Need help choosing a plate joiner

yep, I have the Ryobi and will be looking for a full size one in the
future. I actually use the FF biscuits just as I would the larger ones.
Since biscuits are "for allignmernt, not strength" then "size
shouldn't matter". :-)

I like the Ryobi

BRuce

David Hall wrote:

> "Ron Angel" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<pqoib.748173$Ho3.190713@sccrnsc03>...
>
>>I'm looking to but a plate joiner very soon.
>>
>
> SNIP
>
>>So I'm trying to decide between the PC 557 & Dewalt 682K.
>>
>>The first project for it will be for some face-frame kitchen cabinets.
>>A bathroom vanity & kitchen breadbox/strorage unit with frameless doors
>>will follow.
>>
>>The PC goes for about $200, about $50 more than the Delta.
>>
>>PC also includes a 2" blade though. Would this be the size I would need for
>>3/4" x 2 1/2
>>rails & stiles?
>>Does Dewalt even offer a 2" blade? A replacement for PC is ~$40, probably
>>accounting
>>for most of the proce difference.
>>What is the smallest size stock I you can use a 4" blade on?
>
> SNIP
>
>>I don't mind spending the extra $50, but, I don't care to waste it on
>>features I won't need either.
>>
>>ThankX for any input,
>>Ron
>
>
> In my opinion if the FF biscuit is an issue you should buy the Dewalt
> and use the $50 savings to buy a Ryobi (or Craftsman) detail joiner
> (they were about $45 last time I looked at HD but that was a while
> ago). That way you don't have to change blades when doing face frames,
> picture frames and other small work. You can also do thinner boards as
> the detail biscuits are thinner. This all assumes that the 135 degree
> fence isn't something that you need or want.
>
> Dave Hall

--
---

BRuce

No contest. Porter-Cable. Has a DeWalt and sold it for a Porter-Cable.
It is one heck of a mchine.



On Mon, 13 Oct 2003 02:51:01 GMT, "Ron Angel"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I'm looking to but a plate joiner very soon.
>
>I've learned pretty quickly that for the most part with power tools
> you get what you pay for.
>
>I bought a Sears 'lower end' table 3hp table saw and a 8" 'Tradesman'
>drill press for less than $250. (I had $150 in gift cards to blow)
>They do a basic job, but, I wouldn't buy either again.
>
>On the other hand I'm quite satisfied and have gotten a lot of reliable
>service from my PC drill/driver, Delta compound miter saw and
>most recently my Bosch 1617 router.
>
>So I'm trying to decide between the PC 557 & Dewalt 682K.
>
>The first project for it will be for some face-frame kitchen cabinets.
>A bathroom vanity & kitchen breadbox/strorage unit with frameless doors
>will follow.
>
>The PC goes for about $200, about $50 more than the Delta.
>
>PC also includes a 2" blade though. Would this be the size I would need for
>3/4" x 2 1/2
>rails & stiles?
>Does Dewalt even offer a 2" blade? A replacement for PC is ~$40, probably
>accounting
>for most of the proce difference.
>What is the smallest size stock I you can use a 4" blade on?
>
>They both seem to have ample power.
>
>The PC's fence also goes from 0-135 degrees, when/where would I need the
>capability
>to go beyond 90?
>
>I don't mind spending the extra $50, but, I don't care to waste it on
>features I won't need either.
>
>ThankX for any input,
>Ron
>
>
>
>
>

"Ron Angel" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<pqoib.748173$Ho3.190713@sccrnsc03>...
> I'm looking to but a plate joiner very soon.
>
SNIP
> So I'm trying to decide between the PC 557 & Dewalt 682K.
>
> The first project for it will be for some face-frame kitchen cabinets.
> A bathroom vanity & kitchen breadbox/strorage unit with frameless doors
> will follow.
>
> The PC goes for about $200, about $50 more than the Delta.
>
> PC also includes a 2" blade though. Would this be the size I would need for
> 3/4" x 2 1/2
> rails & stiles?
> Does Dewalt even offer a 2" blade? A replacement for PC is ~$40, probably
> accounting
> for most of the proce difference.
> What is the smallest size stock I you can use a 4" blade on?
SNIP
>
> I don't mind spending the extra $50, but, I don't care to waste it on
> features I won't need either.
>
> ThankX for any input,
> Ron

