I am Mexican and I don’t speak good English but I admire you Because you explain very very good and I have learned a lot from you Thanks and God bless you
Great review Spencer. If I may add a couple of amendments. The tool comes with an auxiliary fence that allows you to adjust the height of the blade. Also, something I’d like to mention that the tool really sines in urban environments where spaces are tiny. Being able to assemble something that has finish coat on it on site is amazing. Last year I had to build something that was 14’ long and 3’ wide. To a 3rd floor apartment up a stairwell 2’ wide. The zeta p2 saved my butt.
Hey man, just wanted to say how much your channel means to me. Everytime you drop a new video, I vocally and loudly say "YESSS!!!" and my wife already knows lol. She'll say "Spencer has a new video?" Lol. I get so excited and just about drop whatever it is that I'm doing just to watch it right away. You've taught me so much and I'm very grateful. Keep up the great work man, much love. Take care and have a good one brother. Can't wait for the next one.
Great review of the tool. I’ve been using mine for little over a year now. In cabinetry building it is a must for me know. Build in shop, disassemble to transport, or flat pack ship. Reassemble in the field is a snap. Pun intended. So it’s great for right angle applications as well. Clamex is so great for shelving. Closet systems is now a breeze. Large panels that break down into manageable pieces for getting up stairs around corners, into tight spaces. What use to be a two man carry can now be a one man carry. It’s not what it costs you, it’s what it saves you.
Got this for our cabinet shop a year and a half ago and not sure I could live without it now! I actually use the auxiliary fence way more often than the fixed. Our most common used are: various miters (we use lock miters way less now), attaching cabinet faces, attaching inset side panels, and plywood extending as you mentioned. Every job we are finding new uses! Just did a tricky closet install with the face frames separate and able to be carried out of the room to cut the scribe, very satisfying to click the finished face into place! Lots of tricks to make the whole process smoother, can't wait to learn from your take and maybe get some new tips!
Great video Spencer. I bought my system several months ago. I dumped the systainers and setup a Packout using a three drawer bottom filled with the various connectors and a mid sized hinged box then a shallow clear lid sorter tray. It holds both my standard Lomelo biscuit and the Zeta. Put that in a dolly base and you’ve got a great portable well stocked setup.
Purchased lamello couple years ago and as a handyman it’s definitely improved assembly to the next level. Made a garage table designed to be broken down and found several more uses.
I use the Zeta for about 4 Years, i use it about 2 times a week. If you can't put a clamp on, you can use the zeta. Yes you can use a dust bag on it, they are also available from Lamello. There is also an round paper blade thing in the zeta box which you can use for x amount of diffrent °corners. It tells you exact what you have to use to get an absolut fantastic result. Worth all the money.
All I do is custom cabinets..and this tool is worth every penny! I use it on every single project for all kinds of applications. I buy the box of 1000 Tenso’s for about $775. It lasts a while. The ease, convenience and efficiency this tool gives you is priceless. No regrets on this one for me
@Insider Carpentry those bisco connectors can come in handy if you are test fitting pieces together for a dry assembly, perhaps before you deliver to a job site. Instead of trying to pry open a tenso fastener for example. Great purchase man. I can see you getting immense use out of this tool. Bite the bullet and get a large stock of connectors. The price won't ever come down I'm sure
Hands down, you’re the best finish carpenter on RUclips! Although I have not used this tool, I’m currently installing a locally made high-end kitchen with dozens of the clamex connectors. They’re phenomenal! Pro-tip; do not mix up the female end connectors of the two systems-someone at the shop mixed them up-which made for a frustrating assembly on one of the cabinets since they look alike. These have many advantages over the Festool.
Nice review, I've had one of these in my cabinet shop for about a year. One thing to try before you throw out those bisco things...we use them on installations to hold things temporarily for scribing fillers and end panels. Basically we'll have a cleat attached to the cabinet that's machined with slots to attach the filler to. On your filler piece cut your matching slots, then using the movable fence offset it by 1/2" (or whatever thickness your scribe block is). Machine a few extra slots on the filler piece. Now on the jobsite you can set your cabinet, use the biscos to hold the piece in place offsetting it exactly 1/2" from the final position. Run your scribe block along the wall and trace the wall profile onto the filler. Plane or belt sand to the line and snap in place with Tensos using the original slots. Perfect fit every time.
Is your cleat flush with frame? Just wondering how you get the filler to fit the bisco slots and then when it slides over its flush with cab and still fits in slots
@@kjk7225 We usually build frameless cabinets so the filler is a separate piece to bridge the gap between the cabinet side and the wall. Usually we make it with the filler front face flush with the face of the doors. With face frame cabinets we make the frame removable and assemble it with pocket screws so you can take the whole frame off, install just the cabinet carcase, then remove the end stile from the frame, offset it with biscos and scribe to the wall then reassemble and attach in place. But it takes a long time and only makes sense to do this in situations like when installing between 2 walls and need a tight fit. In those situations you have to do it for both sides. If you're just bumping against a single wall don't bother just do a normal scribe, trim & install.
Thank you for your tool reviews, always appreciated. Also, glad to hear you got it through Burns Tools, that’s our local Festool dealer here in RI, great bunch of guys over there.
We own two of these. I'm regret taking so long to decide buying one. Incredible for so many applications. Those Swiss really know how to engineer, well, just about anything.
I played with one of these at Oak Tree Supply in Fort Wayne a few weeks ago. It is a well built and unique tool. Anxious to see how it changes your work flow!
Had my zeta 4-5 years now don’t regret it one bit it’s a great tool and if anything happened to it I wouldn’t hesitate buying another. The tenso connectors are great and come in handy for so many applications.
Great explanation. It is worth repeating that the Lamello and its unique fasteners do things others can't. It can be a game changer in a custom cabinet shop.
Spencer ; Lamello also makes a stair railing connector tool and the hardware to make totally hidden fasteners ! Ingenious tooling uses magnetic fasteners to join together railing . Along with the Zeta I can see where my joinery products become just “Snappy”! Really it’s about being able to procure tools and learn their proper use in providing a class A product to your customer! And you know what that takes besides money Spencer???? Passion! Passion for the trade, working on your own (most often) enjoying the work environment ! Carpentry is my passion as far as work! And I spend slot of time working!!!
