Andy Hall wrote:

Certainly there isn't quite the contrast between entry level and mid
price/high end as there is with jigsaws in that a reasonable job can be
done with an entry level biscuit jointer given care over setups and
testing of these and then holding the tool very firmly. The main
benefits of the better ones are ease and speed of use and repeatability
using the settings rather than the need to do so many test cuts.

For edge jointing I find you can do away with any test cuts so long as
you cut both matching slots at the same time. The Ferm one has
reasonable control over the offset from the edge of a board using the
fence, and the fence stays in place once set. However there are no
presets on the fence setting, so going back to a previous depth is not
as easy[1]. For other jointing operations it would be better with decent
pre-sets.

Latteral positioning on it works well though - it is easy to align with
you cut line, and does not tend to slip sideways.

[1] If you need to mimic an existing cut depth for edge jointing
purposes, the quickest way is to plunge the blade (with the machine
*off*), and insert the blade into the cut slot. Now wind down the fence
to meet the top surface of the wood and lock in place.

--
Cheers,

John.

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