On Monday, September 1, 2014 10:19:07 AM UTC+1, James Harris wrote:
Any recommendations for a reasonably good DIY biscuit jointer? I wouldn't

have asked but, surprisingly, even looking back over the last year I cannot

find a uk.d-i-y post with the word "biscuit" in the subject. Maybe there is

another name for a biscuit jointer...?



There is a massive difference in price between DIY models - which cost, say

�60 - to more advanced models - which cost, perhaps �250. For example,



http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-er...230-240v/33513

�60

http://www.axminster.co.uk/makita-pj...iscuit-jointer �280



The latter is far too expensive for the use I would get from the tool but is

there anything I should be aware of and look for in a cheaper model that

would make one DIY version better than another? The only important setting I

can think of is a fence that can be depended on to remain parallel to the

cutter blade and, perhaps, dust collection would be a boon.



I have seen material saying that biscuit joints are strong but even with the

extra glue surface I wonder what difference a small piece of wood can make.

The biscuit slots don't seem to go very far into the timber to make a really

strong join. I know that biscuits are supposed to be compressed when

manufactured so that they expand in the joint when wetted with glue but,

even so, is the main idea of a biscuit join to *align* boards reliably

rather than give strength?



James

Just make sure the blade is parallel to the base. We rejected two Dewalt biscuit joiners because of a fault in this area. Gave up on them and bought Bosch.
Yes they will strengthen a joint and are more flexible in adjustment than a dowel but will generally need clamping.
Festool Domino combines the better elements of both dowel and biscuit but beware, veblen in operation.
Lamello biscuit joiners are the creme de la creme and their products are absolutely top class.