I bought a Lamello Biscuit joiner in the early 1980's for a specific job (a custom kitchen) and I am still using that exact same tool on projects today. It cost an arm and a leg at the time, easily equivalent in todays dollars to what you spent on the Zeta. No regrets. Although, it cost more than my brand new Delta 10 inch shop table saw at the time, like you, I saw the power of the potential and sure hoped I was right. I was, and am sure you are too. R.O.I. many, many times over.
Thank you Spencer, this was a really nice intro video. I'm looking forward to seeing it being used in your workflow. I've been eyeballing one of these for some time, though I'd likely go cordless since I am on the CAS system. I watched Robin Clevett do a T&G ceiling using the Tenso connectors to hold the butt joints together, and that was brilliant. I've long thought something like that or dowels would be great, but even dowels wouldn't clamp them together like the Tensos.
Awesome demonstration sir. My cousin works at Colonial Saw as a salesman. They're the primary Lamello dealer for all of the US. He let me borrow a basic biscuit joiner to test for a couple months. It was an ~$800 joiner but I didn't find a substantial difference compared to my cordless Makita. It didn't have any special capabilities like yours. I've used Lamello self clamping biscuits for years and they're very handy. When you dive down the biscuit joiner rabbit hole it's amazing how many different biscuits there are made of various materials and with different clamping capabilities.
Makita make great biscuit jointers but they are a little bit more time consuming to use and the fence system is not as good. Now if you are starting out on a budget a Makita is a very good option.
@@bighands69 I wouldn't consider the cordless Makita to be a budget joiner and the fence has been dead on for ~3 years. I took a digital micrometer to every blade on my 5 joiners because the Lamello salesmen said their blades are different but they're all exactly the same. I highly recommend the Makita cordless, but I bet the newer DeWalt is better.
@@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter Makita is a great tool for those with a lower budget but it is nowhere near as good to use professional as a Lamello Classic X.
@@bighands69 I guess when I think of budget biscuit joiners I think of the $60-100 range. The cordless Makita was $240 when I bought it a while back. Definitely not the same action as the Lamello but in the field I didn't find any significant difference for basic joinery. The blades were the same thickness to the 1/1000th of an inch. I liked the rubber glides on the Lamello fence but still preferred the rack and pinion on the Makita. It was an older model in the $800 range so I'm sure Lamello has made some upgrades to their newer and pricier models.
Hi Spencer, I’ve got this tool and can only tell you a lot of applications will come. When I hear what you’re saying eg. “Biscuit joiners was a waste of money”. Well, I use it all the time to check if everything fits together. Where zeta really shines are angel joins. It’s unbelievably easy even with very strange angels where there’s simply no way to join and clamp it. Especially when you need to join small pieces where all those “10” joiners come. Anyways, have fun with the new tool
I bought one back in 2015 for a specific job , now it gets used every day in my shop . We built high end custom cabinetry and millwork for the toughest architects and clients, It’s one of those tools that you can’t remember a time before you had one .
It's called a keyway, that slot the connectors slide in. The auxiliary fence makes for easy with mitered capabilities and the 2mm and 4mm offset fence plates are sweet. It's expensive yes but man it's so sweet when perfection is necessary!
I use this exclusively in my shop. I don't have an CNC. This machine allowed me to put any cabinet box together all by my self. There is a little learning curve.
I bought the dust bag for the Lamello Top Ten some five years ago and it really works good with only the standard Top Ten blade as the new design blade tends to ball up the dust immediately before the dust comes out of the metal exhaust shoot. Have the Festool vac with extended snout ready as you unzip the bag so you may clean out all the dust in the bag. Portability with that bag on the Lamello Top Ten with power cord is great. So easy to use. The newer blade for Lamello tends to curl up the dust shavings and plug the exhaust. I oil the slides on the Lamello every time I use the tool and that has kept the precision to a high level over the last 32 years. I have the optional H9 Lamello plates for thinner woods-very good.
That makes perfect sense on why you used that. Plus the client bought it with markup. I always roll a tool into a job and mark it up just like material.
Congrats on the new tool for your shop. Would love to buy one myself; but just not for me yet, maybe one day. And honestly, if a tool helps you in a job/project, makes you happy….who cares what it costs, and pay for it…what matters is if you’re happy and okay with it, and if you are, than that’s what matters and if ppl have issues with the price tag, oh well, imo. Have fun finding all the new ways to use and create projects w/ this👍🏻
I incorporated biscuits in my last 2 handrails at the winder steps and was pleased with the assistance in alignment during the glue up. This would possibly be even better with its clamping capability. Have been wanting if for sometime.
Spenser, this was an extremely well put together presentation of this tool. I truly enjoyed how you broke down all of the components for review, very clear and concise. When you get tired of doing the install you would make a great instructor in a trade school. Keep up the great content. Merry Christmas to you and your family and continued success in the new year.
So.. I just bought the DF700 kit + the DF500 adapter.. and I gotta be honest.. while this looks cool, I feel like for about the same price, the Festool DF700 (and with the $150 DF500 kit to get all tenon sizes).. you're getting a lot more for the same price with the Festool system. Not only do you get MUCH strong tenon joints if you use it for that purpose, but their connector kit looks to be a lot stronger.. goes further in the wood, and at least from watching the various videos appears to me like it would be better for heavier furniture as well given the size of the connector tenons. I do see that with the DF500/700 you need the drill jig and have to drill one extra spot to put the 2nd part in.. but seems worth it for what I believe is a much superior stronger connection. I could be wrong though.. just my opinion. I am surprised this device is so expensive. I bought a very good porter cable biscuit joiner for $150 that looks every bit as good as this with the exception of that little bump/lift mechanism. Seems like thats a whopping lot of money for that little bump system.
Congratulations on this new tool pickup. Brilliant explanation of what it is and does. It looks really well thought out and durable which is a benefit when you’re making this kind of investment. I look forward to see it in usage on your upcoming work.
Thanks for the review Spencer, I particularly appreciate it. I can see the zero visible fastner aspect being very useful for stuff I'm asked to do. I will have to think more seriously about it 🤔
Good purchase, great review. Full time cabinet maker and the Zeta was a game changer (don't use the Domino much anymore). AMAZING on miter fold floating shelves.
