GMC BJ110M Instruction Manual

1

1350W

BISCUIT JOINER

BJ11OM

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Black

Cyan

Magenta

Yellow

Code: BJ110M IM

Date:

060330 Edition: 04 Op: DCR

2

Contents

Full 2 Years Home Use Warranty

Whilst every effort is made to ensure your complete
satisfaction with this tool, occasionally, due to the mass
manufacturing techniques, a tool may not live up to our
required level of performance and you may need the
assistance of our service department.

This product is warranted for a 2-year period for home
domestic use from the date of the original purchase. If
found to be defective in materials or workmanship, the tool
or the offending faulty component will be replaced free of
charge with another of the same item. A small freight
charge may apply

.

The warranty replacement unit is only made available by
returning the tool to the place of purchase with a confirmed
register receipt. Proof of purchase is essential. We reserve
the right to reject any claim where the purchase cannot be
verified.

This warranty does not include damage or defects to the
tool caused by or resulting from abuse, accidents,
alterations or commercial or business use.

It also does not cover any bonus accessories unless the
tool is a GMC Platinum Professional model.

Please ensure that you store your receipt in a safe place.
Conditions apply to the above warranty

.

If you need direction of what constitutes a free of charge
warranty claim, please review the guide given on the rear
of the Receipt Holder. An indication is given as to the types
of claim that are permissible, and those that are not.

Warranty 2
Description of symbols 3
Specifications 3
Safety instructions 4
Additional safety rules for biscuit joiners 5
Contents of carton 6
Unpacking 6
Know your product 7
Overview 8
Adjusting the cutting depth 8
Adjusting the secondary handle 9
Adjusting the bevel angle 9
Adjusting the cutting height 9
Anti-slip rubber grips 9
Changing the blade 9
Turning on and off 10
Operation overview 11
Operation – Making a cut 11
Making an edge to edge joint 11
Making a mitre joint 12
Making a corner joint 12
Making a T-joint 12
Maintenance 13
Cleaning 13
Trouble shooting 14

3

Description of symbols

The rating plate on your tool may show symbols.
These represent important information about the
product or instructions on its use.

Wear hearing protection.
Wear eye protection.
Wear breathing protection.

Double insulated for additional protection.

Conforms to relevant standards
for electromagnetic compatibility.

Specifications

Nominal voltage: 230-240Vac ~ 50Hz

Input power: 1350W

No Load Speed: 10000 min

-1

Depth of cut: 8mm, 10.5mm,
12mm, 13.5mm

Biscuit size: #0, #10, #20

Bore size: 22mm

Insulation class: Double insulated

Weight: 3.7kg

Dear Customer

If you require any help with your product, whether it
is a Warranty claim, spare part or user information,
please phone our Help Line for an immediate response.
Phone [phone] in Australia or
0800 445 721 in New Zealand.

Introduction

Your new GMC power tool will more than satisfy
your expectations. It has been manufactured under
stringent GMC Quality Standards to meet superior
performance criteria.

You will find your new tool easy and safe to operate,
and, with proper care, it will give you many years
of dependable service.

CAUTION. Carefully read through this entire Instruction

Manual before using your new GMC Power Tool. Take
special care to heed the Cautions and Warnings.

Your GMC power tool has many features that will make
your job faster and easier. Safety, performance, and
dependability have been given top priority in the
development of this tool, making it easy to maintain
and operate.

Environmental protection

Recycle unwanted materials instead
of disposing of them as waste. All tools,
hoses and packaging should be sorted,
taken to the local recycling centre and
disposed of in an environmentally safe way

.

4

General safety rules

WARNING Read all instructions. Failure to follow all

instructions listed below may result in electric shock,
fire and/or serious injury. The term “power tool” in all of
the warnings listed below refers to your mains operated
(corded) power tool or battery operated (cordless)
power tool.

Save these instructions.

1. Work area
a. Keep work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered and dark

areas invite accidents.

b. Do not operate power tools in explosive

atmospheres,

such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which
may ignite the dust or fumes.

c. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a

power tool.

Distractions can cause you to lose control.

2. Electrical safety
a. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify

the plug in any way.

Do not use any adapter plugs with
earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and
matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.

b. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded

surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators.

There is an increased risk of electric shock

if your body is earthed or grounded.

c. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.

Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.

d. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for

carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool.

Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving
parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of
electric shock.

e. When operating a power tool outdoors, use an

extension cord suitable for outdoor use.

Use of a cord

suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.

3. Personal safety
a. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use

common sense when operating a power tool.

Do
not use a power tool while you are tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of
inattention while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.

b. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.

Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.

c. Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the

off position before plugging in. Carrying power tools with
your finger on the switch or plugging in power tools that
have the switch on invites accidents.

d. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning

the power tool on.

A wrench or a key left attached to
a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal
injury.

e. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at

all times. This enables better control of the power tool in
unexpected situations.

f. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or

jewellery.

Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be
caught in moving parts.

g. If devices are provided for the connection of dust

extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used.

Use of these devices

can reduce dust related hazards.

4. Power tool use and care
a. Do not force the power tool.

Use the correct power tool
for your application. The correct power tool will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

b. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn

it on and off.

Any power tool that cannot be controlled

with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

5

c. Disconnect the plug from the power source before

making any adjustments, changing accessories, or
storing power tools.

Such preventive safety measures

reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

d. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children

and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power
tool or these instructions to operate the power tool.

Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained
users.

e. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or

binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and
any other condition that may affect the power tools
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired

before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.

f. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly

maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less
likely to bind and are easier to control.

g. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc.,

in accordance with these instructions and in the
manner intended for the particular type of power
tool, taking into account the working conditions and
the work to be performed.

Use of the power tool for
operations different from those intended could result in a
hazardous situation.

5. Service
a. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair

person using only identical replacement parts.

This

will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Additional safety rules for biscuit joiners

• Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an

operation where the cutting tools may contact hidden wiring
or its own cord. Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed
metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the operator.

• Fully unwind cable drum extensions to avoid potential

overheating.

• When an extension cable is required, you must ensure

that it has the right ampere rating for your power tool
and is in safe electrical condition.

• Ensure your mains supply voltage is the same as your

tool rating plate voltage.

• If possible, always use clamps or a vice to hold your work.

• Always switch off before you put the biscuit joiner down.

• Ensure that the lighting is adequate.

• Keep the area free of tripping hazards.

• Do not let anyone under 18 years operate this tool.

• Only use accessory blades that are in good condition.

• Do not touch the blade after operation. It will be hot.

• Keep yours hands away from under the workpiece.

• Never use your hands to remove chips or waste close by

the blade.

• Rags, cloths, cord, string and the like should never be left

around the work area.

• Support the work properly.

• Periodically check that all nuts, bolts and other fixings are

properly tightened.

• When using the tool, use safety equipment including

safety glasses or shield, ear protection, and protective
clothing including safety gloves. Wear a dust mask if the
operation creates dust.

• If in doubt, do not plug in the tool.

• Using a power source with a voltage less than the

nameplate rating is harmful to the motor.

Wear goggles
Wear earmuffs
Wear a breathing mask

The tool must be used only for its prescribed purpose.
Any use other than those mentioned in this Manual will
be considered a case of misuse. The user and not the
manufacturer shall be liable for any damage or injury
resulting from such cases of misuse.

6

To use this tool properly, you must observe the safety
regulations, the assembly instructions and the operating
instruction to be found in this Manual. All persons who use
and service the machine have to be acquainted with this
manual and must be informed about its potential hazards.
Children should be supervised at all times if they are in the
area in which the tool is being used. It is also imperative
that you observe the accident prevention regulations in
force in your area. The same applies for general rules of
occupational health and safety.

The manufacturer shall not be liable for any changes made
to the tool nor for any damage resulting from such changes.
Even when the tool is used as prescribed it is not possible
to eliminate all residual risk factors. The following hazards
may arise in connection with the tools construction and
design:

Damage to the lungs if an effective dust mask is not worn.
Damage to the hearing if effective ear protection is not worn.

Contents of carton

The GMC BJ110M biscuit joiner is supplied with the
following accessories as standard

• Pin wrench

• Allen key

• Dust extraction adaptor

• Dust bag

• Kitbox

Unpacking

Due to modern mass production techniques, it is unlikely
that your GMC Power Tool is faulty or that a part is missing.
If you find anything wrong, do not operate the tool until the
parts have been replaced or the fault has been rectified.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury.

