Beefed-up Biscuit Joints
The Lamello Zeta P2 and its compatible connectors, Tenso and Clamex, are perfect for fine carpentry and millwork with efficient and precise results.
Over the last few months I have had the chance to work with the Lamello Zeta P2 and two of its compatible connectors, the Tenso and the Clamex. Let’s start by saying that this is not an ordinary biscuit joiner and these connectors are not your typical biscuits. The Lamello Zeta P2 creates a uniquely shaped slot with a mechanism that makes the blade oscillate at full plunge, creating a biscuit slot that is keyed at the back for the connector’s matching ridges.
The Tenso is a two-part fiberglass-reinforced plastic connector. When snapped together, its geometry creates clamping pressure for glue-ups. I used these connectors to join casing and crown molding, build cabinet boxes, and align baseboard butt joints and cabinet face frames. The system was equally useful for fastening decorative columns to a kitchen island and it allowed me to glue and set face frames to cabinet boxes quickly, securely, and accurately without clamps, nails, or pocket screws.
Clamex is a similar connector, but is capable of tightening and loosening the clamping pressure with the use of a hex wrench. You can also take the joints apart once assembled, unlike a glued biscuit. I used them for making removable head jambs for a pocket door so the track and rollers could be easily replaced and maintained. Clamex connectors are great for any millwork or casework that must be disassembled for transport or installation.
At $1600, the Lamello Zeta P2 is an investment, but I think it’s worth it for a finish carpenter. It’s a highly engineered and capable tool, it’s intuitive and easy to use, and it helps produce great work more efficiently. If you are in the business of fine carpentry and millwork, I’d recommend you get one.
—Aaron Butt, a finish carpenter in Essex, Mass.
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