Biscuit Joiner Reviews | Best Tool Choices

Contents
- Our Top Biscuit Joiners Are:
- 1. DeWALT DW682K 6.5 Amp Plate Joiner (Best Biscuit Joiner)
- 2. Festool 57447 XL DF 700 Domino Joiner Set
- 3. Makita PJ7000 Plate Joiner
- 4. VonHaus 8.5 Amp Wood Biscuit Plate Joiner
- 5. Porter-Cable 557 7-Amp Plate Joiner Kit
- 6. Makita XJP03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Plate Joiner
- 7. Gino Development 01-0102 TruePower Biscuit Plate Joiner
- What To Look For In A Biscuit Joiner
- Power
- Adjustment
- Convenience
- Capability
- Speed
- Safe Use
- Sources
Joining two pieces of wood is inevitable if you are a woodworker and you make furniture, cabinetry, or any other woodworking projects.
To make this job easier, you need a biscuit joiner. Also known as a plate joiner, you can find a lot of this tool out on the market.
Below are our picks, plus one Festool Domino, which cuts mortises for loose tenons rather than biscuit slots.
OUR TOP PICK
Our favorite is the DeWALT DW682K 6.5 Amp Plate Joiner. This biscuit joiner is durable and compact, and its 6.5-amp motor runs at 10,000 RPM. Its dual rack-and-pinion fence keeps the blade parallel to the fence, and it is reasonably priced.
Our Top Biscuit Joiners Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DeWALT DW682K 6.5 Amp Plate Joiner | 1. DeWALT DW682K 6.5 Amp Plate Joiner Top Pick | - Speed: 10,000 RPM - Miters: 0-90 Degrees - Cutting Range: 0, 10, 20 - Power: 6.5 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 6.6 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 2. Festool 57447 XL DF 700 Domino Joiner Set | 2. Festool 57447 XL DF 700 Domino Joiner Set | - Spindle Speed: 21,000 RPM - Miters: 0-90 Degrees - Cutting Range: 8, 10, 12, 14 mm - Power: 720 Watts - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 11.5 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 3. Makita PJ7000 Plate Joiner | 3. Makita PJ7000 Plate Joiner | - Speed: 11,000 RPM - Miters: 0-90 Degrees - Cutting Range: 0, 10, and 20 - Power: 5.6 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 5.5 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 4. VonHaus 8.5 Amp Wood Biscuit Plate Joiner | 4. VonHaus 8.5 Amp Wood Biscuit Plate Joiner | - Speed: 10,000 RPM - Miters: 0-90 Degrees - Cutting Range: 0, 10, and 20 - Power: 8.5 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 7.4 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 5. Porter-Cable 557 7-Amp Plate Joiner Kit | 5. Porter-Cable 557 7-Amp Plate Joiner Kit | - Speed: 10,000 - Miters: 0-135Degrees - Cutting Range: 0, 10, 20, and 4 others - Power: 7 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 7.5 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 6. Makita XJP03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Plate Joiner | 6. Makita XJP03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Plate Joiner | - Speed: 12,000 RPM - Miters: 0-90 Degrees - Cutting Range: 0, 10, 20, and more - Battery: 18-Volt - Power Source: Battery-Powered - Weight: 6.7 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 7. Gino Development 01-0102 TruePower Biscuit Plate Joiner | 7. Gino Development 01-0102 TruePower Biscuit Plate Joiner | - Speed: 11,000 RPM - Miters: 0-45 Degrees - Cutting Range: 0, 10, and 20 - Power: 8.4 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 8.3 pounds | Check Current Price |
1. DeWALT DW682K 6.5 Amp Plate Joiner (Best Biscuit Joiner)
You can join different kinds of wood with little fuss using this plate joiner. Its 6.5-amp motor runs at 10,000 RPM, according to DeWALT, which is enough for hardwoods.
Its integrated one-piece fence tilts from 0 to 90 degrees. A 45-degree locating notch lets you index off the outside surface of a mitered joint. Retractable anti-slip pins help keep the joiner from sliding on the work.
This has good power for a mid-range biscuit joiner. It gets the job done even when you are working with thicker cuts of hardwood. Many said they did not notice any change in the speed and power even when switching from softwood to hardwood.
The dual rack and pinion fence keeps the blade and fence parallel for accurate joints.
The non-marring aluminum shoe can be clamped down for stationary work.
