Tool vs Tool: Dewalt vs Makita Plate/Biscuit Joiner

[davidtu]

DeWalt DW682 plate/biscuit joiner versus Makita 3901, which would you keep and why? Remember: these two are your only choices!

Dewalt DW682K

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/to...?productID=108


Makita 3901

http://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=product_det&tag=3901

[ragswl4]

Both get good reviews, but the PC 557 is at the top (Below the $$$Lomello). I have the Dewalt and am pleased with its performance. Used for joining panels, cabinets and face frames to cabinets. It has worked flawlessly, except when I make a mistake.

No experience with the Makita.

[LarryG]

I've read at least three, and I think four, extensive comparison tests of plate joiners (I can only find two at the moment). The P-C 557 won them all (beating even the Lamellos, in both the semi-affordable and stupid-expensive versions) and the DeWalt and Makita were typically right at there at the top of the rest. If you chose one or the other on the basis of best price, I don't think you'd go wrong either way.

[Esteban]

I think is a matter of price. I have the Makita (paid $89.00 new), used it a few times and is real good. It has a weird plastic plate to do 45 degrees joints on thin stock, other than that is ok. Wood placed the Dewalt over the Makita. If price difference is not that much go with the PC- 557.

[JimD]

I would go with the DeWalt. I think the ratings I have seen go Lamillo (if price is no object), PC, DeWalt, then everything else. What I use is a Skil that isn't sold anymore. It is not so great but with setup blocks to get the fence at the right position, it works well enough that a replacement is not high on my list. I am sure the Makita is a lot better than my Skil.

Jim

[eezlock]

biscuit jointer

I don't have the Makita, so I can't comment on that one, but I do have the
Dewalt and it works great. It was also top rated behind Lamello by one of the woodworking mags a while back. It is a good machine, and should do well for you. eezlock

[Whaler]

I have a new PC557 biscuit joiner for sale. I cut 2 biscuit slots to test it but other than that it is unused. $125.00
Dick
Shoreline WA
206-499-7151

[Kerf]

I own the PC 557 and my buddy haves the Dewalt DW682K,
I like the PC a lot better, it just feels right.

Right now will be the perfect time to get a used (almost new) biscuit jointer for a good price, since a lot of folks got their hands on the new Domino.

I'm going to sell my 557 too, BTW