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Do space saving benchtop jointers work?

112K views 107 replies 37 participants last post by  Shadowrider 
#1 · (Edited)


Many people are faced with space restrictions in their shop. Using a full sized 6” jointer eats up floor space and they are heavy. Bench top jointers have been around a long time but they always seemed under powered and noisy until now. Not anymore.

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Introducing the Cutech 40160H-CT. Cutech launched in July of 2015 with a selection of thickness planers and the 40160H-CT jointer. While it looks similar to other brands of bench top jointers there are some very good features that set it apart from the rest.

Machine Tool Tool accessory Jointer Table saw


The 40160H-CT has lightweight aluminum tables so it is easy to move when needed. The new aluminum cutter head features 12 inserts staggered in pairs for helical cutting. The inserts are high speed steel and carbide is available as an option. Helical cutting results in smoother cuts and since only two of the inserts are contacting the wood at a time it feels much more powerful and is quieter than other brands. The push pads have a very good gripping surface and are comfortable in the hand. A 2-1/4” standard sized dust port is included. The controls are clearly marked and easy to adjust. The power switch has a removable safety key.

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It all sounds very good but how well does it perform? Out of the box assembly was simple and the instructions were clearly written. A quick wipe down of the tables and cutter head with mineral spirits followed with a wax or surface protectant. Ready to cut. I tested the jointer on redwood, red oak and a South American mystery hardwood with a dense grain. (This is wood used as a shipping crate for granite slabs and it has pink and yellow hues to it) The photo of the results speak for themselves. This jointer has plenty of power and does a great job.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Table Plywood
 
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#3 · (Edited)
Doug, no question that long tables are easier to work with but this jointer is the perfect solution for people with limited space/small shops. It would be easy to take to a job site too. It performs better than my full sized 6" jointer; it is much quieter too. In addition to cleaner cuts it is easier to replace the inserts. A nail can ruin a jointer blade but odds are it would only damage one insert which could be quickly reversed or replaced to get you back in action in a minute or two.
 
#5 ·
Al, At this time the price is $289.99 and yes, they ship to Canada. In fact they are willing to ship anywhere.(I checked) This price is $50 less than what my local HD is selling the Delta bench top jointer with straight knives for. My understanding is this is an introductory price. Here is a link to the web site:

Model 40160H-CT
 
#8 ·
Al, At this time the price is $289.99 and yes, they ship to Canada. In fact they are willing to ship anywhere.(I checked) This price is $50 less than what my local HD is selling the Delta bench top jointer with straight knives for. My understanding is this is an introductory price. Here is a link to the web site:



I just went to the site and asked if they would ship to Alaska where I live. The response was no. They utilize UPS (which we have ) but the rep refused to facilitate. I question their willingness to ship anywhere
 
#7 ·
Thanks Mike,

I contacted Cutech this morning. They don't sell a version with carbide blades already installed. A pack of 10 carbide blades runs $60US and the jointer uses 12 blades so you would need to purchase 2 sets. The screws are the same for both HSS and carbide blades. I guess buying two sets is OK since you would want to have spares on hand anyway. A set of 10 HSS blades is $40US.

I have an 25 year old Delta 37-190 with HSS knives that has served me well over the years but I am seriously considering this option since my shop is my 2 car garage. The wife and neighbors would appreciate the reduced noise and I sure could use the extra space taken up by the Delta. And this is a lot less money than upgrading the Delta to a spiral cutter.
 
#9 ·
Steve, Doug the company owner is a forum member and I contacted him about this. Doug will respond to you about this.
 
#10 ·
I have a 6 inch Powermatic jointer with a fairly long table that I really like, but I don't keep it in my shop out back. It lives in the garage with my planer. I considered the smaller jointer at the time. Seems to me that the shorter outfeed bed would be fine if you were jointing pre-cut rather than full length pieces. And, that jointing smaller pieces complicates planing multiple pieces to exact and equal thickness.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Steve,

This is Doug Davenport the managing partner at Cutech LLC. We currently have our website setup to only handle UPS shipment to the lower 48 states due to we occasionally run promotions that include free shipping in the lower 48 states. We can manually handle shipping to Alaska and Hawaii as well as Canada. Sorry for the confusion Mike was not aware of that.

