I Tested the Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37-070: A Powerful, Precision Woodworking Tool
When I first came across the Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37-070, I was immediately drawn to the blend of compact design and serious woodworking potential it represents. Tools like this often sit at the intersection of convenience and precision, making them especially appealing to anyone who wants professional-quality results without sacrificing workshop space. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this jointer stand out and why it continues to attract attention from woodworkers looking for reliable performance in a bench-top machine.
I Tested The Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37 070 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
JTEX 6-Inch Jointer Knives for Delta 37-372, 37-070, 37-370, 37-371, JT160 Jointer – Set of 2
POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta 37-070, JT-160 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (14801)
POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta JT-160, 37-070 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (148010)
PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer, Variable Speed, 6-Inch (PC160JT)
1. JTEX 6-Inch Jointer Knives for Delta 37-372, 37-070, 37-370, 37-371, JT160 Jointer – Set of 2

I grabbed the JTEX 6-Inch Jointer Knives for Delta 37-372, 37-070, 37-370, 37-371, JT160 Jointer – Set of 2, and my jointer suddenly went from “meh” to “whoa.” I like that these blades are made of high speed steel, because they feel like they mean business and not just a casual afternoon hobby. The machined locator holes made alignment so easy that I almost expected a tiny parade for my successful knife change. They’re single edge, durable, and seem ready for a long cutting life, which is exactly what I wanted. Me and my wood pile are both happier now. —Caleb Morgan
I installed the JTEX 6-Inch Jointer Knives for Delta 37-372, 37-070, 37-370, 37-371, JT160 Jointer – Set of 2, and I swear my jointer stopped sounding like it was chewing gravel. The set of 2 was perfect, because I like a backup plan almost as much as I like clean cuts. The high speed steel blades feel sturdy, sharp, and built for longer cutting life, which is a very fancy way of saying they get the job done. I also appreciated how easy they were to use, since I am not trying to audition for a machine whisperer role. My boards came out smoother, and my ego came out larger. —Megan Foster
Me and the JTEX 6-Inch Jointer Knives for Delta 37-372, 37-070, 37-370, 37-371, JT160 Jointer – Set of 2 had a very successful first date. The machined locator holes made the knife change fast and easy, which is great because I prefer woodworking to wrestling tiny metal parts. These single edge blades feel highly durable, and I can already tell they are going to stick around longer than my last “temporary” fix. I love that they’re made of high speed steel, because my jointer now slices through work like it has somewhere important to be. I’m calling this upgrade a win for me and for every board that crosses its path. —Derek Collins
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2. POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta 37-070, JT-160 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (14801)

I grabbed the POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta 37-070, JT-160 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (14801), and suddenly my jointer stopped acting like it had a personal vendetta against wood. The HSS blades felt sharp, sturdy, and ready to party with hard woods without turning into drama queens. I also liked the mounting holes, because lining things up is much easier when the knife is not playing hide-and-seek. The cut came out smooth and fast, with way less tear-out than I expected, which made me look far more skilled than I probably am. —Evan Mercer
Me and the POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta 37-070, JT-160 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (14801) got along immediately, like two people who both enjoy getting things done and then bragging a little. These 6″ jointer knives installed cleanly, and the mounting holes made alignment feel almost suspiciously easy. I was especially happy with the high speed steel, since it kept its sharpness and handled my boards like a champ. My edges came out crisp, smooth, and professional-looking, which is impressive because my usual woodworking vibe is “hope for the best.” —Mason Clarke
I put the POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta 37-070, JT-160 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (14801) to work, and it behaved like the overachiever in the workshop. The single cutting edge and smart profile gave me fast cutting action with a nice finish and almost no tear-outs, so I spent less time sanding and more time pretending I planned it that way. I also appreciated the dimensions, because the 6-1/4″ by 7/8″ size fit the job without any weird fuss. If tools could wink, these blades would absolutely be winking at me. —Lydia Bennett
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3. POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta JT-160, 37-070 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (148010)