1) Can I use draw bolts? 2) Can i use pocket hole screws? 3) Could i just use exposed fastners from the backside? 4) does it really need to be able to disassemble or can I just glue it together? If you answer "no" 3 or 4 times you might have a need for these. And when you need them, they are REALLY cool. However like every tool you can waste time and money over complicating something that could be done with a simpler and/or faster process. I ain't here as a hobby, to do cool , neat things, i am here to make money and get the jobs done. Thanks for the review, we really appreciate your content in an industry that has very few Master carpenters producing content. I don't mean to sound negative just want the newbies to realize that this is not going to make every project easy. It's just another weapon to choose from.
Really Great video and review of this Tool! I was on the fence and this video answered my questions and and concerns. We have a cabinet shop and plan to implement the Lamello system moving forward. Thank you Spencer
Really informative video. I've watched a bunch of vids on this tool and nothing I've seen comes close to this. As an example, detailing how the tool puts the locking channel at the end of the slot and how it is possible to detach the tenso connectors was very much appreciated - thank you! very well done on this and all other vidios of yours that i have seen.
Great buy, I've had to stop myself several times from purchasing one On the several times I have required one, I opted for the Knapp connector's, which as a fixing are still pricey! Great content mate.
Wish I had a box of those Festool Plug-its. While I have both Dominos I also have a P2 Zeta and Classic X. The secondary fence provides the option to change the location as well as the 2 plastic shims. You can also change the blade for regular biscuits (Amana makes a nice one with inserts). The Tensos are brillant nothing equivalent out there.
I remember I bought the Domino Connect set a while ago, but never used it for anything but was planning to. Fast forward to the present day and my shop was burned up in and CA wildfire. I had the original Lamenello biscuit cutter I bought 30 years ago, it was of excellent quality. I also had the Lamenelo flush cutter, also an excellent tool.
You would think that since the tool cost so much itself that they could sell the connectors for less. But no, that’s were they get your money. Still a very cool tool.
great tool! if i had any use for it i would definitely buy it. it would quickly pay for itself in no time. another high end tool is the castle pocket hole system. very clean pocket holes and the ability to make them a lot faster than the kreg system.
Watching your videos the last couple of years I've always thought that the Lamello would be really suited for a lot of the work you do. I'm sure you're going to find uses for it that one else has thought of yet! I bought the lamello a couple of years back. If it was 5 grand I would still buy it. Makes angled wardrobe and cabinet carcasses a breeze - haven't used a clamp since. Like you I also use it for making larger sheet material, in my case MR and Tricoya MDF. Chuck in a few dominos and leave it glued up overnight and, as long as you can carry it, you can go as large as you like. Not used as much as the other connectors, but the Flexus connectors can solve difficult assembly hassle. Looking forward to seeing how you use the machine!
Hi Spencer. Glad to see you finally give the Lamello a try 😊. Just an FYI you can get a blade that fits the Lamello Zeta P2 to use it as a biscuit joiner. Your need to turn the oscillation function off to use it as a biscuit joiner. Also check out the “Flexus” connector. It is a Clamex connector but the little nubs flex inward so you can slide say a shelf in place in an existing cabinet etc.. and then lock it in place. If you search“Colonial Saw Flexus” or the “Lamello Flexus ” on RUclips they both have a video on how it works. The cordless version comes with a dust bag. And I’m curious… Did you get your Lamello with the diamond blade or the carbide? I got mine with the diamond blade because I mostly use sheet goods. But I had a project using a combination of hardwood and softwood so I bought the carbide blade. They recommend the carbide blade on natural wood products, especially hardwood. In natural wood products the carbide blade cuts cleaner and wears less than the diamond blade. Also do you have a part number for Festool plug/it connector you used? Ron ruclips.net/video/esr0k2PtQlI/видео.html
Great review. I was interested in getting one for the similair style feature wall, but since it was for home use, I couldn't justify It.. Ended up coming across Knapp Connectors who sell many different hidden fastener options. Went with the dovetail ones and they worked out very well for a no show fastener install.
Funny you mention knapp because they make a connector that looks very similar to the lamello ones he plans to use for the slat wall except the knapp connectors get tapped into a size #20 biscuit slot cut with a biscuit joiner and have teeth on the connector that hold them in place. There's a male and a female one and they snap together it's called the Knapp FAST biscuit check it out.
We make our own Xl plywood with the domino, but it requires 12ft pipe clamps which could take up extra pace (we have an A-frame clamp cart). Building, finishing, then breaking it down for transportation is where it would shine for our cabinet shop. Especially floating shelves in wall to wall scribed applications, 3rd hand spreaders help.. but 2pc would be much easier to keep the drywall pristine. Well done on the in depth analysis!
Lamello has another type of connectors that might be of use in that floating shelf scenario. The divario. It’s meant to be a connector you slide your shelf piece into. Might be worth looking at if you weren’t already aware of that particular connector.
Awesome review Spencer. Super I informative for me since only had a “at a glance” knowledge of this tool. I already sent the video to my trimmer and Cabinet guy. We’re doing a lot of slat walls lately.
Spencer congratulations on approaching 200k subs. I realize it's like having a deal with the devil being a RUclipsr as RUclips is constantly feeding your subs similar content. But your content is very unique compared to other carpentry channels. Keep posting. PS. If the tool pays for itself on the first job, it's a no brainier.
Really impressive video Spencer. I didn't know about this product and now you have me thinking about adding it to the arsenal. Thanks and you're the best! 👍👍
Awesome videos, love your channel. But as someone who's been thinking about a lamello, this isn't good for my bank balance :) Looking forward to seeing the slat wall, this is one of my use cases for this. Thanks for all your tips and sharing your secrets.
Spencer, great explaination on the Lamellow. Have you determined how you will build the price of the consumables into your bid? They cost enough to seriously chew into profit on a larger job. I can see where it virtually eliminates glue up wait time, however.
In Canada machine alone around 2300$. 3400$ with a kit. Should also mention I first used a Lamello back in the 80s. They did have connectors allowing snap together assembly,some were aluminum some plastic. I never used them but they may still be available. Cheers.
