Makita 18V Cordless Biscuit Joiner Review

[@pf5658]

A very thorough review. Watched hundreds of reviews and you’re the only one whoever showed the inside of the blade housing. It is my very first time ever seeing what it looks like inside one of these things.Thumbs up for that. 👍🏾😊

[@52jaramillo]

I'm just getting into "wood working" and never heard of a "biscuit joiner" before. This explainer and review is amazing! Thanks for showing the tool and how it's used. Great job! I will subscribe to your channel now.

[@drewd849]

awesome review 6 years later, I'm going to buy one today

[@rebootdeluxe]

I have buyed one 2 weeks ago and I'm really happy with it. Really good quality. Funny: Now the cordless version (Makita DPJ180Z) is 30 Euros cheaper as the corded version (Makita PJ7000J).

[@DoresoomReviews]

I recently bought the DeWalt 20V brushless version, but ended up taking it right back once I could compare it side by side. The Makita just feels and looks higher quality.

[@alan36753]

Many thanks. This has convinced me to save £500 and buy this over the Festool Domino. Advantage of portability and agility plus ongoing savings on cutters and biscuits kind of cancels out the extra strength of the Dom

[@MattSmith-ks2lc]

I was also concerned about the racking of the sub-fence. Thanks for clearing that up. Well done!

[@stigkrakpants3052]

i was more concerned about that bastard fly

[@steffendetrick]

I’ve been using biscuits for 20 years, and I’ve never had a problem. A lot of these KZbin channels have jumped on this anti-biscuit wagon. If you keep a spray bottle with water and mist your biscuits before you do your glue up they will swell and you will never have a problem with weak joints.

[@DoresoomReviews]

John Heisz has a great video where he puts his full weight on a shelf be built held up only by biscuits. Lile you said, they're really strong when used correctly!

[@f7730]

I just brought one. Thank you for your demonstration.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Good choice! I recently bought the newer DeWalt 20V Max biscuit joiner, and sent it right back when I compared the two of them side by side. The Makita has a much better build quality.

[@TheHeatingEngineer]

A very good review. Thanks. I note that some of the other jointers have a loose section at the front of the cutter where the blade protrudes (I will call it the mouth for the want of a term). This includes the DeWalt model. But the Makita has a one-piece base. The DeWalt mouth section is prone to needing adjustment. Your review shows that the Makita has a one-piece base / mouth casting which to me seems far better if the base is being used instead of the fence as the registration surface.

[@jriddim]

Great, thorough review. I was wondering though what you think of the rubber non slip pads? Do they throw off the accuracy at all when plunging or using it like you do at 11 min in?

[@DoresoomReviews]

I haven't noticed any accuracy issues from them.

[@AshcraftFraming]

good review, thanks. I’ll be making circular picture frames and artists plinths so this joiner will be ideal.

[@chrisc6874]

Great review! I had the PorterCable 557 about 15-20yrs. ago. I have all new tools which are mostly makita cordless. i have 4 batteries so I'm trying to stay with makita brand. I am currently in the process of getting ready to build kitchen cabinets (again). I used the FF biscuits on the previous project and would like to do so again. I would rather use biscuits then pocket holes or some fancy joinery. If the arbor size is the same on both machines, there has to be a way to rig the makita into stopping at the right depth for FF biscuits. Someone should come out with a patent for an add on to this tool to accept ff biscuits. Maybe I will give it a shot trying to control the depth somehow..

[@jimmymack9440]

Is there a way to fit a (shop made) sub fence on the bottom, that's perpendicular to the blade? Any fixing holes? For a better platform when using vertically in the edge of a board Same principle as the Domino 500 df stop.

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

Hi would you say buscuits are as strong as dowels...i always thought they were more for aligning stock and so for joints under stress dowels would be a better choice? Good machine though

[@DoresoomReviews]

Biscuits won't be as strong as dowels, but they're stronger than a lot of people give them credit for. I wouldn't use them for a high demand application like attaching chair legs to a seat, but they should be fine for something light duty like a nightstand. I use them primarily for alignment myself.

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

@@DoresoomReviews thanks for the reply,

[@bighands69]

I have used biscuit joints to produce benches and tables. I would never used them on their own for a large dining table but you could easily use them for smaller coffee tables and side tables. Even Mortise and Tenon somethings is not as strong as dowels. You can also combine biscuits with pocket holes or screws. You could also make up the joint with biscuits and glue it and then drill a dowel joint through. Biscuit joints are one of the most useful joints out there and are far stronger than most people realize. The plywood would probably break before the actual biscuit joint does.

[@unusualpond]

Fantastic review thank you. I wonder how thick was that plywood you were using...? I work mostly in 17mm ply (approx 11/16). Do you reckon I would be able to use biscuits as splines in 90deg mitres on that thickness? Appreciate your advice.

[@DoresoomReviews]

It was 3/4" plywood, so probably somewhere between 11/16" and 3/4" thickness. I would think you'd be fine using biscuits in the same manner I did for 90° corners if you make sure to use small enough ones that they don't break through the far side of the plywood.

