Expecting too much from a cheap biscuit jointer?

[zzrmatt]

Hi guys, i have just bough a cheapy SIP 07904 biscuit jointer, Ive not tried it yet but the build quality looks far more rubbish than I was expecting even at this price point!

There is 0.5mm of play in the slides where the slot the cutter slides forward in is over milled with respect to the runner. When the fence is locked for angle you can get 1-1.5mm of play in the end of the fence.

Is this within tolerance for this price point of 50 ish quid? Its going back either way. Any tips on what to replace it with? I was going for a machine mart one as they had decent reviews but they are no longer made.

 

[MMUK]

Silverline gets regular good reviews. £45 on Amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Silv ... it+jointer

 

[zzrmatt]

Thats the same as the SIP all bar the badge. So I guess I am expecting too much!

 

[marcros]

I have a makita for sale in the for sale section. It is a bit more money but a solid, top quality machine.

makita-3901-biscuit-jointer-t77085.html?hilit=%20Makita

What you are asking for should be fundamental to a tool- whether the cheap ones are universally bad, I don't know. It wouldn't surprise me but you have to ask "surely not"?!

 

[carlb40]

Such a shame all these manufacturers spoil a good design. I have the jointer that those SIP and many others seem to be based on.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porter-cable- ... 43c439f8a9

Had mine nearly 12yrs now and it's fantastic. I guess this is where something well made is needed.

 

[custard]

After taking out tax, transportation, and the retailer's mark up I guess the ex factory price for this particular biscuit jointer can't be more than £30, maybe less.

At that price it's quite an achievement if, when you press the switch, the cutter actually goes round!

I'd hunt around for a used version of something decent.

 

[undergroundhunter]

I have the machine mart one http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/p...cuit-jointer-230v?da=1&TC=SRC-biscuit jointer. For what little I use it its fine, bought on a whim for one job as it was getting good reviews on the net. It's worth a look.

Matt

 

[zzrmatt]

Unfortunately the machine mart one is obsolete. They now sell an einhell one in its place in store....

 

[Racers]

I have the Makita one and it's very good.

Pete

 

[Grahamshed]

It has to be said that if the cheap ones were up to scratch and fit for serious work then there would be no need for dearer ones......

 

[shed9]

It has to be said that if the cheap ones were up to scratch and fit for serious work then there would be no need for dearer ones......

Erm... the fit and serious for work ones are the dearer ones - that's the point...

Am I missing something in that statement.

 

[Grahamshed]

It has to be said that if the cheap ones were up to scratch and fit for serious work then there would be no need for dearer ones......

Erm... the fit and serious for work ones are the dearer ones - that's the point...
Am I missing something in that statement.

Maybe it is a bit early in the morning for me. I was just saying that I think 'yes, you are expecting to much' but not meant in an offensive way

 

[shed9]

It has to be said that if the cheap ones were up to scratch and fit for serious work then there would be no need for dearer ones......

Erm... the fit and serious for work ones are the dearer ones - that's the point...
Am I missing something in that statement.

Maybe it is a bit early in the morning for me. I was just saying that I think 'yes, you are expecting to much' but not meant in an offensive way

Ahh, okay

 

[John15]

I bought a Makita second-hand off Ebay. It's a super bit of kit.
John

 

[whitty]

I have had a lamello for 25 yrs, it is still as good as the day it was made.

 

[whitty]

The best one by far is the Lamello, 25 yrs and still as good as new.

 

[heatherw]

I got a Bosch becasue I couldn't afford the Lamello. I can't fault it, and it came in a nice metal box with room to store biscuits. I don't remember paying more than 150 for it, but that was some years ago.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Mine is by Maffell. Expensive but excellent.
S

 

[shed9]

Mine is by McVities. Cheap but tasty.
S



.....I'll get my coat

 

[zzrmatt]

Well I got a refund and found a draper one for 35 quid. Not so easy to adjust but there is no play at all once its set up. I only need to do about 50 biscuits so i don't really care how much hassle it is to set up as long as it produces repeatable cuts. The draper landfill range seems to fit the bill on this occasion