Preset depth stops cover all common biscuit sizes. It weighs about 6.6 pounds and comes with a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
Dust should not be a problem if you know how to use the dust bag properly. It is advisable to remove the dust bag and clean the chute regularly or when you see wood shavings appearing at the front part before putting the dust bag in again. This should prevent any clogs in the chute.
It handles comfortably and needs no major adjustments out of the box.
Specs
- Speed: 10,000 RPM
- Miters: 0-90 Degrees
- Cutting Range: 0, 10, 20
- Power: 6.5 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Delivers great power for a mid-range biscuit joiner
- Gives accurate and precise joints all the time
- Convenient design details including preset stops
Cons
- Some users said the overall alignment was off
Verdict
Great Accuracy: We all know that when it comes to joints, accuracy is important. You need to get parallel joints. This is a tool that can help you achieve that. It delivers excellent accuracy, thanks to its features that allow the joints to be locked in place.
2. Festool 57447 XL DF 700 Domino Joiner Set
Strictly speaking, this is not a biscuit joiner. The Festool Domino XL DF 700 cuts mortises for Festool's loose tenons (Dominos), which make stronger joints than biscuits, especially in thick stock and frame work.
Its fence pivots from 0 to 90 degrees for angled mortises, and it has several preset mortise depths to match the tenon size. The motor is rated at 720 watts.
The XL handles mortises from about 19/32 inch up to 2-3/4 inches deep, which suits large furniture and doors.
It connects to a dust extractor, which captures most of the dust. Although it is feature-packed, it stores in a compact case.
It works for a wide range of tenon sizes, from 8 mm to 14 mm thick. The rotating and oscillating spiral cutter spins and moves side to side, which cuts a clean mortise that matches the tenon.
You can also set the mortise width, which makes alignment easier on long panels. It comes with stops and accessories for repeat work.
Everything feels solid and well-built, and Festool backs it with its own warranty.
Specs
- Spindle Speed: 21,000 RPM
- Miters: 0-90 Degrees
- Cutting Range: 8, 10, 12, 14 mm
- Power: 720 Watts
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
Pros
- Excellent accuracy and precision
- Very powerful
- Highly functional dust collection system
- Allows you to work with thicker or longer tenons
Cons
- It is on the higher end of the price spectrum
- Uses Festool tenons, not standard biscuits
Verdict
Best Features: If you build large furniture and want stronger joints than biscuits give, this is worth the extra cost. It is durable and accurate, but it is a different tool from a plate joiner.
3. Makita PJ7000 Plate Joiner
Here is another mid-range joiner for small to medium projects. Makita lists a 5.6-amp motor that runs at 11,000 RPM, enough for both softwoods and hardwoods.
The PJ7000 has six depth settings with one-touch stops, including #0, #10, and #20 biscuits. A tool-free blade cover and shaft lock make blade changes quick.
This is a well-built tool. Large cam locks make fence adjustments easy, and the rack-and-pinion vertical fence adjusts accurately. The cast aluminum pivot fence has positive stops at 0, 45, and 90 degrees.
You can keep your work environment clean with its dust bag that effectively captures dust from wood. The dust nozzle is also rotatable. You can connect it easier to a dust extraction system.
This tool is easy to handle. It has a slim body and a large top grip handle.
It makes clean cuts, and many users say it runs quietly.
Specs
- Speed: 11,000 RPM
- Miters: 0-90 Degrees
- Cutting Range: 0, 10, and 20
- Power: 5.6 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight and very easy to use
- You can use it to make strong joints in less time
- Tool-free blade cover and shaft lock
- Allows for easy fence adjustments
Cons
- Depth gauge has labels that are difficult to read
Verdict
User-Friendly: If you are looking for a biscuit joiner that is easy to set up, easy to use, and has foolproof functions, this is a good choice. It has excellent accuracy and does a great job of making clean and parallel results.
4. VonHaus 8.5 Amp Wood Biscuit Plate Joiner
This might be the most affordable one in this list but don’t underestimate its power and accuracy. It is capable of making biscuit cuts for a variety of joints. Whether you are making miter joints, T-joints, corner joints, or butt joints, this should be a good choice.
It packs a lot of power with its 8.5 Amps and 120V of power. You can also choose from pre-set depth stops of 0, 10, and 20. It has a 4-inch blade and a cutting speed of 10,000 RPM, great for those small to mid-sized projects.
It only weighs 7.4 lbs. for easier handling and transport. You can use this for all sorts of wood materials with this, making this a good choice for all-around carpentry work.
