Craftsman 900277300 Owner’s Manual
___/'j-__ Operator's Manual
CRRFTSMRNo
Heavy Duty
PLATE JOINER
Model No.
900.277300
CAUTION: Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before First Use
of this Product.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
Form No. 381555-00 MAY96-CD-2 Printed in U.S.A.
Full one year warranty on Craftsman Industrial Plate Joiner
If this Craftsman Industrial Plate Joiner fails due to a defect in material or workmanship
within one year from the date of purchase Sears will repair it free of charge.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY SIMPLY RETURNING THE TOOL TO THE
NEAREST STORE OR SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary
from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using electric tools,
basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce risk of fire, electric
shock, and personal injury, including
the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
DOUBLEINSULATION
Double insulated tools are constructed
throughout with two separate layers of
electrical insulation or one double
thickness of insulation between you and
the tool's electrical system. Tools built with
this insulation system are not intended to
be grounded. As a result, your tool is
equipped with a two prong plug which
permits you to use extension cords
without concern for maintaining a
ground connection.
NOTE: Double insulation does not take the
place of normal safety precautions when
operating this tool. The insulation system
is for added protection against injury
resulting from a possible electrical
insulation failure within the tool.
CAUTION: WHEN SERVICING USE
ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT
PARTS. Repair or replace damaged cords.
POLARIZEDPLUGS
Polarized plugs (one blade is wider than
the other) are used on equipment to
reduce the risk of electric shock. When
provided, this plug will fit into a polarized
outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit
fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it
still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician to install the proper outlet. Do
not change the plug in any way.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FOR ALL TOOLS
• KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN.
Cluttered areas and benches
invite injuries.
• CONSIDER WORK AREA
ENVIRONMENT. Don't expose
power tools to rain. Don't use power
tools in damp or wet locations.
Keep work area well lit. Do not use
tool in presence of flammable
liquids or gases.
• GUARD AGAINST ELECTRIC
SHOCK. Prevent body contact with
grounded surfaces. For example;
pipes, radiators, ranges, and
refrigerator enclosures.
• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. Do not
let visitors contact tool or extension
cord. All visitors should be kept
away from work area.
• STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in
use, tools should be stored in dry,
and high or locked-up place - out of
reach of children.
• DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the
job better and safer at the rate for
which it was intended.
• USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force
small tool or attachment to do the
job of a heavy-duty tool. Don't use
tool for purpose not intended.
° DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear
loose clothing or jewelry. They can
2
be caughtin movingparts.Rubber
glovesandnon-skidfootwearare
recommendedwhenworking
outdoors.Wearprotectivehair
coveringto containlonghair.
• USE SAFETY GLASSES. Also
use face or dust mask if operation
is dusty.
• DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry
tool by cord or yank it to disconnect
from receptacle. Keep cord from
heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a
vise to hold work. It's safer than
using your hand and it frees both
hands to operate tool.
• DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.
• MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE.
Keep tools sharp and clean for
better and safer performance.
Follow instructions for lubricating
and changing accessories. Inspect
toot cords periodically and if
damaged, have repaired by
authorized service facility. Inspect
extension cords periodically and
replace if damaged. Keep handles
dry, clean, and free from oil
and grease.
• DISCONNECT OR LOCK OFF
TOOLS when not in use, before
servicing, and when changing
accessories, such as blades,
bits, cutters.
• REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND
WRENCHES. Form habit of
checking to see that keys and
adjusting wrenches are removed
from tool before turning it on.
• AVOID UNINTENTIONAL
STARTING. Don't carry tool with
finger on switch. Be sure switch is
off when plugging in.
• EXTENSION CORDS. Make sure
your extension cord is in good
condition. When using an extension
cord, be sure to use one heavy
enough to carry the current your
product will draw. An undersized
cord will cause a drop in line
voltage resulting in loss of power
and overheating. The following
table shows the correct size to use
depending on cord length and
nameplate ampere rating. If in
doubt, use the next heavier gage.
The smaller the gage number, the
heavier the cord.
Minimum Gage for Cord Sets
Volts TotalLengthof Cord in Feet
120V 0-25 26-50 51-100 I01-150
240V 0-50 51-100 101-200 201-300
Ampere Rating
More Not more AWG
Than Than
0 - 6 18 16 16 14
6- 10 18 16 14 12
10 - 12 16 16 14 12
12 -16 14 12 NotRecommended
OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION
CORDS. When tool is used
outdoors, use only extension cords
intended for use outdoors and
so marked.
