Sadly I went ahead and bought a Ryobi 600W (Model EBJ900RG) from Bunnings the other day before doing my research. A quick practice cut and then I got stuck into my Marri slab - disaster!

The depth adjuster doesn't lock, sliding down as soon as the torque of the motor kicks in. And even when it does cut (albeit at some random depth) the actual cut (ie the blade) is far from horizontala!

I just hope no-one else gets stuck with this dud of a joiner. Having said that I certainly accept some responsibility for buying such a cheap joiner. Hard to justify much more when I'm just starting out in the trade - but hopefully Bunnings will come to the party and give me a refund/exchange.

Anyone have any recommendations for a reasonable joiner around the $200 mark?