bird she likes people will come to the rescue. Where those small drawbacks mentioned it’s still a really great overall value. I’d highly recommend it to somebody who has their first jointer, maybe somebody who’s just getting into woodworking. I’d also recommend it to somebody who has to downsize their operation or has limited space. Again it’s really just a great value for the performance you get out of this machine.
Leave a Reply