[@MHTutorials3D]

Excellent review, thank you

[@DoresoomReviews]

Glad I could help!

[@XaltLures]

Good review! Which biscuits are fitting the best? Thanks for sharing! 🤝

[@DoresoomReviews]

I've just been using Porter Cable biscuits: amzn.to/2YnqkvZ There are probably others that are higher quality, but those have been working well enough for me and they're relatively inexpensive.

[@WetChains]

I always wondered if you could just change heads and have a grinder and jointer in one

[@DoresoomReviews]

It might be possible, but I doubt Makita would do so. They want to sell both tools!

[@donayre21]

Would you still pick this biscuit joint or the new dewalt version ( DCW682B )?

[@DoresoomReviews]

I haven't tried the DeWalt myself, so I can't say for sure. Just from looking at it though, I like the dual rack and pinion design of the DeWalt's fence, and the paddle switch style trigger looks like it will be easier to use than the slide switch on the Makita. If you already have batteries for one platform, I'd think that would be the deciding factor for me though.

[@donayre21]

@@DoresoomReviews I really like the paddle switch and I have batteries for both which make it difficult. I think I will just wait for the dewalt to drop in price and get it. Thank you for the response. I dint know the switch was uncomfortable to use.

[@DoresoomReviews]

The switch on the Makita isn't bad, I just think the design of the DeWalt looks better.

[@donayre21]

@@DoresoomReviews Gotcha

[@Ultimate-roofing-square.]

Great review, with all the info I needed. 👊🏻 May get one myself now. Thanks.

[@dangapunk312]

Perfect!!

[@RetrotechCNC]

I like the offset for thin stock... Good information. Was this a bare tool or complete kit? Good review!

[@DoresoomReviews]

Bare tool is $200 and comes with the tool, thin stock guide, dust bag, and blade wrench but no batteries or charger. If I didn't already have Makita batteries, I probably would have gone corded. The equivalent Makita corded tool is $175.

[@stigkrakpants3052]

Hey my Biscuiter came with the same fly, are they made in the same factory as the Flymo ? UK

[@DoresoomReviews]

The Flymo lawnmower? I don't think so. Although it sounds like Makita does make some tools in the UK: makitauk.com/about-us-1

[@Curious_Skeptic]

IMHO, I'd want to have stop sets that are adjustable vs that heavy thick red line! Not very accurate. I realize it doesn't need to be dead on, but still. Easy of use, repeatability is what makes a tool valuable.

[@Yannis2022]

Makita should have used the 18v 125mm platform (ie DGA504) instead of the 18V 115mm platform (ie DGA452) for this Bisquit Jointer. There is not enough room for the hand during the plunge.

[@petkopetkopp]

The "play" is your fault. Your right hand is on the handle. Try to push on battery bottom. You'll see how "play" vanishing in front of your face

[@DoresoomReviews]

I'm not sure what you're talking about. At 5:00 I say there's NO play in the sliding mechanism. That's good - it means accurate cuts.

[@isaacedusei953]

Thanks for sharing your ideas, well explained.

[@grahambrown5874]

Would this take an 8mm think blade, so I could use with to cut slots for the Lamello Clamex S2 connectors?

[@DoresoomReviews]

I doubt it, since the stock blade it comes with is half that thickness at 4mm. I haven't tried it myself though, so I can't say for sure it won't work.

[@grahambrown5874]

@@DoresoomReviews Looking at some pictures of the Makita, I don't think the slot in the housing will allow a thicker blade to protrude through unless I mill it out.

[@peterallely5417]

Man I’ve had issues trying to find biscuits that work well with my Makita biscuiter.. no biscuits seem to be fat enough, like the kerf is slightly above standard or something. What’s your experience?

[@DoresoomReviews]

I bought the bulk Porter Cable variety pack. Seems like some fit snug and some are a little loose - I figured it was the biscuits. You could always leave them out in the humidity a while and let them swell.

[@janjan25000]

It's normal if the biscuit is thinner, they are made to expand with glue

[@julvadas]

Thanks for review mate!

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 6 years and STILL no brushless version.?? Great review

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

It’s $247 in 2023

[@DoresoomReviews]

I don't think it's a big seller for them, so no need to spend time updating the design. Although DeWalt has released a brushless cordless model since I did this review, so maybe Makita will start feeling the pressure to update.

[@Abrahampilcobarrenecheaabbam]

Hola .. genial video, sabes si ya salio una nueva version ? gracias , saludos desde Peru

[@DoresoomReviews]

I don't think they've made a newer version of this. A brushless one would be great, but I doubt they sell enough of these to warrant an upgrade.

[@Abrahampilcobarrenecheaabbam]

@@DoresoomReviews a Claro debe ser por la demanda, y que sabes de otras marcas hay mejores que esta? Por ejemplo una bosch o mellwaeeke.