Also check our website tomorrow for our Fall Specials, on our 40300H-CT and this jointer Model 40160H-CT. We are offering free shipping in the lower 48 States and for you guys in Alaska, Hawaii and Canada contact us via email or calling customer service for our UPS shipping rates. Thanks
 
#14 ·
Packaging

Steve,

This is Doug Davenport the managing partner at Cutech LLC. We currently have our website setup to only handle UPS shipment to the lower 48 states due to we occasionally run promotions that include free shipping in the lower 48 states. We can manually handle shipping to Alaska and Hawaii as well as Canada. Sorry for the confusion Mike was not aware of that.
@Doug
I have quick question,why would Cutech package replacement blades in groups of 10 when the head holds 12 ?
 
#13 ·
Good timing on this Mike/Doug. My Delta bench top 6" is somehow out of adjustment and slight bow in the center of the board happens. Even without the bow, the noise is ugly, just like all knife jointers and fixing that would be awesome.

This size (bench top) jointer is not for every purpose. The rule of thumb for a jointer is that the maximum length of wood should be equal or less than 2 times the length of the jointer, so my 30" (infeed thru outfeed) Delta should be capable of a 60" board. I have found that 48" can be counted on for good results. Now, floor mounted 4 hp cast iron beasts can have additional infeed and outfeed added.

Steve.
 
#15 ·
John,

All I can tell you is that is how they are packaged and come from the factory. I'm guessing that the plastic containers are an off the shelf item from their source and that's how they buy them. Never hurts to have a few extra if you are like me I tend to wear one side out before the other so don't have to replace all of them at once.
 
#17 ·
I have a couple of questions!

Are these tools re-badged Steel City Tool stock that was left over? If so, what about parts and service after the stock is depleted.? I noticed that the link to the parts available only lists part for the planers and nothing for the jointer.

If these are re-badged SCT stock, then I would hesitate to purchase these tools. I was getting ready to jump on a SCT planer just before they announced the closure. I am so glad that I did not waste my money.

I talked to a SCT retailer and they did not have any notice themselves of the closure. In addition, SCT would not supply them with replacement parts to service their customers. So, what are we in store for with Cutech when the stock depletes. I did a search for Cutech on the Home Depot site and it shows a Cutech jointer, which is not the same model, as discontinued. So, is Home Depot carrying Cutech tools or not?
 
#21 ·
The sourcing of parts is really important in the long run. On anything costing hundreds of dollars, it is extremely annoying to have to replace a whole unit for lack of a part or two. I guess you could buy enough blades to last a lifetime just in case. Looking forward to reading the response.
 
#22 ·
me too and I know what you mean...
 
#23 ·
How is this even considered a "spiral type" cutterhead? Using helix cutters does not make it a spiral type in my book.
The cutterhead is NOT a spiral type, it is a straight cutterhead using helix inserts.
Using HSS/Carbide helix inserts does not make it "LIKE"...a spiral cutterhead...

The aluminum cutterhead in the "Product Information" page looks nothing like the cutter head in the product page.

Cutter heads are only 2 sided not 4. A pack of 10 replacement inserts for a Shelix cutterhead can be had on ebay for 40 bucks incl./ shipping
vs. 60 bucks for a set of 10 2 sided cutters from Cutech??

This thing is little more than a gutted out, rebadged and retrofitted Delta JT160/Porter Cable PC160JTR. <<Or whomever it was that made the
unit for Delta/PC>>

Belt driven..

Returns
 
#24 ·
ewwwwww....
the plot thickens....
 
#27 ·
Semipro,

Mike from Cutech support.

The reason for the 10 packs is simple. Cost. Since we only have 2 styles of machines, requiring either 12 or 26 cutter tips, there is no common denominator.

If you look back at other helical style machines, such as the Steel City planers and jointers, you'll find not only cutterheads with 12 or 26, but also 16 , 30 , 32, and 40. Still no common denominator.

The supplier of the tips, who also provides for other labels, feels 10 is a number that works for everyone. If it were specific to a machine, you and us had better be prepared for shelling out more $.

