There are differences in how biscuit joiners are adjusted, and some can cut smaller slots for smaller-scale projects, but all the models perform the single basic function of cutting slots for the biscuits. A basic biscuit joiner plus biscuits cost a darn reasonable price for equipment that can make or break your decision to enter the world of furniture building or cabinetmaking. Position the boards exactly how they’ll be joined, then use a square and pencil to mark the biscuit positions.
The base of the biscuit joiner and the panels were against the bench top when the slots were cut, so the joints will line up perfectly. We also show how to cut the biscuit slots off-center so the biscuit will protrude on one side only. Technique 3: Make biscuit joints in thin material Photo 1: Label parts and mark biscuit locations.
“Biscuits can be used to apply edge banding to plywood shelves. They provide a nice aid in aligning the edge banding with the shelf, which will minimize the sanding necessary to achieve a flush surface. I generally use something in the range of 3/4″ x 1-1/4″ material for edge banding to give the shelves a more substantial appearance, and to reinforce the rigidity of the shelf, reducing the chance of the shelf sagging over the years under a load. Position the banding material next to the shelf with both pieces top down on the bench, and draw your biscuit lines. The biscuit slot that is cut for a #20 biscuit is about 2-5/8″ wide, so the centerline for your outside biscuits should be about 1-5/8″ from the edge, leaving you a comfortable 1” margin. “Then, without changing the clamping setup at all, repositioning the biscuit joiner to make plunge cuts into the side member, resting the bottom of the biscuit joiner against the edge of the shelf. Take your time here, holding the biscuit joiner firmly in place. A ¾” shelf does not provide an ideal reference plane for the biscuit joiner, but it is adequate because the tool’s face is also resting solidly on the side member during this operation.
If you lay it out accurately, then the tooling of that will be more accurate and easier to do. Match sides together before tooling to ensure that it will work. Know your tooling techniques and practice with them before you start cutting real stock.
how to use a biscuit joiner to make cabinets Related Question:
Can you use a biscuit joiner for cabinet doors?
These three techniques allow you to make strong, durable cabinets. Biscuit joiners allow you to make solid precise joints, accurate enough to build fine cabinets.
Are biscuit joints stronger than dowels?
When done correctly, a biscuit joint is at least as strong as a similar size mortise and tenon joint, and decidedly stronger than a dowel joint.”
What can you make with a biscuit joiner?
I find a biscuit joint to be great for boxes, drawers, cabinet carcasses, face frames, miters, edge banding, and as a lightweight substitute for mortise and tenon joinery. Nothing beats biscuit joinery when it comes to quick and simple woodworking joints.