Replies

1. 
   woodman2263 | May 14, 2007 10:52pm | #1

   Stan,

   I vote for Porter Cable .........no screws please!

2. 
   jacktchick | May 14, 2007 11:00pm | #2

   it depends on what you want to do.

   i use the kreg and a makita buscuit joiner. the kreg is fast and was good for some applications but has some drawbacks. your joints can't be adjusted easily with the kreg if at all. i use it where i don't have to worry much. that said, i use it often for stairs and the occassional face frame.

   the biscuit joiner is the better way to go for more presise joints and if you will see multiple sides of the joint(pocket screws aren't pretty).

   -nickt.-

3. 
   dherzig | May 14, 2007 11:06pm | #3

   I vote for the Bead Lock system. Easy to use loose tenon system. Not at all expensive. Either buy the pieces for the tenons or buy the router bit to make your own. Much stronger than biscuits and very flexible. One problem with the Kreg system is that the gluing is end grain to long grain and the resulting joint is not very resistant to torque failure.

4. 
   colebearanimals | May 14, 2007 11:18pm | #4

   Hi Stan,

        If you make many face frames get the Kreg, otherwise buy some wood. For me, the biscuit joiner is a waste. In fact, I'll sell you my Dewalt . I think I might have used it twice, 10 or more years ago.   :)

                             Paul

5. 
   JMartinsky | May 15, 2007 01:07am | #5

   Dear Stan,
   I think the advise of
   "it depends on what you are doing" fits here. I have the PC biscut joiner and I agree that it is the best of the "reasonably" priced units. I also have the Kreg jig and like it quite a bit. That being said, I would look at it this way:

   1) Gluing up panels?
   2) Gluing up table tops?
   Get the biscuit joiner.

   1) Building face frames?
   2) Carcase construction?
   Kreg.

   Best,

   John

1. 
   sidecutter | May 15, 2007 03:04am | #6

   I have the Porter cable and like it.  I have used it for panels,  legs to aprons,  face frames with the small cutter.    just about every thing.  My buddy likes the pocket holes  He thinks there a bit faster  I'm not sure speed is all that important as both systems seem fast to me .  They both work.  I just like the Porter Cable ,   simple.

1. 
   JMartinsky | May 15, 2007 04:54am | #8

   Dear Side,
   I like the PC as well. It is much better than the DeWalt which seemed to blind me with dust no matter what I did. I don't use the PC for face frames anymore. I work commercially and I find the pockets to be quicker and much less aggravating. I don't miss racing the glue trying to get all of the clamps on. The pocket screws allow a much more civilized approach. My opinion. Best,John

   Edited 5/14/2007 9:54 pm ET by Jmartinsky

6. 
   Napie | May 15, 2007 03:24am | #7

   I can afford the Domino and wouldn’t have one.  I do however use my P-C biscuit joiner all the time, it is a great tool.  I would never use it for edge gluing panels, that is a waste, but I love it for face frames and the like.  The pocket hole jig is fine for kitchen cabinets I guess, but I never really like the idea other than it saves clamping time.