Need Help With Biscuit Joiner Porter Cable Model 557

I do not have this or use one, I looked at the PDF manual (which you probably already have) and the only thing locked is the “fine” adjustment knob. It looks like the same mechanical stop as a plunge router depth gauge.

https://www.woodcraft.com/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTkvMTIvMTgvMDgvMDcvMjkvNzQyLzgxMzY2Ni5QT1JURVJfQ0FsLnBkZiJdXQ/813666.PORTER%20CAl.pdf?sha=d779fb3da3cc991c

I am sure you have already been to page 10 in the manual,
ADJUSTING DEPTH OF GROOVE
A “quick set” depth adjusting turret (A) Fig. 2, provides for quick changes in
depth of cut to accommodate the various sizes of available biscuits and
other accessories. To set depth of cut: rotate depth adjusting turret until
desired size marking on turret aligns with the index mark (B) Fig. 2. The
following depth settings are provided:

My guess would be to grab that sucker and turn the ** out of it !! It is either that or it is defective maybe.

Sorry if all that was obvious and probably not much help.

Nah, not stupid at all.

I had to go look at mine, as I didn’t remember anything funky about it, but I’ve not used it for a few months. The knob just twists. It admittedly twists with a fair amount of resistance, but it just twisted without any other action required. I was holding it off of the table by its handle when I twisted it. I could see there being extra resistance if it were setting on a benchtop.

Holler if that doesn’t work on yours.

-- Gary, Wisconsin

Thank you, Gary! With your advice that it was providing significant resistance, I asked my friend who is here to “man handle” it. He finally got it to turn…and cut his finger in the process because it was so resistant. It definitely seems a harder than it should be. Guess I’ll just stick with #20 biscuits forever. Thanks so much!

-- - Montana sucks. Tell your friends.

I don’t have the PC unit, but I know it does have a locking micro adjust. On mine (also with a locking micro adjust) you need to loosen the micro first, then the gross adjustment will work easier. Not sure if that applies, but it wouldn’t be much to check next time you want to change biscuit size. Otherwise there isn’t a lot to it, like you said it just turns.

I think that was what the Bull was trying to convey above.

-- Think safe, be safe

Mine just turns and stops with a click, just like the channel knob on an old B&W TV set (if you’re old enough to remember). Maybe it’s just gunked up, how about trying a shot of Liquid Wrench or other anti freeze lubricant, can’t hurt? Only other thing I can think of is it got whacked or dropped on the knob and the shaft got bent.

-- "South Carolina is too small for a republic and too large for an insane asylum" - James L. Petigru, 1860

My 557 needs a ‘firm hand’ but you shouldn’t need to man handle it.

-- Just a Duffer

The 557 is a great tool, with that saying you just got to play with it, get to know it tear up some wood ;)

Good luck

Cheers Bill

I wouldn’t limit yourself to just the #20 biscuits, there will be times the smaller sizes are handy. I was just looking at mine, that knob is tight but in looking at it I think you could take a pair of pliers and grip it enough to rotate it. I though loosening that screw that holds it on might help, but that didn’t seem to be the case. In any case, as biscuit joiners go this is an excellent one…...good choice.

-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress.

Jenine – I have mine set for the #10 biscuit since it is the “middle” size and works for just about anything I need to use biscuits with. As others mentioned, it should just click between the biscuit sizes.

-- Earl "I'm a pessamist - generally that increases the chance that things will turn out better than expected"

Yep, a knob with a detent to hold it in position. It should turn smoothly, perhaps the screw holding the knob to the tool is over-tight?

mines real hard to turn also,at least it move unintentionally.

-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.