Lamello Clamex S-20 in a $45 Biscuit Jointer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2024
- In this one I’m pairing a £35 / $45 supermarket biscuit jointer, with the new #Lamello #Clamex #S-20 fitting - at £43 / $53 for a box of 20 the most expensive fitting you can get for a biscuit jointer. Probably. By the way, I’ll be giving these fittings away in small sample packs, details below. Enjoy!
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Other videos and playlists of interest:-
Domino, Doweller or Zeta?? - • Festool Domino, Mafell...
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Why Buy this saw - • Why Buy This Saw? [vid...
Zeta first job - • My First Commercial Jo...
Workshop improvements Playlist - bit.ly/Worksho...
Joinery basics Playlist - bit.ly/JoineryBasics
Tracksaw Workshop playlist - bit.ly/Tracksaw...
Jointing systems playlist - bit.ly/Jointing...
Basic Builds playlist - bit.ly/BasicBu...
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Handy consumables & gear:-
Lamello Zeta P2 (😯) - amzn.to/3EKHuFJ
Lamello Clamex P-14 (😯) - amzn.to/3LuH9Lf
Lamello #20 biscuits - amzn.to/46bNrXK
Cheap biscuit jointer [similar] - amzn.to/3Ps0a1Q
PolyTen Fast grab PVA - amzn.to/3Ec0qwX
There's no doubt it's a well designed fitting but it's also at least ten times the price it should be. It's basically just an injection moulded bit of plastic and a metal catch, they are selling it like each one is being hand crafted by skilled artisans.
Don’t disagree, but they invented the biscuit jointer and patented the Clamex and until that patent expires they can charge what the market will bear, not what we think they ought to cost. 🤷♂️👍
He did mention in the video the cost aspect!
It cost money for small companies to develop a product and then mass produce. It can cost as much as 20% of a machine to set up production. When premises and staff are costed that price is reasonable.
Amen. I used about 50 of these in my desk, and the price adds up pretty quickly. I still think it's a great product, though, since they are sturdy, forgiving ,and quite easy to install. In another project I used Hettich Rastex which require much more accurate hole placement and 3 holes of different diameter each.
They should charge what people will pay. If a person can't keep up with the market, there is always mortise and tenon for a few cents of glue.
Glad you showed that splitting issue. Honestly, when you showed screwing them in, that's the first thing I thought of.....that they were going to split the wood. Thanks for this video. We can always count on you to educate us on what's new.
Thanks! 👍
You are the king of this kind of review! Love the concept of EXPENSIVE Vs SUPER CHEAP. Nice work Millard!
Thank you, I appreciate that! 👍
There you go again! Another A+++ video. Great job as usual. I had no idea these existed. I think I might give them a try!
Thanks! They’ve only recently launched. 👍👍
Wow, I didn't know this existed. I have a biscuit joiner that rarely gets used. This would be an awesome addition.
Glad it was helpful! 👍
Interesting looking fitting, Peter! Thanks for pointing it out with the usual splendid demonstration! Maybe it’s time to dig out the biscuit cutter!
Thanks! 👍
We are a medium size shop in California and use the Lamello Zeta system constantly. Utterly brilliant system. But did not know about this Clamex-S. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks! Zeta and clamex make a great system, really good to see the clamex connector available for folks with regular biscuit jointers. 👍
Thanks for the review of this. I was underwhelmed by the strength of the Clamex S-20 but i have never used the P-20 to compare. My approach is to use them along with standard biscuits with glue for better long term strength, just using the S-20 as a clamp which they do just fine.
Another great video Peter. Always keen to find out about more price-friendly solutions 😂 Your cupboards look amazing by the way
Thanks 👍 🙌
Clever but I honesty could never see me going to the trouble of using them when there are such cheap and easy alternatives.
Don’t disagree, but out of interest what cheap and easy alternatives did you have in mind?
@@10MinuteWorkshop Normal biscuits, dowels, screws even angle brackets would work on certain projects. If someone already has a domino jointer this could be used.
I am not saying these plastic biscuits are not useful, obviously they are but I just could not see myself spending the money on these. However I am sure some will love the concept and make good use of them.
You have to clamp normal dowels and biscuits. Pocket screws leave a huge hole in the board and you can't use regular screws if the opposite side is a finished side. These biscuits are designed for building cabinetry on site (not in a shop) where quick assembly and no clamps are the only way it really works and there's honestly not a lot of great alternatives and especially no quicker alternatives.
Thanks for the video! I love my biscuit joiner and these connectors will add new possibilities.