7

Know your product

1. On/off switch

2. Lock-on button

3. Main handle

4. Secondary handle

5. Depth of cut adjustment knob

6. Main fence

7. Height adjustment fence

8. Bevel scale

9. Bevel adjustment lever

10. Height scale

11. Height adjustment lever

12. Anti-slip rubber grips

13. Dust extraction port

14. Dust extraction adaptor

15. Dust bag

1 2

3

4

10

12

7

9 8 5

151314116

8

Overview

The biscuit joiner is designed for the cutting and joining of
timber. It provides an accurate, effective and convenient
alternative to other means of jointing such as dowelling and
can be particularly useful for edge jointing long boards of
either natural wood or manufactured sheeting.

The 100mm TCT blade is plunged into the wood to the
required depth, which is pre-set depending on the biscuit to
be used.

Biscuit No. Width Length

#0 16mm 48mm

#10 20mm 52mm

#20 24mm 60mm

Glue is applied and the biscuit is inserted into the elliptical
slot that is left by the blade. As the glue sets, it expands the
biscuit, resulting in an extremely strong joint.

The adjustable fence allows the height and angle of the
blade to be positioned to suit different joint requirements.
The depth of cut can be set on the depth of cut control dial,
depending on the biscuit to be used. The joiner can also be
used to create a continuous groove, the width of which can
be increased simply by adjusting the fence up or down and
carrying out several passes.

Adjusting the cutting depth

The depth of cut can be set to match the dimensions of the
particular size biscuit being used.

The numbers on the depth adjustment dial (0, 10 & 20)
coincide with the three most common biscuit sizes. The
letter ‘M’ stands for maximum depth capacity of the tool.

The table below indicates the cutting depth for each setting.

Depth Setting Depth of Cut

0 8mm

10 10.5mm

20 12mm

Max 13.5mm

The width of a biscuit may vary due to variances in
manufacture. The blade has been designed to allow fitment
of the largest biscuits in the slot cut. Sometimes you may
need to sort out the correct sizes, or even moisten the
biscuits slightly to achieve a tight fit where required.

Glue is applied and the biscuit inserted into the semicircular
slot that is left by the blade, and the biscuit swells up taking
away any looseness in the joint.

1. To select a depth, align the
appropriate number with the
mark on the tool’s housing.

2. Rotate the depth adjustment
dial to the desired position until
it “clicks” into place (fig A).

A

#0 = 16mm x 48mm

#10 = 20mm x 52mm

#20 = 24mm x 60mm

#0

#10

#20

9

Adjusting the secondary handle

1. Using the allen key loosen the hex screw on each side of
the handle (fig B).

2. Position the handle to the desired position (fig C).

3. Tighten the 2 hex screws to secure the handle in position.

B

C

Adjusting the bevel angle

The adjustable tilt feature allows slots to be cut on a
bevelled edge.

1. Loosen the bevel adjustment lever by rotating it in an
anti-clockwise direction (fig D).

2. Move the main fence to the desired angle between
0° and 90° using the bevel scale and pointer as
a guide (fig E).

3. Tighten the bevel adjustment lever to secure the
fence in position.

D

E

Adjusting the cutting height

The height of the fence can be adjusted to let you make
biscuit slots at different depths down from the surface
of the workpiece.

1. Ensure that the main fence is set at 0°.

2. Attach the height adjustment fence to the main fence by
sliding it over the top of the main fence.

3. Position the height adjustment
fence to the desired height
using the scale on the main
fence as a guide (fig F & G).

4. Tighten the height adjustment
lever by rotating it in a
clockwise direction to secure
the fence in position (fig H).

G

H

Anti-slip rubber grips

Biscuit jointers tend to pull to the
right when making a cut. The
anti-slip rubber grips have been
provided to reduce this effect
and help keep the biscuit joiner
steady on the workpiece (fig I).

Changing the blade

CAUTION. Always ensure that the biscuit joiner is switched

off and unplugged from the
power supply before making any
adjustments.

1. Loosen and remove the 4
screws on the base of the
biscuit joiner.

2. Remove the base plate to
reveal the blade (fig J).

F

I

J

10

3. Whilst holding the spindle lock
button rotate the blade by
hand until the blade locks in
place (fig K).

4. Whilst depressing the spindle
lock button, turn the blade
flange anti-clockwise using the
pin wrench provided (fig L).

