My old biscuit joiner seized up mid-project yesterday, nearly ruined a maple face frame.

It was a Porter-Cable model I've had for 8 years, and the arbor just locked solid. Anyone have a reliable brand they'd recommend for a replacement?

3 comments

3 Comments

finley_craig532mo ago

Eight years on a Porter-Cable biscuit joiner is actually pretty impressive, those things get worked HARD. A seized arbor on maple is a nightmare, that's some tough stock. I've had good luck with my DeWalt for the last few years, no issues even with a lot of damp plywood. The Makita ones also seem to hold up really well in the shop.

wendy_ross712mo ago

Had that same arbor seize on my old Porter-Cable. Try hitting it with some penetrating oil and let it sit overnight. A few light taps with a brass punch after that usually breaks it free. Clean everything with a wire brush before you put it back together. Maple dust is like concrete, it just locks everything up tight.

the_john1mo ago

One thing though, maple dust isn't really the issue here. The problem is more about moisture getting in there and rusting the arbor threads or shaft, then the sawdust just makes it worse. Penetrating oil and a brass punch is the way to go though, that works every time on seized stuff.