Written by Trevor
As a woodworker new to biscuit joinery, I recently purchased the Woodstarter 8.5 Amp Biscuit Joiner. This is my first biscuit joiner, and after using it on a project, I wanted to share my initial review and honest first impressions of the tool.
Unboxing: Build Quality and Adjustments
Right out of the box, the first thing you notice is the heft and quality of this tool. While it has plastic components, they feel durable and high-grade. The solid feel suggests that the internal components are all metal. It’s not excessively heavy, but its weight gives you confidence that it’s a well-made, durable machine.
One area where cheaper tools often fail is the adjustment mechanisms. I’m happy to report that the knobs and settings on this biscuit joiner feel very precise and secure. The fence plate is large, smooth, and perfectly flat, making it easy to get a good reference surface. The plunging mechanism is also remarkably smooth and controlled.
Performance: Power and Accuracy
As a novice, I skipped the deep research and decided to just wing it. Firing up the powerful 8.5 Amp motor for the first time is honestly a little intimidating, but impressive. I tested it on some heavy-duty plywood, and it carved out a perfect, smooth recess for a biscuit without any hesitation.
On my very first test cuts, I was surprised to find the alignment was dead-on accurate. I did cause a little tear-out from wobbling, but for a first try, I was thrilled with the results. The blade, which appears to be carbide-tipped, leaves incredibly clean edges and should stay sharp for a long time.
Biscuit Joiner vs. Pocket Holes
I’ve seen debates online about biscuit joiners, with some suggesting to "just use pocket holes instead." In my experience, pocket hole screws can sometimes pull pieces slightly out of alignment as they tighten. The biscuits made assembly a breeze and kept everything perfectly flush.
"I’m guessing you could use them together—the biscuits would keep the alignment and the screws could hold the pieces together while the glue dries."
This hybrid approach seems like a great way to get the best of both worlds: perfect alignment from the biscuits and strong clamping force from the screws.
Joint Strength and Versatility
I’ve also heard claims that biscuits don’t add much strength. I'm not sure where that data comes from. The biscuits included with the joiner (a very nice touch!) are sturdy and significantly increase the surface area for glue. A well-glued biscuit joint feels incredibly strong.
This tool seems to have a lot of versatility. I’ve seen woodworkers use a biscuit joiner to cut slots for decorative splines on miter joints. Given how powerful and clean-cutting this Woodstarter model is, I’m excited to try that technique myself. It will also be a game-changer for my next panel glue-up, ensuring the boards stay perfectly flat.
Final Thoughts and Learning Curve
For a first-time user, the Woodstarter 8.5 Amp Biscuit Joiner has been an outstanding introduction to biscuit joinery. It offers precision adjustments, tons of power, and durable, ergonomic parts.
I did have a few mishaps—starting the tool with the blade against the workpiece (that’ll wake you up!) and wandering off my mark a couple of times. I’m confident these are just user errors. As I get more comfortable, I think this tool will become a go-to in my workshop for a wide variety of projects.
