Makita Cordless Biscuit Joiner – Fine Homebuilding

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Written By Jim J Neal



Photo courtesy Makita

The corded Makita plate jointer (XJP03Z), has been an integral part of my toolkit for many years. The cordless model is slower than the corded one and will stall if plunged too fast. This minor issue can be fixed by changing the plunge speed. The lack of a cord makes it more convenient. It is also shorter than the corded model’s handle, so my hand was more in contact with the motor housing. I find that gripping the joiner’s back end is the most comfortable way to hold it. The battery can then be used as a handle.

Makita claims that you can get 300 plunges out of a 3-Ah 18v battery. I have never had to make more than three biscuit slots from one fully charged battery in a single day. The bag is easy to fill, and dust collection is excellent. The clip allows it to slide off the top, which is a significant improvement on finicky zippers.

I used the joiner for cutting slots to fix the casing on a round-top glass. As a piece was tapped into its place, biscuits rode into the slots. This allowed me to keep the original casing intact on both sides. The tool was also used to add biscuit slots on a head casing to an exterior window. It was much easier to not have to carry a cord up a ladder.

This joiner ($250), I have found to be just as useful and convenient as the corded.

– Brian Campbell, carpenter

Fine Homebuilding #311