Replies

1. 
   [email protected] | May 01, 2007 10:55pm | #1

   This topic came up within the last month, try a search. 

   The only thing I remember seeing was an article a few years back in one of the magazines, where they tested biscuits from various manufacturers for consistency and quality.  At that time the Porter Cable biscuits were rated the best.  They're the only ones I have ever used, and I haven't had too many problems with them.   

1. 
   tom77 | May 02, 2007 01:48am | #3

   Thanks for the input.

   Tom.

2. 
   hammer1 | May 02, 2007 01:18am | #2

   Yes, there can be a big difference. I think Lamello and Festool are at the top end. I use PC since I have large boxes of them and don't use them often. They can vary but I don't find many that have to be tossed. Keeping them in a moisture proof container makes sense for any biscuit, regardless of where you live.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   tom77 | May 02, 2007 01:49am | #4

   Thanks for the information.

   Tom.

3. 
   TrueGentleman | May 02, 2007 01:52am | #5

   I agree with you.  But i a am not a fan of biscuts and use the old fasion dowles.  It works for me and like it.

   Rich

    

4. 
   ring | May 02, 2007 07:58am | #6

   I've sworn off cheap biscuits forever and use only Lamello.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   tom77 | May 02, 2007 04:12pm | #8

   David,

   Thanks for your input.  Hope your big project is going well.

   Tom.

5. 
   RickL | May 02, 2007 02:26pm | #7

   Lamello are the best  and PC are the worst. Used to work for a tool dealer and after many complaints we only stocked the Lamello.

1. 
   tom77 | May 02, 2007 04:13pm | #9

   Rick,

   Thanks for your input.

   Tom.

1. 
   74extiger | May 03, 2007 03:34am | #10

   When I bought my Lamello BJ on eBay, I borrowed a sampling of biscuits from my friend, the owner of a high-end cabinet shop near Beverly Hills. He only uses Lamello biscuits because the quality control is so high. I've just started using them, and am very pleased with the strength of the joints made.Gary Curtis
   Northern Calif.

1. 
   tom77 | May 03, 2007 06:11am | #11

   To all who contributed to this thread:  Thanks for your help.  I found a source for Lamello biscuits on Amazon.com.  They sell them for about $32 per thousand, regardless of size.

   Tom.

6. 
   billballeza | May 03, 2007 11:43pm | #12

   Biscuit wafers invariably will pick up moisture and swell.. sometimes beyond use as you have experienced.

   What I do is put them on a paper towel and pop them in the microwave for 45 seconds.. then use them immediately.

   I only microwave 6 or 8 at a time because the moisture from too many moisture laden biscuits will cause too much condensation in the oven and keep the biscuits from drying.

   I use PC biscuits and they all have to be microwaved after the first time you open the plastic jar.

   As for quality.. small fissures or cracks will not make any difference because the glue swells them up in the joint.

   It's also important to vacuum each and every biscuit slot you cut before trying to insert the wafer.

   You can also coax stubborn ones into the slot with a rubber or dead blow mallet. Just be careful of the glue that might come squirting out if you ran a bead into the slot.

   Bill

7. 
   Telemike | May 05, 2007 09:55am | #13

   If the biscuit is too thick to fit the slot, put it into a metal working vise and crank it tight. You'll squash the biscuit but it'll swell up again in the joint locking it.