Considering buying a plate joiner

Hi Dan,

I have this one for several years and have not had any problems with it. It works just fine for me.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

I have the Dewalt also. I love it.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

I’ve had an old porter cable for many years now.

I think you made a good choice with Dewalt, they make very good tools.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I have had this model for 3 years now and it has served me well. Easy to adjust, easy to use, good dust collection as well when you hook it up to the shop vac. i don’t use it as much as I thought I would when I first bought it because I have found other methods of joinery that I like better. However, I still use is regularly for table top alignment, and thick hardwood edge banding. There are a few others when I just reach for it so on the whole I highly recommend it.

-- Check out my blog and podcast "The Renaissance Woodworker" at www.rogersfinewoodworking.com/blog

I have a old PC and the Dewalt. I use the dewalt for everything except mitered corners. The PC has an good jig for that and it is always attached.

You can’t go wrong with the Dewalt.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I have a Freud that I have had for many years now with no problems. I think you should buy what ever you like. It seems that all the better brands do about the same thing. I do know anyone that has used a plate jointer enough to ware one out. The plate jointer is not a tool that I believe a woodworker needs to spend a lot of money on to get a tool they are happy with.

-- Bob Clark, Tool Collector and Sawdust Maker

Thanks for the helpful replies.

Gary – Is it the case then that the DeWalt CAN’T do mitered corners? One application I have in mind is mitering the corners on some sheet goods (birch plywood or the like).

Bob – I saw THIS FREUD (model JS100A) listed on Amazon for a very good price, $98, about half the $$$ of the DeWalt, but it got only so-so reviews there. I agree, probably shouldn’t spend TOOOOO much on one of these, and it is a “recognized” name…

Thanks again all.

Dan

Dan:

The JS100 is the model I have I do not remember how long I have had it but I would not be surprised if it has been 15 years. It cost a lot more back then. The JS100 model can only be set for 45 or 90 degrees, “back in the day” that is all they had. Freud now has the model JS102 that is adjustable on Amazon for $139. All that being said I have never needed the adjustment but for the extra $39 you may just want to buy that.

-- Bob Clark, Tool Collector and Sawdust Maker

The Dewalt can do mitered corners.

I just like the PC best for doing it. The PC “captures” the mitered end for very good stability. It won’t rock at all.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.