In my opinion if the FF biscuit is an issue you should buy the Dewalt
and use the $50 savings to buy a Ryobi (or Craftsman) detail joiner
(they were about $45 last time I looked at HD but that was a while
ago). That way you don't have to change blades when doing face frames,
picture frames and other small work. You can also do thinner boards as
the detail biscuits are thinner. This all assumes that the 135 degree
fence isn't something that you need or want.

Dave Hall

"Ron Angel" <[email protected]> wrote in
<pqoib.748173$Ho3.190713@sccrnsc03>:

>I'm looking to but a plate joiner very soon.
>
snip...
>
>So I'm trying to decide between the PC 557 & Dewalt 682K.
snip..
>
>

I own the Dewalt use it and love it. That being said, I'm sorry I didn't
spring for the extra $50 for the PC. Face frame feature alone is worth it.
It is also a little more stable to use grip-wise.

Jerry

Ron:

I recently picked up the PC 557 at Lowe's. They do not advertise it,
but a rebate form printed out with my receipt. $30 mail-in with
Delta. It is valid until 1/1/04.

I used it a few times this weekend (building Norm's new router table),
it worked great!

Dave

There seem to be a few complaints about the sloppiness of the fence on the
557, but I own a 557, type3, and have had no problems with it whatsoever.

The two reasons most stated in favor of the PC are the face frame blade, and
the 135 degree fence ... neither has been a factor in my use of the tool at
all.

However, everywhere I look, I see the DeWalt ... it seems to be the most
ubiquitous plate jointer on the planet. Other than budget considerations, I
would say pick your favorite color between the two..

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 9/21/03


"Ron Angel" wrote in message
> I'm looking to but a plate joiner very soon.

> I don't mind spending the extra $50, but, I don't care to waste it on
> features I won't need either.

On Mon, 13 Oct 2003 02:51:01 GMT, "Ron Angel"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I'm looking to but a plate joiner very soon.

Congratulations. You won't use it much.

Then one day you realise it's not how much you use the thing, but how
much time you've saved instead of other methods.

>I've learned pretty quickly that for the most part with power tools
> you get what you pay for.

Not quite so much with biscuiters. It's hard to justify some of the
pricetags at the top end.

For the last couple of years I've had an AEG 650, which I still think
is one of the best around.

http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Tools-Hand_Power-Biscuit_Joiners-AEG-AEG_Planer_LF_650_LF_650/display_~full_specs#

But you can also buy Screwfix's Ferm copy of it, for tuppence !
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp;jsessionid=ACP4GUJIRPC5VCJO2C3CHPQ?p=bst&id=17569&slotName=BEST_SELLER&homeRef=home&ts=38616&destination=../cat/pro.jsp%3Fp%3Dbst%26id%3D17569%26slotName%3DBEST_SELLER%26homeRef%3Dhome


There are two sorts of biscuiter out there: Hinge-front and removable
ront. If you're making a T jointed carcase (shelves in a box) then
you switch between 0° and 90° a lot. The removable fronts are tiresome
and some models (the Axminster white) are inaccurate, unless set
carefully with a square or jig each time.

Most of the hinge-fronts need a shim for thin stock, a plastic clip-on
onto the fence. This is a nuisance, but accurate and fairly quick to
use. Again, you have to fit and remove it when swapping between 0° and
90° on thin stock (under 1/2").

I use mine with a dust spout (and face shield !) rather than a bag or
dust hose, then sweep the floor afterwards. Bags are too small for a
typical biscuiting run and a pain to empty halfway. Hoses are
inconvenient. A router is used vertically, but a biscuit jointer is
often used vertically and horizontally in turn.


