Replies

1. 
   UnclePablo | Mar 05, 2006 02:49pm | #1

   Dawna,

   It depends where the biscuits are going and what you intend for them to do. For plywood cabinet carcass construction I would space them about 6"-8" on center . For something that isn't necessarily structural but more for alignment like attaching a face frame, I would space them at more like 10"-12" on center. You could use this as a starting point but situations will vary depending on exactly what you are doing.

   Hope this helps.

   -Paul

1. 
   Dave45 | Mar 05, 2006 05:43pm | #2

   There's a never-ending argument about whether biscuits add strength to a joint - or just help with alignment.  I believe that they do both, but I'm sure others will disagree - lol.

   I lay my pieces on the bench and look for places where there's a misalignment and mark those for a biscuit.  Then,  I mark the rest at 8" - 10" spacing.

   If you're making raised panels, make sure your biscuits are at least 2" - 3" away from the final edges.  It's a major "aw shid" if you expose part of a biscuit when you cut the raised panels.  Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt!! - lol.

2. 
   Ricks503 | Mar 05, 2006 08:11pm | #3

   Also depends on thickness of material, you do double biscuits in thicker material.1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

3. 
   Dawna | Mar 05, 2006 10:26pm | #4

   Hi UnclePablo

   Thanks for your response. It certainly does help!

   With the carcas being 72"H x 60"W x 30"D (TV Space 60 x 60 x 30 with a shelving unit 12 x 60 x 30 on top)...would you think that Biscuits will be enough to keep it all together?

   Dawna

1. 
   UnclePablo | Mar 06, 2006 12:22am | #5

   Dawna,

   Wow! That's a sizable unit. Biscuits probably wouldn't be my first choice in that structural application. I think running dadoes in the sides for the shelves to sit in may be stronger. A shoulder or step on the end of the shelf at the joint adds strength. A face frame would help firm-up the front of the cabinet.  At 60" you'll definitely need something to help with rigidity. A back panel made from 3/4" plywood would help in a cabinet that large. You will end up having a joint in the plywood back, a good spot to add structure(vertically).

   Make sure you have help moving that thing around while you work on it and especially at install.

   Good luck,

   -Paul

    

1. 
   Dawna | Mar 13, 2006 09:21pm | #8

   Hi Paul<!----><!----><!---->

   I'm not a "carpenter" by any means and I appreciate the help. I realize that this project is somewhat out of my league, but hey...I'm trying... and things were looking great...until now.<!----><!---->

   I'm using plywood all the way around with a 2'x3' pegboard panel in the back for airflow for the TV. The upper section of the cab looks great and structurally strong, the back panel too. It's all on it's back on the floor, I'm just putting the side panels on (they run the entire height of the cabinet). The right side attaches perfectly to the upper section and the base, but the left side ....Oh My God...it's extremely bowed and twisted. I can't tell you how hard it was to pull it all together. I've only Screwed it up through the base into the side panels at this point. Now that it's all together it appears to have straightened itself out...mostly. There's about a 1/16 of an inch bow to the left "((" at the middle of both side panels. Is this going to give me problems? I'd prefer not to face frame. Do you think that once the doors are attached this will work itself straight?

   Thanks...Donna

1. 
   Dave45 | Mar 14, 2006 05:52am | #9

   Donna -

   If I read your post correctly, your plywood side is messed up - i.e. doesn't align.  If so, don't try to use your doors to hold it in place - that will just mess them up to - lol.

   Can you post a picture of the problem?

2. 
   Ricks503 | Mar 07, 2006 05:19pm | #7

   For the shelves, I would do something other than biscuits

   If they are not structural, you could do adjustable shelves.

   If they are structural, or you just want fixed shelves, I would go with some form of dado - full, stopped, half..) or a sliding dovetail (still a form of dado ).1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

2. 
   joinerswork | Mar 06, 2006 04:41pm | #6

   Dawna,

   I like mine touching, so there's less room for the gravy to run down in between.

   ...Oh, you meant...sorry.

   Cheers,

   Ray Pine