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In the first month I have probably completed over 2000 cuts with this tool in every operating configuration and on several species of wood (poplar, red and white oak, maple, pine, birch, and plywood). The only negative statement at this time is similar to what others have stated, the dust bag is not effective.at all. The rough grip on the cutter faceplate is much better than the "upset screw" method used on the competitors tool. Its a quick and easy changeover.Its a little heavier than the competition, but that does help with the balance and stability of the tool. I was in the market for a new biscuit joiner to replace one that died the death of a rag doll.
The PC 557 was rated in the top three in every case, so that is why I purchased it. Unlike some of the other reviews on this site, I have not had any problem with: * Positioning or locking the fence * Using the fence in the up (0 degree) position * Fence pivots * Repeatability and accuracy of cut * Using the tool on narrow stock * Changing or using the FF cutter * Getting sawdust in my eyes * Sawdust or wood in the cut * Burning * Reading or understanding the directionsCuts are accurate, acceptable precision, the operation is smooth, setup is easy. I always use earplugs so I'm not going to comment on the noise level. The port clogs rapidly when the dust bag is used, don't even bother attaching it as you'll just pack the cutter housing with sawdust until it spews from the cutter opening. I viewed a lot of reviews (negative and positive) on all biscuit joiners here on Amazon and quite a few other tool sites.
An optional clear plastic fence plate (included) helps with use on narrow stock. I recommend only using the tool with a shop vac connected. I'ved used multiple brands of biscuits, all work well in the cut (though the DeWalt brand biscuits seem to have a more consistant thickness).I had no trouble at all changing the cutter blades between the 2" and 4".
By the way I noticed that Porter Cable blades are much more expensive than CMT ; $45 for PC versus $22 for CMT with teflon coating. Depth gauge was off by 1/16", adjusted that. I suppose it just goes into the box in China and is shipped to the distribution center in the States and the quality check is the number of customer returns (). But buyers beware--statistically speaking if I got a bent motor shaft--then there are likely to be more out there. More comments: The fence looks a bit on the thin side and it's only supported on one side by the angle gauge bracket. Unworkable, since the purpose of biscuits is to align parts accurately. I can zap out biscuit slots at 10 seconds per slot very accurately. I assume that the other mfg's have the same quality problems except for Festool and Lamello (x4 price markup).
I'm concerned that a good knock might bend it. I decided to keep mine because of the 2" blade and possibility of doing 1.5" face frames, and the over-all quality seems pretty good on the second unit. This is a nice solid design. This is also a nice design. Doesn't anyone have QC anymore. I got mine and the motor shaft was bent making the blade wobble and the slot 6/32" wide versus 5/32".
I exchanged my bad unit for a new one and it was OK. The fence was pretty flat in all directions. All in all this method of biscuit joinery beats the heck out of doing it with a router. If you have narrow stock and need to join a rail to a face frame you must use the plastic fence insert because of the missing material in the center of the fence near the blade (no support there makes it a bit unstable). Zero degrees adjustment was way off. The fence moves on two steel rods with a fine screw adjust for slot height.
These blades are perfectly interchangeable. The fence angle indicator is large and easily read and reads up to 135 degrees.
I am a hobbyist, so I can't comment on longevity over years of continuous cutting, but I have been really please so far (4 months of use). Edge to edge gluing as well as box construction. I was going to try and go the cheep route by buying some router bits to cut grooves for biscuits, but I'm glad I splurged and bought it. This truly is an amazing tool. I purchased this product at a woodworkers show in my hometown after reading the positive reviews on Amazon.
Tons of uses so far. The customers were right. It is accurate, versatile, very stable and true on 90 degree and angled cuts. Nice work Porter-Cable. It fits nicely into the box after use and cleans easily.
I've used this tool on quite a few projects now. I'm glad I read other reviews before making the purchase. It has performed flawlessly. I have nothing negative to say about this joiner.
I had one of these. The blade alignment of mine was tilted about 1/64" from one side to the other. It is good enough for case work like kitchen cabinets but not accurate enough for joining stiles and rails or furniture work.
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