Biscuit Joinery Tips and Tricks
Learn how to harness the full potential of your biscuit joiner to produce solid butt joints.
Jul 31, 2013
Part I: Butt Joints with a Biscuit Joint
Be sure to catch Part II for tips on miter joints
Ever since biscuit joiners first came on the scene in the 1980’s, these simple handheld power tools have become a staple in just about every serious DIY or pro cabinet shop in the nation, and there’s a good reason for that. A biscuit joint is a fast, strong, mechanical joint. Add to that the low cost of the machine and you’ve got a real winner. Trouble is, most folks aren’t harnessing the tool’s full potential.
Over the years, Fine Woodworking has covered a whole host of biscuit joiner tips and tricks from furniture pros like Michael Fortune and Tony O’Malley. In our two part video series, Fine Woodworking editor Asa Christiana covers best practices for using your biscuit joiner to produce solid butt joints, as well as top-notch miter joints in face frames and cabinets.
In this video we’ll cover tips for getting the most accurate, consistent cuts from your biscuit joiner, including how to create face frames, cases, shelves, and more that are perfectly aligned and structurally sound.
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Watch Part II: Miters with a Biscuit JointIn Part II of our series, you’ll learn how to use your biscuit joiner to create tight, seamless miter joints for all your cabinetry projects. Once again, Asa Christiana takes you through every step of the process. |
Comments
What a hack, screws really
I'm just learning about biscuits and confused on why you use screws here.
in reply to cndshullaw, biscuits by themselves aren't very strong so the screws help to strengthen the joint. The screws also reduce the need for clamps while the glue dries. On a small case like Asa is making, clamping wouldn't be too difficult but on a large bookcase, it might be difficult to clamp the corners properly.
The screws into the edge of coarse plywood is not reliable. Not advisable to rely on for pulling parts together - clamping.
This is old stuff from Asa's time at the helm, not sure why it's being recycled - it wasn't good six years ago, and is no better today.
TbobeTim had a good question about pocket screws. They aren't really comparable since Asa's screwy idea is effectively going into end grain, and pocket screws pull across the grain.
A good teacher, or skilled biscuit jointer operator would hve noticed and pointed out a a problem with torque creep. If you watch, see when he starts the motor the torque reaction moves the tool off the mark. According to the instruction book I received, the motor should be started before the final alignment to avoid unanticipated movement.
Seems like if you're going to be drilling and countersinking for screws, the pocket screw jig would be simpler and more direct than biscuit jointery. Anyone know about the comparative strength of these two approaches?
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