Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 05, 2005 05:08am | #1

   I didn't even know Makita had a biscuit joiner. Is it new, or have I been wandering around in a fog?

   Do you have a link for info?

   BTW, I have a PC and a Dewalt, and I prefer the PC.

1. 
   ~~Tuck | Feb 05, 2005 11:39pm | #9

   http://www.makita.com/tools_Item_View.asp?id=293the 3901 was part of the biscuit joiner write-up in the 2004 tools by 'fine woodworking'

1. 
   dondownunder | Feb 06, 2005 10:08am | #11

   We use a Makita in the workshop & have done so for about 8 years. One of my apprentices had the opportunity to try out the Ryobi as we have had a tool rep flogging them recently for <$100 & had thought of buying one as a spare to keep for site work. He has also used the Dewalt at trade school so he was making the decision. His opinion of the Ryobi was mainly unprintable & he suggested that  it was lucky it was my money he was about to spend  because he wanted to buy another Mak.

   If the FF biscuit facility is of value to you buy the PC, if not I can't fault the Mak (but I must admit to having a concern as to why the cost of the thingo on the front causes an angle grinder to quadruple in price).

   Don

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Feb 07, 2005 01:26pm | #12

   Hi Don,

   having a concern as to why the cost of the thingo on the front causes an angle grinder to quadruple in price

   I thought it was only me as I made the same comment to the Makita rep when I bought a Mak about 2 months ago and he was on-site at the time - used to borrow work's Makita for the occasions I needed one (every few days) until I changed jobs and started using the GMC/Ryobi we have to use now.

   Cheers,

   eddie

2. 
   douglas2cats | Feb 05, 2005 06:09am | #2

   I only have experience with the PC and have been very pleased with it. Does the Makita also come with 2nd smaller blade for doing the FF size biscuits like the PC? I've occasionally used that feature and am glad it's there. I'm not sure if other makers have that available now or not.

   If you build it - he will come.

1. 
   ~~Tuck | Feb 06, 2005 12:06am | #10

   As near as I can tell only PC has the FF size.

3. 
   MBL | Feb 05, 2005 06:59am | #3

   Dear Tucke,

   Have a P.C. stored away for years and use a Freud all the time.

   The Freud and the Makita are clones of the Lamello calssic, with minor variations, and with the Lamello being much more expenssive.

   Would say you wouldn't be wrong with a Makita nor with a Freud. But the Freud is cheaper and it is a very good simple design.

   The bells and whistles of the P.C., would say, are its shortcomings, ironically.

   -mbl-

4. 
   JMartinsky | Feb 05, 2005 03:22pm | #4

   Dear Tucke,
   I have used several over the years and personally, I like the PC the best. My understanding is that the Lamello is excellent, but it is pricey.

   Good Luck,

   John

5. 
   hammer1 | Feb 05, 2005 05:19pm | #5

   I also have a PC. One of my most frequent uses is the small biscuits for face frames. They come in handy for all types of small applications. The PC is the only one with that option. I've never had any problems with the tool, it has a wide range of adjustment for many different uses. I've even made accessories for unusual tasks. Great tool.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

6. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 05, 2005 08:28pm | #6

   Some will throw up in here but I have a ...............

   YES.... A Ryobi........... I think I payed about $90..........

   No production shop here but I use it quite often.....

   It works for me...

1. 
   wspievak | Feb 05, 2005 09:03pm | #7

   I have used the PC, the DeWalt, owned both.  I have used the makita, own it now, and the llamelo, never could afford one of those.  The DeWalt was bought from me by a friend, he relly likes it and I ddin't like how it felt in my hand.  The PC just seemed to me to be too big, another friend bought that one.  The three of us were all in the market at the same time.  The Mak seems right and just fits my hand.  I think you have to pick them up and use them before you'll know for sure.

7. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Feb 05, 2005 11:33pm | #8

   Tucke,

   Nothing wrong with the Makita - used by a lot of professional shops.

   Cheers,

   eddie