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Biscuit jointers

3K views 42 replies 36 participants last post by  jimintx 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
More than likely I will need a biscuit joiner for a project. What are your experiences using one? Brand names, reliability, and performance will also be considerations. I'm looking to spend somewhere between 200-300 dollars. All your recommendations and comments are always appreciated. Oh, and is there any difference between a biscuit jointer and a biscuit plate jointer? As always, thanks for your time.
 
#2 ·
I had a Ryobi BJ for some time, and found it to be more trouble than it was worth. Trying to get the fence registered to 90° was a not-so-quick exercise. I went to a PC 557, and can't recommend it enough for a biscuit joiner. To me a close second would be the Dewalt model. You won't have to spend near that much on either as used show up frequently. If you opt for a used PC, look at the motor label and try to get a type 3, they had fence problems on some of the earlier ones that were fixed on the later models. Also, the PC came with 2 blades; one a very small one for FF biscuits…used ones are sometimes missing that blade.
 
#5 ·
i have one and use it quite frequently.i just used it glueing up boards to make a table top,not for added strength but to keep the boards aligned.i started with the dewalt many years ago but then upgraded to a porter cable which i think is one of the best on the market today.very easy to use,good quality.i always hook mine up to a vac,if you dont it can clog sometimes.its a tool i wouldn't be without,many will disagree though.
 
#6 ·
Had one for a few years early on, then realized it's far from a necessity. Biscuits aren't needed often, and when they are, there are several good methods for using them that don't require a specialized biscuit cutter….router, TS, etc/
 
#8 ·
I have an older Dewalt and it is very easy to use and setup, but I almost never use it.

What are you using it for? Good chance you can accomplish the joint another way with tools you have and save the money for more wood. More wood justifies more projects that require more tools. Post the projects here and then we can get inspiration for more projects and more tools. Everybody wins.
 
#10 ·
I bought the DeWalt simply because Porter Cable got into some kind of infringement problem and had to make a change that wasn't all that great. The storm of what model types were good and bad and how to tell them apart was so aggravating that I punted and bought DeWalt.
 
#12 ·
I think the Lamello is the gold standard, but it is more than double your budget. I have the DeWalt. It works just fine. The only issue with it is that it sounds like it is tearing its guts out when you fire it up. Still going strong, so I assume that is a "feature" and not a flaw.
 
#14 ·
I think the Lamello is the gold standard, but it is more than double your budget. I have the DeWalt. It works just fine. The only issue with it is that it sounds like it is tearing its guts out when you fire it up. Still going strong, so I assume that is a "feature" and not a flaw.

- Kazooman
yeah i had one,always sounded like a bearing was going bad-lol.
 
#15 ·
I bought the DeWalt simply because Porter Cable got into some kind of infringement problem and had to make a change that wasn t all that great. The storm of what model types were good and bad and how to tell them apart was so aggravating that I punted and bought DeWalt.

- Holt
I think the one to avoid was type 2 which were the ones right after the law suit. PC probably rushed in redesigning the fence
 
#16 ·
I purchased the Ryobi plate joiner back in August for a computer desk project. I joined the top of the desk with it and did not have many problem. It was pretty easy to setup and use. I know plate joiners have a bad reputation, but I have had some success with mine since august.
 
#18 ·
I have a DeWalt DW682K and I like everything about it except the chip collection which is poor.
I normally buy Porter Cable but I did not like the model that was available so I went with DeWalt and 8 years ago.
DeWalt and Porter Cable are both parts of Stanley so the parent company did not lose out.
 
#21 ·
If you're going to do a lot of wide glue-ups, then it's nice for aligning the joints. If they fit through my planer (no larger than 12 3/4" then I do the best I can and plane the difference. They don't really help much structurally, just alignment.
I found a nearly new Dewalt one on Craigslist for $60. Otherwise I probably would never have bought one.
 
#25 ·
I have Freuds they have easy depth adjustments !
One has cutter for #10
Other one has cutter for #20
I bought used !
I use mine occasionally to do glue ups of table tops and side panels. Helps align the boards till I get clamps tightened up.
I used to use router with special slot cutter. The biscuit machine is easier to line up cuts
 
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