Replies

1. 
   robkelly1 | Feb 10, 2004 04:57am | #1

   Lamello seems to be much more consistent but they are expensive.

2. 
   tommy2 | Feb 10, 2004 04:56pm | #2

   yes, there is inconsistence in biscuts but could it be some mosture getting into the container. try one of those desciadent packages in the container it may help.

3. 
   rslatm | Feb 10, 2004 07:51pm | #3

   I like Lamello, Kaiser and Virutex biscuits.   Virutex go for $25 a thousand.

   They will ship direct.

   http://virutex.com/id2.html
4. 
   scooter1 | Feb 11, 2004 03:08am | #4

   I put mine in a microwave to reduce moisture content before using them.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

1. 
   ASK | Feb 12, 2004 05:06pm | #7

   Boris,

   How long do you leave them in the microwave? My problem is that the bisquits are too thick for the slot.

   ASK

1. 
   scooter1 | Feb 12, 2004 07:49pm | #10

   30-60 seconds. It causes them to shrink. Works for me.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

1. 
   ASK | Feb 12, 2004 09:25pm | #11

   Boris,

   One more question.

   How much time between microwave and using them.

   10 minutes ? 1 hour? 2 hours? days?

   Thanks

   ASK

1. 
   scooter1 | Feb 12, 2004 09:32pm | #12

   Immediately. They will, of course, be hot.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

2. 
   ASK | Feb 12, 2004 09:59pm | #13

   Boris,

   thanks, I'll try it

   ASK

5. 
   JohnWW | Feb 11, 2004 03:24am | #5

   Brian,

   The usual problem with biscuits is that they are too thick, which some of the posts here have offered suggestions for curing. 

   If the biscuits are loose, the problem may be with the machine because it is cutting too wide of a slot or with how you handle the machine when you take a cut.  If the machine wobbles when you plunge the cutter, the slot will come out oversize.  If the blade is oversized or bent it will cut too wide of a slot.  I once had a machine with a slot cutter blade that was too thick, so it is possible.

   Also, are you aware that the biscuits are made of compressed wood?  The biscuits are supposed to be a bit loose when they are inserted and swell back to their full thickness when they are exposed to the moisture in the glue. 

   John W.

1. 
   AlbionWood | Feb 12, 2004 08:00am | #6

   "...swell back to their full thickness when they are exposed to the moisture in the glue." 

   So what happens when I use them with poly glue?  Anything?

   (Doesn't matter much, in my climate they swell up before I get them into slots, so they are usually tight; and all they are really doing is aligning the parts anyway)"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler."  A. Einstein

   http://www.albionworks.net

1. 
   BBenitez | Feb 12, 2004 05:23pm | #8

   I agree that biscuits are great for aligning parts for glueups but they can do much more. Over the years I built many tables, chairs, beds, etc. with biscuits serving as the only joinery. Since many of my projects involve a southwest look, there is usually plenty of room for the use of biscuits in the joints. Without a doubt, a well done mortise and tenon joint is stronger than a single biscuit joint but can be nearly equaled by joints with multiple biscuits.

   Using two or three biscuits on a joint doubles or triples the glue surface. I have customers for whom I built biscuit joinery projects over a dozen years ago and the pieces are still serving them well.

   Bill

   [email protected]

   "...and all they are really doing is aligning the parts anyway."

2. 
   JohnWW | Feb 12, 2004 05:59pm | #9

   A good question that I don't know the answer to, but my guess is that the biscuits don't swell up when using poly glues since they don't contain water.

   John W.

1. 
   Bill5507 | Feb 13, 2004 12:43am | #14

   You are right in that the bisquits will not swell because of the lack of water in poly glues.  You could moisten the biscuits before applying poly glue which will help the biscuit expand as well as help the bonding capabilities of the poly glue.

   Bill

1. 
   Elcoholic | Feb 13, 2004 06:28am | #15

   I'll second that.  Since poly only goes on one side of the bond, I poly the slot and mist the biscuit right before assy.  This ensures the poly will go off.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne