First posting. A friends Makita joiner worked well for a small job a while back, and recently looked at the Freud on sale at HD. Recommended choices and feedback from owners would be most helpful. Oops, just spotted & read “No gravy with these biscuits” thread. Seems Lamello is out of my $ range. DeWalt and PC are most popular choices, but I don’t fancy starting out with a DIY fix up on the PC. If it’s their problem they should remedy it.
Additional thoughts on versatility and recommendations based on experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Edited 11/21/2005 7:29 pm ET by stumps
Replies
I picked up a cheap one on the internet from omallytools.com I think it was like $60 and free shipping I have only used it four times but it worked just fine.
Was it a brand name or clone?
the brand was omallytool well that was the sticker they put on there! I had also purchased a router from them for $100 which is the same one mlcs sells for $200 just different stickers. Don't get me wrong these are def cheap tools but they served their purp and my budget at the time. I have since replaced the router, but still use the jointer.
I wish I had a Lamello, but I do have both a PC and Dewalt.
I vastly prefer the PC.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I have the PC. Works well. The ff face frame biscuits are sure convenient.
My shop has had the Lamello about 5 years, used it for literally 1000's of joints, and still going strong. I've owned Bosch and Makita as well, but they are not in the same league at all. If I needed it for hobbyist / basement shop use, I'd go for the PC.
DR
I like good tools too, but which Lamello? I see the C2, plus two other models on Amazon. I can't see what the difference is in practical applications, just from the minor description there.
http://www.cheyennesales.com/catalog/top20.htm
http://www.lamello.com/english/f_start_e2.htm
Bit of a read here.
I have the Classic C2. It's a no-frills reliable and accurate tool. I haven't worked with the other models (Top20-2, I believe) but I can't imagine what would justify the huge price difference. I never felt that the C2 lacked any feature that I would like to have.
DR
It is the nature of most men to want the bells and whistles,take cars,they only get you there!
Laugh all you want, but i bought a Ryobi 3 years ago. I have used hundreds of bisquits over those years and it still works like new. uses 0-10-20 sizes and sets up easy for any thickness or angle needed. $69 at home depotInfo for all http://www.hoistman.com Bad spellers of the world- Untie
I picked up a Ryobi at HD several years ago also, but I'm not very pleased with it. The way it's built, it allows the blade to tilt slightly off horizontal which allows the slot to get wider than it should. If I had it to do over again, I would not have spent the money on it. I have also used a borrowed Dewalt that I like much better than the Ryobi.
Been using my PC for some time now and never had the problems I've read about...
I've also come to appreciate the included 2" blade for "FF" size biscuits on small work.
STEELHEAD
WHAT PROBLEM ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT WITH PC,I'M IN THE DARK ON THIS ONE. IS IT SOMETHING THAT SHOWS UP AFTER LONG TERM USE? I HAVE NOT USED MINE FOR SOME TIME.
Under the Power Tools heading click on 1131 Msgs. Scroll down to 'No gravy with these biscuits' May 29 and read postings by DDay. Cheers.
Have the dewalt and it works fine.
Troy
We use 2 Makitas to fit about 10,000 biscuits a year, mainly for carcass assembly. Bought one new about 8 years ago, the other off ebay about 6mths ago. Had them serviced together last month after a rush of guilt (both showed little sign of wear but both had their gearboxes repacked & new brushes fitted) & while they arn't Lamellos they do what we want at a fraction of the cost.
Don
Thanks to everyone for input. Always a tear between 'buy the best and buy once' and 'buy what you can afford'. Lamello, PC, Makita, Lamello, PC, Makita... Christmas is coming maybe someone will ask. If not, there's always Boxing Day! Cheers.
Lamello, hands down. I've owned mine for 20 years. If it broke today, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/brian1520/0002.jpg
I love my Elu,Swiss made.
Another great product gobbled up by Black and Decker, and then consigned to oblivion. Does the brand ELU still exist? I never see them in the US.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I tried to find an Elu jointer like that pictured in the early 90's and was told by B&D that they were no longer available.
Steve
I don't think they Elu are around as such anymore.
No doubt Mr Elu is sipping martinis on the Costa del Sol.
I have several Elu tools,had them for at least 10 years,never missed a beat.
ELU departed these shores a year or two ago also. Some of the ELU tools continued under the B&D or Dewalt brand for awhile but I fear they are lost forever. Damn shame as they had some great innovations. Over on the Costa del Sol Mr ELU is probably sipping martinis with Mr Performax, Mr Milwaulkee, Mr Record & Mr AEG.:-)
Don
I've owned my Dewalt for about 5 years and have done many busicuts with it.
I've been very happy with the results. I have used it for many applications from cabinetry to aligning doors slats. Aside from not being able to do certian types or busicuts it works well. Sometimes complaints of a tool arise from lack of maintenance.
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