STAY ALERT. Watch what you are
doing. Use common sense. Do not
operate tool when you are tired.
CHECK DAMAGED PARTS.
Before further use of the tool, a
guard or other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to
determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of
moving parts, binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, mounting,
and any other conditions that may
affect its operation. A guard or other
part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center unless
otherwise indicated elsewhere in
this instruction manual. Have
defective switches replaced by
authorized service center. Do not
use tool if switch does not turn it on
and off.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
3
INTRODUCTION
Examine Figure 1 and your plate joiner for
a few minutes to become familiar with the
various features and the names used to
discuss the various controls and you will
need to know where they are.
FIG 1
_ describe thefn. The following sections will
Paddie switch
Lock knob
The various adjustments on the patented
base/fence assembly will enable you to
make virtually any biscuit joint imaginable
The tool may be further enhanced by
some simple jigs and fixtures that can be
easily made. Some of the more common
biscuit joinery applications are shown in
Figure 3 and are discussed in detail in the
applications section of this manual.
FIG 3
EDGE TO EDGE JOINT
EDGE I ,,,./.4
M_TaEL-------b.X I
JOINT -----] _
L__J JOINT [- OFFSE
Lock on bu_on
Dust Height
exhaust adjustment
po_ knob
Adjustable
fence.
_f_ \ Plunge depth
\ adjustment
Anti-slippage pin Lock knob knob
OVERVIEW
You have purchased a precision
woodworking tool. The function of the
plate joiner is to enable you to make
extremely strong and accurate joints in
wood and wood byproducts.
The tool works by a plunging action to
precisely cut crescent shaped slots for the
placement of flat wooden dowels or
"biscuits" like those shown in Figure 2.
FIG 2
1/2"
5/16"
2-3/8" I : ! 2-3/16"_
(60m__ (56rnm)__
I
#20 #10
(flat biscuits)
1-13/1_
(46rnm)[ _
I
#0
45 ° FRAME JOINT
OFFSET JOINT
SWITCH
Your plate joiner has a paddle switch
located on the underside, as shown in
Figure 1. To turn the tool on, depress the
paddle switch. To turn the tool off, release
the paddle switch. To lock the tool on for
continuous operation, there is a lock on
button located at the rear of the tool just
above the cord. When cutting always hold
the tool with one hand on the paddle
switch and one hand on the handle. To
lock the tool on, depress and hold the
paddle switch as you depress the lock
button. Hold the lock button in as you
gently release the paddle switch. The tool
will continue to run. To turn the tool off
from a locked on condition, depress and
release the paddle switch once.
BLADEREPLACEMENT
In time your saw blade will wear out and
need replacement.
To remove the blade, follow the
steps below.
1. Turn off and unplug the plate joiner.
2. Remove the 4 torx head screws
from the bottom of the shoe, using
the T20 torx screwdriver provided.
3. Rotate the shoe out of the way.
4. Use the spanner wrench provided
to loosen (counterclockwise) the
blade nut. Depress the spindle lock
4
pin on the top of the gear case to
hold the spindle while you unscrew
the nut.
.
Remove the blade and have it
sharpened or replace it with a
new one. (Available through Sears
service centers.
.
Reinstall the blade by reversing the
steps above. Be sure blade teeth
point counterclockwise as shown in
Figure 4.
FIG 4
.
IMPORTANT: Always check the fine
depth adjustment when sharpening
or replacing the blade. Adjust if
necessary.
(See "Controls" section).
THE CONTROLS
(See Applications section under Miter
Joints, Figure 27.)
The height adjustment is accomplished by
first loosening the lock knob on the right
side of the fence and then rotating the
FIG 5
Adjustment Knob
Lock knob
knurled adjustment knob until the desired
height is reached (see Figure 5).
Tightening the lock knob will then
automatically align the fence parallel to the
blade and lock it in position. The vertical
scale and pointer located directly under
the lock knob can be used to assist in
setting this height. The scale readings
indicate distance from the blade centerline
to the fence surface when the fence is set
at 90 ° (see Figure 6). If the depth scale
ever needs to be adjusted, loosen the two
screws that secure the scale and move
The heart of your plate joiner is the
base/fence assembly. All of the controls
that let you make a variety of precision
cuts are located on this assembly. Take a
few minutes to become familiar with the
various controls.
