Make a Biscuit Joint

Biscuit joints are a method for gluing boards together along their edges to create a wider slab or plank without screwing or splicing them. This technique is used for making tabletops, furniture, and cabinets, and although it requires special tools, it is within the reach of most hobby woodworkers in a home woodshop.

Steps

1. Gather the tools and materials you will need for the project. It is very helpful to have a good, flat, sturdy workbench for this woodworking operation. Briefly, you will need at least the following:
   • A plate jointer, also known as a biscuit jointer.
   • A saw.
   • Measuring tape.
   • Square.
   • Wood glue/ Carpenter's glue.
   • Clamps.
   • Lumber.
2. Select lumber of similar thickness. You can laminate lumber together of differing thicknesses if only one side will be visible, or if you have access to a power plane, but ideally, you will begin with sized, square material of the same thickness.
3. Edge and size the boards so they fit snugly together along their edges. If a beaded look is desired, a rounded edge common in nominal lumber is acceptable, as seen in the scrap material used for the illustrations.
4. Mark the location of the biscuits to be glued between the boards. Generally, the distance between biscuits will determine how strong the finished plank will be, and thinner lumber will hold better if the spacing is kept to a minimum. One inch nominal lumber joins fairly well at a twelve inch biscuit spacing, two inch lumber can be cut at sixteen to eighteen inches on center with good results.
5. Set the cutting depth of the plate jointer. For single row biscuits, you will want to place the joints at the center of the board's edge, for double rows, cut each row at one third of the boards thickness.
6. Cut the biscuit slots with the plate jointer. Make sure the lumber is secured or held tightly, as considerable force is required to push the blade into the work piece.
7. Clean out the biscuit slots to remove Make Fire Starters from Egg Cartons or debris.
8. Fill the slot about one fourth full of a good quality wood glue. Press the precut biscuits into the slot, and notice if excess glue runs over its edges. This excess can end up on the finished surface of your work, making it almost impossible to stain uniformly later if you desire to do so.
9. Spread a small amount of glue along the edge of the board you are mating to the one you have inserted the biscuits into. Fill the respective biscuit slots one fourth full as you go.
10. Fit the two boards together and make sure they are properly aligned. Then clamp them tightly and allow the glue to dry.
11. Sand or plane down the finished side of your laminated plank when the glue has completely dried.

Tips

• Be sure to have the fence of the biscuit joiner flat to ensure proper fitting of the two joining pieces. Failure to do so will result in an uneven surface of the two pieces of joined wood.
• Keep biscuits dry, as they can absorb moisture and swell before use.
• Choose an appropriate sized biscuit for the dimension of the lumber you are using.
• Use a quality wood or carpenter's glue for good results.
• Clamps can be improvised using wood blocks and wedges.
• It is highly recommended to use Titebond 3 for applications involving moisture or for outdoor projects. Titebond 2 will work just the same, just without the "waterproof" part of it.
• To help with sanding your project, it is recommended that you WIPE off the glue while it is still wet with a damp cloth, like an old T-shirt! This helps prevent over-sanding as well.
• Keep glue off of finished surfaces if the project is to be stained.

Warnings

• Plate jointers have a high speed wood cutting blade which is concealed except during use, so keep fingers away from the cutting head when in use.
• Keep your work area clean and make sure it is well lit.
• Wear safety glasses when using woodworking power tools.

Things You'll Need

• Plate jointer
• Saw
• Clamps
• Biscuits
• Glue
• Lumber
• Tape measure
• Square

Related Articles

• Inlay Wood
• Join Two Materials Together
• Use a Power Miter Saw
• Build a Kitchen Table
• Build a Fishing Chair
• Build a Saw Horse

See also

• Install Wood Dowel Joints
• Read a Click Type Foot Pound Torque Wrench
• Use a Torque Wrench
• Caulk Around a Toilet
• Refill a Stapler
• Glue Acrylic
• Install Grommets
• Use a Glue Gun
• Use a Wood Lathe
• Glue Glass

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