This is actually pretty cool. I bought a domino and a df 500 kit and found it clunky. I sold the domino because I really didn’t use it. I actually find a combination of pocket screws and biscuit joints work fine for most of what I do. This looks like a pretty easy to use knockdown method. I might be interested in getting into. my biscuit joiner is an old porter cable 555 that I’ve had for years It’s accurate and works well We bought it brand new in the early 90s
I’ve gone 15 years with only a domino, guess I was geen snob, after getting sucked into system over 36 years ago. Got the Lamello last week, OMG why didn’t I get it sooner, my domino is going to be redundant
Great Video.. I now have a $50 Wen biscuit burner and box of S-20s to solve clamping face frames on some shelves I'm building.
Sounds great! And thanks! 👍
Thanks for the great video! I'm making cabinets for the first time and have had variable success with pocket hole to hide screws. Looking forward to using these for pantry cabinet and redo my over the fridge cabinet.
At last....a Lamello knockdown fixing that I might actually use!
I think you should have at least mentioned the possibility of S18 when talking about the differences of the S20 and P version. But very good to know that there is a 4mm version of the Clamex S now, I did not know that! Thanks for the video :)
Why? This is all about the new S-20, which can use a slot cut with a regular biscuit jointer blade. I don’t know anyone who uses the S18, even though it’s been around for a while. 🤷♂️
@@10MinuteWorkshop Because you are comparing the S20 with the strength of the P and also mentioning costs. As you know the S18 can also be used with a regular biscuit jointer blade, thus very cost effective. the S18 is as strong or stronger than the P14, but with the hassle of making two cuts (or using the 8mm blade, which still is cheaper than the machine for the P). I just think is worth mentioning in half a sentence :)
Strange that nobody uses the S18. I thought about it, have them laying around and now bought a Domino and actually wanted to sell the biscuit jointer since living in a rented apartment without workshop/garage and not bulding stuff every week. But the S20 do sound intriguing...
It’s a 9mm fitting, so a regular 4mm biscuit blade needs 3 plunges, changing the height each time. Or you pony up for the proprietary Lamello blade. Either way it seems to be a step too far for most users. That’s why it wasn’t mentioned. 🤷♂️
Very good video. They look like very good knock down fittings.
A great exposition Peter, thank you.
Very cool - I say this on a lot of these wood working videos by Peter and other UK Woodworkers but a lot of tools but with no real space to do this I struggle to take on build projects as all my work is weather dependent and when you stay in Scotland its hard.
Love the video and love this idea for a cheap entry level fitting solution.
Thanks! 👍
This is perfect! About to make an entertainment unit and these will come in quite handy!
Very interesting idea. It is convenient how they didn't think of this before :D
I agree well done Lamello lets hope if they start selling more of these type the price may come down as well
😂 😂 👍
Hi Peter, These are definite food for thought .Great video. Thanks a lot..... Bob (Weston super Mare)
Thanks Bob! 👍
Those connectors are just brilliant, Peter! Thanks a bunch for the review and demonstration! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thanks, you too! 👍
what a cool option to have around.
That looks like a great product from a ease of use point of view I usually use my biscuit jointer on most cabinet builds so would be quick to build and assemble. It’s a little spendy but the time it would save over other knock down methods would more than pay for itself.
Exactly! It’s the ability to use the tools you already have, then flat-pack and assemble onsite, that you’re paying for, I think. 👍
This is interesting, I have a cheap biscuit jointer taking dust, I might give it a try!
I still prefer though Hettich's screw-in dowel and the rastex or similar eccentric connectors. that only require common tools to install and cost similarly to biscuits
Great video Peter, Very Impressive these connectors ,as all ways demonstrated well👍
Thanks 👍
great comparison! I have the Domino Connect system but as you said in a prior video, it's a bit fiddly and obviously an afterthought. As a hobbiest, i'm not concerned about making money with the system and at some point, I'm going to get the Zeta because, well, just because! 😁There's just something about owning the best that simply can't be justified monetarily. Like buying a Mercedes/BMW over a Ford/Toyota.
I think you are the last of the legit reviewers. I think just about every last woodworker has whored himself out to becoming nothing more than sponsored advertister.
Thank you. This response is brought to you by… 😂👍
Honestly, an eccentric cam wheel is so much easier and cheaper to do, I couldn't force myself to try these Clamex things.
Dam it! I’m working, can’t wait To watch this.
Used mine yesterday first time in months
Hi Peter. Love your work 👍
Thank you! 👍
Hello from Vancouver Island 🌴🇨🇦👍
Great video Peter. Thank you
Thank you! 👍
Hi Peter
One of the screws looked like it split the MDF or is it my eyes lol When you held up the 2 right angle sample I thought I heard a crack when you wobbled the first one perhaps my hearing is going as well!