5. Remove the outer blade
flange (fig M).

6. Remove the blade from the
inner flange.

7. Clean the blade flanges
thoroughly before mounting
the new blade. Wipe a drop
of oil onto the inner and outer
flange where they will touch
the blade.

8. Mount the new blade onto the
spindle and against the inner
flange.

9. Replace the outer flange and
tighten.

WARNING. The direction in

which the blade rotates has to be
the same as the direction of
the arrow marked on the housing.

10. Ensure that the spindle lock button is released.

IMPORTANT. After replacing the saw blade, make sure that

the saw blade runs freely by turning the blade by hand.

11. Replace the base plate and secure with the 4 screws.

12. Plug the machine into a power socket and run the

biscuit joiner under no load to check that it runs
smoothly before using it to cut any material.

Turning on and off

1. Connect the plug to the power point.

2. Start the tool by squeezing the on/off trigger switch (fig N).

3. Release the trigger to stop the tool.

4. If you press the lock-on button while the trigger
switch is depressed, the switch is kept in the
operating position (fig O).

N

O

5. The lock-on button allows the operator to keep the
biscuit joiner motor running without continuously
holding the switch. It is useful when operating the
tool for extended periods.

6. To release the lock-on button, press and release the
trigger switch

K

L

M

11

Operation overview

A biscuit joiner is ideal for making a variety of strong
and accurate joints, the most common are:

Edge to Edge Mitre Joints

Butt Joints T Joints

To cut the biscuit slot, the body of the joiner is moved
toward the material. By utilising the various features of the
tool you can create a wide range of different types of joints.

Always make a reference line
to line up the machine with
the centre of the material to
be plunged to ensure accurate
biscuit placement.

Operation – Making a cut

1. Adjust the height of the fence as required for
the application.

2. Adjust the bevel angle of the fence as required
for the application.

3. Mark the cutting line on the workpiece.

4. Line up the cutting guide located at the front of the fence
with the cutting line on the workpiece and place the
biscuit joiner against the workpiece.

5. Turn on the biscuit joiner using the on/off switch.

6. Whilst holding the rear handle push the biscuit joiner
forward so that the blade plunges into the workpiece.

7. Allow the return spring to retract the blade from the slot
and then switch off.

Making an edge to edge joint

1. Position the 2 pieces together and draw a reference mark
at 90º to the centre point of each proposed joint location.
Space the joints about 4 inches apart.

2. Set the cutting depth to suit the biscuits you are using.
Generally, #20 biscuits suit most applications. If you are
using stock that is 19/32 inch thick or less, you will need
smaller biscuits.

3. Adjust the height of the fence as required.

4. Place the cutting guide at the centre point of each
slot in turn and press the fence against the edge
of the workpiece.

Direction of PlungeDirection of Plunge

Centre line of
work and machine

Centre line of
work and machine

Crescent
shape cut

Crescent
shape cut

12

5. Switch on the biscuit joiner and plunge the blade forward
to make the cut.

6. Allow the return spring to retract the blade from the slot
and then switch off.

7. To cut a slot in the edge of the matching workpiece,
place this piece on a flat surface and place the biscuit
joiner against the edge.

8. Again line up the centre point of each slot and make
the cuts.

9. Once all the slots are cut insert a biscuit into each joint
and dry assemble the workpieces to ensure everything
lines up and fits.

10. Insert a water-based glue into the slots.

11. Place the biscuits in position and clamp the joint until

the biscuits swell and the glue sets.

NOTE: It is possible that thick pieces of timber may

require two biscuits at each location, one at a height
of about 1/3rd the thickness of the wood, and the other
at about 2/3rd the thickness.

Making a mitre joint

1. Slots for a mitre joint can be cut with the workpiece
secured flat on the bench and the fence tilted to the
required angle.

2. Position the 2 pieces together and draw a reference mark
at the centre point of each proposed joint location.

3. Place the cutting guide at the centre point of each slot
in turn and press the fence against the edge of the
workpiece.

4. Switch on the biscuit joiner and plunge the blade forward
to make the cut.

5. Allow the return spring to retract the blade from the slot
and then switch off.

6. Once all the slots are cut insert a biscuit into each joint
and dry assemble the workpieces to ensure everything
lines up and fits.

