Looking for a handy tool to join boards and create strong joints? We’ve been trying out the WEN Plate Joiner, and it’s a great option for woodworking projects.
This joiner is easy to use and packs a punch with its 8.5-amp motor. We found it works well for all kinds of joints, from edge-to-edge to corner joints.
The fence adjusts easily, letting us make cuts at different angles and heights. Plus, it comes with biscuits and a case, so we were ready to start right away.
We like how the joiner has preset stops for standard biscuit sizes. This makes it simple to switch between different projects. The motor spins the blade fast, cutting through even tough woods with ease.
While it’s not the lightest tool, we found it sturdy and reliable. It might take a few practice cuts to get used to, but once you do, it works great. The dust bag is helpful, but it can fill up fast on big projects.
WEN JN8504 8.5-Amp Plate and Biscuit Joiner: Overview
We love how this joiner makes woodworking a breeze. The WEN plate joiner packs a punch with its 8.5-amp motor, spinning the blade at 10,000 RPM. This power helps us cut through even tough woods easily.
The adjustable fence is super handy. We can set it anywhere from 0 to 90 degrees, letting us work on all kinds of projects. The pre-set stops for #0, #10, and #20 biscuits are a nice touch too.
We like that it comes with a dust bag, biscuits, and a carrying case. It’s ready to go right out of the box. The joiner works great for many types of joints – edge, corner, T, and more.
While it’s not perfect, we think it’s a solid tool for the price. It gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Ease of Use
We found this plate joiner a breeze to operate. The adjustable fence makes it simple to set up slots at different heights and angles.
We liked the pre-set stops for standard biscuit sizes – no guesswork needed. The tool feels comfortable in hand, though it’s a bit heavy.
It starts up smoothly and cuts quickly with its powerful motor. We had to practice a few times on scrap wood to get the hang of it, but after that, making joints was quick and easy.
The included case keeps everything organized. While mostly user-friendly, we noticed the plastic parts felt a bit flimsy. Still, for weekend projects, it’s straightforward enough for beginners to use with some practice.
Versatile Joint Creation
We were impressed by how many different types of joints this joiner can handle. The adjustable fence lets us create slots at various heights and angles, opening up lots of possibilities.
We found it great for edge-joining panels and aligning boards. The preset stops made it super easy to switch between #0, #10, and #20 biscuit sizes.
With the powerful 8.5-amp motor spinning the blade at 10,000 RPM, we breezed through our projects. It’s not just for biscuit joints either – we used it to strengthen miters and other joints too.
While it works well, the dust collection could be better. Still, for the price, we think it’s a versatile tool that most woodworkers would find useful.
Powerful 8.5-Amp Motor
We were really impressed by the motor on this joiner. It packs a serious punch for such a compact tool.
The 8.5-amp motor gives it plenty of power to cut through hardwoods with ease. We found it handled oak and maple like a champ.
Even on tougher cuts, the motor didn’t bog down or struggle. It’s nice not having to worry about the tool stalling mid-cut.
The strong motor also helps make clean, precise cuts consistently. We think this power level hits a sweet spot – enough oomph for most jobs without being overkill. It’s a big step up from some of the weaker joiners we’ve used in the past.
Durability and Design
This joiner feels solid and well-built. We found it a bit on the heavy side, but that heft gives it stability during use. The plastic parts seem durable enough for home use.
We like how easy it is to adjust settings and change the cutting angle. The dust bag works okay but fills up fast. The carrying case is handy but feels a bit flimsy.
Overall, the tool has a practical design that gets the job done without frills. While not the fanciest joiner out there, it should hold up well for most DIY projects.
Pros and Cons
We’ve been putting this biscuit joiner through its paces, and it’s time to share our thoughts. The WEN joiner has some great features, but it’s not without a few drawbacks. Let’s break it down.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Easy to use and handle
- Comes with a case and biscuits
- Accurate alignment out of the box
- Good for weekend woodworkers
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- A bit on the heavy side
- Plastic case feels cheap
- Some users report a dull blade
- May take practice to get used to
We found the WEN biscuit joiner to be a solid choice for DIY projects. It’s priced well and performs nicely for occasional use. The tool feels sturdy in our hands, though it’s a tad heavy.
