Thread: Biscuit Jointer

I don't have the attachment so can't directly address your question sorry.

However, I did purchase the GMC biscuit jointer, and although I'm not usually a big fan of GMC gear this machine seems to be o.k.

Basically it's a knock-off of the DeWalt at a third the price.

For the amount that I use it (not a lot) it satisfies my requirements.

It's about $160.

The problem I have with any attachment type thingy is they invariably don't work as well as a dedicated tool.
I could be completely wrong about the timbecon thing though as like I said I've never used it.

Craig

I have the Timbecon unit.

I must say that it is basic but I find that it does the job well. I was using it last night attached to a Dewalt 100mm angle grinder.
I bought the unit a few years ago when biscuit joiners were all around $500 before the handyman range (GMC etc) came out. The one restriction that I came across last night was that the fence couldn't be angled, but I don’t really see this as a huge problem in what I am doing. I have found that although the fence isn't as fine as a dedicated machine the biscuit slots are slightly large than the biscuit and allow for any slight adjustment needed.

Would I buy it again?

Well for the use that I have had out of it in the time I have had it .... yes I would. It has done everything that I have asked of it thus far. The main task has been edge joining boards. If you think that you will get more use out of it than I, then go for the dedicated machine.

Ohh I should add .... I wouldn't ever consider the router option. It seems like too much of a problem trying to pick up large boards onto the triton table or even trying to line up a handheld router with jig.

Darren,

The fourth way is to mount the biscuit joiner upside down in a table jig and push the timber into it rather than the tool into the timber.

I don't have the Timbecon one but why not buy a cheap one from Bunnings ( they are about $ 100 ) because before to long you won't want to take it of your angle grinder.


Peter.

Thanks chaps.

I've also done a bit of a search and found a couple of threads on the GMC. It seems the general concensus is that for occasional work and providing you get a good one, the GMC is good enough.

(Incidentally, I don't know how many of you use Google but I've found that if I search for just about any woodwork-related subject, with "search Australian sites only" ticked, this forum is nearly always in the list near the top, if not at the top.)

Looks like I'd better call my mate who owns a Thrifty Link and see what he can do.

Cheers all.

Hi SC

I support the recommendation of the GMC unit over the "add-on". I have both. The "add-on" was bought in the days before the cheap biscuit machines were available. I used it briefly. It did an adequate job, but I have no idea how long it will last. I use the GMC infrequently, but the work it has done over the past few years has demonstrated it to be accurate and reliable.

The question I have for you is 'what do you want to do with a biscuit machine'? My initial need was to edge join boards, and for this I turned to a homemade Triton affair that I built onto my router table (uses the Triton biscuits). This is all that is needed for such tasks. Go to the following link for a picture (scroll down):

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...5&pagenumber=2

A dedicated biscuit machine will be more flexible, for example, you can place biscuits in the centre of a panel, which you cannot do on the table set up. Still, the table set up is easier to use if you have multiple cuts to make.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Darren

I go along with the blokes recommending the GMC machine. I've been using mine a fair bit over the last few weekends; mainly to edge-joint boards. It does a pretty good job.

I haven't used the angle-grinder attachment so I can't give you an opinion as to how they might compare. However, one of the more obvious advantages of the GMC machine is that you can hook it up to a dust extraction system and keep your work area (and your lungs!) clear.

Regards

Col

I too purchased the GMC biscuit machine. I suppose that given the price I would not condemn it, as it does the job for which it is sold. I looked at the attachments for angle grinders and found that the GMC was actually cheaper (in some cases) than the attachments.

However .. I would not buy it again. The reason is simply that the chip eject chute does not work properly. Indeed, I have now removed the outlet chute and just allow the chips to spray everywhere. I find that it is faster and easier to clean up the resultant mess than it is to keep clearing out the chute by undoing all the retaining screws and taking the machine apart.

Apart from that, it works fine and is probably the best value for money around. But ..

I would like to add to my previous post .....

If I was buying new today I would get the dedicated GMC machine. As the attachement is $70 and a decent angle grinder is $100 it would be better to buy the GMC. I suggest that the attachement does the job well enough if you are wanting to take advantage of a previously owned grinder, or if you have two


a) For anybody thinking about a cheap biscuit joiner I would get the GMC.
b) For anybody with an angle grinder already the attachment isn't bad.
c) For anybody who wants an angle grinder and a biscuit joiner and doesn't want to buy both then the attachement isn't bad.
d) For anybody who wants an angle grinder and a biscuit joiner and wants to buy both ... then buy both.
e) Angle grinders and biscuit joiners are both cheap so buy the two.

I hope that covers it all.

Well, thanks again for the comprehensive replies.

What will I use it for? As I mentioned, I dislike the things, so I'll probably only use it infrequently for edge-jointing and reinforcing butt joints (instead of dowels). One thing I like about traditional joinery, such as tongue and groove, tenons et al, is that you don't have to buy consumables - you use the timber itself to create the reinforcement.

The problem with the chip extractor was mentioned elsewhere and someone was able to modify it to make it more efficient. Removing it wouldn't concern me too much either.

Stinky: thoroughly comprehensive, thanks. I've got two angle grinders, which is the only reason I considered the attachment. Otherwise, I think I'd go straight for the dedicated jobbie.

I was faced with the dilemma fo buying a cheap biscuit joiner or spend around $50 for a good slot cutting bit for the router. I opted to go with the router. My router book suggested that I make a base plate from acrylic that has markings on it to tell you how far to move the router to get the right width of the biscuit slot. It is simple, works well, is cheaper and you can always use the slot cutter else where.

Grunt

Don't think for a minute that more expensive machines such as the dewalt have better chip clearance. The GMC has copied the dewalt design bar running down the centre of the ejection chute. This is the main cause of the blockages. I presume it is there to keep fingers away from the blade.

Originally posted by silentC
As I have a plethora of angle grinders (well, two) I was considering the attachment option. For example Timbecon has one that is around $70.

My question is directed to anyone who has seen or used one of these: are they worth the money? Or would I be better to look at one of the other options?Cheers

silentC,

I have the biscuit attachement from Timbecon and it works very well for biscuit. You need to calibrate it well the first time and then there is no worries. I have even used it to cut some 4mm trench in 4 sliding doors...

As another option GMC and Ozito have cheap biscuit machines - personally I would not use Ozito - but that is another option. I also have 2 angle grinders hence the reason I saved about $40-$50 and just grabbed the attachment rather than a dedicated unit.

Just my phonecard worth

I have just checked the Timbecon site and it looks as if I have the old school model now. The new one can tilt 45 deg. Prehaps mine does as well???? I might have to have another look tonight. I do think it is different from the small picture however.

Carbatec also have the Archer unit for $119 + GST which may be worth a look.

The model i have does tilt 45. I picked it up about 6 weeks ago.