Biscuit jointer accuracy

[Mrs C]

If any one with a biscuit jointer has a spare 5 minutes I would be interested to know how accurate it is when referencing from fence by doing a parallel test.

I don’t know if I am expecting too much or have just been unfortunate!

Thanks

 

[Peter Sefton]

The biscuit should be very accurate, the biggest issues I see is usually down to user error. It can be difficult to hold the jointer square or tight to the timber.

Cheers Peter

 

[MikeJhn]

I have found that most Biscuit jointers are only as accurate as the fence, cheap units have very flimsy tin (for want of a better word) fence, more expensive units have a cast fence's and the accuracy increase's accordingly, I imported a PortaCable unit from the US and am very please with the consistent results from it.

Mike

 

[Glynne]

I have found that most Biscuit jointers are only as accurate as the fence, cheap units have very flimsy tin (for want of a better word) fence, more expensive units have a cast fence's and the accuracy increase's accordingly, I imported a PortaCable unit from the US and am very please with the consistent results from it.

Mike

+1
I’ve struggled with a very cheap and nasty Draper to the extent that I had to stop using the “fence” as it was so bad, everything had to be referenced off the base. I’ve just bought a new Makita and the difference is amazing. A lot more expensive but well worth it.

 

[Beau]

I had a cheap Freud BJ. Yes the fence was the weak link but it could still be made to do precise work. The fence was cast but would not sit naturally parallel with the blade but it was easy to allow for with a slight adjustment when tightening it up. If you are consistent with how you plunge and can set the fence parallel you can do precise work.

 

[Peter Sefton]

Mrs C, which biscuit jointer are you having issues with?

I have three in my school, a Ferm which needs a fair bit of testing to get correct but works and is fine for the price I paid.

My old classic Elu, the fence on this always needs tweaking as it came to me with a slight out of parallel fence but is a gem when set up.

My Lamello needs checking to ensure once tightened it hasn't moved.

All three work just need a little bit of setting up for perfect results.

Cheers Peter

 

[Mrs C]

It’s a Dewalt which has been back for repair and come back no better. The kindly people that supplied it have agreed to do a refund.

You can tweak it so that it is square to the base or square to the fence, but not both at the same time. If it’s square to the base it is .7mm out to the fence; I just don’t know if I am expecting too much! 3 of us get the same result, so it’s not just me.

Any more thoughts gratefully received

Thank you

 

[MikeJhn]

I don't have this problem, so may be talking out of turn, but if the blade is 0.7mm out on one face say right hand down, when you turn the other piece to be joined around is that not then 0.7mm out on the left, I would have thought a biscuit is able to take that discrepancy without issue?

Mike