Super-informative review, as always. FYI, @knappconnectors makes a wide variety of KD connectors, several types of which could be used for the first application you mentioned, requiring only a biscuit machine for installation. Probably a bit slower, but another way to accomplish the mission until a guy has justification to take the Zeta plunge.
Lamello? Hell yes! But 2 grand sounds like a steep price. They’re not that expensive here in Sweden. Edit: 🤦♂️ Didn’t realize that I bought mine +20 years ago 😂 I’ve been retired for 15 years now and I still use mine to make cabinets for my 3 daughters. Hope you get to figure out how to get the most of your buy. 🤜🤛
Great review I got really lucky that a year and a half ago and picked one up at a local pawn shop for less than $300 brand new in the box full kit very lucky fine great tool
Burns tools Is about 30mins away and unfortunately had a tragic fire about 2 wks ago....I love that place. Great content always look forward to your videos
Hey Spencer! Super concise vid. I LOVE your solution of replacing the stock cable with a festool connector plug. Could you possibly give me an idea of where you got it. I’m having a very hard time finding one. Thanks a million and love your videos.
I am a small general contractor in Alaska. I thoroughly enjoy the practicality, simplicity of teaching and informative videos you have made. It’s clear that you are a true craftsman and a great teacher. Thanks for taking the time to post your videos.
First tool I've ever seen that I thought was insane. Crazy expensive with proprietary connectors. Hope they never stop making them after the tools are out in the world. Could have some benefit in specialty applications like cabinet making.
Thank you for this detailed presentation. Better than the Zeta tools site!. I have been considering this for 1 year now instead of the Domino. I did get a Dowelmax system which i love!....but the Zeta is next for sure now since im doing a lot more custom cabinet and built ins for clients and it will make my processes more streamlined and more fun and lessen any frustrations doing builds. The connector costs are just part of the job cost and must be added in just like any other fastener used....i would not sweat it considering it makes for a more satisfying and valuable build. Doug, Grand Bend, Ontario
In Belgium they have different sales taxes depending on if the built-in cabinet is removable or not (6% or 21%). By using this system, you can make "removable" buil-ins and get the smaller tax. But other than that...
Spencer, another fantastic video. Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise. I have been really curious about this tool and you cover 99% of my questions. The one thing I am still unclear on is connecting them without the piece that you insert into the conectors.... is it possible or recommend. Thank you again for your time and unselfish sharing of your skills
Thanks Lewis, it looks like a very good tool. If I ever get going and start doing some woodworking, I will consider purchasing this. Thanks for all of your video's. I've learned a ton by watching.
Have been building cabinets and furniture with dowels, biscuits, pocket screws, and dovetails for 50 years. Making an expensive joint stronger than the wood seems a bit pointless to me. Maybe in a few special applications it might be good. Nice video.
Need to check out Keith Johnson’s channel. He’s done a few practical projects with the lamello (and is a dealer too) so can give a good idea of how this can up the cabinet install game.
Thanks for another interesting video. It's always easier to justify a big tool purchase if you already have a job lined up where you can put it to good use.
I've had one of those for over ten years, mine came in the luxury wooden case. and it's the Rolls Royce of biscuit machines, though not quite as versatile as the original Elu pivoting biscuit machine and scoring saw - only bought the Lamello because you can't get electric motors for the Elu. Also had a Delta and Mafell biscuit machines in between, can't recommend those...
I love your videos man! Like a lot of other people have mentioned, I have also learned a LOT from watching you, including being comfortable enough to start hanging crown (and also starting my own business :) ). I do think that watching this one may cost me $2k though! I have the Festool DF 500 and started using their knock down connectors. I love how they also work with their LR-32 system, but I can also think of a few occasions where the Zeta may be a better solution. Would you say that the Tenso connectors provide enough tension to act as the clamps for a glue joint? I just discovered the Lamello Invis Mx2. Has this shown up on your radar at all? I would be really curious to your thoughts! Thank you again so very much for taking the time and putting all the love and passion that you do in your videos!! If you're ever in Maine, beers are on me!!
I am Mexican and I don’t speak good English but I admire you
Because you explain very very good and I have learned a lot from you
Thanks and God bless you
Great review Spencer. If I may add a couple of amendments. The tool comes with an auxiliary fence that allows you to adjust the height of the blade. Also, something I’d like to mention that the tool really sines in urban environments where spaces are tiny. Being able to assemble something that has finish coat on it on site is amazing. Last year I had to build something that was 14’ long and 3’ wide. To a 3rd floor apartment up a stairwell 2’ wide. The zeta p2 saved my butt.
Hey man, just wanted to say how much your channel means to me. Everytime you drop a new video, I vocally and loudly say "YESSS!!!" and my wife already knows lol. She'll say "Spencer has a new video?" Lol. I get so excited and just about drop whatever it is that I'm doing just to watch it right away. You've taught me so much and I'm very grateful.
Keep up the great work man, much love. Take care and have a good one brother. Can't wait for the next one.
I appreciate that brother!
Great review of the tool. I’ve been using mine for little over a year now. In cabinetry building it is a must for me know. Build in shop, disassemble to transport, or flat pack ship. Reassemble in the field is a snap. Pun intended. So it’s great for right angle applications as well. Clamex is so great for shelving. Closet systems is now a breeze. Large panels that break down into manageable pieces for getting up stairs around corners, into tight spaces. What use to be a two man carry can now be a one man carry. It’s not what it costs you, it’s what it saves you.
Got this for our cabinet shop a year and a half ago and not sure I could live without it now! I actually use the auxiliary fence way more often than the fixed. Our most common used are: various miters (we use lock miters way less now), attaching cabinet faces, attaching inset side panels, and plywood extending as you mentioned. Every job we are finding new uses! Just did a tricky closet install with the face frames separate and able to be carried out of the room to cut the scribe, very satisfying to click the finished face into place! Lots of tricks to make the whole process smoother, can't wait to learn from your take and maybe get some new tips!
I have some lots in Florida to sell you
I’ve seen those slatted walls; like a modern beadboard. The solution you came up with is brilliant. I am so impressed.
