May buy Freud JS104K Jointer, need opinions

[gjat]

I'm completing a bookcase for my BIL and decided to finally get a buscuit jointer for the shelves. I've been super pleased with the Freud router and am considering the Frued JS104K from Lowe's for $139. I don't really want to wait for a sale so I can finish it this week, and I don't think I'll be satisfied with the $60 one from HF. I'd like a solid performer for a hobbiest that I will be satisfied with for the next 10 years without spending more than $150. Any opinions?

[dbhost]

I wish I could remember the magazine / issue to give you a link... But one of the woodworking magazines had a pretty good writeup on biscuit joiners last year. In the under $300.00 class the Ryobi JM82K was their pick. I own that particular biscuit joiner and LOVE how it works... Sears sells a Craftsman branded version who's model # escapes me right now...

Anyway, one issue you may have with the Ryobi / Craftsman biscuit joiner is the D handle. Some folks prefer a barrel handle. The D handle was the selling point for me. I felt I have better control / more comfortable grip on the tool...

Of course if money is no object, grab one of the Lamello or Festool joiners...

[bthorne]

I also have the Ryobi JM82k, and have used it for about two years. It's sturdy, I like the D-handle, and it cuts smoothly.

Make sure your vac hose or the chip collector bag is securely attached, or you could be treated to an impressive fountain of chips/dust blowing all over the place... DAMHIKT.

[dbhost]

LOL... I would almost like to see that!

I know my router doesn't have a DC port so the chips simply spew everywhere... I wear a full shield and wear a mask when I do freehand routing, particularly dovetails... First time I tried that it was a steady stream of chips right into my safety glasses... and up my nose.

[fastfoodkills]

I'm borrowing an older Freud from my pop and it screams like a Banshee. It's gear driven and cuts precisely, but I would love to find a quieter one, assuming one exists, when it's time to make a purchase.

[rnelson0]

Four replies and no-one trotted out the old "A jointer is different than a joiner" spiel? Here, I thought Freud actually made a jointer!

[sweensdv]

Four replies and no-one trotted out the old "A jointer is different than a joiner" spiel? .........

Probably because no matter how many times this has been stated people still insist on planting that "t" in the middle of joiner.

[poolhound]

I have the PC 557 and really like it, especially the fence. They are pretty hard to find for much less than $180. I was lucky enough to pick one up from CL a few years back for $100.

[dbhost]

I have been reading Craigslist so long now that the difference between joiner and jointer is irrelevant anymore.