How to Build With a Biscuit Joiner
Woodworking has evolved so that even the more seemingly unattainable joints can be secured quickly and easily. For pieces of wood that are too thin for dowel rods, a biscuit joiner can work wonders. A biscuit joiner is essentially a specialized saw made to cut ovoid holes for biscuits--a flat oval disk that is glued into the hole. The process is fast, easy to learn and very effective for the most amateur of woodworkers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Secure the piece of wood to be joined with a table clamp. Make sure the piece is level and fastened so that the wood won't jar when using the biscuit joiner.
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Measure twice, cut once! Make sure the wood is properly marked and even with the other piece of wood to be joined.
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A biscuit joiner works by aligning the saw blade with the line to be cut. Press the joiner down. The saw will push out and cut the wood. Once pressure is relieved, the saw will retract.
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Take the wood biscuit and fit it in the hole to make sure the saw properly cut the biscuit. About half of the biscuit should be above the surface of the wood. Take the biscuit out and apply glue and put the biscuit back in the hole.
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Cut the rest of the holes and repeat with the other piece of wood. When all is cut, fit the piece of wood with the other to make sure the two sit even. Apply glue to fasten both pieces together. Wrap the unified planks of wood with a strap clamp and let sit overnight.
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Tips & Warnings
Biscuit joiners fasten two pieces together, but, in the overall scheme of unity, biscuits are not the strongest. Make sure to cut enough holes for enough biscuits.
The old mantra holds true: measure twice, cut once. If measurement is off just a little, then the two pieces of wood won't fit evenly and might have to be scrapped. Make sure the joiner has a level, even bench to ensure a properly aligned cut. The joiner should sit parallel to the plank and/or the bench.