Steve
The MRMDF split was nothing to worry about - frive any screw into MRMDF and you'll get that - and yeah, they were a little creaky - I'd imagine if you picked up a wardrobe and squeezed the opposing corners together they'd creak a bit too, regardless of how they were constructed, Steve! 😂 💪
Hi Peter
Good point yes it would creak but I would too lol
Steve
YES!!!!!!!! Now Lamello just needs to make a Tenso in this form factor
The Festool Connectors having a threaded post and sort of a tedious install have been a disappointment. I also think they are way over engineered, surprise surprise. But these look very simple and less likely to be a hassle.
I had a lot of failures with the Festool connectors as well, threads badly formed so they wouldn’t pull up tightly. They’re much better for the larger domino, but the ones for the 500 seem like an afterthought. 🤷♂️
Indeed, on the 500 connectors the piece which bites into the wood is so intricate and with very fine tolerances that I can't imagine the hassle of manufacturing those given their mediocre results @@10MinuteWorkshop
Impressive little connecters :)
Great video mate :)
Thanks! 👍
Remember you get what you pay for with cheap machines. I have had my Lamello for 25 yrs without issue. Buy it once is my advice
I just can’t see the point of using these over regular screwing from the sides unless you have exposed edges on the sides.
I always use good quality screws and fit a end panel on the sides to cover the screw holes.
Interesting, I'll have to look into were I can find them here in the states. Well done as always.
Thank you! 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop well it's almost 6 months later, there not available in the states yet.
This is the question I was thinking about, can I get extra life for my Ferm biscuit jointer?
Just curious why you'd use a clamex as the main fixing in the sides of a cabinet instead of biscuits and confirmats? I've used clamex fixings a lot and I don't see why you would use them in the application show where the sides of the carcasses are hidden
At the risking stating the obvious, you’d use them where the sides of the carcass are on show ie not hidden. 👍
You have to take your hats off to Medite. Good MDF. It seems to be an competitive area with Domino Zeta et al all in this space
Thanks! Yes, I think Lamello are just 'sweating the Clamex assets' to bring them to a wider audience. 👍
I wonder what Norm would think of 'em... 😏
Couple of brads and they'll be fine...😂 👍
Hi Peter - love your 10 minute videos, great value. I have am using a Zeta P2 now and love it, in fact done a complete house 4 bedrooms, kitchen, scullery, and did not use a single screw, only Clamex & Tenso P10 fittings, a lot of work but great challenge. Do you have any cleaver suggestions on how I could repair a Zeta cut that was misplaced and is visible in the cupboard side? Will all of the 100's of cuts I made only 2 mistakes and would like to try to hide them. The cabinet finish is 16mm dual faced melamine, white, chipboard. Thanks in advance.
Thanks! Sounds like you're plunged through to the face of the melamine? That's going to be tough to repair to any standard, let alone something invisible! You can get stick-on screw covers (cover caps) that are finished to match a variety of specific melamine manufacturers - you may be able to use them as a cover-up? Otherwise you'd need to very carefully cut the melamine face from an offcut and see if that will do the job. Tricky, very tricky.. Good luck with it! P 👍
Hi peter, thanks for the replay. I did no penetrate the other side, I make a cut using the Zeta and then had to move the connector position so there is a cut that needs to be covered. I think I will use a piece of edge banding to cover the hole as the Zeta biscuit cut is quite large. Thanks for your feedback.
Hey Peter, I'm loving all your videos and have been through a ton of them recently and I keep noticing neat small tools that you have around your shop. I was wondering if you'd consider making a video about some useful unpowered tools you keep around. As an example I've seen a couple times that you have a ruler where 0 is in the center, allowing you to measure out from a center point in both directions. I've also seen you use a tape measure where you can measure out and mark on the backside of the body. Both tools that I (as a beginner) didn't realize existed! On their own they likely aren't much content but I'd love a 'top 10 list' or something of that nature, where you mention some useful things you have around the shop that might not be obvious to someone just starting out! Other things might be squares you use, levels, rulers, or even simpler stuff like pencils and other marking devices. I'm sure you've used plenty of those types of things over the years so any insight you have into what is "gimmicky" vs what is useful, where you can go cheaper vs more expensive, etc.
Thanks for all the great content Peter, I've been learning a ton!
Thank you! Yes, I have a ‘measuring and marking tools and tips’ video planned. Pencils and rulers, squares and tapes, marking knives, all that good stuff. 👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop That's brilliant! Really glad to hear it and look forward to watching it. Thanks for the reply!
