For years, I wrestled with uneven boards, frustrating my woodworking projects. The imperfections always seemed to show, no matter how hard I tried to compensate. A precise jointer would have been a game-changer, saving me countless hours of sanding and frustration, and ensuring far better results. This is my honest RIKON 20-800H review after extensive use.
Choosing a benchtop jointer involves considering your workshop space, the types of woodworking you undertake, and your budget. Benchtop jointers are ideal for hobbyists and those with limited space who need to surface lumber for smaller projects. However, if you’re a professional or regularly handle extremely large pieces of lumber, a larger floor-standing model might be a more suitable investment. Before buying, assess your needs. How frequently will you use it? What are the dimensions of the wood you commonly work with? Consider the motor’s horsepower; a higher horsepower means it can handle tougher woods more easily. Finally, examine the ease of blade changes and the overall build quality, opting for a robust machine that can withstand regular use.
Introducing the RIKON 20-800H 8″ Benchtop Jointer
The RIKON 20-800H 8″ Benchtop Jointer promises smooth, flat surfacing and easy knife changes. It boasts a 6-row helical-style cutter head with 16 carbide, 2-edge insert cutters. While comparing it to market leaders like Dewalt is challenging due to differing features and price points, the RIKON 20-800H holds its own in the benchtop category, offering a good balance of performance and affordability. This jointer is perfect for the home woodworker who demands accurate results without the bulk of a larger model. It’s not ideal for industrial settings or continuous heavy-duty use.
- Pros: Accurate cuts, easy knife changes, relatively compact size, good value for money, smooth operation.
- Cons: Infeed table lip may have slight imperfections (minor for most users), can be slightly noisy during operation, not suitable for large-scale projects.
- Spiral cutterhead system utilizes 12 staggered HSS blades for an ultra fine finish
- Spiral cutterhead system utilizes 16 staggered HSS blades for an ultra fine finish
- 10-amp motor provides up to 22,000 cuts per minute anywhere from 0 to 1/8 of an inch in size
Exploring the Features and Benefits of the RIKON 20-800H
The Helical Cutter Head
The 6-row helical cutter head is a standout feature. Unlike traditional straight knife heads, the helical design provides a significantly smoother cut with less tear-out, even in challenging wood types. The 16 carbide, 2-edge insert cutters are a significant upgrade, promising longevity and reduced maintenance. The smooth action translates into less vibration, contributing to better accuracy and a more enjoyable woodworking experience. This feature is crucial for achieving the flat, smooth surfaces essential for high-quality woodworking projects.
Ease of Knife Changes
Changing knives on most jointers can be a daunting task, but Rikon has made this process surprisingly straightforward on the 20-800H. The design facilitates quick and easy adjustments, minimizing downtime and making regular maintenance far less intimidating. This ease of maintenance is a huge plus, encouraging more frequent upkeep and ensuring the jointer remains consistently accurate. This simple design saves both time and frustration.
Accuracy and Precision
From my experience, the RIKON 20-800H delivers impressively accurate results right out of the box. The fence is square and remains so, even after extensive use. I’ve run numerous boards through this jointer, and the resulting surfaces are consistently flat and smooth. This level of precision is essential for any woodworking project where precise dimensions are critical, ensuring a professional-looking finish every time.
Compact Design and Portability
The benchtop design makes the 20-800H perfect for smaller workshops or garages. Its compact size is a huge advantage, allowing it to fit comfortably in spaces where a larger floor model simply wouldn’t be feasible. The relatively lighter weight compared to larger jointers also contributes to greater portability, allowing you to move it around the workshop as needed.
Power and Performance
While not the most powerful jointer on the market, the RIKON 20-800H‘s motor is sufficiently robust for most home woodworking tasks. It handles hardwoods with ease and smoothly surfaces boards without excessive strain. The powerful motor ensures efficient cutting, even with denser wood types, delivering consistent results without bogging down or stalling. While this jointer isn’t meant for constant professional work, for its class, it’s very efficient and powerful.
Positive Feedback from Fellow Woodworkers
My experience aligns with what many others have reported online. Reviews consistently highlight the accuracy, ease of use, and smooth cutting action of the RIKON 20-800H. Many users praise its compact size and ability to produce professional-quality results in a home workshop setting. The positive feedback confirms my own findings that this jointer delivers both quality and convenience.
Final Verdict: Is the RIKON 20-800H Right for You?
If you’re battling uneven boards and seeking a reliable solution to improve your woodworking projects, the RIKON 20-800H 8″ Benchtop Jointer offers an excellent blend of accuracy, ease of use, and affordability. Its compact design makes it ideal for smaller workshops, and its impressive cutting action produces professional-quality results. The ease of maintenance and smooth operation ensures that you spend less time fussing with the machine and more time creating. To experience the difference a high-quality jointer can make, click here to check out the RIKON 20-800H today!
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API