CAUTION: Always turn off and unplug
plate joiner before making any adjustments.
1. ADJUSTABLE FENCE
The adjustable fence provides a sturdy,
precise reference surface to determine the
point at which the slots for the biscuits will
be cut. Its adjustable height feature allows
you to position biscuit slots as close as
3/16" (4.76mm) and as distant as 1-3/8"
(35mm) measured from the workpiece
surface to the centerline of the blade (see
Figure 6). The adjustable angle feature
allows a full range of settings from 0° to 90
as well as a reverse 45 ° bevel which
allows outside registration on miter joints.
FIG 6
Pointer points
to 1/2" mark
Center-
line of
_ blade
the scale until the pointer is indicating the
proper reading (see Figure 6).
2. PLUNGE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
The depth of cut can be set to match the
dimensions of the particular size biscuit
you will be using. The numbers on the
depth adjustment knob (0,10,20,M)
5
coincidewiththethreesizesofbiscuits
shownin Figure2.Theletter Mstandsfor
the maximumdepthcapacityofthe tool
whichis 20mm(25/32").Thisdepthis
obtainableonlywitha new bladeand by
backingout the fine adjustmentscrew(see
nextsection).
NOTE:The Msettinghas beenprovided
forfutureuse andwill notbe necessaryfor
mostbiscuitingoperations.Toselecta
depth,alignthe appropriatenumberwith
the redmarkscribedin thetool'shousing,
as shownin Figure7. Rotatethedepth
adjustmentknobto the desiredposition
andit will "click"into place.
FIG 7
4. ANTI-SLIPPAGE PINS
Plate Joiners tend to slide to the right with
respect to the workpiece when making a
cut. This tendency is increased with a dull
blade or when plunging very rapidly. Anti-
slippage pins have been provided to reduce
this tendency and are located on the front
registration surface on either side of the
blade opening slot. When making some
joints, you may wish to retract the anti-
slippage pins so as not to scratch your
workpiece in a visible area. For this
purpose, simply rotate the anti-slippage
pins approximately 1/6 of a turn and they
will retract back behind the front registration
surface. A flat blade screwdriver can be
used to rotate the pins as shown in Figure 9.
FIG 9
3. FINE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
You may encounter situations where you
want to leave a little looseness in your
joint so that you can move it slightly before
the glue sets up. For these instances a
fine depth adjustment has been provided.
To adjust, you must first raise the
adjustable fence to its uppermost position.
Then insert the T20 torx screwdriver
provided into the opening as shown in
Figure 8. Turn the depth adjustment screw
clockwise for less depth and counter-
clockwise for increased depth. Each full
turn causes a change in depth of lmm
(0.04"). Always check the depth
adjustment by first making test cuts in
scrap wood.
FIG 8
Fine depth adjustment
Anti-slippage pin
5. BOTTOM REGISTRATION SURFACE
For certain applications, you will want to use
the bottom surface of the plate joiner for
alignment. When using the bottom
registration surface, the adjustable fence
should be set to 0 °. The height setting is
unimportant. This surface is used primarily
when making 'T' joints (see applications
section). The distance between the
centerline of the blade and the bottom
registration surface is fixed at 3/8" (9.5mm)
which allows centering on 3/4" (19mm) thick
stock. The 3 red marks on the bottom
registration surface indicate the centerline
(or the deepest point) of the biscuit cut and
the approximate width of a #20 biscuit so
that you'll know where the edge of the blade
is and can prevent breakthrough. To avoid
breaking through the workpiece, align the
shoe so that neither outside mark extends
beyond the end of the workpiece. If either
side does, there is a good chance that the
blade will break through the surface and ruin
your work.
6
6. DUST EXTRACTION
There are two options provided for
collecting dust from your plate joiner as
described below.
A. Dust Adaptor (See Figure 10)
This attachment, when inserted as
described above, allows the use of
several common sizes of vacuum
hose to be attached for direct
vacuum pick-up of the dust.
FIG 10
Vacuum hose connection
B. Dust Bag (See Figure 11)
The dust bag provided fits snugly
over the dust adaptor described
above. To empty the bag, open the
zipper underneath and dump
dust out.
NOTE: When the bag becomes full, the
dust will back-up into the adaptor and the
exhaust port on the right rear of the tool.