Do you have more videos of your built-in installs? They look amazing!
Thanks! Have a look through the playlists - there's one for Client work - wardrobes and storage etc... 👍
Thank you
I rather use golden dowels. They would be faster to install and probably cheaper.
Sometimes I’ve had to do wrestle large shop made carcasses into awkward spaces with access issues. These would make site assembly much more feasable….
Yep, sure would! 👍
Hey, have you tried the Knapp biscut connectors? They have cheap sample packs.
Great video
Thanks! 👍
Thanks Peter, another excellent demonstration of a product I never even knew existed - pricey but I can see why they would appeal in certain situations !
Hmm, Supermarket Biscuit Jointer, did you find that between the Garibaldis and the Short bread ? 🤔😉
Nah, it was in with broken biscuits... 😂
@10MinuteWorkshop What would you recommend as reasonably priced for frequent use of knock-down furniture? Dominio connectors were my first choice but had my reservations about the peg being in the face and being damaged during shipping. The Clamex p 14 looks like a great solution, but it seems like they will get pretty expensive. That leaves the Peanut 2 ( unless there are more that I haven't viewed on your channel. Thanks!
It’s a tricky one. I stopped using the Domino connector for exactly that reason, and as you say the Clamex gets spendy very quickly - even after you’ve bought the Zeta! The Peanut 2 is a great connector, but it’s not a true knock-down, more for one-time fabrication / assembly on site - the peanut connector bears directly against the keyhole shape in the workpiece, so over time and repeated assembly / disassembly you’ll see wear that results in a looser joint. Only a potential issue if you want repeated knock-down of course; if you’re flat-packing for ease of delivery and installation, then the Peanut 2 is perfect for that - it’s what it was designed for. As for alternatives, then depending on the type of furniture, button-fix may be an option - they’re physically quite large through so not great on thinner panels, whereas Peanut 2 can be used in 15/16mm boards. But yes, those are pretty much the choices AFAIK. 👍
Hey
Will you please do one video on Lamello Cabineos ?
Cabineo fittings only really work for CNC applications, so not for me I’m afraid.
Fantastic
At 1:14, for just a moment my American brain thought you were being sarcastic about the weight of the machine...then it clicked that you meant the price 😂lol as an aside, I am jealous of your choices in mdf across the pond..MR and sapele varieties are not routinely available here..
Thanks! 👍😂
The only thing I can think of that is this over priced is printer ink. Price is too rich for my blood but as a child of the fifties most things are!
Nice one Peter,
Have you ever used the Einhell biscuit joiner?
Can you recommend a joiner for around the £100 mark or less?
A Zeta is just too much for me to justify, especially considering I’d rarely use it.
I’m also thinking of buying a second hand Lamello C2 or C3, as at least the quality will be good, but I can’t find one for sale currently.
Thanks! No, I’m afraid I skipped the whole biscuit jointer phase and went straight to the Domino - this one is the only one I’ve had. Einhell usually do a decent enough tool for the money, but I’ve no experience of their biscuit jointer. A few folks have spoken well of the Erbauer, but again I’ve no direct experience I’m afraid. 🤷♂️👍
Awesome 😁
Hi , would using a biscuit cutter on a trim router work instead of using a dedicated biscuit joiner? Cheers , great video 👍
Sure, they’ll work with any 4mm biscuit cutter. 👍
Great video any ideas where these can be purchased online or even better here in Ireland
I bought mine from Axminster and Isaac Lord, I imagine they’d be happy to supply you? 👍
Very interesting option there Peter. Thank you for this video 👍
Thanks Tomasz! 👍
I have my domino … that’s enough
👍
Can you get Jessem products over there for a reasonable price? Be interested in your opinion of their new cheaper dowel jig option.
The 'less costly' Jessem dowel jig is £170 over here, so not likely I'm afraid.
@@10MinuteWorkshop Yikes yeah can't blame you there, that's quite the markup to cross the pond.
Ever tried the Knapp Connector fast biscuit?
No, never have - they’re not widely available here and cost about the same as these S20 connectors.
great! only just learning about these! would you trust them for fixed shelves? say, in a closet or kitchen cabinet?
Depends on the load; I mention the rating of the S20 in the vid, I think it was 15kg/fitting, so easy enough to work out what a shelf with eg 4 fittings will support. S20 spec sheet is all online at Lamello. 👍
I just got some s-20 today but I find the issue is when I connect them I find it not flush when I butt it together like a cabinet but I haven’t made any adjustments to my biscuit except from changing the dial from 10 to 20 any reason why?
No clue I’m sorry; if the biscuits align the workpiece OK then the S20 should as well.
