Forum topic by Floyd Hall | posted 02-26-2018 08:16 PM | 1984 views | 1 time favorited | 32 replies | ![]() |
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02-26-2018 08:16 PM |
Topic tags/keywords: jig router biscuit joiner Hi folks, Trying to decide if I need to go buy a biscuit joiner or if I should just go ahead and try it with a router. I don’t anticipate using a biscuit joiner much, but I do have a job it would be good for right now. Any jigs out there? Any thoughts? Floyd |
32 replies so far
#1 posted 02-26-2018 08:22 PM |
If you already have a router, a 4mm (or 5/32”) slot cutter will make a biscuit slot. No jig necessary, but you could make a jig to limit the length of the slot if you wish. -- Jerry, making sawdust professionally since 1976 |
#2 posted 02-26-2018 08:23 PM |
I’d also go with the slot cutter. -- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress. |
#3 posted 02-26-2018 08:27 PM |
The joiners are more versatile than a router, You can get round Lamello biscuits that go Cheaper plate joiners may be frustrating to use. |
#4 posted 02-26-2018 08:45 PM |
Yeah, I got one already, that’s why I was thinking about it. Just not sure how to steady the router. Floyd
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#5 posted 02-26-2018 08:48 PM |
A Makita just came up on CL, but he wants a little too much for it. The reviews suggest a DeWalt or a Porter Cable, but I’ve become frustrated with my Porter Cable tools over time. And slippage seems to be the main issue. Anyway, I was thinking about just trying the router for now and maybe look at a Festool when I’ve died and gone to heaven. Floyd
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#6 posted 02-26-2018 11:09 PM |
Before the biscuit cutters became available I used a slot cutter on my router and cut my own biscuits. In some cases I cut the slot almost the complete length of the boards I was joining and either inserted several biscuit size pieces at points along the slot or used a full length piece of plywood or masonite that filled the entire slot. You could also make slots using your table saw. Be aware that biscuits do not add much strength to the joint but primarily keep the boards aligned, particularly during the glue up process. -- Les B, Oregon |
#7 posted 02-26-2018 11:22 PM |
Yeah I was thinking about using 1/4i plywood splines and cutting the slots with a slot cutter on a router. What I’ doing is building a work table with 1 1/4i. So I was thinking about two splines. I would like to attach 6/4 hickory aprons around the table top. I do need it to be pretty sturdy. Floyd
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#8 posted 02-27-2018 01:16 AM |
If you want a relatively cheap alternative, Harbor Freight’s biscuit joiner isn’t too bad at all. Most of the plastic parts that had complaints in the past were fixed and replaced with cast aluminum. There is some play, but very manageable. Just need to buy a better cutter. I bought Freud’s and it works like a charm for me. My 2 cents for a once-in-a-while tool. |
#9 posted 02-27-2018 04:36 AM |
Depends on your approach. A dedicated tool like a biscuit joiner is set up and with an adjustment for depth and setting the fence ready to go. Using your router if you have only one means changing the bit and doing the other set up process. Doing splines or half splines get the job done. All of these methods get the job done. Each has pros and cons so it boils down to which would you rather have. I have a biscuit joiner, and no I do not use it all that regularly but when needed it is set up and ready to go. Like many others I have several routers, some set up for certain work and also have a router table. -- Live to tell the stories, they sound better that way. |
#10 posted 02-27-2018 05:45 AM |
Hmm.. If you have never used biscuit construction on a project before, suggest you try using router with 5/32 slot cutter and bearing. Unless you snag a porter or dewalt biscuit joiner from Craigslist cheap (which happens often), router method is cheapest method to determine if you need/want/like using biscuits. You mention joining 5/4 top to 6/4 apron? -- If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all, - Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign released 1967 |
#11 posted 02-27-2018 06:17 AM |
I was thinking about two 1/4i plywood splines or maybe one 1/4 spline and a second series of biscuits. I could use a cross-cut sled and cut both biscuit slots at the same time so they match up. Floyd |
#12 posted 02-28-2018 05:46 AM |
If you haven’t seen this Lamello Video it is worth watching |
#13 posted 02-28-2018 05:54 AM |
Get the biscuit joiner. I use a few biscuits on most projects, and it’s super handy. -- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush |
#14 posted 02-28-2018 06:09 AM |
In the 80s and 90s the woodworking magazines There’s a mistaken idea going around that biscuits |
#15 posted 02-28-2018 06:24 AM |
Loren has made the point above. Biscuits do improve joint strength in many cases, as he explained. I still use my very old Ryobi biscuit jointer for quite a few projects. I’m very happy to have it and use it. Maybe I should consider and compare it to a current model like a Dewalt, or similar. -- Jim, Houston, TX |
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