How to Use a Biscuit Joiner

Using a biscuit joiner to cut slots in wood pieces and join them together, is both easy to do and provides a strong bond. The biscuit joiner, also known as a plate joiner, cuts the slots longer than the biscuits and is successful for joining a variety of joints. This allows for a less than accurate cut, while still being able to achieve an accurate, good-looking joint. Read on to learn how to use a biscuit joiner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two wood boards, to join together
• Biscuit joiner
• Wood glue
• Number 10 wood biscuit
• Wood clamps

Make the Cuts

1. Align the wood boards together in the way that they will be secured by the joint.

2. Draw a 'V' across the top of both boards where the joint will be cut.

3. Use the 'V' to measure exactly where the biscuit joiner will cut. Mark both boards in the exact same spot on the top of the board. This will ensure you get a precise cut on both boards.

4. Set the depth on the biscuit joiner to the number 10 wood biscuit size.

5. Align the biscuit joiner with the cut marks and make the cuts on both pieces of wood.

Glue the Joint

6. Apply wood glue to all the slots cut by the biscuit joiner. Make sure the whole slot is covered in glue.

7. Insert the number 10 wood biscuits into only one of the joint sides. Wipe off any excess glue that comes out of the slots.

8. Complete the joint, by fitting the board that does not have the biscuits, into the other board that does have the biscuits.

9. Wipe off any excess glue that comes out of the slots.

10. Clamp the joint until the glue is dry. Read the wood glue manufacture label for drying times.

11. Remove the clamps and the joint is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are making a large joint, consider using two biscuits about 8 to 10 inches apart. You can add as many as you need to accommodate the joint size.

Resources

• Biscuit Joiners Information on Woodzone.com