This is an accurate biscuit joiner. It makes accurate joints all the time. It can be used to create a variety of joints such as T-joints and miter joints. Preset depth stops for the common biscuit sizes let you start right away.
The fence is completely adjustable. You can easily set the angle for mitered joints. Design-wise, it is very ergonomic. The grip handle is large and can accommodate even larger hands. It is light enough for you to maneuver it for extended periods of time without feeling hand fatigue.
It is compatible with other joiner blades as long as they are 4 inches in diameter and has a 22 mm bore. This is a very affordable biscuit joiner. If you are a hobbyist or occasional woodworker and you do not want to spend too much money on an expensive joiner, this is a great entry-level tool you can buy.
It already includes a dust port as well as a dust bag. This helps you keep your work area clean and free from debris.
Specs
- Speed: 10,000 RPM
- Miters: 0-90 Degrees
- Cutting Range: 0, 10, and 20
- Power: 8.5 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
Pros
- Helps to make accurate, quick biscuit cuts for super-strong miter joints
- Fence is easily adjustable
- Comes with a dust port to help keep your workspace clean
- Ergonomically designed, large top grip handle for enhanced comfort
Cons
- It does not come with a rack and pinion height adjustment feature
Verdict
Most Affordable: VonHaus 8.5 Amp Wood Biscuit Plate Joiner. Get this one if you do not want to spend too much money. It is lacking in a rack and pinion height adjustment but should have all the features you need to get started in biscuit joining.
5. Porter-Cable 557 7-Amp Plate Joiner Kit
The next tool on our biscuit joiner reviews is the Porter-Cable 557 7-Amp Plate Joiner Kit. This tool comes with an impressive 7-amp motor that delivers a no-load speed of 10,000 rotations per minute. It also features seven different settings that cater to the most cutting needs.
To provide you with more control over the tool, a handle is positioned over the fence. This tool is also highly flexible, as you can tilt the fence from 0 to 135 degrees, and this provides you with a great deal of scope.
It comes with a lock-on trigger that makes it easier for you to use this tool for an extended period. This feature helps to ease the pressure on your fingers. It also comes with an adjustable height, allowing you to customize it a bit. You can use this tool to handle a variety of wood.
It has a 7-position rotating depth stop that covers face-frame (FF), #0, #10, #20, and larger biscuits. It comes with a standard 4-inch blade and a 2-inch blade for small face-frame biscuits, which fit narrow face-frame parts.
This tool is also very easy to handle, lightweight, and compact, as it weighs only 7.5 pounds. The precise micro height-adjustment knob is also there to help you make precise adjustments. This unit also allows for single wrench bit changes, thanks to its spindle lock feature. It is compact for portability and comfortable handling.
Specs
- Speed: 10,000
- Miters: 0-135Degrees
- Cutting Range: 0, 10, 20, and 4 others
- Power: 7 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
Pros
- Compact for portability and comfortable handling
- Comes with two blades sizes for face-frame and standard biscuits
- Advanced fence system for accuracy and precision
- 7 different cutting settings for optimal flexibility
Cons
- The blade changing process can be awkward
Verdict
Highly Flexible: If you are looking for a highly flexible biscuit joiner, then you should consider this tool. While other biscuit joiners pivot up to 90 degrees, this tool went beyond that level. It pivots from 0 degrees up to 135 degrees, which is pretty impressive.
In addition to being highly flexible, it comes with a 7-amp motor that delivers a no-load speed of 10,000 RPM. It is also compact for comfortable handling.
6. Makita XJP03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Plate Joiner
If you are looking for the best cordless biscuit joiner, consider the Makita XJP03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Plate Joiner. It runs on Makita's 18V LXT batteries, so there is no cord to drag across the work.
Makita's Star Protection electronics guard the tool and battery against overload and overheating. The cast aluminum pivot fence has positive stops at 0, 45, and 90 degrees, and cam locks make fence adjustments easy. It has six depth settings with one-touch stops for #0, #10, and #20 biscuits.
The rack-and-pinion vertical fence system makes fence adjustments accurate and easy.
This cordless biscuit joiner is also highly portable and very easy to use. The handle is ergonomically designed to make the tool comfortable to use. The top grip handle is large enough for improved handling.
It weighs 6.7 pounds with a battery, and Makita lists a no-load speed of 12,000 RPM. However, it is sold as a bare tool, so you have to buy the battery and charger separately unless you already own Makita 18V LXT tools.
