Replies

1. 
   FastEddie | Jan 28, 2006 07:44pm | #1

   How much do you wanty to spend?  I have the Porter Cable biscuit joiner, and it works very well.

   The PC 690 fixed base router is excellent, and not expensive.  The 690 plunge base sux.

    

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   BillBrennen | Jan 28, 2006 08:01pm | #2

   FastEddie,How does your PC biscuit joiner do at holding registration from the edge of the slot to the face of the material? My DeWalt is very sloppy, and I wonder how much better can be had, short of buying a $$$$ Lamello? Thanks.Bill

1. 
   FastEddie | Jan 28, 2006 08:02pm | #3

   It does well if you remember to tighten the adjustment knob on the fence.

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   BillBrennen | Jan 28, 2006 08:10pm | #5

   Thanks. The slop in the DW is in the plunging mechanism, so no way short of remachining to tighten it up and still have it work.Bill

2. 
   davidmeiland | Jan 28, 2006 08:14pm | #6

   I've use a DeWalt that seemed to cut mating slots out of parallel to each other. The pinion gear adjustment is nice but it prevented correcting the problem, if I recall. I think we put some duct tape on the bottom of the fence on one side. I've used a newer PC that worked a lot better, and will probably by one to replace my antique PC with the screaming bearings.

3. 
   MSA1 | Jan 29, 2006 01:45am | #14

   I'm a little bummed about my DW biscuit joiner too. I've spent alot of time making some things line up and then having them be off when I insert the biscuit. You have to be really careful and you can still have problems.

2. 
   davidmeiland | Jan 28, 2006 08:06pm | #4

   "The 690 plunge base sux."

   Mine works fine, but it's had one of my motors stuck in it for at least ten years. Not what I'd call an interchangeable system.

1. 
   FastEddie | Jan 29, 2006 12:08am | #11

   You're right, the biggest problem with the PC base is getting it off the motor.

   But I still say the 690 is an excellent no frills mid-size router.

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   JBanyan | Jan 29, 2006 12:11am | #12

   did anyone happen to find the FH reviews for these two tools yet?

1. 
   Lateapex911 | Jan 29, 2006 12:46am | #13

   I love the combo based Bosch router I have. Nice plunge action, precise.

   The same can't be said for the Dewalt biscut cutter, yet another yellow disappointment, I'm afraid. I have the same inconsistant slot complaints as above. The design is great in theory, but not so good in application.

   The Kreg system is a real alternative in certain similar applications, it deserves a look.Jake Gulick

   [email protected]

   CarriageHouse Design

   Black Rock, CT

2. 
   stinger | Jan 29, 2006 06:21am | #19

   I disagree re the 690, and I own one.

   The plunge mechanism is sticky.  I need to push it hard to get it to start its plunge, and once it gets by its sticky point at top, my push is causing the plunge to be too fast.

   And they are all the same.  I have tried other 690s.

3. 
   BillHartmann | Jan 28, 2006 08:57pm | #7

   While a good router in it's day I think that it is really outdated. And while I don't have an complain about the plunge base function the locking dog to change out the base is a real pain.The newer version with quick release on the fixed base and variable speed is a long over due improvement. Don't know if they fixed the plunge base or not.There are a bunch of new units in that market that appear to be much better units. Boosch is one. I think that Maktia and DW also have similar models.

2. 
   wrudiger | Jan 28, 2006 09:07pm | #8

   You might want to ask over on the Knots (Fine Woodworking) forum as well. 

   I have the PC biscuit joiner and would recommend it. 

   What kind of work you plan to do?  When I bought my biscuit joiner I thought I'd be using it all the time, but have found that to not be the case.  It is nice for certain alignment applications, but I find that I'm using the Kreg jig and pocket screws much more often for speed and strength.  I also prefer mortises and floating tenons for some things where I might have used biscuits in the past.

1. 
   JBanyan | Jan 28, 2006 11:59pm | #9

   the joiner is to join face frames to cabinet boxes

1. 
   wrudiger | Jan 29, 2006 12:02am | #10

   Have you used pocket screws before?  I can see a combination of them and biscuits for your application, depending on the details of the job.  If you get the PC biscuit joiner get the hose attachment as well - it's awesome!

3. 
   dustinf | Jan 29, 2006 01:53am | #15

   I bought the Makita to supplement my Lamello, and to be honest I think the Makita is just as good for 1/2 the money.

   View Image

   --------------------------

   It's only satisfying if you eat it.

4. 
   ronbudgell | Jan 29, 2006 02:56am | #16

   I bought a Makita a few years ago and have been completely satisfied with it. I looked at the PC and the DW before buying. The DW had too much free play in its adjustments. The PC fences were bent sheet metal. The three were much the same price. In addition, a guy I know who is notoriously rough on tools has had one for more than 10 years and it still works perfectly.

   Ron

1. 
   BillBrennen | Jan 29, 2006 05:42am | #17

   Thank you, Ron, and also to Dustin. I need to go look at a Makita biscuit machine in person, because I'm not made of money, and the amount of biscuit joinery I do cannot justify the Lamello price.Bill

5. 
   chickenfarmer | Jan 29, 2006 06:12am | #18

   Can't advise you as to what the reviews say but I've got the PC biscuit and several routers.  I've got the PC 693 or 694 router kit. (standard base and plunge base as well as the very nice D-handle base.  I like them all, but as some here have said, I also find I don't use the biscuit joiner nearly as much as would if I hadn't discovered pocket screws.

   I'd advise you to get just the Kreg mini jig, bit, stop collar, and vise grip type clamp.  I think they'll run you around $30 - $35.  Try the pocket screws and if you're not sold I'd be surprised.  The whole Kreg system (Is it called the K-2?) runs around $150, but it's amazing how much you can do with just that mini jig.

6. 
   Marc | Jan 29, 2006 06:27am | #20

   I have the PC 557 biscuit joiner and the Kreg pocket screw tools.

   I also use them for cabinets and face frames.

   I bought the PC for the ff small biscuits and have used them quite a bit for cabinet doors.

   I do find that I use the pocket screws more than anything else.... downright addictive tool.

   The PC 890 series router is quite nice; soft start, variable speed, and plenty of power.

   Marc

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jan 29, 2006 06:41am | #21

   I started (years ago) with the DW biscuit joiner; had a terrible time with biscuit alignment. Bought the present model PC when it came out; much better, but still some alignment problems. for what I paid for these two, I could (should) have bought the cheap Lamello. I have a flock of routers, and I still think the D-handle 690 (I think it may be model 691) is a great all-purpose router for hand held work. I like the D-Handle, because if needs be, you can run it with one hand -- and hold your piece with the other.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   alanj | Feb 01, 2006 05:37am | #22

   Pc 557......Very good biscuiter. Very accurate out of the box.Interesting fence. (mine is well machined cast aluminum).Has the ability to cut FF biscuits (the tiniest ones) that most others
   dont. It came with a FF blade that takes about 3 minutes to change. I haven't used it much but when I need it, it'll be there.I think it's perhaps the best PC tool there is. One caveat---the dust bag tends to clog up easily. Best when used with a vacuum attachment. Mine came with a snorkle for vac.Routers?---------Lots of good ones in the middle range. Makita, Hitachi, PC.Stay away from Skill anything. Although buying anything with a Skill nameplate will make your Ryobi stuff look awfully good.Alan