FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Tools & Materials

557 Biscuit Joiner Review

This biscuit joiner from Porter-Cable has a versatile fence and is capable of cutting all sizes of slots

By Gregory Burr

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.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Editor Test Results:

Overall RatingN/A
Performance levelProfessional grade

Manufacturer Specifications:

ManufacturerPorter-Cable
Manufacturer's Web Sitewww.deltaportercable.com
Manufacturer's Phone Number888-848-5175
Weight7-1/2 lb.
DimensionsN/A
Biscuit SizesFF (w/blade change), #0, #10, #20, S, D, M
Fence FeaturesAdjusts to angles up to 135 degrees
Amps7.5
Dust CollectionDust bag

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Comments are closed.

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Dialing In a Job-Site Tablesaw

Tune up your saw and add a few simple jigs for an efficient, accurate, and dependable tool.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast 599: Members-only Aftershow — Tools That Changed Residential Construction
  • Speedy PEX Expander
  • Deeper Cuts in Concrete
  • Quiet and Compact Cordless Bandsaw

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Podcast 599: Members-only Aftershow — Tools That Changed Residential Construction
  • Podcast 568: PRO TALK With VPs of Product Development Tyson Apfelbeck and Andrew Lentz
  • Why You Should Use a Cordless Saw
  • Don't Wait to Get These Tools
View All

Power Tools

View All Power Tools Articles
  • Use a Press Tool for Plumbing Connections
  • Easy-release Hole Saw
  • Cordless Stapler for Hard-to-Reach Spaces
  • Makita's Cordless Biscuit Joiner
View All Power Tools Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Complete 3rd Edition
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 318 - October 2023
    • Make Mudsills Square and Level
    • Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Lloyd Alter
  • Issue 317 - Aug/Sept 2023
    • Finishing Drywall With Seamless Results
    • A Flat Roof in a Cold Climate
    • Compact Cordless Shop Vacs
  • Issue 316 - July 2023
    • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
    • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door
    • Understanding Toilet Design and Efficiency
  • Issue 315 - June 2023
    • How to Craft a Copper Roof
    • 5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
    • The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok
  • twitter

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok
  • twitter

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in