Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Aug 19, 2010 08:52pm | #1

   If the question is which is best, without factoring in price, the the answer is clear and pretty much without controversy. Lamello, the top of their line model, the TOP 20.  But since price is about $800 it might matter.. 

2. 
   Lataxe | Aug 20, 2010 12:48pm | #2

   FWW BJ Review

   S,

   I believe the last FWW review of biscuit joiners was in the Sep/Oct 2001 issue.  As Steve says, the Lamello is the top-notch machine because of it's precision, adjustability and build-quality.  The review quite liked the Porter Cable, which also had a small blade for doing mini-biscuits.  There have been various posts since then that seem to find modern PC tools (including the joiner) somewhat less in quality than heretofore.

   Have you considered the Festool Domino?  A mad price but, having used one now on a large number of pieces, I would recommend it and opine that it's worth the money because of the very good M&Ts in makes and the short time it takes to make them.  Since I got one, I haven't used my Mafell biscuit joiner, which is heading for ebay I think, despite the fact that it is only a little less sooper than a Lamello. 

   The Domino seems to be able to perform all the biscuit-type tasks plus a whole load of others that the biscuit joiner can't do.  Perhaps the BJ will remain useful for installing those knock-down fittings, hinges and internal clamps that are biscuit-shaped.......

   Lataxe

3. 
   swenson | Aug 20, 2010 02:36pm | #3

   There was one in ShopNotes or Woodsmith I remember.  August Home publishers.  When I use them to slap together window boxes and things of that nature I use my old DeWalt joiner and it works fine for that sort of thing with three size settings.

4. 
   BruceS | Aug 20, 2010 04:55pm | #4

   Biscuit jointer

   Never was a fan of the biscuit beasts.  Prefered dowling.    But now!   A Festool Domino has everything beat.

5. 
   Streamline | Aug 23, 2010 01:54am | #5

   Most valued biscuit joiner ...
   Having never used the Lamello BJ before, I would assume it is the best since every review says so. But at $800 price, it can't be the best value. Any thoughts from experience out there? The porter cable gets "best value" award from a review 9 years ago, but appears a bit bulky. There must have been new BJ's in the past 9 years that is deserving of another review, or at least comments from everyday folks?

6. 
   JerryPacMan | Aug 23, 2010 08:28am | #6

   I have a PC 557 and it is a nice well designed BJ that I use with a Festool CT33.  I have found that I get better results with a good dowing jig.  I will have to agree with BruceS.  Skip the BJ and get a good dowling jig and/or Festool Domino.

7. 
   bones | Aug 23, 2010 09:46am | #7

   I had the PC Jointer

   I had the porter cable and it worked well.  I purchased the Festool Domino when it first came out and sold my PC on E-bay and never looked back.  Take a look at it when deciding.   Of course I must say I was already a fan of the floating M&T anyway so it seemed like the perfect marry of tools.  (and it was).  

8. 
   VAM | Aug 23, 2010 05:52pm | #8

   Biscuit Joiner Reviews

   There were comparative reviews of these in

   May 2006 American Woodworker

   September 2005 Fine Homebuilding

9. 
   Troy | Aug 24, 2010 09:08pm | #9

   I have a Dewalt and have been pleased with it, I am sure the Lamello is better but also very expensive. 

   Troy

10. 
    TheWoodNerd | Aug 25, 2010 05:01pm | #10

    I have a biscuit joiner somewhere.  I honestly don't know where or even what brand.  Haven't touched it since getting a Domino.  Seriously, it changes the way you assemble stuff.

11. 
    jako17 | Aug 25, 2010 09:23pm | #11

    I have been using a Lamello Top 10 since 1990 in a production shop.I looked vey carefully at all available biscuit joiners at the time before spending that money.It was by far the best available as far as accurate machining and motor power.Most machines were a bit sloppy in the slideways.However then the next best was the early Elu which was a strange beast with a pivoting head.Since then I would recommend the Dewalt,Black and Decker, Elu (the same machine under different labels).it is easy to use , possible to adjust for wear in the slideways and a very good geared stop on the fence. It is as you say "Good Value" code for relatively inexpensive!!!!!  .I have used one extensively ,Though I still prefer my Lamello I would seriously consider buying one if the Lamello became impossible to repair.It just doesn't have the same cachet as Lamello  ;-)