Great video Spencer. I bought my system several months ago. I dumped the systainers and setup a Packout using a three drawer bottom filled with the various connectors and a mid sized hinged box then a shallow clear lid sorter tray. It holds both my standard Lomelo biscuit and the Zeta. Put that in a dolly base and you’ve got a great portable well stocked setup.
my marriage will go better if i stop watching your channel. i need to buy this now.
Purchased lamello couple years ago and as a handyman it’s definitely improved assembly to the next level. Made a garage table designed to be broken down and found several more uses.
I use the Zeta for about 4 Years, i use it about 2 times a week. If you can't put a clamp on, you can use the zeta.
Yes you can use a dust bag on it, they are also available from Lamello.
There is also an round paper blade thing in the zeta box which you can use for x amount of diffrent °corners. It tells you exact what you have to use to get an absolut fantastic result.
Worth all the money.
You won’t regret it, I’ve found I use it more than I initially thought I would. Only issue I have is cost of consumables.
And be careful to line up your drill hole position using the clamex
All I do is custom cabinets..and this tool is worth every penny! I use it on every single project for all kinds of applications. I buy the box of 1000 Tenso’s for about $775. It lasts a while. The ease, convenience and efficiency this tool gives you is priceless. No regrets on this one for me
Sure you did
@Insider Carpentry those bisco connectors can come in handy if you are test fitting pieces together for a dry assembly, perhaps before you deliver to a job site. Instead of trying to pry open a tenso fastener for example.
Great purchase man. I can see you getting immense use out of this tool. Bite the bullet and get a large stock of connectors. The price won't ever come down I'm sure
Hands down, you’re the best finish carpenter on RUclips!
Although I have not used this tool, I’m currently installing a locally made high-end kitchen with dozens of the clamex connectors. They’re phenomenal! Pro-tip; do not mix up the female end connectors of the two systems-someone at the shop mixed them up-which made for a frustrating assembly on one of the cabinets since they look alike. These have many advantages over the Festool.
Nice review, I've had one of these in my cabinet shop for about a year. One thing to try before you throw out those bisco things...we use them on installations to hold things temporarily for scribing fillers and end panels. Basically we'll have a cleat attached to the cabinet that's machined with slots to attach the filler to. On your filler piece cut your matching slots, then using the movable fence offset it by 1/2" (or whatever thickness your scribe block is). Machine a few extra slots on the filler piece. Now on the jobsite you can set your cabinet, use the biscos to hold the piece in place offsetting it exactly 1/2" from the final position. Run your scribe block along the wall and trace the wall profile onto the filler. Plane or belt sand to the line and snap in place with Tensos using the original slots. Perfect fit every time.
Makes perfect sense to keep them around now. Thanks!
Is your cleat flush with frame? Just wondering how you get the filler to fit the bisco slots and then when it slides over its flush with cab and still fits in slots
@@kjk7225 We usually build frameless cabinets so the filler is a separate piece to bridge the gap between the cabinet side and the wall. Usually we make it with the filler front face flush with the face of the doors. With face frame cabinets we make the frame removable and assemble it with pocket screws so you can take the whole frame off, install just the cabinet carcase, then remove the end stile from the frame, offset it with biscos and scribe to the wall then reassemble and attach in place. But it takes a long time and only makes sense to do this in situations like when installing between 2 walls and need a tight fit. In those situations you have to do it for both sides. If you're just bumping against a single wall don't bother just do a normal scribe, trim & install.
Still enjoying this old video . Thanks for making it Spencer
Thank you for your tool reviews, always appreciated. Also, glad to hear you got it through Burns Tools, that’s our local Festool dealer here in RI, great bunch of guys over there.
We own two of these. I'm regret taking so long to decide buying one. Incredible for so many applications. Those Swiss really know how to engineer, well, just about anything.
I played with one of these at Oak Tree Supply in Fort Wayne a few weeks ago. It is a well built and unique tool. Anxious to see how it changes your work flow!
Had my zeta 4-5 years now don’t regret it one bit it’s a great tool and if anything happened to it I wouldn’t hesitate buying another. The tenso connectors are great and come in handy for so many applications.
Great explanation. It is worth repeating that the Lamello and its unique fasteners do things others can't. It can be a game changer in a custom cabinet shop.
Spencer ; Lamello also makes a stair railing connector tool and the hardware to make totally hidden fasteners ! Ingenious tooling uses magnetic fasteners to join together railing . Along with the Zeta I can see where my joinery products become just “Snappy”!
Really it’s about being able to procure tools and learn their proper use in providing a class A product to your customer!
And you know what that takes besides money Spencer????
Passion! Passion for the trade, working on your own (most often) enjoying the work environment !
Carpentry is my passion as far as work!
And I spend slot of time working!!!
I bought a Lamello Biscuit joiner in the early 1980's for a specific job (a custom kitchen) and I am still using that exact same tool on projects today. It cost an arm and a leg at the time, easily equivalent in todays dollars to what you spent on the Zeta. No regrets. Although, it cost more than my brand new Delta 10 inch shop table saw at the time, like you, I saw the power of the potential and sure hoped I was right. I was, and am sure you are too. R.O.I. many, many times over.
Your great attitude and work ethic and craftsmanship are much appreciated... keep up the great work Spencer!!
Thank you Spencer, this was a really nice intro video. I'm looking forward to seeing it being used in your workflow. I've been eyeballing one of these for some time, though I'd likely go cordless since I am on the CAS system. I watched Robin Clevett do a T&G ceiling using the Tenso connectors to hold the butt joints together, and that was brilliant. I've long thought something like that or dowels would be great, but even dowels wouldn't clamp them together like the Tensos.
Awesome demonstration sir. My cousin works at Colonial Saw as a salesman. They're the primary Lamello dealer for all of the US. He let me borrow a basic biscuit joiner to test for a couple months. It was an ~$800 joiner but I didn't find a substantial difference compared to my cordless Makita. It didn't have any special capabilities like yours. I've used Lamello self clamping biscuits for years and they're very handy. When you dive down the biscuit joiner rabbit hole it's amazing how many different biscuits there are made of various materials and with different clamping capabilities.
