557 Biscuit Joiner Review
This biscuit joiner from Porter-Cable has a versatile fence and is capable of cutting all sizes of slots
This biscuit joiner represents the best value out of the models in our test because it comes with an extra blade that can be used to cut FF mini-biscuit slots. This makes it capable of cutting all sizes of slots. A threaded stop can be adjusted to fine-tune slot sizes. Changing the blade was easier than on most of the tools and is described in Porter-Cable’s well-illustrated manual. The fence is versatile, with a full range of angles for 0 to 135 degrees, and easy to adjust to angles over 90 degrees. Although the 1-3/8-in. maximum height adjustment is average, this is one of only a few tools that comes with a plastic thickness plate. Attached to the fence, the thickness plate makes it easy to center biscuits in 1/2-in. stock. This tool is a little larger and heavier than most, but it has comfortable handles that made it easy to use for extended periods of time. The dust port and bag aren’t great on this tool, but the port is sized to accept a standard 1-in. vacuum hose, which improved dust collection.