To clean out, turn off and unplug the tool
and remove packed dust. The bag will
hold the dust generated from
approximately 70 to 100 #20 biscuit cuts
before filling up.
FIG 11
GENERALOPERATION
Plate joiners are primarily used for making
cabinetry and furniture, joining millwork or
other similar applications where a strong,
accurate joint is required in wood or
wood by-products. There are literally
hundreds of variations of joints that can
be made with your Plate Joiner. We will
limit our discussion to six basic joints (see
application section) that can be used to
build on and adapt to your own applications.
The following are some basic set-up steps
that will apply to all biscuit joints.
1. BISCUIT SIZE SELECTION
As mentioned earlier, the three biscuit
sizes are #0, #10 and #20. Itis a good
rule of thumb to use the largest biscuit
size that will physically fit in the
application. Unless you are joining narrow
face or picture frames or using 1/2" or
thinner stock, you will find the #20 biscuit
size to suit most applications. After
selecting the biscuit size, set the depth
adjustment knob to the corresponding size
(see Controls section). Also, be sure the
fine depth adjustment is correctly set by
first testing in a scrap piece. This is
extremely important as you do not want to
discover during glue-up that your biscuit
slots are not quite deep enough.
2. BISCUIT LOCATION AND LAYOUT
Generally, biscuits may be spaced and
located at your discretion. For edge joints,
a good rule of thumb is to space biscuits
every 6-10-inches on center. It is further
recommended that biscuits be placed so
that the centerline of the end biscuits is
2-3 inches from the end of the workpiece.
When joining face frames or picture
frames where the workpiece is narrow, you
may have to choose the smaller biscuit
sizes to keep from "breaking out" on the
end of the joint. Breaking out should be
avoided if possible, but if not you can
assemble the joint and trim off the
exposed biscuit tip after the glue sets (see
Figure 12). When working with material up
to 1" thick, we advise to use a single
biscuit located in the approximate center
of the material thickness. If thicker stock is
to be joined, you may choose to use 2
biscuits across the thickness for greater
strength (see Figure 13). Biscuit locations
should be marked by first positioning the
mating pieces exactly as they are to be
assembled. Next, make a mark at 90 ° to
the joint interface across both pieces at
7
thedesiredbiscuitlocations(see
Figure14).SeeApplicationsectionfor
morespecificinformationonjoint layout.
Themarksyoumakewillthen be aligned
withoneof thecenterregistrationmarks
on thetool, again,dependinguponyour
specificapplication.
FIG12
end(Trimoffwith
sawandsand
smooth)
FIG13
1" or greater stock thickness
FIG 14
produce accurate joints, so practicing in
scrap wood first is advisable.
4. JOINT ASSEMBLY
After your joints are cut, you may wish to
trial fit everything together before gluing.
When you are satisfied with your joints,
evenly spread any good quality wood-
working glue in each slot as well as on
the mating flat surfaces of your joint. Place
biscuits in the slots, assemble the joint
and clamp until dry. For a biscuit joint to
be most effective, it is important that the
biscuits themselves be in contact with the
glue. This is because the biscuits absorb
the moisture in the glue and expand to
form a tight joint.
APPLICATIONS
1. EDGE TO EDGE JOINTS
This is the simplest to make and most
common joint for the plate joiner. Follow
the steps below to produce this joint.
A. Prepare the workpieces and lay
them on a work surface exactly as
they are to be assembled.
B. Spacing biscuits 2-3" in from the
ends and 6-10" apart, lay out the
biscuit centers.
3. MAKING THE CUT
Prior to making any cut, be sure that all
fence adjustments are set and lock knobs
are tight. Also, be sure you have selected
the proper depth setting. Clamp your
workpiece firmly and align the plate joiner's
center registration mark with your layout
mark. Turn on the tool and let the blade
come up to full speed (approximately 1
second). Grasping the paddle switch and
handle and positioning the fence firmly and
squarely against the workpiece, plunge the
blade until it bottoms against the stop.
Continuing to hold the tool squarely and
firmly, allow the return spring to retract the
blade from the work and then release the
switch to shut the tool off. It will take some
practice to obtain a "feel" for the tool to
FIG 15
C. Set up the plate joiner by first
selecting the proper depth setting.
Set the fence to 90 °. Set the height
adjustment to position the biscuit in
the approximate center of the stock
thickness.
