Hi,
This might be a very judgemental question. I’m putting a 1-1/4″ banding around a 48″ x 14″ table top. I am going to use biscuits to join the two. At first I was going to use one on the 14″ length and 3 on the 48″ length. Then that did not look like enough. My question is Can too many biscuits weaken the integrity of the joint? Is there a basic spacing that should be used?
Dan
Replies
My take on biscuits is that, while they do provide some structural strength, for me their primary purpose is joint/edge alignment. I count on a well clamped glue line for strength.
Therefore, my response would be to use only the number that you need to cleanly align the edge strip. Adding more in my case just provides more opportunities to slow down the glueup, and more chances to screw it up.
Mike D
A biscuit every 8" or so is good for alignment if your stock is a little wavy but 10 to 12" inches is good too. Just make sure your stock is thick enough to allow a little hand planning.
You can use a biscuit machine to cut a grove for a spline as well, but this means you have to mill up a spline so it adds a step.
Chaim
Thanks,
I have glued up tops before and am leaving some finishing material. I'm trying the biscuits for an easier way to align the boards. I had them spaced about every 10". So, I think I was in the ball park. Just needed some reassurance on using them, Thanks
Daniel
Yea I hear ya!
Every time I cut or do a glue up I stop...... and think twice and think twice again and.. well you get the picture. A little reassurance from a fellow wood worker can be a good thing! LOL,
Chaim
Putting only one on the 14" length may cause "see-saw" problems when you clamp up. I'd go for 2 here.
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