Replies

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Jun 21, 2006 03:12pm | #1

   Thing #1) The Freud is a fixed-fence model. Fine if you never want to join at an angle other than 90 deg., but . . .

   Thing #2) I saw no PC model 559 after a quick web search -- are you sure you don't mean 557? If you did mean 557, it's only $160 at Amazon. A bit more, but not 2X, and the fence is adjustable.

   Thing #3) I like my (older model) PC, but I never tried the Freud.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Jun 21, 2006 07:52pm | #2

   Thanks Mike,

     I meant the 557 (that was from memory). I will probably end up going with the Porter Cable as I have admired this BJ for a while.  I'm sure there will be times that I will want an adjustable fence. Thanks for your post.Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

1. 
   Rennie | Jun 21, 2006 08:04pm | #3

   If it's any help in making your decision, I've owned the 557 for a few years. It has performed flawlessly.Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral. Frank Lloyd Wright

1. 
   dwolsten | Jun 22, 2006 03:16am | #4

   I have a 557 as well, and it's an excellent tool. I managed to get mine on sale at Lowe's for $130 or so. The fence is probably the best part of this joiner, compared to other models.

2. 
   ghost | Jun 22, 2006 05:51am | #5

   I own the PC and my friend the freud so I have used them both and let me tell that the only difference  is that I pay $200 less  

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 22, 2006 06:16pm | #6

   Your Freud was more expensive than the PC????  Wow, that's a big change from when I bought mine!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   ghost | Jun 23, 2006 04:08am | #9

   it was a present from a forestgirl ha, ha, ha.....

   but all kidding a side yes i did pay less then the Freud

3. 
   Jimmbo | Jun 23, 2006 02:16am | #7

   Suggestion - go to the store where the Freud is available and ask to plug it in and hold it in your hand while it runs.  I did that (it was either Lows or HD), and I also plugged in the DeWalt, and I found I had no confidence in how the Freud sounded.  I know that is a strange basis to select a machine, but the Freud just sounded sloppy, noisy, like parts were wearing.  The DeWalt (and probably the PC too) just felt and sounded more ... sound.  I like my Freud router though.

4. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Jun 23, 2006 03:06am | #8

   Buzz, I looked at them all and the PC #557 had greater fence adjustment range, a solid power cut, good adjustments that made sense, it comes to hand real easy and has a second-smaller- blade for "ff" face frame biscuits for when you need to use the little ones-priceless! Mine was $190 years ago and I would do it again. I see it around cheaper today . All the best, Pat

   
   

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   Edited 6/22/2006 9:24 pm ET by PADDYDAHAT

5. 
   byhammerandhand | Jun 23, 2006 04:32am | #10

   Regardless of where you want to buy, run over to Amazon.com and check out the reader reviews on both. Then factor in what you want to do with it, bevel joints? FF biscuits? And how often do you think you might use it?

6. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 23, 2006 04:40am | #11

   I have the JS100 and it has given my excellent service since sometime in the 1990's.  It  does not have an adjustable angle fence but I have never wanted one.  The 90 degree and the 45 degree are all I need.

   That said, if I ever replace it I would get the JS102 because of the dust collection port.  Jointers throw out lots of sawdust.

   Howie.........