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These power tools are mainly used to plunge-cut the slots for wooden biscuits that strengthen and align joints. Whether you're at the wood working shop or the job site, biscuit joiners are one of the most indispensable for mitered window casings, face frames, cabinet carcasses and more.

Nine biscuit joiners were tested in a recent product review. All of the plate joiners were more than capable of creating tight, durable joints. However, the most vital features were proven to be comfort, dust collection, slot sizes, blade changes and of course, fences.

The fence is the most significant part of biscuit joiners. To cut a slot in an edge that's angled or to center the biscuit in any size of board, a fence is a necessity. The basic styles of fence, two of them are those that incorporate the height adjustment and angle into one mechanism, and those with two mechanisms of adjustment. Fences normally have an adjustment of angle on the left side and a height adjustment directly on the right-hand side. The height adjustments range from approximately 11 3/8 inches to 2 3/8 inches.

The best overall choice for biscuit joiners is the Lamello Top 2053 for $800. Lamello's fence does everything one asks from a biscuit joiner. Lamello's height stop is versatile as it can reach 2 3/8 inches to center biscuits in 4 '-inch boards. The Top 2053 has a unique micro adjustment knob that affords you to slide the blade up or down 2mm for placement of precision. Although the Top 20 53 doesn't contain any accessories, at $800, it is better constructed for a woodworking shop than any job site. This Appliance has a wooden case.

As for the best value, the Porter-Cable 557 is big, full of features and versatile for $200. This power tool comes with an extra blade for the cutting of mini-biscuit slots. The fence makes it simple to manage large angles as it reaches 135 degrees and easy to adjust to 90 degree angles. The tool is a tad heavier and larger than most biscuit joiners, but the handles are very comfortable for usage.

The internet great offers on the Porter-Cable. You may also shop around for online book stores that has a bit less for $199 and it's suggested to go with the Bessey KBK2440 Cabinet Door Clamp Kit for a total price at $318.99. The biscuit joiner delivers quality performance with accurate, smooth cuts.