|
Post by bicycleclip on Mar 5, 2020 6:12:28 GMT -5
I’m in the market for a Biscuit Jointer, mainly because I have a doweller and a mortiser and want something with more slop. My short list is the Mafell LN20, the Makita 18v cordless, or one of the non-Zeta Lamello’s either Classic X or Top 21. I don’t want to go the Zeta route because frankly I don’t care for plastic in my builds and I won’t benefit from the Zeta knockdown/self-clamping ability. Does anyone have any experience with the biscuit jointers in my list? Ideally you’d tell me to buy the Makita because it’s the cheapest in the list, still gets good reviews and I’m already on (or in?) the 18v platform. Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
Post by bicycleclip on Mar 5, 2020 7:47:48 GMT -5
By the way, will be mostly cutting cabinets in 18mm birch ply
|
|
|
Post by aas on Mar 5, 2020 12:05:28 GMT -5
I have the Makita 18v, it serves a purpose. I spent a couple of hours with it last month trying to decide if it was to go on the 'sell' list, as joints do not always line up. Try referencing off the base as much as possible as the slide down 'L' fence is not very accurate and difficult to get parallel to the blade. The problem with this, is often we work with the 'good side' up, and want to reference from that. There is of course the flip down fence, then all your biscuits are a set distance from the top and not centred... It's a shame as it could be an excellent tool, but it's just 'OK'. I have the Zeta P2 and wish the slide down 'L' fence was as good and accurate as this. If Lamello start selling a cordless biscuit joiner, I will ditch the Makita in a heartbeat; as it's unlikely to happen, I'll keep it as I'm not sure there are better cordless options. The Lamellos are excellent;
Mafell is cheap here :
|
|
|
Post by bicycleclip on Mar 5, 2020 12:44:39 GMT -5
This is exactly the reason for posting on this forum. Mafell users won’t settle for sub-par most of the time, so whilst the amazon reviews of the Makita are positive, learning here from aas that the fence and accuracy are not up to scratch is a very valuable insight.
|
|
|
Post by holmz on Mar 22, 2020 18:47:58 GMT -5
We used the zeta with the setting to non jiggle and the normal biscuit cutter... So it does allow one to do normal biscuits... and old mate's mrs dropped off a loaf banana bread.
|
|
|
Post by aas on Mar 23, 2020 1:57:33 GMT -5
I had a quick glue up to do - unimportant using up offcuts - used the Makita referencing off the base... I'm too used to Mafell, Lamello, Festool now - this Makita is not good.
|
|
|
Post by matchesder on Sept 13, 2020 18:21:52 GMT -5
Has the cordless makita the same fence as the corded?
The Classic X may be the way to go. The top 21 is nice but noticeably heavier. With the x you can reference one part from the base and from the fence and still have perfect alignment.
I‘d like to have a play with the LNF. But I heard the fence is not as good as the Lamello.
Regarding cordless. It could be possible to swap the motor with the one from a cordless grinder. Of course there may be issues with the gear ratio.
|
|
|
Post by aas on Nov 2, 2021 14:40:31 GMT -5
An old post... I've given up on the cordless Makita biscuit jointer - not accurate enough, not powerful enough. Picked up a new Classic X for 400€ - I liked the look of the Top 21, but too expensive and I couldn't see the advantage for what I need it for.
It's very precise - cuts are perfectly parallel to the surface - whether referencing is off the base or the fence.
Nice addition to the Zeta P2 - saves having to switch out blades - the Classic X stays set up for biscuits, the Zeta stays set up for P fittings.
|
|
|
Post by Knight Woodworks on Nov 3, 2021 7:19:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the update. I’d like a cordless Biscuit Jointer. Since I’ve got other Makita tools I’ve been considering theirs. Based on reviews here I’ll keep waiting.
Enjoy the Classic. I’ve had a Top 20 for many years. Very well built machine.
John
|
|