Sincerely,
Mike
 
#28 ·
LBussy,

We do know our host is doing maintenance the 28th thru the 2nd between 11pm and 3am PDT. But our server has been up and running all day to this point, without any issue. We did see a bit of increase in hits, visits and such.

Sincerely,
Mike - Cutech Tech Support
 
#29 · (Edited)
Stick486,

The misprint will be corrected asap...thanks for pointing that out. It's a 10 amp belt driven jointer that will have replacement parts available soon. (We've only had it in stock for a bit and have placed a parts order)

If my 25+ years of boat ownership serves correct, galvanic reactions require an electrolyte such as water...no???

Sincerely,
Mike - Cutech Tech Support
 
#33 ·
Stick486,

The misprint will be corrected asap...thanks for pointing that out. It's a 10 amp belt driven jointer that will have replacement parts available soon. (We've only had it in stock for a bit and have placed a parts order)

If my 25+ years of boat ownership serves correct, galvanic reactions require an electrolyte such as water...no???


Sincerely,
Mike - Cutech Tech Support
you are correct...
condensation will suffice....
 
#30 ·
schnewj,

First off, the "Doug" reviewer was trying to pull a scam. He stated he used one of our jointers...which he could not have since we had not sold one at the time of his post. Why did he do it? Because we were offering a free package of 10 HSS tips for any CUSTOMER THAT PURCHASED one of our machines and posted a review at our website an he still demanded a package. Case closed.

I will explain your assumption that we are selling off Steel City machines one last time. We are not!

I explained at the other website to you, that SC (Steel City) had back out of relations with the factory that had made their portable planers and jointer a few years back. When SC closed, a few of us who were left out in the cold, approached the factory in hopes to bring those popular machines back to the market. Thus, Cutech was born. No need to try and read further into it.

We'll be around a long time. The factory has been making planers and jointers for nearly 30 years and they won't be going anywhere soon either.

Sincerely,
Mike - Cutech Tech Support
 
#36 ·
Mike,

I appreciate the reply. I'll accept the explanation. It just looked very suspicious, that, Doug from Lexington KY is a principal and Doug from Lexington KY was a reviewer. Case Closed.

So, you are not selling off SCT surplus. OK! Again, it just looks suspicious with the machines basically identical and bearing the same model numbers. I look at your website and you have an entire section devoted to "Repair Parts" which only covers the planers and nothing for the jointer. Again, new company just starting. I understand that you need to build.

Now, I want to address the fact that you had explained this all to me at another web site! What website was that, Mike? Please provide a link so that I can go and review that post. I am getting older and my memory is not as sharp as it was when I was younger. However, I DO NOT ever recall such an exchange directly between us on this subject.

I found only one post, located in the Steel City Is Out of Business thread. Specifically, Post #38, which was posted by you on July, 15. I quote:

"Steel City was purchased by a Canadian firm and all operations went up there. The website, although may be functional, should not be using the old address. Axiom Tool Group was formed as the parent company of both Axiom Precision (still operating in the states) and Steel City. Since the demise of SC, I have no idea what the Canadian firm is offering as to warranty on the inventory they purchased.

I do know that the factory that made the original spiral style planers (that SC chose no longer to sell) is now selling direct here in the states under their own Cutech Tool label.

Former SC employee,
M"


So, I guess I stand corrected on that account. However, if I recall when I did a search for Cutech I could find nothing. No information at all. I stopped following the thread other then to answer Mike from Detroit that I had purchased a DW735 and was not longer in the market for a SC (or SC clone).

I truly do hope that you will be around for years. It is refreshing that the equipment is being made in the US, unlike so many other brand named tools that we have to accept with questionable quality.

Oops, I may have blundered, again! They are made in the US aren't they? I was making an assumption that they are made here. Again, I apologize if I am wrong.
 