We like that it comes ready to use with included biscuits and a carrying case. The alignment was spot-on when we first used it, which saved us time and frustration.
It’s user-friendly, even for folks new to biscuit joining. We did notice it took a few tries to get the hang of it, so don’t expect perfect cuts right away.
While the joiner itself is well-made, the plastic case it comes in feels flimsy. We also read that some users got units with dull blades, but ours cut just fine. For the price, we think it’s a good value for weekend warriors who don’t need a pro-level tool.
Customer Reviews
We’ve been using this WEN biscuit joiner for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. Many users praise its ease of use and great value for the price.
The tool comes with everything needed to get started, including biscuits and a case. We found it works well for both small projects and occasional use.
Some folks mention it’s a bit heavy, but the durability makes up for it. The adjustments are straightforward, which is a big plus.
A few users had issues with blade sharpness out of the box, but this seems rare.
For weekend woodworkers, this joiner is more than enough. It’s not pro-level, but it gets the job done nicely. We like that it’s accurate and stays aligned.
While the plastic case isn’t the sturdiest, the tool itself is solid. Overall, users seem happy with this affordable option for their woodworking needs.
Accessories Included
We were pleasantly surprised by the extras that come with this joiner. The package includes a sturdy carrying case, which is great for storage and transport.
It also comes with a bunch of biscuits to get you started right away. We found 100 #0 biscuits, 100 #10 biscuits, and 100 #20 biscuits in the box.
This variety lets us tackle different projects without needing to buy more biscuits right away. The dust bag is another nice touch, helping keep our workspace clean.
We also appreciate the included wrenches for blade changes and adjustments. These accessories make the WEN joiner feel like a complete kit, ready for use straight out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been using the WEN biscuit joiner for a while now, and we’ve gathered some common questions people ask about it. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide if it’s the right tool for your woodworking needs.
How does the WEN JN8504 compare to other popular biscuit joiners in terms of performance?
We’ve found that the WEN joiner holds its own against pricier models. Its 8.5-amp motor packs a punch, spinning the blade at 10,000 RPM. This power helps it cut through tough woods with ease.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end brands, it gets the job done well for most projects.
Can the WEN JN8504 be used effectively for both hardwood and softwood projects?
Yes, we’ve used this tool on both types of wood with good results. The strong motor and sharp blade make quick work of hardwoods like oak and maple. It also handles softer woods like pine without tearing or splintering.
Just be sure to adjust your technique slightly based on the wood type.
What are the unique features of the WEN JN8504 that set it apart from its competitors?
A few things stand out to us:
- Pre-set stops for #0, #10, and #20 biscuits
- Adjustable fence that tilts from 0 to 90 degrees
- Included carrying case and assorted biscuits
- Good power-to-price ratio
These features make it versatile and ready to use right out of the box.
What do users typically say about the durability and build quality of the WEN JN8504?
Most users, including us, find the build quality solid for the price. The metal parts feel sturdy, though some plastic components may not be as robust.
It’s held up well to regular use in our shop. Some users note it’s a bit heavy, which can be good for stability but tiring for long sessions.
How user-friendly is the WEN JN8504 for beginners in woodworking?
We think it’s pretty beginner-friendly. The pre-set stops make it easy to cut slots for standard biscuit sizes. The fence adjustments are straightforward.
It does take some practice to get perfect cuts, but that’s true for any biscuit joiner. The included biscuits and case are nice touches for newbies.
Are there any versatile alternatives to the WEN JN8504 for creating strong wood joints?
While the WEN is a solid choice, there are other options:
- Dowel jigs: Cheaper but more time-consuming
- Pocket hole jigs: Great for quick joints, especially in furniture
- Domino joiners: More expensive but very versatile
- Traditional mortise and tenon: Time-tested but requires more skill
Each has its pros and cons. But for the price and ease of use, we find the WEN biscuit joiner hard to beat for most home woodworking projects.