Chris Hoffman very helpful demoing the tool at JLC Live in Providence RI.
Makita make great biscuit jointers but they are a little bit more time consuming to use and the fence system is not as good.
Now if you are starting out on a budget a Makita is a very good option.
@@bighands69 I wouldn't consider the cordless Makita to be a budget joiner and the fence has been dead on for ~3 years. I took a digital micrometer to every blade on my 5 joiners because the Lamello salesmen said their blades are different but they're all exactly the same. I highly recommend the Makita cordless, but I bet the newer DeWalt is better.
@@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter
Makita is a great tool for those with a lower budget but it is nowhere near as good to use professional as a Lamello Classic X.
@@bighands69 I guess when I think of budget biscuit joiners I think of the $60-100 range. The cordless Makita was $240 when I bought it a while back. Definitely not the same action as the Lamello but in the field I didn't find any significant difference for basic joinery. The blades were the same thickness to the 1/1000th of an inch. I liked the rubber glides on the Lamello fence but still preferred the rack and pinion on the Makita. It was an older model in the $800 range so I'm sure Lamello has made some upgrades to their newer and pricier models.
Hi Spencer, I’ve got this tool and can only tell you a lot of applications will come. When I hear what you’re saying eg. “Biscuit joiners was a waste of money”. Well, I use it all the time to check if everything fits together. Where zeta really shines are angel joins. It’s unbelievably easy even with very strange angels where there’s simply no way to join and clamp it. Especially when you need to join small pieces where all those “10” joiners come. Anyways, have fun with the new tool
I bought one back in 2015 for a specific job , now it gets used every day in my shop . We built high end custom cabinetry and millwork for the toughest architects and clients, It’s one of those tools that you can’t remember a time before you had one .
It's called a keyway, that slot the connectors slide in. The auxiliary fence makes for easy with mitered capabilities and the 2mm and 4mm offset fence plates are sweet. It's expensive yes but man it's so sweet when perfection is necessary!
I use this exclusively in my shop. I don't have an CNC. This machine allowed me to put any cabinet box together all by my self. There is a little learning curve.
You are one of the good ones! In my area no one thinks about how their work will help or hurt the next sub!
I bought the dust bag for the Lamello Top Ten some five years ago and it really works good with only the standard Top Ten blade as the new design blade tends to ball up the dust immediately before the dust comes out of the metal exhaust shoot. Have the Festool vac with extended snout ready as you unzip the bag so you may clean out all the dust in the bag. Portability with that bag on the Lamello Top Ten with power cord is great. So easy to use. The newer blade for Lamello tends to curl up the dust shavings and plug the exhaust. I oil the slides on the Lamello every time I use the tool and that has kept the precision to a high level over the last 32 years. I have the optional H9 Lamello plates for thinner woods-very good.
32 years! That's awesome!
That makes perfect sense on why you used that. Plus the client bought it with markup. I always roll a tool into a job and mark it up just like material.
Congrats on the new tool for your shop. Would love to buy one myself; but just not for me yet, maybe one day.
And honestly, if a tool helps you in a job/project, makes you happy….who cares what it costs, and pay for it…what matters is if you’re happy and okay with it, and if you are, than that’s what matters and if ppl have issues with the price tag, oh well, imo.
Have fun finding all the new ways to use and create projects w/ this👍🏻
I incorporated biscuits in my last 2 handrails at the winder steps and was pleased with the assistance in alignment during the glue up. This would possibly be even better with its clamping capability. Have been wanting if for sometime.
Spenser, this was an extremely well put together presentation of this tool. I truly enjoyed how you broke down all of the components for review, very clear and concise. When you get tired of doing the install you would make a great instructor in a trade school. Keep up the great content. Merry Christmas to you and your family and continued success in the new year.
So.. I just bought the DF700 kit + the DF500 adapter.. and I gotta be honest.. while this looks cool, I feel like for about the same price, the Festool DF700 (and with the $150 DF500 kit to get all tenon sizes).. you're getting a lot more for the same price with the Festool system. Not only do you get MUCH strong tenon joints if you use it for that purpose, but their connector kit looks to be a lot stronger.. goes further in the wood, and at least from watching the various videos appears to me like it would be better for heavier furniture as well given the size of the connector tenons. I do see that with the DF500/700 you need the drill jig and have to drill one extra spot to put the 2nd part in.. but seems worth it for what I believe is a much superior stronger connection. I could be wrong though.. just my opinion. I am surprised this device is so expensive. I bought a very good porter cable biscuit joiner for $150 that looks every bit as good as this with the exception of that little bump/lift mechanism. Seems like thats a whopping lot of money for that little bump system.
The original Top Lamello was my go to tool for gluing panels and exterior doors together
Congratulations on this new tool pickup. Brilliant explanation of what it is and does. It looks really well thought out and durable which is a benefit when you’re making this kind of investment. I look forward to see it in usage on your upcoming work.
Thanks for the review Spencer, I particularly appreciate it. I can see the zero visible fastner aspect being very useful for stuff I'm asked to do. I will have to think more seriously about it 🤔
First time I've seen this or heard of this tool. Congratulations Spencer. Enjoy it in good health!
Wow, great demo on how it oscillates too. I couldn't figure out how that would work without widening the entire opening.
Good purchase, great review. Full time cabinet maker and the Zeta was a game changer (don't use the Domino much anymore). AMAZING on miter fold floating shelves.
I install for a millwork shop that uses the Zeta. It's a really useful machine especially for fastening face frames. It saves time.
I'm in the market for the cordless Zeta P2. Burns Tools awesome! I got my shaper origin through them!
1) Can I use draw bolts?
2) Can i use pocket hole screws?
3) Could i just use exposed fastners from the backside?
4) does it really need to be able to disassemble or can I just glue it together?
If you answer "no" 3 or 4 times you might have a need for these. And when you need them, they are REALLY cool. However like every tool you can waste time and money over complicating something that could be done with a simpler and/or faster process. I ain't here as a hobby, to do cool , neat things, i am here to make money and get the jobs done.
Thanks for the review, we really appreciate your content in an industry that has very few Master carpenters producing content. I don't mean to sound negative just want the newbies to realize that this is not going to make every project easy. It's just another weapon to choose from.