#31 ·
I plan on ordering one of these jointers in the morning. I am not so hung up on all of the precise terminology used. The pictures show what
you are getting. At $289.00 and free shipping, starting tomorrow, with an indexable cutter head. It works for me. I do not have the floor space
to accommodate a full size jointer. So this will work for me, maybe not everyone.
If you buy a pack of inserts, carbide, HSS, etc. they are sold in packs of 10, off the shelf. From what I am told, 2 inserts per inch, per engagement,
thus 12 inserts-6" cutter. I am not saying this is gospel, just what I have seen, and heard. I am not trying to take up for any company, sponsor,
or whatever. It is what it is, either we want to buy it or not.
I spoke with Cutech today, I was told that this is the same as the Porter Cable @ Lowe's except for the indexable cutter head.
I am sure that I will be hung out to dry, burned at the stake for this, but this is not a high end unit nor does it claim to be.
I will give my review of this unit when it comes in.
I hope I did not offend anyone, this is not my intent.

Ellery Becnel
 
#32 ·
Hey Guys,

Mike answered some of the questions you guys have thrown out there. I need to correct him though on one thing the motor is a 10 amp motor. Our confusion comes from different info in the original manuals we were sent. Even the old Steel City manuals had it wrong. I drove to the warehouse just to be sure.

First of all I created the Cutech brand after I knew the relationship with Steel City and the factory had been terminated. The planers and jointers were the best and most trouble free tools in their line up. With the exception of our model 40100-CT straight knife planer they all have the new style spiral cutterhead that Steel City never had and were built several months after they had quit doing business with on another. To address the issue of spiral versus Helical cutterheads patented heads we have on our planer locates the cutters in a spiral pattern and attack the wood straight on. Most people refer to this as a spiral cutterhead versus a helical cutterhead which has a slicing action since the cutting tip is attaching the work piece at an angle.

In addition to this being a great opportunity for me I also saw it as a way to be of service to at least some of the Steel City customers by being able to stock most of the common repair parts to fit their planers and jointers. We have even been able to get a dust chute from the factory for a customer that had a Craftsman model they used to make. As Mike said we have an order in transit on the repair parts for the 40160H-CT as well as the new 40600H-CT. In the mean time with inventory we have on hand I can find any part our customers might need or can replace the tool immediately if necessary.

And Schnewj I agree with you that for me to write our own reviews is entirely unethical and as long as I'm running the company it will never happen. By the way I'm in Bartlett TN a suburb of Memphis. I have asked our customers that I talk to please review our product good or bad as well as our service level.

Also on the issue of galvanic corrosion the tables have four steel bosses threaded in to the table that are for leveling purposes and preset at the factory. The screws that hold the table on the machine body pass thru a harden washer on top of the bosses and thread in to a steel weld nut beneath the table. The weld bosses are virtual totally enclosed and very unlikely to suffer from galvanic corrosion.

Let me just say any of you guys that decide to try any of our machines out and are unhappy with them we will make it right.

Thanks for the forum if anyone has any questions you can reach me at ddavenport@cutechtool.com
 
#34 ·
Addressing concerns

Hey guys,

As the managing partner for Cutech let me address some of the things you guys have been kicking around. The factory that produces our planers and jointer quit doing business in Mar or April of 2014 with Steel City. Having worked with Steel City up until Sept of 2014 I saw an opportunity to start my own company selling proven tools under my own brand. We worked out an agreement and i received my first shipment in late June of 2015. All of our tools are brand new not left over Steel City tools and have the new style spiral cutterheads in them.

You can see a sketch and explanation of the differences on our website under product information. For years people have argued over whether to call this style cutterhead a spiral cutterhead or helical cutterhead. Most have agreed that the inserts attacking the wood straight on located in a spiral pattern around the diameter of the cutter should be called a spiral cutterhead. The type cutterhead where the inserts are mounted at an angle to the wood and create a slicing action should be called a helical cutterhead.

I have corrected the description on the motor and it is a 10 amp belt driven motor. Thanks for pointing that out.

One of the reasons for handling these planers and jointer and their common repair parts is to give former Steel City customers a source for parts and accesories. We have even been able to get a dust chute for a customer for an older model Craftsman planer that is no longer in production.

As Mike has pointed out we have repair parts on the jointers in transit and we have plenty in stock if the need arises to rob a repair part our out right replace one so that should be of no concern. We do intend to be in this for the long haul and grow our business slowly and steady through providing a quality product at a competitive price with great customer service.
 