Specs
- Speed: 12,000 RPM
- Miters: 0-90 Degrees
- Cutting Range: 0, 10, 20, and more
- Battery: 18-Volt
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
Pros
- Offers complete freedom of movement
- Three positive stops at 0, 45, 90 degrees
- Shares batteries with other Makita 18V LXT tools
- Vertical fence is easy to adjust and it ensures absolute accuracy
Cons
- You have to purchase the battery and charger separately
Verdict
Best Cordless: This is one of the best cordless biscuit joiners on the market today. With this tool, you do not have to worry about long power cords anymore. This increases the maneuverability of the tool and it also makes it highly portable and compact.
It offers a no-load speed of 12,000 RPM and a fence that pivots to 90 degrees. It uses Makita 18V LXT batteries, which you have to purchase separately with a charger if you do not already own them.
7. Gino Development 01-0102 TruePower Biscuit Plate Joiner
The seventh biscuit joiner review on our list is the Gino Development 01-0102 TruePower Biscuit Plate Joiner. It comes with an 8.4-amp motor that delivers a no-load speed of 11,000 rotation per minute. With such a high speed, you can handle any task quickly and easily.
You can also use it on any type of wood. This is also one of the most inexpensive biscuit joiners on the market, but it does not accept two-inch blades.
It comes with a highly adjustable fence with preset depth stops for the three most common biscuits sizes. Nevertheless, the fence of this unit can only pivot from 0 to 45 degrees. It does not go up to 90 degrees like the other biscuit joiners on our list.
We also like the fact that this unit comes with a large handle, which is attached to the fence. This makes it very easy to stabilize the tool when making cuts.
This tool also comes with a 1-inch dust port and a dust bag, and this helps to keep your workspace free of dust and debris. It comes with one 4-inch 6-teeth C2 tungsten carbide tipped blade that is highly durable and efficient.
In all, this budget-friendly biscuit joiner offers easy and quick biscuit cuts for super-strong miter joints, butt joints, T-joints, and edge-to-edge cuts. This tool is also lightweight, as it weighs only 8.3 pounds. There are also some downsides to this tool, one of which is the dust collection system. Some users complained that it is not as effective as it ought to be.
Specs
- Speed: 11,000 RPM
- Miters: 0-45 Degrees
- Cutting Range: 0, 10, and 20
- Power: 8.4 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 8.3 pounds
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Delivers high cutting speed
- Allows for quick and easy biscuit cuts
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- The pivoting ends at 45 degrees
- The dust collection system could use some improvement
Verdict
Best Budget: If you are on a tight budget and you still want to enjoy the benefits of a good biscuit joiner, then you should grab this tool. This is one of the most inexpensive biscuit joiners on the market.
Despite its low price, this tool still comes with several great features. It delivers a high cutting speed of 11,000 RPM and it is also lightweight and compact.
What To Look For In A Biscuit Joiner
To help you narrow down your choices even further, here are the factors you should keep in mind when choosing:
Power
This is one of the most important factors you need to consider before buying. Take a look at the power it can offer to learn what its range is when it comes to woodworking projects.
If you need something for professional or heavy-duty work, one with more power is a better choice.
However, if you want to use the tool for light to medium-duty tasks, then an average-powered tool can do the job.
Adjustment
The angles should be easy to adjust without you grappling with the tool. It should offer easy adjustment settings that work.
Convenience
Does it have a mechanism that makes blade changes easy? Go for these biscuit joiners. You need to make sure the tool is easy and convenient to use. This includes checking the portability, weight, and ease of use of the tool.
Capability
It should be compatible with a wide range of biscuits. Look for those with pre-set joint depth stops already so you will not have a problem setting up your joiner to your preferred setting.
You should also make sure that the tool comes with the basic cutting range of #0, #10, and #20, and others you might need.
Speed
Most corded plate joiners run around 10,000 to 11,000 RPM, which is plenty for clean slots. Speed matters less than a fence that stays parallel and accurate depth stops.
Safe Use
Clamp small or narrow pieces before you cut, keep both hands on the joiner's handles, and let the blade stop before you lift the tool from the work. Wear eye and hearing protection, and connect dust collection when you can.
Conclusion
For more tool reviews and buying guides, visit our homepage.
Our top pick is the DeWALT DW682K 6.5 Amp Plate Joiner because of its accurate dual rack-and-pinion fence, 10,000 RPM motor, and compact size. It is also easy to use.
Sources
- DW682K Plate Joiner Kit, DeWALT
- PJ7000 Plate Joiner, Makita
- XJP03Z 18V LXT Cordless Plate Joiner, Makita