RJS1948

I need to buy a biscuit joiner and need some feedback on the following units:

Porter Cable 557
Makita 3901
Dewalt ???

I am leaning toward the Makita unit... does anyone have real time experience with the Makita unit...

Thanks

RJS1948

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ejant

I have the Porter Cable 557, a plus for it is the 2 and 4 inch cutters.
I've only used it a couple of times and was very happy with it.

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danialsan

I purchased a DeWalt model DW682 in July of '97 and have found it to be a good tool.

PEARCO

We have a Porter Cable 557 which is used only for the very small biscuits, two old Freud J100's which are mounted for specific operations and a DeWalt DW 682 which is used by far the most. The DW seems to have a much better method of griping the material you are cutting. The first three never leave the shop, but the DW is allways going to the job site.

Jim

hcbph

I had one of the early Freud units and had problems with it after about 2 boses of biscuits. I bought a Dewalt and I've gone through about 10 boxes of biscuits (1000 per box) doing furniture repair and restoration and it's never missed a beat on me. I'ld recommend it for most people.

Steveanson

If you want to be budget minded, there is the O'mally. I have not used this joiner, but many have on another WW forum that I am on. Maybe go there, and search O'mally.
www.bt3central.com

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reible

I might as well throw my $.00002 worth in to the post. I purchased the old PC cutter, it is an upright style, being an early adapter has it's costs. I still use it for certain situations that I find I like it better for. I added a small cheap one the does small biscuits it too is an upright style and it has come in handy on more then one occasion. I added a Bosch inline style at a really good price..... I also have a table mounted one but that is a whole different story.

The Bosch is used most often but (now we are comming to the reason for the post) it tires my hands out. (I have some issues from being a desk jockey and using computers for years.) I would say one of the importain issues is how the tool feels in your hand. In fact that goes for all tools. If it doesn't feel right I would look to a second vendor. I tend to have a lot of PC tools, I have only one "yellow" tool, a drywall/deck screw gun that seem to fit my hand well.

I love the way biscuits work, but for somethings I am now using a Kreg jig. It will never replace biscuits but it has it's advantages as well. I sold my doweling jigs but they have been a few time where I wish I hadn't done that.... Even biscuits are not the best in every situation.

So that's my take on it.

Ed