Dewalt Biscuit Joiner Review

Dewalt is one of the most iconic brands available today. I look at them somewhat like the Yankees in that those who are loyal to them, are die hard. I love Dewalt as well, and like Bosch and a few other names, I feel like if you can afford the jump in cost, they are always worth it. With cordless technology booming, what happens to the old corded classics? Well, today we look at a wood shop staple, a biscuit joiner. Does Dewalt still make some of the best tools? Well, let’s find out in the Dewalt Biscuit Joiner Review.

Dewalt Biscuit Joiner Review Overview

Biscuit joiners are also known as plate joiners and were invented in Switzerland by Hermann Steiner in the 1950’s. He eventually went on to form a company called Lamello that still makes biscuit joiners today. There aren’t a ton of manufacturers that still produce biscuit joiners, but it isn’t a tool you want to scrimp on. Biscuits are essentially compressed wood that is inserted, usually with glue into a small groove cut by the joiner. They are used in a lot of different ways, most commonly for joining long lumber together for things that need a flush joint like table tops. They also are used in things like joining 90-degree edges or as a substitution for mortise and tenon joints.

I have had my eye on a biscuit joiner for years and had a hard time justifying it since my woodworking is still on a hobby basis. For a professional woodworker or carpenter, it’s certainly a must though. I watched and researched a million different ways to get around actually buying the tool, but really there just isn’t. I have plans drawn out for a large dining room table and benches, so the time had come to actually take the plunge.

Dewalt Biscuit Joiner Review Features

The Dewalt Biscuit Joiner is powered by a 6.5 Amp motor that operates at up to 10,000 RPMs. This tool is corded and includes an 8-foot cord and weighs in at 6.6 pounds.

The shoe is made from solid aluminum and is designed to prevent marring of the workpiece.

Dewalt uses a carbide blade for the best cuts possible, as well as prolonging blade life.

The biscuit joiner has three cut settings for the different size biscuits. You will notice a 4th optional selection “M” but in the manual Dewalt states that it is for future use.

#0 biscuits cut to 1/4 in. deep

#10 biscuits cut 3/8 in. deep

#20 biscuits cut 1/2 in. deep

Fine depth adjustments are made by using the Torx wrench included in the kit for precise adjustments of the biscuit slot.

Anti-slippage pins are located on the front of the tool around the blade opening to help prevent the tool from moving during plunging.

The fence is regulated by a simple knob allowing for easy adjustments that can tilt up to 90 degrees.

The fence features a dual rack and pinion assembly which ensures proper alignment of the blade and fence.

Additionally, the fence also has a locating notch for 45-degree angles, which is helpful when trying to stay consistent in mitered corners.

There are multiple markings on the shoe and fence allowing for proper visual alignment of user made markings and giving an indication of end biscuit location.

The handle is solid and sure, something important in this tool.

The height adjustment settings allow you to adjust the height of the biscuit placement based on what size wood you are working with. Additionally, this helps when joining the pieces together as it keeps them parallel for the best fit. Adjustments are made by simply turning the knob, and locking it into place.

Dewalt includes a toolbox which makes storage a breeze.

The dust bag and included vacuum adapter allow for easy collection of the wood shavings and keeps the work area clean.

Dewalt Biscuit Joiner Review Performance

The Dewalt Biscuit Joiner is yet another winner for Dewalt. While I am not surprised that Dewalt made such a great tool, I am surprised at just how simple it is. Biscuits can’t possibly replace every form of joining. Having said that, after using this I can see why they have such a solid spot still in woodworking. Dewalt designed a powerful machine to ensure it could handle hardwoods and not bog down, which so far has proved to be the case.

Dewalt designed this tool well. It is solid but isn’t overly heavy. The dust collection system works incredibly well at collecting shavings, and the included adaptor works well. The fence allows for perfect alignment and the depth of cut is consistently accurate. The way the biscuit joiner works is by aligning the fence in place, depressing the trigger until the motor is up to full speed and then you plunge it in to actually expose the blades to the wood. All in all, its an incredibly easy to use tool that simplifies a lot of joining in the workshop.

Dewalt Biscuit Joiner Review Value

The Dewalt Biscuit Joiner, Model #DW682K retails for $169.00 at The Home Depot. Is it the cheapest Biscuit Joiner? No, but by no means does it fall at the top end of the market either. There are several professional brands that cost multiples of this version, so in this case, the price point is fair for the hobbyist like myself. If I were to come up with one small gripe, its that they should have included some biscuits to start with, and even that is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The quality of materials and performance make it an excellent value. To me, on a dining table alone, this tool will be worth the price.

Dewalt Biscuit Joiner Review Final Thoughts 

What can I really say? I love this tool. This tool is well made, easy to use and efficient. Dewalt thought this tool through really well and its simplistic design allows for quick and simple cuts. Biscuit use can drastically improve the outcome of a lot of projects in the workshop. For anyone looking to take their woodworking to the next level, the Dewalt Biscuit Joiner may be a really great tool to add to their collection.