A biscuit joiner or Domino joiner is the fastest way to align and strengthen edge joints, frames and carcasses, and this collection holds both types: biscuit joiners from Makita and Einhell, and the Festool Domino loose-tenon machines. It suits kitchen and cabinet makers, furniture builders and shopfitters who join panels every day.
Choosing a biscuit or Domino joiner
- Biscuit or loose tenon. Biscuits are flat compressed beech ovals that align panels and add modest strength. Dominos are thick hardwood tenons that make a structural joint, close to a traditional mortise and tenon. The Makita Biscuit Joiner PJ7000 is the trade biscuit tool; the Festool Domino Joining Machine DF 500 RQ-Plus is the loose-tenon tool.
- Entry level. The Einhell Biscuit Joiner TC BJ 900 gives a home workshop the basic biscuit function for shelving and table tops.
- Corded or cordless. The Festool Cordless joining machine DOMINO DFC 500 E-Basic runs on Festool batteries for site fit-outs; the corded DF 500 stays at the bench.
- Starter bundle. The Festool Domino Joining Machine Combo DF 500 RQ Plus + SYS Dominos adds a Systainer of assorted Dominos so you can start joining the day it arrives.
Does Makita make a Domino joiner?
No. Domino is Festool's name for its loose-tenon joining system, and only Festool makes the machine and the Domino tenons. Makita makes the PJ7000 biscuit joiner, which cuts the half-moon slot for standard number 0, 10 and 20 biscuits. If you searched for a Makita Domino, decide first whether you need biscuit alignment or a structural tenon, then pick the machine. Both work best with extraction connected, so see dust extraction. Hold the glue-up square with corner clamps.
These joiners are in stock at Power Tool Services in Claremont, Cape Town, with nationwide courier delivery. Our staff use both systems daily and can demonstrate the difference.