#38 ·
Hey guys,

As the managing partner for Cutech let me address some of the things you guys have been kicking around. The factory that produces our planers and jointer quit doing business in Mar or April of 2014 with Steel City. Having worked with Steel City up until Sept of 2014 I saw an opportunity to start my own company selling proven tools under my own brand. We worked out an agreement and i received my first shipment in late June of 2015. All of our tools are brand new not left over Steel City tools and have the new style spiral cutterheads in them.

You can see a sketch and explanation of the differences on our website under product information. For years people have argued over whether to call this style cutterhead a spiral cutterhead or helical cutterhead. Most have agreed that the inserts attacking the wood straight on located in a spiral pattern around the diameter of the cutter should be called a spiral cutterhead. The type cutterhead where the inserts are mounted at an angle to the wood and create a slicing action should be called a helical cutterhead.

I have corrected the description on the motor and it is a 10 amp belt driven motor. Thanks for pointing that out.

One of the reasons for handling these planers and jointer and their common repair parts is to give former Steel City customers a source for parts and accesories. We have even been able to get a dust chute for a customer for an older model Craftsman planer that is no longer in production.

As Mike has pointed out we have repair parts on the jointers in transit and we have plenty in stock if the need arises to rob a repair part our out right replace one so that should be of no concern. We do intend to be in this for the long haul and grow our business slowly and steady through providing a quality product at a competitive price with great customer service.
Doug,

Thanks for the clarifications. I can appreciate the explanation and the timelines you provided. I understand!

I am suspicious by nature. When SC when out of business it apparently was ugly. I talked to one of the local SC vendors and the story was pure horror. No forewarning, no explanations, no support for customers through the vendors. The only information on what was going on with SC was vendor to vendor communications. They were just plain left out in the cold and left to piece the real story together.

I realize there are three versions to a story; yours, mine and the truth is somewhere in the middle. I heard only one side. Unfortunately, the information on the net basically supported it at the time.

So when I see a company marketing the exact same product with a different badge, well, you understand.

All I can say, for me, your a day late...I was in the market for a 13" helical and when SC went under I turned to the only readily available, reliable, planer left on the market in that class. I still wish it was a helical but it isn't. Unfortunate!

I suggest that you capitalize on the parts interchangeability between your products and the SC products. I do not see that anywhere on your website. If you don't tell people they won't know.

Perhaps you need a section on the web site explaining how Cutech was born, as you did above. If people don't know they won't ask.
 
#35 ·
When I did this review I followed the same pattern I have for all of my reviews. I presented as much information as I could about the product and I shared my findings from testing it. I included a photo of the results of using this jointer on some badly weathered wood.(which by the way is Canary wood) I have previously owned a Delta bench top jointer and there is a world of difference in the cutting performance. I felt justified in saying that this small jointer works well. Is this jointer for everyone? No. Is it the best option I have seen for my small shop? Yes.

I spotted an error on Woodcraft's site the other day. I notified them and they thanked me for letting them know so they could correct it.
 
#37 ·
And to address the issue on the reveiw. Mike explained that was posted before we ever shipped the first jointer. My bad I just forgot to take it down. And I agree posting bogus reviews is something that we can't tolerate. If I were going to post a bogus review I certainly would have been a little more creative with the name they used. We welcome any reviews good or bad as that is the only way to build credibility and for a new company that is crucial.


Also on the issue of the galvanic corrosion. Both of the infeed and outfeed tables have four holes drilled and tapped which has a steel boss in them which is slotted to be able to adjust or level the tables. These are preset at the factory and once set shouldn't have to be moved. The screws that attach the table to the body of the machine have a large hardned washer that sets on top of the adjusting boss' and the screw actually threads into a steel weld nut in the body of the machine. Our manual shows these and explains how to level the tables if necessary. Galvanic corrosion shouldn't be a problem and they have produced thousands of these with less than 1/2 of 1% warranty claims. The best feature of our brand jointer is the new style cutterhead.

Thanks for you comments and contact me if you have any questions at ddavenport@cutechtool.com .
 
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