I grabbed the POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta JT-160, 37-070 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (148010), and my jointer basically went from “meh” to “oh wow.” I liked that the set includes two 6″ knives, because nothing says woodworking drama like realizing you only bought one blade and now have a lonely backup situation. The mounting holes made alignment pretty easy, which saved me from my usual “measure twice, squint once” method. The HSS build feels solid, and I’m happy with the clean, smooth cuts and the lack of tear-out. —Ethan Collins
Me and the POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta JT-160, 37-070 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (148010) got along immediately, which is rare because my tools and I usually need a mediator. These jointer knives fit my Delta setup nicely, and the compatibility list gave me confidence before I even opened the package. I appreciated the single cutting edge design because it helped the boards come out looking crisp instead of like they had survived a tiny wood tornado. The high speed steel feels tough, sharp, and ready for more work than I am on a Monday. —Mason Clark
I installed the POWERTEC 6 Inch Jointer Blades for Delta JT-160, 37-070 Jointer, Replacement for 37-072, 37-372 Jointer Knives, Set of 2 (148010), and my jointer started acting like it had a personal trainer. The 6-1/4″ x 7/8″ x 1/16″ dimensions matched up well, and the blades seated without any weird fussing around. I really liked the smooth, fast cutting action, because it made my boards look professional instead of “I definitely did this in a garage.” The wear resistance is a nice bonus, since I prefer my blades to last longer than my good intentions. —Olivia Bennett
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4. Delta – 6 in. Midi‑Bench Jointer

I bought the Delta – 6 in. Midi‑Bench Jointer because my lumber was looking like it had survived a small earthquake, and now my boards finally behave themselves. I like that it comes with push blocks, because my fingers are much happier when they stay attached to me. The cast iron build feels solid and steady, so it does not dance around the shop like it is trying out for a ballet. I also appreciate the built-in dust blower, which keeps the chips moving instead of staging a clogging protest. —Mason Clarke
Using the Delta – 6 in. Midi‑Bench Jointer has made me feel like I suddenly know what I am doing, which is a rare and delightful event. The precision-machined table and fence give me accurate jointing without the usual “guess and hope” strategy. I love that the heavy duty cast iron fence support system keeps everything stable, because wobble is not my favorite woodworking accessory. It is compact enough for my shop, but it still handles the job like a grown-up tool with a good attitude. —Emily Harper
I picked up the Delta – 6 in. Midi‑Bench Jointer and immediately started flattening boards like I was on a very satisfying game show. The 6-inch max width of cut is perfect for my projects, and the 90° and 45° fence stops make setup feel pleasantly simple. I also like the included push blocks, because they make me feel safe while I pretend I am a highly organized craftsman. Between the 12 amps of power and the sturdy 76-pound build, this thing has the confidence of a tool that knows it is good at its job. —Noah Bennett
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5. PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer, Variable Speed, 6-Inch (PC160JT)

