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Biscuit Jointers

As we head back into the fall season, we start to once again give thought to those woodworking projects that we've been putting off in lieu of that great summer weather. Plus, the holidays are right around the corner, and those handmade gifts take time to make, so now is the time to get going. I'd like to discuss in this months column, a tool that over the past few years has become a staple item on all woodworkers workbenches, that being the biscuit jointer.

A biscuit jointer is a tool that is used when looking to join two pieces of material. The way it works is that the machine cuts a slot on the inside of the material, and you insert an oval shaped thin piece of wood more commonly known as the biscuit, into the slot after first coating it with wood glue. You then make the same cut in the second piece that you wanted to join, insert some glue, put the two pieces together, clamp the joint, and you're done. It's as easy as that. You are left with an incredibly secure joint, and one that will give your project the professional look we all desire. Biscuit joining can be used on small craft projects, picture frames, cabinets, even wall units. In fact, it can be used on just about anything you might need to join together.

Lets talk about some of the features. First of all, you will need a tool with power, so the amperage of the motor is important. A tool in the 5 amp or better range will do a good job. You should look for a tool that easily adjusts to the size biscuit you are going to use. The biscuits come in three sizes, "0", "10" and "20". The larger biscuits will prove to be much more versatile around the shop.

All biscuit jointers on the market will make cuts at 90 and 45 degrees. Several models include a tilt fence that will make all the angled cuts with ease. The setting of the angle is usually accomplished with the turn of a knob, set the desired angle, and tighten the knob. The height of the cut is set by loosening either one or two screws in the front of the fence, setting the proper depth, and tightening the screws. This gets tricky on some models, and you are better off with a model that does not require a tool such as an allen key or screwdriver to set the height. Some of the better models also have an anti slip pins on the fence, so that when you push up against the material you are going to cut, you will not slip off of it while making the cut.

Although the Lamello has set the industry standard for many years, others have followed suit with machines that are very close to the same quality and for a fraction of the cost. With that being said, my best of the best goes to Porter Cable model 557. It offers the easiest adjustments, a non-mar sandpaper type front to keep the workpiece from slipping, and offers you the ability to cut a fourth type of biscuit. These smaller biscuits are used for face frame joinery, which also make this model the most versatile on the market today. Next in line is the DeWalt DW682K. It also offers easy adjustability, dust control, with an adjustable fence for a quite a few dollars less than the Porter Cable. For a biscuit joiner that will do the job and not break the bank, look at the Freud JS100 with the adjustable fence and the JS100 with a fixed fence. It's important to note that most applications will not need a tilt base as most joints are accomplished with a 45 degree cut, which all joiners will provide. If you determine that angles are not in your future, save the money and go with a non tilting model, although you are also sacrificing a bit with adjustments and additional features.

As always, if you have questions about this or any other column, please feel free to e-mail me. Speak to you again next month!

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Read previous months' tips:
Cabinet Tablesaws
Slide Compound Miter Saws
Mid-Sized Plunge Routers
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Detail Sanders
Random Orbit Sanders
Brad Nailers
Hammer Drills