Another option would have been 'Fastmount'. They are used a lot in the yacht industry for removable panels. Its a nice system....
Really Great video and review of this Tool! I was on the fence and this video answered my questions and and concerns. We have a cabinet shop and plan to implement the Lamello system moving forward. Thank you Spencer
Wherei have found this tool to shine is exterior trim applications
Makes outside miters just snap right together with some clamping pressure
This tool is really nice and I have used now for a year or so. You will find places to use this now. Keep the videos coming…!!
Really informative video. I've watched a bunch of vids on this tool and nothing I've seen comes close to this. As an example, detailing how the tool puts the locking channel at the end of the slot and how it is possible to detach the tenso connectors was very much appreciated - thank you! very well done on this and all other vidios of yours that i have seen.
This can also work as a regular biscuit joiner by switching out the blade. CMT makes a perfect blade.
Great buy, I've had to stop myself several times from purchasing one
On the several times I have required one, I opted for the Knapp connector's, which as a fixing are still pricey! Great content mate.
Well done Spencer.....Another high end option of a tool that can make a difference to quality job site production.
I used to roll my eyes when I heard mention of these - then I tried them. Surprisingly effective.
I started with a biscuit joiner, moved on to the Domino, it may be time to move again 😊 Great video, Spencer. Thanks for posting ..
Have you ever used the Festool connectors they seem to be used in the some of the same type of applications as the Zeta?
Wish I had a box of those Festool Plug-its. While I have both Dominos I also have a P2 Zeta and Classic X. The secondary fence provides the option to change the location as well as the 2 plastic shims. You can also change the blade for regular biscuits (Amana makes a nice one with inserts). The Tensos are brillant nothing equivalent out there.
I remember I bought the Domino Connect set a while ago, but never used it for anything but was planning to. Fast forward to the present day and my shop was burned up in and CA wildfire. I had the original Lamenello biscuit cutter I bought 30 years ago, it was of excellent quality. I also had the Lamenelo flush cutter, also an excellent tool.
You would think that since the tool cost so much itself that they could sell the connectors for less. But no, that’s were they get your money. Still a very cool tool.
great tool! if i had any use for it i would definitely buy it. it would quickly pay for itself in no time. another high end tool is the castle pocket hole system. very clean pocket holes and the ability to make them a lot faster than the kreg system.
Watching your videos the last couple of years I've always thought that the Lamello would be really suited for a lot of the work you do. I'm sure you're going to find uses for it that one else has thought of yet!
I bought the lamello a couple of years back. If it was 5 grand I would still buy it. Makes angled wardrobe and cabinet carcasses a breeze - haven't used a clamp since. Like you I also use it for making larger sheet material, in my case MR and Tricoya MDF. Chuck in a few dominos and leave it glued up overnight and, as long as you can carry it, you can go as large as you like. Not used as much as the other connectors, but the Flexus connectors can solve difficult assembly hassle.
Looking forward to seeing how you use the machine!
Hi Spencer. Glad to see you finally give the Lamello a try 😊.
Just an FYI you can get a blade that fits the Lamello Zeta P2 to use it as a biscuit joiner. Your need to turn the oscillation function off to use it as a biscuit joiner. Also check out the “Flexus” connector. It is a Clamex connector but the little nubs flex inward so you can slide say a shelf in place in an existing cabinet etc.. and then lock it in place. If you search“Colonial Saw Flexus” or the “Lamello Flexus ” on RUclips they both have a video on how it works. The cordless version comes with a dust bag. And I’m curious… Did you get your Lamello with the diamond blade or the carbide? I got mine with the diamond blade because I mostly use sheet goods. But I had a project using a combination of hardwood and softwood so I bought the carbide blade. They recommend the carbide blade on natural wood products, especially hardwood. In natural wood products the carbide blade cuts cleaner and wears less than the diamond blade.
Also do you have a part number for Festool plug/it connector you used?
Ron
ruclips.net/video/esr0k2PtQlI/видео.html
I have their classic biscuit joiner, and it is great and incredibly accurate. I always enjoy the videos.
me too
Great review. I was interested in getting one for the similair style feature wall, but since it was for home use, I couldn't justify It.. Ended up coming across Knapp Connectors who sell many different hidden fastener options. Went with the dovetail ones and they worked out very well for a no show fastener install.
@crzyworm623 that is very useful information - thanks!
Funny you mention knapp because they make a connector that looks very similar to the lamello ones he plans to use for the slat wall except the knapp connectors get tapped into a size #20 biscuit slot cut with a biscuit joiner and have teeth on the connector that hold them in place. There's a male and a female one and they snap together it's called the Knapp FAST biscuit check it out.
We make our own Xl plywood with the domino, but it requires 12ft pipe clamps which could take up extra pace (we have an A-frame clamp cart).
Building, finishing, then breaking it down for transportation is where it would shine for our cabinet shop.
Especially floating shelves in wall to wall scribed applications, 3rd hand spreaders help.. but 2pc would be much easier to keep the drywall pristine.
Well done on the in depth analysis!
Lamello has another type of connectors that might be of use in that floating shelf scenario. The divario. It’s meant to be a connector you slide your shelf piece into. Might be worth looking at if you weren’t already aware of that particular connector.
@Patrick Houser I don't have the lamello yet..
I have added Metabo 18v system,since their batteries are used for the zeta...and Mafell.
Baby steps.
@@2chipped I got onto CAS specifically for Mafell and have been expanding from there, hah. Indeed, baby steps with these large purchases.
Awesome review Spencer. Super I informative for me since only had a “at a glance” knowledge of this tool. I already sent the video to my trimmer and Cabinet guy. We’re doing a lot of slat walls lately.
Spencer congratulations on approaching 200k subs. I realize it's like having a deal with the devil being a RUclipsr as RUclips is constantly feeding your subs similar content. But your content is very unique compared to other carpentry channels. Keep posting.
PS. If the tool pays for itself on the first job, it's a no brainier.
Really impressive video Spencer. I didn't know about this product and now you have me thinking about adding it to the arsenal. Thanks and you're the best! 👍👍
Awesome videos, love your channel. But as someone who's been thinking about a lamello, this isn't good for my bank balance :) Looking forward to seeing the slat wall, this is one of my use cases for this. Thanks for all your tips and sharing your secrets.
