biscuit joiners

[kcjaars]

I, like many wood workers have used doweling jigs for years and they still have their place but a tool that saves immesuarable time is a biscuit joiner. I currently have a dewalt. I find its ease of use and set up is great.

[Ray Lancon]

I have the same one and totaly agree with you. Now I have discovered pocket screws and use a combination of the two and half the time I no longer need clamps......

[John blomstrom]

I am using a Porter Cable 557 which I like very much. It comes with two blades so you can use the smaller biscuits which is great for picture frames etc. I also like the fence which as I understand it is very similiar to the Dewalt.

[Walnut45]

I too have the Porter Cable 557 and have used the small cutter for face frames with great success. I probably use the small cutter 30 % of the time and the changeover is fairly easy.

The ability to move the fence 135 degrees makes some otherwise difficult cuts a "piece of cake".

[larliz]

I just bought the Freud js102 and its great! Simple to operate and change blades too

[RRitch]

"I just bought the Freud js102 and its great! Simple to operate and change blades too"

Do you have a problem with the adjustable depth stop on the fence lining up with the blade. I have the same one, and I can't get it to line up unless is force it.

-Rob

[larliz]

I'm not sure what you mean. I havent had any problems though. Give me some additional details.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RRitch:
"I just bought the Freud js102 and its great! Simple to operate and change blades too"

Do you have a problem with the adjustable depth stop on the fence lining up with the blade. I have the same one, and I can't get it to line up unless is force it.

-Rob

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[RRitch]

The piece of the fence that slides up and down to set the distance that the slot is cut from the top face of the board. On mine I can not get that piece to line up parallel to the blade.

-Rob

[larliz]

Oh, yeah. I've noticed that but I usually cut into the ends of the board so I place the unit next to the board and then move the fence down on top of the piece and then lock it in. Or I eyball it. Not a great answer I know but it seems to work. The only way around this is the buy the Dewalt which has their cog and rail system that works great. I have their portable table saw with this feature but their stuff costs big $$$

[Hergy]

To be a full fledged "Biscuiteer" may I suggest the Ryobi DBJ50. It's a little fella that's perfect for smaller frames or wood sizes. Only costs about $70 and performs very well. I usually use only the #3 size biscuits. Paired with my DeWalt, I've pretty much got the biscuit front covered. Having a dedicated "small" joiner is a lot easier than changing blades. :cool: