Like many woodworkers, my shop is relatively small, and I’m always looking for ways to optimize floor space without sacrificing utility. Enter the Rikon 12-in. combination jointer-planer (model 25-200), which provides big utility in a small footprint (19 in. by 26 in.) for a reasonable price.

One of the reasons a combination machine is so useful is that you get a wide jointer. In this mode, the Rikon did not disappoint. A pair of 23-3/4 -in.-long feed tables provides good support for long workpieces (overall length is 49 in.). The tables were very flat and coplanar. The 6-in.-tall aluminum fence offers good vertical support for edge-jointing and remained square to the table. The fence is easy to lock in place at any desired angle up to 45°. Switches are easy to access in both modes, and dust and chip collection is very good.

The blade guard is European style, meaning it spans the width of the cutterhead to give you protection while face-jointing. Called a bridge guard, it takes some getting used to because you have to pass your hands over it. But having the cutterhead covered provides peace of mind. And it’s easy to slide the guard out of the way for edge-jointing. In planer mode, the Rikon also is a solid performer. The surface quality was excellent and the board ends exhibited nearly zero snipe, a real plus.

Changing the machine from jointer to planer mode takes just 30 seconds, which will help you work faster and more efficiently.

All in all, this tidy package represents a pretty darned good deal. For more information, visit rikontools.com. By the way, I’ll be comparing this jointer-planer against other models in a future issue of FWW.

Big Capacity Jointer.

With 12-in.-wide, 49-in.-long tables, the Rikon combo machine can mill almost any piece of rough lumber.

Quick Change.
Switching from jointer mode to planer mode, and vice versa, takes just 30 seconds.

Powerful planer.

With a 3-hp motor, the Rikon has plenty of power, easily handling the maximum 1⁄8-in.-deep cut in hard maple.

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Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM

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Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM

While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test.

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Makita LS1219L Miter Saw

This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.

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