Porter-Cable 557 Plate/Biscuit joiner
woodenfish3
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
Hi:
There is a PC 557 for sale in my area.
I recall that there was a revison in the design on the fence. I think a 1/16 inch shim was added.
The point is I prefer to get one that has the new design, or do I?
Would anyone tell me first what the change in design is about and when, what year, was the change?
The seller said that the unit is about three or four years old. Is it about the time when the design was changed?
Thanks
Replies
Ideally, you want a Type 3. You can determine the type by looking at the serial number plate. It will say "Type 1" or "Type 2" or "Type 3" a couple of lines below the model number. (If it doesn't say anything at all about the type, it's an early Type 1.)
Type 1 was the original (obviously). It generally worked fine, but had a couple of minor problems with the slot sometimes being too wide, and the dust bag not fitting properly.
Type 2 was introduced in response to a patent infringement lawsuit courtesy of DeWalt. It was apparently a quick patch, and people had lots of problems with alignment. There are some aftermarket fixes available.
Type 3 was introduced to fix the Type 2 problems.
-Steve
So, will P-C do a free upgrade of older units? I have a 555 that got upgraded free, but you had to know to ask, or have the friendly factory rep tell you.
I have no idea what their policy is. I just happened to wait long enough to buy a Type 3. ;-)
-Steve
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