RIKON #20-600H 6” Benchtop Jointer Review

Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 10:02 pm

RIKON #20-600H 6″ Benchtop Jointer has a six-row helical-style cutter head with 12 HSS 2-edge insert cutters for super cutting action, flat surfacing results, and easy knife changes. It features rigid, all-steel construction, machined aluminum tables, a quick depth setting mechanism with scale, and an adjustable fence. 

The fence tilts from 90° to 45° quickly and accurately. The spring-loaded safety guard, 2-1/inches dust port, protects you from dust. The front safety on/off switch and two push blocks make the operation bearable. You might find everything you need in a benchtop jointer.

Features

Extension cord

When using an extension cord, use one that is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. The manual shows you the correct size depending on cord length and nameplate amperage rating. When you are not sure, use the next heavier gauge. 

The smaller the gauge number, the larger diameter of the extension cord. If in doubt, use a shorter and thicker cord. An undersized cord causes a drop in line voltage resulting in a loss of power and overheating. 

Dust port

A dust collector is used with this jointer to eliminate harmful airborne dust and prevent the build-up of chips that may jam the cutter’s head. It keeps the working area clean of debris. Secure all connections, and turn on your dust collector before any milling of lumber is done.

If you do not plan to use a dust collector, there is no need to attach this dust port to the jointer. Chips ejected from the operating machine should be collected and disposed of immediately to keep the area clean. Failure to do so attracts accidents. 

Knife inserts

The Rikon machine has a helical-style cutter head with six rows of carbide knife inserts. Each of the 12 inserts on the cutter head is indexed and has two sharpened sides. If the knives become dull, or one becomes nicked, loosen the retaining screws with the supplied star head screwdriver, lift and rotate the inserts to a newly sharpened edge. 

No setting is required since the cutter head has been machined to index and set the inserts in the proper position for use. When both edges of an insert are dull, the insert is easy to remove, and a new carbide insert is placed in the location. To rotate or remove and insert, make sure the switch is off.

Table adjustments

The infeed and outfeed tables are present at the factory to be aligned with the cutter head. For proper alignment, check both table settings and adjust as necessary. Disconnect the machine from the power supply. The procedure involves close contact with the jointer blades. Wear gloves to prevent injury to the hands.

Set the infeed table to the ‘0’ setting on its depth of cut scale and rotate the cutter head so that the knife inserts are at their highest point. To rotate the cutter head and keep it from moving while working on the tables, use the available hex wrench and insert it into the end of the cutter head shaft that faces the front of the machine, under the guard’s front tab. 

That way, you can safely rotate and position the cutter’s head. With a long metal straight edge, place it lengthwise along with the outfeed table. It extends onto the insert cutter at its highest rotation point. Check the measurement on the insert cutter to the far right and then the far left on the cutter head. 

Adjust the outfeed table if the straight edge does not touch the insert cutter. Use a hex wrench to loosen and remove the hex bolt-on. That is on the table surface. That reveals a washer and table height adjustment screw under the hex bolt. Use a slotted screwdriver to adjust the outfeed table until it is parallel with the cutter edge.

Ventilation 

Inhaling dust is dangerous, including wood dust, crystalline silica dust, and asbestos dust. These are direct particles away from your workpiece. Always operate the tool in a ventilated area and provide proper dust removal. Use a dust collection system. Exposure to dust causes respiratory problems, including silicosis and cancer. Avoid breathing the dust, and avoid prolonged contact with dust. 

Allowing dust to get into your mouth or eyes promotes the absorption of harmful material. Always use respiratory protection appropriate for the dust exposure, and wash exposed areas with soap and water.

Fence assembly

Assemble the Fence Bracket to the jointer base. Use the four Socket Button Head Screws to lock the bracket in place. Assemble the Fence Sliding Bracket to the fence, and the Square Nut should fit in the groove of the fence. 

Adjust the fence sliding bracket to the middle of the Rikon fence at the center of the fence cut-out. Use two M6x16mm socket button head screws to lock the sliding bracket in position. Locate the sliding bracket and fence assembly onto the mounting bracket on the jointer’s body. Insert the tilt lock lever assembly with the flat washer in place. 

With the tilt lock lever assembly on the positioned fence sliding bracket and fence bracket, put the special rectangular-shaped nut onto the lever handle’s threaded shaft. Turn the lever to engage the nut and lock both brackets together into position. Measure the 90° & 135° angles using an angle gauge between the Fence and Jointer Table Top. Adjusting can be done by loosening / tightening the Hylock Hex Socket Head Screws.

Switch assembly 

This jointer has a lockout toggle switch that prevents unauthorized use. The jointer is turned on by flipping the switch into the up position, and it is turned off by flipping the switch in the down position. To prevent unauthorized use of the jointer, pull out the yellow key.

Specifications

Motor

The 120V, 10 Amp motor makes the carving tool Powerful enough to work on thick materials. The chances of breaking are low.

Speed 

The engraver runs up to a maximum of 20000 RPM. Regulate speed depending on the material you are working on.

Cutting depth 

The maximum depth of cut is 1/8inch, and the maximum cutting width is 6inch.

Cutterhead

The cutter head diameter is 2inches.

Table

The table size measures 30 L x 6-3/16 inch W. That is big enough for longer materials. 

Weight

It weighs 6 lbs. That feels light and comfortable. 

Verdict 

Considering the above review, the RIKON – 6″ Benchtop Jointer w/ Helical Style Cutter head has excellent cutting skills and an all-steel construction that makes it durable. Rigidity and easy knife changes make it user-friendly. These features may be reason enough to go for the cutter head.