 [Larger view] | Porter-Cable 557XXX Professional Plate Joiner Kit
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Average user rating:  | |
 Hard to improve on this one | |
| Not everyone admits to liking biscuit joiners. Some people still like the discipline of slower, more labor intensive joining techniques. Some of these have their place. Decorative dovetails improve the look of some cabinets. Mortise and tenon joints are stronger and better for some applications, like a bench base. But for a fast, reasonably strong, no-nonsense joint, a biscuit joiner is tops. The PC 557 is a fine and specialized tool. It cuts cleanly, allows for very small biscuits using the 2" blade. The fence is strong and accutate. It has all the power that you need. Could the dust collection be better? Maybe, but it is at least average and maybe better than average for a tool like this. The PC cases would benefit from real latches, not the cheap plastic clips that they use. But these are very minor issues. I can not imagine anyone being disappointed by this tool. The main competitor for the 557 is the Dewalt. It is also a good joiner but Dewalt seems to have a lot of trouble with quality control. The tools work well, but I have too many friends who have had bad switches and other minor but annoying problems with Dewalt tools. PC, Delta, Ridgid, Makita all seem like better bets to me in general... and the PC 557 a better bet in particular. | |
| Excellent Tool to Butter the Biscuits!! | |
| I am now hooked on the biscuit joints! I use to like the ease and use of dowel rods for end joints, but was sometimes limited with the size and application of the dowel. But this PC biscuit joiner has changed my mind! The ease and accuracy is simply amazing. The fence system is simple to operate and allows for a host of heights and angles, all with precise cuttings. The powerful motor (7.5 amp) always cuts a smooth and accurate slot. There is very little, if any, vibration that could cause distortion. Changing slot sizes is as easy as turning a knob. Includes the #0, #10, #20 and FF cuts. The smaller 2" blade, which is included, is a simple task to change over to cut even smaller frames. This unit has a great dust collection system. The dust bag REALLY works! All chips are routed to the dust opening chute and neatly collected in the bag. The bag is easily removed and emptied. This unit might be a little more expensive than other plate joiners, but the results are in the end product. Accurate, precise cuts yielding a smooth, strong joint are almost a sure thing. | |
 Great Tool only minor changes recommended. | |
| After much research, I purchased this tool from a local retailer. Right out of the box, this tool was very straight forward to use and laid out well. Within the first three days of purchase I probably jointed 200 biscuits, this thing rocks!, I was impressed. The accuracey and control design are excellent. I'm glad I spent the extra cash and went for the 557, the Dewalt and other brands seemed cheaply built. My only complaint is with the dust collection, It is useless. After all the use, I have yet to empty it, it just does not work. |
