Biscuit joiners

1- Handle
The handle provides a secure grip and accurate control.

2- Blade lock button
This button locks the blade and prevents it from rotating during blade changes.

3- Motor housing
The motor, usually around 6.5 A (depending on model), rotates up to 10,000 times a minute. The motor housing also acts as a grip to push the tool forward to cut the slot.

4- On/Off switch
This switch turns the machine on or off. On some models, it is designed to turn the power off more quickly in an emergency.

5- Angle adjustment locking lever
This lever locks the fence at the angle shown on the scale, so as to cut slots in the edges of pieces cut at an angle. The fence can be tilted from 0 to 90°.

6- Angle scale
Shows the angle of the fence in relation to the height stop.

7- Fence height adjustment knob
Not only can the fence be tilted but it can also be adjusted in height, up to approximately 1 ¼". The height is indicated on a scale that begins in the centre of the thickness of the blade. On some machines, the fence must be adjusted manually and then locked with a lever. Other models have a knob that moves the fence up a rack and pinion system.

8- Horizontal centre mark
Indicates the horizontal centre of the blade, i.e. the centre of its thickness.

9- Anti-slip bumpers
These bumpers prevent the tool from slipping on the surface of the wood when cutting, which provides greater accuracy.

10- Blade
The blade, or cutting disc, remains inside the tool when not in use. Connected to a spring mechanism, it moves out of its slot when the body of the tool is pushed towards the workpiece, then retracts automatically. The blade usually has 6 to 8 teeth.

11- Adjustable height fence
The fence can be adjusted in height or angle. It rests on the top of the workpiece, keeping the tool steady and placing it at the right height for cutting into the wood. It also has markings for easy alignment with marks made on the workpiece.

12- Cutting width mark
Indicates the width of the blade when it is fully exposed. Makes it easier to estimate the spacing required between biscuits.

13- Vertical centre mark
Indicates the vertical centre of the blade, i.e. the centre of its axis.

14- Height adjustment locking lever
This lever locks the fence at the desired height.

15- Cutting depth adjustment knob
The cutting depth can be adjusted according to the size of biscuit used (biscuits come in different sizes). The depth is adjusted by turning the knob and a fine-adjustment screw, as needed. The cutting depth varies from 8 mm to 12.3 mm for the most common sizes of biscuit. It may go up to 22 mm if using specialty cutting blades.

16- Direction-of-rotation arrow
This arrow engraved on the tool shows the direction of rotation of the blade.

17- Dust collection bag
A dust bag or workshop vacuum can be attached to the dust collection port on the side of the tool, to collect debris while cutting.

18- Attachment plate (not shown)
On some models, the base plate is designed to be screwed onto a workbench. Using it as a stationary tool in this way allows you to cut slots in a big stack of pieces using jigs.

• The biscuit joiner is a useful tool for any do-it-yourselfer who wants to make invisible woodworking joints quickly and simply. Biscuit joinery is especially practical for cabinetmaking applications, such as frames, cupboard doors, small cabinets and table tops.
• Biscuit joints alone are usually strong enough to ensure a sturdy structure, but sometimes they are used to pre-assemble pieces that are then strengthened further with brackets.
• All biscuit joiners are capable of performing the same tasks with the same level of efficiency, regardless of the brand or price.
• An entry-level model will therefore be sufficient for a one-time project or occasional use. For frequent or professional use, a higher-quality, more expensive model is recommended, since it will be more durable.
• The few slight differences between the various models concern the ease with which the various parts can be adjusted and the level of precision of adjustment. The rack and pinion fence is one example. Such adjustment details are important to take into consideration if the tool will be used often and a high level of accuracy is required.
• High-end machines are made of lighter materials – a definite plus if you plan to use the tool for lengthy periods.

A biscuit joiner can be used to make a variety of invisible joints quickly and accurately. Some of these include (cross-sectional views):

90-degree corner joint
Ideal for joining pieces that will be pulled in a specific direction, the typical example being a drawer.

Mitre corner joint
The advantage of this type of joint is that it provides a clean finish – ideal when building pieces of furniture, boxes, chests, etc.

Butt joint and widening joint
Used to join pieces end to end (butt) or edge to edge (widening), for example when making table tops.

Frame joint
Makes a solid, professional-looking joint.

T-joint
Used to attach a shelf or central section to a piece of furniture.

 

Must haves:

• Biscuits: For a strong joint, use the largest size of biscuit possible for the thickness of the wood. The three most common sizes are:
  • #0: for pieces 8 - 12 mm thick
  • #10: for pieces 12 - 15 mm thick
  • #20: for pieces over 15 mm thick

If the wood is more than 25 mm thick, make two slots, one above the other, and use two biscuits. 

• Glue

Nice to have:

• Clamps, to hold the jointed pieces together