Freud JS102 6.5 amp Plate Joiner with Tilting Fence

by Freud

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Freud's biscuit joiner is a solid tool that costs remarkably less than its competitors' models. The all-metal construction of this compact joiner gives it a high-quality, very balanced feel. The carbide-tipped blade cuts the three standard 0, 10, and 20 biscuit sizes--plus A, B, and max. You can switch easily between the six settings with a convenient thumb wheel. The joiner also gives you the choice of using a dust bag or hooking it up to a vacuum for even simpler cleanup. The joiner features a new variable-angle fence system for adjustments from 0 to 90 degrees. Making fence adjustments, admittedly, isn't as easy as it is on DeWalt's or Porter-Cable's more expensive models--but this was the only notable difference we could find with Freud's joiner. (It's also not much of a concern for the casual woodworker or for anyone who uses a biscuit cutter primarily to make repetitive cuts.) All in all, this is a quality tool at a really attractive price. --Jon Groebner

Product Description

The Freud JS102 Plate Joiner is the tool of your dreams! With 3-way angle plate for cutting 0, 45, 90, and 135 degrees, you can do almost anything you can think of! This joiner is a reconditioned tool, yet comes with Freud's strong 90 Day Warranty (not

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Product Details

• Item Weight: 13 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000223OL
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: JS102
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,550 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #14 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Plate Joiners

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good performance, great value., January 4, 2000

By 

Scott Pointon "Former Marine, Librarian, Wood... (Crest Hill, IL United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Freud JS102 6.5 amp Plate Joiner with Tilting Fence (Tools & Home Improvement)

I purchased this biscuit jointer two years ago and have used it to build many tables in the time since. It is a quality built machine that is worth its modest price tag. The only fault I can find with it is that the dust port leading to the cloth bag tends to get clogged up. This is not a big deal though, as it is easy to clean out. I would buy this tool again in a heartbeat.

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Fun, Fun!, February 20, 2000

By 

D. Foster (West Valley City, UT USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Freud JS102 6.5 amp Plate Joiner with Tilting Fence (Tools & Home Improvement)

Easy to handle and the dust bag is a godsend! Don't see how the other manufacturers are selling theirs for so much more when the Freud is available. Only draw back is the fence adjustment. Have to "eyeball" the setting to make sure the plate is level. A "rack and pinion" setup would be nice. If this one ever wears out, I'll buy another Freud.

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At this price, the quality of this unit is nuts., October 25, 2001

By 

Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Freud JS102 6.5 amp Plate Joiner with Tilting Fence (Tools & Home Improvement)

Having looked at various reviews of other manufacturers, and having gotten a feel for different models (...), I finally settled into the Freud JS 102. I am glad I did.
(...)The Freud is an all-metal design, except the handle shroud. It is well built, and substantially made. Its price tag belies its engineering and performance. It's 5 amp motor didn't even slow down during cutting. We are not chain sawing oak; we are only cutting a tiny slit on the side of wood. The fence detents of 0 and 45 degrees are accurate. More importantly it does not slip when cutting a biscuit. Dust collection appears to be one of the best. Even with the collection bag off of the unit, the shavings exited readily out of the chute, off to the side, and away from the operator.
The only drawback is that in order to adjust the height of the cut, you must loosen the locking nut, and manually move the fence up or down. With this method it is possible to jump to a spot, which may be more or less than is needed. A micro fine adjusting knob would be nice. Some of the more expensive units have that feature. Freud chose to use a precisely fitting (no play) front "sled" with linear measurements inscribed on its face, and a locking lever that is very exact.
On the other hand, the depth of cut is easily adjustable, and like the rest of the unit, very precise.
If your the kind of person who coddles to the very best, and will be using it for your own projects, no matter how many you undertake, and are not dependent on biscuit cutting for a living, then this unit is for you. The only reservation is the height adjustment. Don't misunderstand me. You can get an exact height adjustment with this unit. A perfect setting as a matter of fact. You may spend an extra 20 seconds getting it there. If you cut a 100 different biscuits a day, that 20 seconds could add up.
I am new to this machine and am convinced that with a little practice, I will be able to precisely adjust the height first time, by the way that I hold it, and visually measuring the difference using the measuring ruler on the fence face.
All in all I give it 5 stars because of the quality of the tool, and the surprisingly low price. It appears to be a tool that will give you years and years of dependable use. Freud router bits are among the very best, and I believe this tool is worthy of the Freud name.