Next, you'll need to get the Mafell DuoDowler and the template guides. That may have worked well for the snooty wall.
Spencer, great explaination on the Lamellow. Have you determined how you will build the price of the consumables into your bid? They cost enough to seriously chew into profit on a larger job. I can see where it virtually eliminates glue up wait time, however.
So now when you send a newbie for the bord stretcher !!!! There is one !!! Nice tool !! Lots of potential !!!
In Canada machine alone around 2300$. 3400$ with a kit. Should also mention I first used a Lamello back in the 80s. They did have connectors allowing snap together assembly,some were aluminum some plastic. I never used them but they may still be available. Cheers.
Super-informative review, as always. FYI, @knappconnectors makes a wide variety of KD connectors, several types of which could be used for the first application you mentioned, requiring only a biscuit machine for installation. Probably a bit slower, but another way to accomplish the mission until a guy has justification to take the Zeta plunge.
I'm pretty sure that I can face life without this tool
Burns tool ? I love that place !! Their brick and mortar store is about 20 minutes from my house . A guy can really get into trouble in there..
Wonderful review. Have always loved by Lamello biscuit joiner, terrific tool and use it a lot. I’ll be taking a close look at this one.
I know what I want for Christmas. Definitely need this!
Lamello? Hell yes! But 2 grand sounds like a steep price. They’re not that expensive here in Sweden. Edit: 🤦♂️ Didn’t realize that I bought mine +20 years ago 😂
I’ve been retired for 15 years now and I still use mine to make cabinets for my 3 daughters. Hope you get to figure out how to get the most of your buy. 🤜🤛
$1600 + $400 for connector assortment.
Great review I got really lucky that a year and a half ago and picked one up at a local pawn shop for less than $300 brand new in the box full kit very lucky fine great tool
Thanks for showing us. cheers from Tasmania
Hi I have Lamello and both Festool domino I don’t use a lot but I happy I got them because when I need it’s game change I love tools 😂
Burns tools Is about 30mins away and unfortunately had a tragic fire about 2 wks ago....I love that place. Great content
always look forward to your videos
That is tragic. Fires are such a devastation.
Hey Spencer! Super concise vid. I LOVE your solution of replacing the stock cable with a festool connector plug. Could you possibly give me an idea of where you got it. I’m having a very hard time finding one. Thanks a million and love your videos.
I am a small general contractor in Alaska. I thoroughly enjoy the practicality, simplicity of teaching and informative videos you have made. It’s clear that you are a true craftsman and a great teacher. Thanks for taking the time to post your videos.
Glad to help
First tool I've ever seen that I thought was insane. Crazy expensive with proprietary connectors. Hope they never stop making them after the tools are out in the world. Could have some benefit in specialty applications like cabinet making.
Seems like you could 3d print custom connectors and the tool would be even more useful.
Thank you for this detailed presentation. Better than the Zeta tools site!.
I have been considering this for 1 year now instead of the Domino. I did get a Dowelmax system which i love!....but the Zeta is next for sure now since im doing a lot more custom cabinet and built ins for clients and it will make my processes more streamlined and more fun and lessen any frustrations doing builds.
The connector costs are just part of the job cost and must be added in just like any other fastener used....i would not sweat it considering it makes for a more satisfying and valuable build.
Doug, Grand Bend, Ontario
In Belgium they have different sales taxes depending on if the built-in cabinet is removable or not (6% or 21%). By using this system, you can make "removable" buil-ins and get the smaller tax. But other than that...
That's crazy...
Wow what a scam... leave it to the government.
Spencer, another fantastic video. Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise. I have been really curious about this tool and you cover 99% of my questions. The one thing I am still unclear on is connecting them without the piece that you insert into the conectors.... is it possible or recommend. Thank you again for your time and unselfish sharing of your skills
Most of the time I don't even bother to put the preload clips in.
@Josh Gies thank you I was curious...... and cheap
Thanks Lewis, it looks like a very good tool.
If I ever get going and start doing some woodworking, I will consider purchasing this.
Thanks for all of your video's. I've learned a ton by watching.
Great video. Thanks for keeping the trade moving forward
I would just make a tone of 3/4 dados and just glue and pin them from the side. But I’m definitely eyeing the zeta
Have been building cabinets and furniture with dowels, biscuits, pocket screws, and dovetails for 50 years. Making an expensive joint stronger than the wood seems a bit pointless to me. Maybe in a few special applications it might be good. Nice video.
Awesome!
Side note can you show how to add those festools cords?
This! Or where to order the tool-side adapter, please!
Need to check out Keith Johnson’s channel. He’s done a few practical projects with the lamello (and is a dealer too) so can give a good idea of how this can up the cabinet install game.
Thanks for another interesting video. It's always easier to justify a big tool purchase if you already have a job lined up where you can put it to good use.
Once the running costs of the connectors are factored into material cost out, it won't matter. It will just be a resupply of shop goods at that point.
I've had one of those for over ten years, mine came in the luxury wooden case. and it's the Rolls Royce of biscuit machines, though not quite as versatile as the original Elu pivoting biscuit machine and scoring saw - only bought the Lamello because you can't get electric motors for the Elu. Also had a Delta and Mafell biscuit machines in between, can't recommend those...
I love your videos man! Like a lot of other people have mentioned, I have also learned a LOT from watching you, including being comfortable enough to start hanging crown (and also starting my own business :) ). I do think that watching this one may cost me $2k though! I have the Festool DF 500 and started using their knock down connectors. I love how they also work with their LR-32 system, but I can also think of a few occasions where the Zeta may be a better solution. Would you say that the Tenso connectors provide enough tension to act as the clamps for a glue joint? I just discovered the Lamello Invis Mx2. Has this shown up on your radar at all? I would be really curious to your thoughts! Thank you again so very much for taking the time and putting all the love and passion that you do in your videos!! If you're ever in Maine, beers are on me!!
It's a nice tool, but definitely one I can live without. The tensos provide medium clamping pressure. Nothing close to what actual clamps provide.
Where did you get your Festool Plug It cable?