In the space of a few seconds, a plate joiner (now more commonly known as a biscuit joiner) cuts matching ovoid slots in mating pieces of wood to accept a thin wood biscuit. The glued joint is very strong, and the process is both fast and accurate.

What Counts:
• Ability of machine to cut slots parallel to fence
• Wobble-free plunge mechanism
• Solid fence mechanism

Lamello’s plate joiner, first developed by the small Swiss company in the late 1960s, proved a revelation for cabinetmakers who had been relying on more traditional but time-consuming joinery techniques. A number of other companies have since followed suit with biscuit joiners of their own and there are now at least 10 to choose from.

Biscuits can be used to align parts in a large glue-up, like a table top, and to assemble case pieces, face frames, drawers, and door and window casing. They are not a replacement for traditional joinery everywhere — they’re not as strong as a conventional tenon for a heavy cabinet door, for instance — but they have made many jobs easier and faster.

All tools created equal
All biscuit joiners work in essentially the same way. A spring-loaded 4-in.-dia. blade emerges from the tool’s housing and cuts a slot when the joiner is pressed against a solid surface, then retracts when pressure is released. Either an adjustable fence or the base of the tool can be used as a reference surface to make sure slots align with each other.

Biscuits are made from pressed beech and are available in three common sizes (0, 10 and 20) as well as an oversized M. A simple turret-style adjuster, which determines the depth of cut, is set for the size of biscuit that will be used. Some biscuit joiners have other settings and can make slots for hinges and, in one case, small #FF biscuits specifically designed for cabinet face-frames.

Even a small misalignment in matching biscuit slots can spell trouble, so the stability and accuracy of the joiner’s fence system is crucial. There should be no unwanted play in the fence, and it should hold its settings firmly under pressure. For an accurate fit, the slot should be exactly parallel with the fence. Prices range from about $120 to nearly $700.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Milwaukee M12 23-Gauge Cordless Pin Nailer

This tool is designed for convenience. The battery and pins are easy to load, and the safety lock operates with the same finger you use to pull the trigger. The depth of set is adjustable, there’s a work light, and there’s a hook for hanging the tool on your toolbelt. A gauge lets you keep track of when you’ll need to recharge.

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Festool Cleantec CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor

The clear winner here is Festool’s CT 48 Dust Extractor. It has amazing capacity relative to its size, and unmatched suction power. It packs in a number of subtle but very helpful design touches, like a clever foot brake and easy hose and cord storage.

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Craftsman Random Orbit Sander

While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.

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