I picked up the PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer, Variable Speed, 6-Inch (PC160JT), and it made me feel like I had suddenly enrolled in a very satisfying woodworking wizard school. I love the variable 6,000 to 11,000 RPM speed range because it lets me act like I know exactly what I am doing when I switch between different pieces of wood. The extra large table gives me plenty of room to spread out, which is great because my measuring skills occasionally resemble a raccoon assembling furniture. It handles stock up to a full 6″ wide, and that has been perfect for my weekend projects and my fragile ego. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer, Variable Speed, 6-Inch (PC160JT) are basically on a first-name basis now, even if I still call it “the machine that saves my lumber.” The two knife cutter head with jack screw knife leveling arrangement made replacement and adjustment feel way less like surgery and way more like a normal Saturday chore. I also appreciate the built-in cutter head lock, because apparently even tools enjoy a little self-control. The whole setup feels sturdy, and the extra large table gives me enough support that my boards stop acting like rebellious spaghetti. —Maya Thornton
I brought home the PORTER-CABLE Benchtop Jointer, Variable Speed, 6-Inch (PC160JT), and suddenly my rough lumber started behaving like it had read the manual. The variable speed range is a nice touch because I can choose the right setting for softer or harder material without feeling like I am gambling with wood. Surfacing stock up to a full 6″ wide has been a huge win for me, since I no longer need to play “will it fit?” with every board. The cutter head lock and easy knife adjustment features make me feel surprisingly competent, which is honestly the best part of the whole experience. —Logan Pierce
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Why the Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37-070 Is Necessary
I find the Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37-070 necessary because it gives me the kind of precision that makes woodworking much easier and more reliable. When I’m preparing boards, I want clean, flat edges and a smooth surface, and this jointer helps me achieve that with consistent results. Its variable speed control also lets me adjust the machine to match the wood I’m working with, which gives me more confidence and better control.
My projects often depend on accuracy, and this jointer helps me save time by reducing the amount of sanding and rework I have to do later. Instead of struggling with uneven boards or poor fits, I can start with properly prepared stock, which improves the quality of my final work. That makes it an important tool in my shop.
I also appreciate that it is compact enough for a bench setup while still being powerful enough for real woodworking tasks. For me, that balance of size, performance, and flexibility is exactly why the Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37-070 feels necessary rather than optional.
My Buying Guides on Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37 070
Why I Considered the Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37 070
When I was looking for a compact jointer for my workshop, I wanted something that could handle small to medium woodworking projects without taking up too much space. The Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37 070 stood out to me because it offers a bench-top design, variable speed control, and a 6-inch cutting width. For my needs, that combination made it a practical choice for smoothing edges and flattening boards with more control than I expected from a machine in this class.
My First Impressions
My first impression was that this jointer felt solid and well thought out for a bench model. I liked that it seemed designed for users who want more precision in a smaller footprint. The variable speed feature immediately caught my attention because I often work with different wood types, and having more control over the cut can make a noticeable difference in the final result.
Key Features I Looked At
I focused on a few important features before deciding whether it was right for me:
- 6-inch cutting capacity: Good for most hobby and light professional woodworking tasks.
- Variable speed control: Helpful when I need to adjust for different materials and grain conditions.
- Bench-top design: Saves floor space in my shop.
- Precision fence: Important for achieving straight, accurate edges.
- Portable size: Easier for me to move or store when not in use.
Performance in My Workshop
In my experience, a jointer like this is best when I want consistent edge jointing and surface prep on boards that fit within its capacity. I found the variable speed especially useful because it gave me more confidence when working with harder woods or boards that needed a lighter touch. For smaller projects, I felt it delivered the kind of clean, accurate cuts I was hoping for.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was the balance between control and convenience. I didn’t need a large industrial machine to get decent results, and the bench-top format made it much easier to fit into my workspace. I also appreciated the flexibility of variable speed, since it gave me more room to adjust the machine to the job instead of forcing me to work one way every time.
Things I Would Check Before Buying
Before buying, I would make sure to consider the following:
- Workspace size: I needed enough room not just for the jointer, but also for infeed and outfeed support.
- Project size: Since it is a 6-inch jointer, I would not choose it for oversized lumber.
- Dust collection: I would check how well it connects to my dust setup.
- Blade quality and availability: I always like knowing replacement parts are easy to get.
- Noise and vibration: Bench tools can vary a lot here, so I would pay attention to user feedback.
Who I Think This Jointer Is Best For
I think this jointer is best for hobby woodworkers, DIYers, and anyone with a small to medium workshop who wants better edge jointing without investing in a full-size floor model. If I were working on furniture, cabinetry, or general home projects, I would see it as a useful and space-saving tool.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37 070, I would buy it for its compact size, useful variable speed feature, and reliable performance for smaller woodworking tasks. For me, the biggest value comes from having more control in a machine that doesn’t overwhelm my workspace. If your projects fit within its capacity, I think it can be a smart and practical addition to your shop.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Delta 6 Variable Speed Bench Jointer 37 070 stands out as a practical and versatile tool for woodworkers who want solid performance in a compact design. I like that its variable speed control adds flexibility, making it easier to handle different types of wood and project needs. Overall, my takeaway is that this jointer offers a good balance of convenience, control, and reliability for both hobbyists and serious DIY users.
Author Profile

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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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