7. Insert a water-based glue into the slots.

8. Place the biscuits in position and clamp the joint until the
biscuits swell and the glue sets.

Making a corner joint

1. Set the 2 pieces together and
draw the joint centres on the
outside face and end.

2. Cut the slots into the end
piece.

3. Cut the slots in the face piece.

4. Once all the slots are cut
insert a biscuit into each joint
and dry assemble the workpieces to ensure everything
lines up and fits.

5. Insert a water-based glue into the slots.

6. Place the biscuits in position and clamp the joint until the
biscuits swell and the glue sets.

Making a T-joint

1. Place the 2 pieces to be joined on a level bench.

2. Mark the centreline for each biscuit.

Horizontal BoardHorizontal Board

Clamp.
To

cut end slots in

Centreline
mark(s)

Biscuit slot

13

3. Cut the slots into the workpiece that will become the
vertical board.

4. Cut the slots into the workpiece that will become the
horizontal board

5. Once all the slots are cut insert a biscuit into each joint
and dry assemble the workpieces to ensure everything
lines up and fits.

6. Insert a water-based glue into the slots.

7. Place the biscuits in position and clamp the joint until the
biscuits swell and the glue sets.

Maintenance

All the bearings are sealed ball bearings, lubricated for life,
and require no maintenance.

Regularly check that all the fixing screws are tight.
They may vibrate loose over time.

Power cord maintenance

If the supply cord needs replacing, the task must be carried
out by the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s agent, or an
authorised service centre in order to avoid a safety hazard.

Cleaning

1. Keep the tool’s air vents unclogged and clean at all
times.

2. Remove dust and dirt regularly. Cleaning is best done
with a rag. Wear safety goggles or an eye shield and
gloves whist cleaning.

3. Re-lubricate all moving parts at regular intervals.

4. Never use caustic agents to clean plastic parts.

CAUTION. Do not use cleaning agents to clean the plastic

parts of the tool. A mild detergent on a damp cloth is
recommended. Water must never come into contact with
the tool.

14

Trouble shooting

WARNING!

Turn the on/off switch to the off position and unplug the tool
from the power supply before performing trouble shooting procedures.

Trouble Problem Suggested remedy

Biscuit joiner
will not start

Power cord not plugged in Ensure that the cord is connected to the power supply

Power fault, fuse or circuit breaker tripped Check the power supply

Cord damaged Use authorized service center to repair or replace

Burned out switch Use authorized service center to repair or replace

Faulty motor Use authorized service center to repair or replace the motor

Blade does not
reach full speed

Extension cord too long or undersized Use extension cord heavy enough to carry the current

Tool is overheating Turn off the tool and let it cool down to room

temperature. Inspect and clean the ventilation slots

Biscuit does
not fit into slot

Incorrect biscuit being used Check to see that the biscuit is the same size as

the slot cut. ie. use a #10 biscuit for a #10 slot.

Poor cutting Accessory blunted Replace with new biscuit joiner blade

Vibration or
abnormal noise

Loose parts Check to see that all levers are secure including bevel

adjustment lever and height adjustment lever

Blade vibrating Ensure that the blade flange is securely tightened

Moving parts excessively worn Use authorized service center to repair or replace

15

16

Carefully read the entire Instruction Manual
before using this product.

Before returning this product for a Warranty Claim or any other reason

Please Call 1300 880 001 (Australia) or 0800 445 721 (New Zealand)

When you make your call, please have the following information at hand:

GMC Product Type GMC Product Code

A GMC Service Engineer will take your call and, in most cases, will be able to solve your problem over the phone.

You are welcome to use this phone-in service to make suggestions or give comments about any GMC product.

With continuing product development changes may have occurred which render the product received slightly
different to that shown in this instruction manual.

The manufacturer reserves the right to change specifications without notice.

Note: Specifications may differ from country to country.

Helpline 1300 880 001 (Australia) or 0800 445 721 (New Zealand)

Register your warranty on line at www.gmcompany.com
and enter your receipt details.

The GMC 777 Helpline operates from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week (EST).
This allows you to contact GMC directly with any queries
and technical questions you have regarding products.

Save this Manual for future reference

GMC Head Office:

45-55 South Centre Road, Melbourne Airport, Victoria, Australia 3045
Telephone [phone] Fax [phone]