I particularly like the AEG because it gets all the basics right (good
adjustments, accurate cut) and it also has good build quality. The
motor is small and light, and conveniently sized to be held as a
handle (this is often a better grip position than the intended
handle). The power switch is particularly good - an important and
under-rated aspect. I only wish they fitted such a good switch to
their angle grinders. I use a number of AEG products and they're
clearly specified and built in two plants; some of good quality, some
less. The 650 biscuiter comes from the good place.



--
Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods

you might want to look into the Makita also. i'm more than satisfied
with mine.

TomL

On Mon, 13 Oct 2003 02:51:01 GMT, "Ron Angel"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I'm looking to but a plate joiner very soon.
>
>I've learned pretty quickly that for the most part with power tools
> you get what you pay for.
>
>I bought a Sears 'lower end' table 3hp table saw and a 8" 'Tradesman'
>drill press for less than $250. (I had $150 in gift cards to blow)
>They do a basic job, but, I wouldn't buy either again.
>
>On the other hand I'm quite satisfied and have gotten a lot of reliable
>service from my PC drill/driver, Delta compound miter saw and
>most recently my Bosch 1617 router.
>
>So I'm trying to decide between the PC 557 & Dewalt 682K.
>
>The first project for it will be for some face-frame kitchen cabinets.
>A bathroom vanity & kitchen breadbox/strorage unit with frameless doors
>will follow.
>
>The PC goes for about $200, about $50 more than the Delta.
>
>PC also includes a 2" blade though. Would this be the size I would need for
>3/4" x 2 1/2
>rails & stiles?
>Does Dewalt even offer a 2" blade? A replacement for PC is ~$40, probably
>accounting
>for most of the proce difference.
>What is the smallest size stock I you can use a 4" blade on?
>
>They both seem to have ample power.
>
>The PC's fence also goes from 0-135 degrees, when/where would I need the
>capability
>to go beyond 90?
>
>I don't mind spending the extra $50, but, I don't care to waste it on
>features I won't need either.
>
>ThankX for any input,
>Ron
>
>
>
>
>

Go with the PC. It is one of the very few plate joiner that will cut slots
for ALL biscuts from FF to ?? Thats why the 2" blade. The face of the later
Type 1 and Type 2 units is 1/16" offset from the fence. Some sort of pissing
contest with a patent that forced them to make it that way. Simple to
correct though.

ELAhrens

"Ron Angel" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:pqoib.748173$Ho3.190713@sccrnsc03...
> I'm looking to but a plate joiner very soon.
>
> I've learned pretty quickly that for the most part with power tools
> you get what you pay for.
>
> I bought a Sears 'lower end' table 3hp table saw and a 8" 'Tradesman'
> drill press for less than $250. (I had $150 in gift cards to blow)
> They do a basic job, but, I wouldn't buy either again.
>
> On the other hand I'm quite satisfied and have gotten a lot of reliable
> service from my PC drill/driver, Delta compound miter saw and
> most recently my Bosch 1617 router.
>
> So I'm trying to decide between the PC 557 & Dewalt 682K.
>
> The first project for it will be for some face-frame kitchen cabinets.
> A bathroom vanity & kitchen breadbox/strorage unit with frameless doors
> will follow.
>
> The PC goes for about $200, about $50 more than the Delta.
>
> PC also includes a 2" blade though. Would this be the size I would need
for
> 3/4" x 2 1/2
> rails & stiles?
> Does Dewalt even offer a 2" blade? A replacement for PC is ~$40, probably
> accounting
> for most of the proce difference.
> What is the smallest size stock I you can use a 4" blade on?
>
> They both seem to have ample power.
>
> The PC's fence also goes from 0-135 degrees, when/where would I need the
> capability
> to go beyond 90?
>
> I don't mind spending the extra $50, but, I don't care to waste it on
> features I won't need either.
>
> ThankX for any input,
> Ron
>
>
>
>
>
>