Replies

1. 
   mike_b | Jul 25, 2006 02:10pm | #1

   A biscuit, or plate joiner is a nice tool to have, but by no means essential. I find that I use mine less and less -- but it's still nice to have on occasion. If I were just getting started in woodworking, a biscuit joiner would be way down on my list of tools to buy.

   I've never used a Lamello, but from what I've heard, it's the most precise, well made machine available -- but you'll pay for the privilege of owning one. I have a Porter Cable which I like and it does the job quite well.

2. 
   Knotscott | Jul 25, 2006 02:40pm | #2

   Hi Steve - I've got a DeWalt that's been very good, though it has somewhat less capability than the PC. That said, I used it at first, but now find it collecting dust more and more. As Mike stated, it's not an essential tool. I seldom even use biscuits now, and they're pretty easy with a router. Knowing what I know now I'd be inclined to use the money elsewhere.

3. 
   9619 | Jul 25, 2006 03:34pm | #3

   C.B.,
   You got good advice from the initial responses. No one needs a biscuit joiner. I have a Porter Cable and it works fine. You can use it for face frames, for putting in shelves, etc etc etc. You can also use it for quickly and easily cutting the slots in the corners of a mitered box so that you can insert "keys". But you don't need one. You can build the tables and corner cupboards without one.

   You didn't say what tools you already have. If you don't have a tablesaw, that is where I would start. A router is good to have. But if you really wanted to, you build the tables and cupboards with nothing more than a handsaw, hammer, drill, screwdriver, and sandpaper, and no electricity.

   If you have a table saw and a router, do you know how to really make use of them? You asked about spline joints? For what? You can make a table and corner cupboard without spline joints.

   There is a great book by Bill Hylton called "Country Pine Projects:Projects you can make with the table saw and router". It has good clear easy instructions. It has plans for a corner cupboard and for tables and much more. You can buy it on Amazon. They have it "used" for $5.86 plus about $3.50 shipping. I recommend it highly.

   When you are finished with your projects, please post photos. Can't wait to see what you make.
   Enjoy.
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   user-165082 | Jul 25, 2006 06:36pm | #4

   Thanks for the input. I do have a table saw,router drill press, bandsaw, and a miter saw and some other small tools. I was told that when you build a hanging corner cuoboard that you must use a spline joint or a biscuit joiner is that so? or is there another way if so could you let me no please.

    

   thanks Steve

1. 
   RodWolfy | Jul 26, 2006 11:07am | #5

   Steve,

   I have the PC. If you want one, that's the one I'd get. That being said, I probably wouldn't buy one right off. I found that pocket holes are a lot faster for face frames and don't require the use of clamps. I've taken to making my cabinets with them sometime back and haven't looked back. As far as table tops, you don't really need biscuits to align the joints. As long as you're carefull at glueup and/or use cauls over and under, then you can keep the pieces flat.

   I don't understand your question about the corner cabinet. What do you need the biscuits for? You can mount the shelves to the sides in dados.

   Rod

1. 
   user-165082 | Jul 26, 2006 11:58am | #6

   Hi Rod,

   Tris will be the first time I'll be building a corner cuoboard (hanging). I'll be useing a 221/2 bevel for the backs. I don't no what stiles are that Dusty is talking about as you can read the feed back on this subject. I sure can use some help on this I would like to build one for my wife. I'm trying to learn but I can see now ther is a lot to learn.

   thanks Steve

1. 
   RodWolfy | Jul 26, 2006 09:18pm | #9

   Steve,

   You can use what's called a spline joint. It's simple to make or you can use glue if it's a long grain connection. The problem with the glue joint is that it is very hard to clamp a 22.5 angle. That's where the spline joint comes handy. It's made using your tablesaw.

   First, you'll cut your 22.5 angle on each piece of wood that you want to join. Then you'll cut a kerf or dado along the edge (If you look up some books at the library or maybe an online search will show this better than I can explain). You'll do this on your tablesaw. What you were looking at the biscuit joiner for was to put biscuits along this edge to keep them from sliding apart. Instead, you cut a saw kerf along the same edge that's maybe 3/8" deep (on 3/4" material) on each side and about the width of a 1/4" plywood (just shy of 1/4"). Try to keep the kerf cut to the inside edge so that it doesn't cut out the material in the back (just inside the corner is best). Then, you'll cut a piece of 1/4" plywood that's almost 3/4" wide to glue into both of the kerfs to make the joint reinforced.

   I hope this was kind of clear. Then you still have the problem of holding the joint while the glue dries. Try some masking tape across the joint about every 6" apart, going up the workpieces.

   I forgot to check how familiar you are with cabinet building. If you're not that familiar, I hope you get yourself a good book. There are a lot of them at the library to review. I didn't know if you were working from a book or from scratch... Maybe if you let me know what or where your plans were from I could help more. If the cabinet is to go into a corner and it's hanging, I'll assume that it's going into a corner with a 90 degree angle. You might be better off just doing a regular 90 degree joint and making the cabinet deeper. With one 22.5 joint, you'll get a 45 degree joint and then need a second one for the other side? You'll have a certain amount of deadspace in back.

   But, also make sure that you have a couple of "cleats" in the cabinet for support, if the cabinet is going to 'hang'. If you want, you can email me [email protected].

   Rod

   Edited 7/26/2006 2:29 pm ET by RodWolfy

4. 
   wchips | Jul 26, 2006 05:44pm | #7

   Hi Chief Bull

       I have a Dewalt and a PC  the PC is better but the Dewalt is good too. I have a custom cabinet  and furniture shop .I use them quite a bit for face frames and aligning boards that are to be glued up.

      Have a nice day Lee

1. 
   user-165082 | Jul 26, 2006 07:59pm | #8

   Hi Lee,

   Thanks for the information. I'm trying to build a corner cabinet and thing are not going well. I'm trying to learn the real trouble is doing the back of the cabinet the back and the 2 sides of the cabinet. O was wondering could you mybe give me some input on this subject.

   thanks Steve