[@DoresoomReviews]

I think DeWalt is the only other brand that makes a cordless biscuit jointer, but theirs is on their obsolete 18V NiCd platform. They never made one in 20V lithium ion.

[@chrisz.9974]

How would you recommend glueing up that hexagon shape? I’m thinking a strap clamp.

[@DoresoomReviews]

I used blue tape at the corners. A strap clamp would work just as well or better though.

[@bighands69]

Slow way would be to create a jig that you would glue up and do one joint at a time but you would need to wait for the glue to set. Fast way would be to get string and put some protection on each corner and then tighten the string. I am sure there are other ways as well. I am certain you could create a jig that allows you to tighten it at each joint but this would be for multiple productions and not one offs.

[@OiOiGeordieLEW]

Elastic bands work great too

[@bjd3707]

Thanks, good review.

[@dja711]

What is the S, D and Max setting used for?

[@DoresoomReviews]

They're just larger biscuits used for specialty applications like hinges and special connectors. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biscuit_joiner#Standard_biscuit_sizes Some of them likely correspond to Lamello's (inventor of the biscuit jointer) custom hardware: www.lamello.com/product/lamello-system-verbinder/clamex-s/

[@dja711]

Thank you

[@TheWhitde]

great review!

[@TheWhitde]

Ordered this last night as already have Makita 18V stuff. As I need to make a lot of shelving, desk and some other things this will get a huge workout. Bought a lot of tools for renovating last year with ~0 carpentry skills and through videos like this have become confident enough to tackle most things with great results. This included restoring an old shed by replacing/fixing rotten studs and making the walls square etc. Reframing windows, replacing rotten sections with new and waterproofing. 1st purchase was a dewalt tablesaw as the old one my grandfather use to use was labeled as a "widow maker" as had 0 safety features. The saying "need the right tool for the right job is so true. Also, the money I spent on tools has already paid for itself as local carpenters charge > $100 per hour. PS - keep up the great reviews!

[@DoresoomReviews]

That's the way to do it! The more projects I tackle, the less I have to look up how to do. Never done learning though!

[@harrisedgar]

Great video..!!! Do you happen to know were I can get the Face Frame (FF) blade for this tool..? (Makita branded) Thank you..

[@DoresoomReviews]

Thanks! I don't know of a FF blade that Makita makes. The only brand I know of (and I Googled extensively) is the Porter Cable 883099 blade, which is insanely expensive for what it is. The Makita has the same 7/8" arbor size, so it should be compatible, but there's no depth stop for FF slots on this tool. Here's a link to the Porter Cable blade if you still want to give it a shot: amzn.to/2gt1HIe

[@galtube]

A little bit of wobble / play is correct. It's not because of "cheap biscuits" you use. Biscuits are made of pressed beech wood and are (should be) very dry. During application a 4 mm biscuit turns back into 5 mm thickness once it gets water from glue. It's a a feature not a bug ;-)

[@harrisedgar]

Thank you so much...!!! (And yes, I is insanely expensive for what it is)

[@WombleUK]

@@harrisedgar LOL if you want to see insanely expensive checkout the Lamello Zeta P2 😊 but having used Lamello biscuit jointers they are in a league of their own the build quality is perfection, but they did invent the biscuit jointer after all.

[@bighands69]

+Edgar Harris These things are not expensive if you use them commercially and if returns are greater than the input cost.

[@doctortono]

Everything look nice but how I get the biscuits??....How I can do by myself them??

[@DoresoomReviews]

I don't recommend trying to make your own. The biscuits are compressed and will expand when in contact with moisture from glue for a stronger joint. Just buy them as a consumable, here's some 0 size, you should be able to find similar listings for 10 and 20 too: amzn.to/2TFwD8y

[@captnsnafu]

Good Sir, you just saved one of my project ; I was like hmmm why does It cut through when I try to use It at a 45° angle ?! Also me after watching your video: "ahhh that's what this piece of plastic is for !" #RTFM ;)

[@DoresoomReviews]

LOL, I ended up with it cutting through a few times before I figured it out myself as well!

[@pch4287]

Very helpful video .Thank you

[@wondon2992]

Dang that tool has increased by 30%

[@jy6174]

great review, thanks!

[@keto4life197]

Any $100 biscuit jointer can do that

[@DoresoomReviews]

With the same sturdiness of the fence? And the same squareness of cut? And cordless? There's a reason all the quality biscuit joiners are in the $170+ range.

[@bryanspiotti8717]

Great review, your wife is amazing, does she have a sister? Lol

[@DoresoomReviews]

Haha, thanks! And no sisters, sorry.

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

Why not use dowels, seems every woodworker suffers from amnisia. It's cheaper and does the ssme if not a better job, any one disagree go back to school

[@DoresoomReviews]

Each have their advantages. Biscuits are great for alignment on panel glue ups. They're faster than dowels for that application because you don't need the horizontal spacing to be perfect.

[@antoniodiprisco1816]

Troppo lento e troppo prolisso parla molta e praticamente non fa vedere niente.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@Ihaveaboyfriend]

To much talk