- The simplest joint to create is the edge-to-edge joint. Lay the two pieces of wood with their edges touching and align them according to your plans. Measure the locations for the biscuits and make a pencil mark across the seam and onto both boards. This ensures the biscuits will align with the slots during assembly. This method is suitable for large panels like desk tops or desk side panels.
- A butt joint is where the edge of one board butts against the side of another board. To mark a corner butt joint, lay the board being butted against and measure the spacing. Mark the centers for the slots and then transfer those marks to the other board. You can lay the board on top of the other and align the edges to do the transfer, but it is more accurate to clamp the board in place and then transfer the marks. For a partition, or "T" joint, you should mark the location of the panel and then align the edge of the partition with the mark and clamp it into place. Now you can make the marks once, on the partition, and use the joiner both horizontally and vertically at the same mark to cut matching slots in both the panel and the partition.
- Miter joints are when two boards come together at an angle. The biscuits in this case are perpendicular to the joint edge. Most miter joints will be 45-degree cuts making a 90-degree angle. It is easier to use a biscuit joiner with an adjustable fence, but you can use a makeshift guide to support the joiner at the necessary angle. If you do not have an adjustable fence, you can clamp the boards together to mark and cut your slots. The long sides should be together, creating a point at the angled edges.
