Replies

1. 
   BG | Mar 05, 2003 04:29pm | #1

   Ed,

   I have the PC and it works well.  It's a relatively simple tool and using the PC biscuits I have not had a problem.  Perhaps the one area where I would like to see an improvement would be a 'soft start' feature...the hard start can cause the tool to jump off the mark...just have to be aware to control. 

   If I were looking for a new tool I'd want as small a footprint I could find..allowing me to get into corners better and putting biscuits in miter joints, etc....good luck 

1. 
   birchtrim | Mar 05, 2003 08:51pm | #3

   I agree on the soft start..happens with my DeWalt.  Otherwise very nice.  Dust collector port tends to clog..an attachment for the vacuum would be nice.  My first biscuit joiner was a Freud and the fence was awful..returned it.

2. 
   jako17 | Mar 05, 2003 04:59pm | #2

   When you are looking at purchasing a biscuit cutter check the slop in the slide mechanism, the blade needs to plunge straight in with no vertical play.Though this may seem obvious I have found that the majority have too much free play. In response to your question I have used my Lamello Top 10 commercially for years being very careful to keep the slides clean and lubricated.There have been several reviews in FWW over the years I would suggest searching them before purchase. I believe that you will find that quality and price are proportional.

3. 
   Andrew | Mar 05, 2003 08:58pm | #4

   I'm happy with my PC. The handle is attached to the fence which is a nice feature, and there is minimal play in the slide mechanism. IMO only the Lamello top 10 is a better tool, but probably isn't worth the extra $$$ unless your using it on a daily basis.

4. 
   RoyinMD | Mar 05, 2003 09:04pm | #5

   Ed,

   I can not tell you which is the best because I have only used one brand. I do like reading the product reviews for everything, and really messing with tools in stores/shows and with my tools.

   I have the Skill (about 7 to 8 years old) if you want the model number let me know, I'll check. The plunging and blade depth adjusting is great. The dust and chip bag is almost a joke. The fence adjusting is very under engineered, they should have put a lot more thought into that. Overall, it works I'm not shopping for a better one.

   I'm not a big biscuit user, I guess I've done 6 to 8 projects with it not counting punch out shop shelves and fixtures.

   Enjoy, Roy

5. 
   billballeza | Mar 06, 2003 12:56am | #6

   I have the DeWalt and find it accurate and easy to use. I stick my shop vac hose into the dust port and cut plenty o' slots.

1. 
   Byron | Mar 06, 2003 08:34pm | #7

   My two-cents worth.  I have the Makita biscuit joiner.  It has some of the flaws mentioned earlier.  It starts with a jerk and therefore, I turn it on and then position it on my mark.  The start button is on the top of the unit, unlike the PC's trigger type, but locks in the 'ON' postion.  The fence is accurate but the positioning knob is kind of flimsy.  It is plastic and is cocked to one side. The repair guy said that is "NORMAL".  The fence adjustment is not the smoothest either.  It comes with a bag to collect the shavings.  The bag system works pretty good.  All else the same, it cuts accurately and runs well. 

   Bmit

6. 
   jc21 | Mar 06, 2003 11:01pm | #8

   I use a Dewalt ........... no complaints. The best imho is the Lamello Top 20. A shop I worked at some years back had one. Very well made and a price to match. If you don't use it often it's hard to justify the price. FWIW, a comparison test from Tools of the Trade http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/showarticle.asp?articleID=1571&position=2&type=article&partID=1

7. 
   BrianMcG | Mar 07, 2003 08:30am | #9

   Hi Ed, I may get jumped here but I have the craftsman BC and it's great.Accuracy is excellant.

   Has anyone checked out the craftsman detail BC? I just got one but haven't used it much at all yet. Unbelievably small biscuts. The fence is plastic and not the greatest but it seems to work ok.

   Does anyone else even make a detail biscut joiner?

1. 
   PineIslander | Mar 13, 2003 02:50pm | #13

   Brian, Ryobi makes a micro biscuit jointer as well...

   I've considered getting it for picture frames... just never got around to it.

1. 
   Elcoholic | Mar 13, 2003 11:54pm | #14

   My only complaint about the DeWalt is that the dust port tends to clog up when using the bag.  Ususally I plug the vac hose into it so it's not a big deal.  The cure for no soft-start is too just lock it on.  I think I get cleaner slots when it's up to full speed before plunging anyway.  I have had problems with the inconsistent thickness of PC biscuits.  Now I only by Lamello biscuits.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

8. 
   Glendo | Mar 07, 2003 09:08am | #10

   Buy the Lamello. They are worth every penny.

   Glendo.

1. 
   Ole | Mar 12, 2003 03:36pm | #11

   I use the Lamello Classic C2. It is preceise and solid build. Dust-extraction works fine, chips and dust blow out the right side or get the hose and plug it into your dustcollection system for at dustfree shop. Only thing I wanted extra would be softstart, not a big problem but it would be nice to have. I start it and then put it on the mark. Needed no tuning or adjustment, but where perfect and ready out the box.

   ORH.... I Love the smell of sawdust in the morning....

9. 
   LeeEschen | Mar 13, 2003 10:12am | #12

   Every test report I have read has found the DeWalt (the identical unit is also sold under 2 other labels) to be the best buy overall. The fence is solid and the whole unit is easy to use.

   I agree that softstart would be a nice addition to all brands.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon

   Gateway to the Oregon Caves