Please note that the JLC forums are now displayed read-only. New posts are no longer possible, but the collected work of building professionals sharing information remains available here as a resource to the JLC community.
Has anyone had experience with the lamello c2 biscuit joiner. It runs about 350-400 dollars, versus the higher end lamello that breaks the bank. Its sounds like a no-frills version.
the lamello is the top of the line. how many times a year do you have to make biscuts? do you also make the gravey? (just kidding) if you do not do that much I have the porter cable. and it less money and works great.
kreg
Kreg www.builtinking.com
youtube channel: builtinsbykreg
if you do not have fun every day... why?
get up.... get out there..... get going ! rocking all day long
remember to give out 10 business cards a day !
Ditto with Kreg. I have the Porter Cable with the 100 grit edge tape on the front that keeps it from slipping. I always use it on a known flat surface (MDF) and have never had a problem.
Hmm, for some reason I'm craving a turkey dinner.....
Peter, we've owned the c2 for about 5 years now. I like the fact the fence is always true, & there's no fussing around trying to get the boards you're joining to line up perfectly. The thing gets a fair amount of use, & it's held up well.
I seem to remember we got a "deal" on it- about $275. At the time, I think it was only about $50 more than the P.C. so it was an easy choice. Sounds like the P.C. might be a good option, though.
Maybe Gary Katz will chime in here. I remember him cursing biscuit joiners before he got the Lamello, so maybe he can offer more insight.
Kreg www.builtinking.com
youtube channel: builtinsbykreg
if you do not have fun every day... why?
get up.... get out there..... get going ! rocking all day long
remember to give out 10 business cards a day !
I have the Dewalt and it gets the job done. But since I bought a Kreg setup, it pains me to open the case on the damn thing. Whenever I can, I say "screw it".
But since I bought a Kreg setup, it pains me to open the case on the damn thing. Whenever I can, I say "screw it".
greg,
another satisfied kreg user!
kreg.... not the jig dude (they just stole my name)
Kreg www.builtinking.com
youtube channel: builtinsbykreg
if you do not have fun every day... why?
get up.... get out there..... get going ! rocking all day long
remember to give out 10 business cards a day !
We use that Lamello, and the only machine I've liked half as much is a Virutex which used to be marketed as a low - cost alternative to Lamello. If I buy another biscuit joiner it will be a second Lamello.
I'm seeing that the the add'l adjustability that comes with the Lamello top could be useful in some situations - formica flush fit to hardwood edging perhaps - but shimming under the fence with paper solves that one. Anyway the classic is very well made and does not feel like a half way compromise
We do have a P-C joiner with a broken fence that the first round of repair parts were not able to fix. The thing feels sloppy and very lightly built by comparison
Around here everyone seems to use the Porter Cable. But at the same time, most do not consider the biscuit joiner a precision machine, and end up using the router and slot cutter where dead-nuts accuracy is required.
Is the Lamello really that much more accurate, and what makes it so?
"If you only have a hammer, all problems look like nails"
I use it for so many things. The Kregs...well I just personally don't like 'em. Lamelol C2 is always ready to use always accurate.
Concerning biscuits; I made an 93" x 24" face frame out of 3/4" x 2 1/2" stock, had 3 doors and 3 drawers. Glue and biscuits. I put it in the wrong place and a heavy garage door got open on it, caught it by one corner and drove the other into the ground flexing and I assumed tweaking my FF. Jammed so hard I couldn't get the door opener to operate. I had to beat and kick it out just hoping to save some material. When I checked the joints and the entire frame for square, it was PERFECT! The door had a gash in it!
As stated the C2 is basic with a fence that's always right on. The other I've seen are in no way comparable. sorry PC and DW.
I use mine a few times a month and don't regret it one bit.
I'm chiming in.
For those who have the PC and think it's great, just skip this message.
There's no comparison. The Lamello is several notches above any other biscuit joiner and you wouldn't know it until you use it. Something about the feel and the total lack of run out, and the adjustable fence that's spot on every time. Biscuit joints that register two pieces together IDENTICALLY, and effortlessly, smoothly, enjoyably. Get it? I did and love it.
I second that, I have had one so long I don't remember when I bought it. I don't think about the lamello machine, which tells me it is works perfect and for a very long time. Believe me my guys are not easy on tools.
I did chuckle the other day when my neighbor threw a working porter cable,I think it was, in the trash. He said he was tired of fighting it and bought something else.
The C2 sounds like a great tool. I'm just curious, has anyone used the TOP20S-2 model? What could make it cost/be worth an additional $300? A $649.00 biscuit joiner is simply hard to imagine! Thanks for any input.
Comment