PC 556 biscuit jointer & FF biscuits

Note there is more than just a blade change that makes the 557 work. It has some additional adjustments and stops that are specific to the 2" blade. Some of these are for safety. I believe it would be unsafe to use the smaller blade in a machine not designed to use it.

Bob

My understanding is that the amount of travel in the sliding part is insufficient for the small blade to reach out far enough for a complete plunge. I am reasonably certain that it was the 556 which was under discussion at the time. It is also the reason why the FF blade won't work with other machines. A quick check with a tape measure will verify that.

The safety thing is to stop the bigger blade from coming out too far.

I bought the 556 in 1989 and while it used it a lot, the 557 is much better. Worth the extra $150 to buy it.