Biscuits
I have a question about slotting for small framing “H” biscuits. This buscuit is well suited for small frames. I picked up a cutter with the “H” biscuits as a set from MLCS. The cutter can only be used by moving the piece back and forth to make the slot long enough for the biscuit. The cutter is about 1 1/4 dia x 1/8, the cutter should be closer to the radius of the biscuit which would be about 1 1/2 R or 3 in. dia I wanted a cutter that you could just move the part in to the correct depth and the length would be also correct. I cant find a 1/8 cutter that is close to 3in dia. I have checked a number of cataloges but still cant find this cutter. Need help.
Redbob
Replies
What you are describing is a biscuit joiner.
The Porter Cable version comes with a smaller cutter (as an included accessory, I think) that can be used instead of the conventional biscuit cutter.
I have the PC, but have never used the smaller cutter, which is intended to accommodate 1 1/2" face frames, so I am guessing the biscuits are about 1 1/4" diameter.
Nikkiwood
Thank you for your info. I will check Porter Cable for their cutter.
Redbob
Look at Sears ... they carry the PC plate jointer so you can scope it out while you also check out the more-specialized Craftsman Face Frame plate jointer ( sold only at Sears ).
This FF jointer cuts biscuit slots in three (small) sizes. Strangely enough, they're called R1, R2 and R3 -- I think those stand for tiny, a bit bigger and small :-) The cutter is made by Ryobi, but it's actually a darned decent tool (considering its pedigree). I bought one a couple of years back mostly because it seemed "neat" and "kinda sorta cool". I've used that thing quite a bit and have actually been grateful for the impulse purchase. (OK, OK, yes. It was a planned purchase, but you know how that goes...)
My point is that IF you're primarily looking at making smaller biscuit joints (aka Face Frame), just buy the Craftsman FF biscuit jointer for less than half the price of the Porter Cable. I'll let others fill in on the "On the Other Hand" argument :-)-- Steve
Enjoy life & do well by it;
http://www.ApacheTrail.com/ww/
On the other hand ........... then you have a Sears tool laying around your shop. BTW, I have one of those Ryobi's for small biscuits and find it very useful on occasion. I'm surprised no one else has come out with such a tool. Mine must be about 10 years old.
I got my Ryobi Biscuiter free. It was a choice between that and 2 other items that was part of a "Purchase $X amount and get your choice of a free ..." promotion. Glad I picked that little thing. It's come in very handy for small box and picture frame projects.
I love the smell of sawdust in the morning.
Pulzger
Thank you for the information. That's just the tool that I need.
Redbob
Golly, you are welcome -- and thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.
Have a great time with that little tool!-- Steve
Enjoy life & do well by it;
http://www.ApacheTrail.com/ww/
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