D. Clamp the workpiece and position
the tool so that the center indicator
mark lines up with the first layout
mark (see Figure 16). Turn on the
tool and make the plunge cut.
Retract the tool and release the
paddleswitchto turnthe tooloff.
Repeatforeach layoutmark.
FIG16
E.
Glue, assemble and clamp the joint.
F.
For stock thicker than 1", you may
wish to use double biscuits at each
location. Set the height adjustment
to allow at least 3/16" of stock
between the biscuit and the edge of
the work surface. Make all cuts at
this fence setting before readjusting
the fence for the lower cuts. Again,
there should be at least 3/16" of
stock between the biscuit and the
outside wall and between the
biscuits themselves (see .Figure 17).
A. Arrange the workpieces on a flat
work surface exactly as they are to
be assembled.
B. Select the proper biscuit size based
on the length of the joint. If the
frame pieces are too narrow for a
#0 biscuit, you will have to allow the
biscuit tip to protrude slightly. Tl'ten
trim the tip off after the joint is dry
(see Figure 12).
C. Lay out the biscuit locations.
D. Set up the tool by selecting the
depth that corresponds to the
chosen bisc_Jit size. Lock the fence
at 90 ° and adjust the fence height
to center the biscuit on the stock
E. Clamp the workpiece and position
the Plate Joiner to make the first
cut (see Figure 19).
thickness.
FIG 17
3/16" Minimum 3/16" Minimum
T
3/16" Minimum
2. FRAME JOINTS
Frame joints are an ideal application for
biscuit joinery. With the plate joiner you
can create a very strong, precise joint that
is much faster to make than a dowel or
mortise and tenon joint. Figure 18 shows
two types of frame joints. Follow the steps
outlined below.
FIG 18
F. Turn on the tool and make the
plunge cut.
G. Repeat for each layout mark.
H. Glue, assemble and clamp the
frame.
3. CORNER JOINTS (SEE FIGURE 20)
Corner joints are another common and
excellent application for biscuit joinery.
Follow the procedure below.
A. Arrange the workpieces exactly as
they are to be joined.
B. Select the biscuit size and layout
the biscuit locations.
C. Set up the tool by selecting the
proper depth setting, adjusting the
fence to center on the stock
thickness and setting the angle to
90 °.
D. For this joint, you will make cuts
into the edge of one workpiece and
the face of another. The edge cut is
performed the same as for edge to
edge joints. The face cut is made
by clamping the workpiece and
aligning the tool as shown in
9
Figure 21. Turn the tool on, make
the plunge cut and repeat for each
layout mark.
E.
Glue, assemble and clamp the joint.
FIG 20
adjust the fence height to center the
cut within the thickness of that
piece.
C. Clamp the workpiece, align the tool
and make the plunge cut.
D. Next, adjust the fence up by an
amount equal to the desired offset.
Use the scale and pointer located
on the right side of the tool under
the fence lock knob.
E. Clamp the second workpiece, align
the tool and make the plunge cut.
F. Glue, assemble and clamp the joint.
FIG 21
4. OFFSET JOINTS (SEE FIGURE 22)
You may wish to have a deliberate offset
between two workpieces. This is easily
accomplished with your plate joiner by
performing the following steps.
FIG 22
A. Arrange the workpieces as they are
to be assembled and layout the
biscuit locations.
B. Set up the tool by selecting the
proper biscuit size and adjusting the
fence angle to 90 °. Select the
workpiece that will be set back and
5. EDGE MITER JOINTS (FIGURE 23)
Edge miters are most commonly used in
box structures or for making multisided
pedestals where you would like to hide the
end grain. Once again, biscuitjoinery is an
outstanding method to use both for added
strength as well as ease of assembly.
Follow the steps below to assemble a
90° joint.
FIG 23
A. Position the workpieces as they are
to be assembled and layout biscuit
locations on the outside of the joint.
B. Set up tool by first setting fence
angle to 90 °. Make the fence
adjustment such that the biscuit is
located toward the inside of the joint
where the material is thicker, then
select the biscuit size so that the
blade does not protrude through the
outside wall when the cut is made
(see Figure 24).
C. Clamp the workpiece and align the
tool as shown in Figure 25.
D. Turn on the tool and make the
plunge cut.
E. Glue, assemble and clamp the joint.
F. For joints other than 90 ° see
Outside Registration column in
Figure 26 for proper fence
angle setting.
10
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