😂
Did you throw the jig away with the box Peter? 🤪
😂 No! DIdnt realise they came in the box because Lamello, so I bought one. 🤦♂️
@@10MinuteWorkshop
I saw a couple of months ago, Lamello have a new tool out. Does it just do the same thing, or have they got a new fixing method too?
Thanks for the video are there any other clip together joiners like the tensos? I’ve only just started getting into fitted wardrobes etc and the tensos look really good but such an expensive out lay!
Thanks! There are some friction fit biscuit fittings but I’ve never come across them personally. There’s the fast cap hammer-in domino-type, you can get those from woodworkers workshop, but they only do a 6x40 so not great for 18mm cabinetry. Otherwise there’s the Peanut 2 connectors - jig & router system so a bit slower, but a great value fitting. There’s a whole playlist about jointing systems, might be worth a look. 👍👍
Thabks for the reply mate. I think I’m going to go for the festool domino as I already have lots of festool and I think it will suit my needs on more than one aspect!
Interesting, thanks for bringing these to my attention and offering a cheap workaround with the biscuit jointer. It's a bit rich for me but good to know. You can see the fittings are quality and pricey just by the supplied screws. How does the cheapo biscuit jointer stand up with traditional biscuits? I feel like that's the gateway drug here haha
This is only the second time I’ve used this biscuit jointer tbh, but it’s not terrible. 👍
so is there a reason to not use a little epoxy to secure the connectors along with the small screws? Yes, it would take a bit longer to allow it to set but if that is an issue then CA might be an option. Just wondering.
I guess, but now you're going from a connector that's quick and relatively easy to use to something that needs gluing in as well? If that's the case I think I'd rather use dominos! 😂 👍
Hi peter where did you get the black channeld benchtop ?
Hi. I made them. 👍
Ikea Curtain track DIY MFT [video 487] - th-cam.com/video/223QALIbnRc/w-d-xo.html
Matchfit Microjig Dovetail Clamp System [video 499] - th-cam.com/video/uiT6F-K26Tg/w-d-xo.html
Great idea but with like everything a ridiculous price
I listed to the video, I didn’t watch it, however I would like to know where I can get these in American? Thanks
That's a question for Lamello US I think! 👍
4 mm you say? My rarely used American biscuit jointer makes a 1/8" slot, I think, and that's 3.18 mm. So can I buy a 4 mm cutter or did I not understand?
I'd say that's a question for Lamello US, or your biscuit jointer manufacturer - no idea I'm afraid. All #20 biscuits I've ever seen are 4mm 🤷♂️
I wonder if you could just glue the fittings in rather than screwing them in place?
Not sure I'd recommend that, but it's an interesting idea...
@@10MinuteWorkshop I'd imagine in many cases the fastener would fail before the glue would. Especially if you scuffed the plastic up slightly and used a quality glue.
👍
So this is basically a cam lock joint? Not a glued joint?
You can ad glue to the joint if you like. 🤷♂️ 👍
Will a 4mm slot cutter in a router work with the S20?
It should do; not as convenient as a biscuit jointer and the dust extraction would be pretty hopeless, but you should be able to get a functioning joint with it. 👍
Very interesting product. Using a biscuit jointer is probably easier and a lot less fiddly than using a router (even with a good template/jig like yours), especially if you don't have a dedicated workshop as a DIY maker
@Peter Milard I'd be very interested to know what you think about other knock-down solutions from Lamello like the Cabineo fittings. They seem very promising, and a router tempalte/jig could easily be made to carve the pocket
Thanks! I bought some of the cabineo fittings with a view to making a jig for them or adapting the loose tenon jig for them, but honestly I think they're a horrible fitting for hand-held router use; fine for CNC where you're referencing off the base of the material all the time, but very fiddly when you're measuring everything out. 🤷♂️
❤❤❤
Do they have a tenso version?
Of the S fitting? No.
Are Striplox biscuits available in UK? If so have you tried them for KD units?
Never heard of them, I’ll take a look, thanks!
@@10MinuteWorkshopKnapp also do some "biscuit" fittings. I think they are available from Quest hardware.
I have to wonder if Lamello are shooting themselves in the foot with releasing these? Why would a cabinet maker who doesn't have the zeta joiner bother buying one?
As a gripe, aldi and lidl over here never seem to have any power tools.
They’re ‘sweating the Clamex assets’ ie no cabinetmaker who doesn’t have a Zeta would buy one, because they have other systems in place; I think this is a play to get occasional makers - biscuit-jointer guys - into the ‘Clamex way’ 👍
Yea that's not woodwork ! :/
It is
🤷♂️