Replies

1. 
   Madison's_dad | Feb 03, 2001 11:31pm | #1

   *
   Hi Peter
   I have used a number of diferant biscuit jointers, I have the Lamello classic it cost about $320, $120 more than the PC but it is worth every dime and I will be using it for years to come unless I get the Top 20 $600 ouch. As to the FF when I started we nailed them on. :) most of the time the biscuits are to big for mid rails ( min of 2")so I use a dowel or a screws through the side. Have you thought about a pocket screws.
   Chris

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Feb 04, 2001 05:56pm | #2

   *Peter,FWIW. I do a ton of face frame cabinets. The face frame is a structural component and good joinery, especially on the hinge side, is, IMO, important. Having said that, you are better off using mortise and tenon. The least expensive way to go is by hand, but a little time consuming. The other alternative would be to use a router since you have very limited space. The router can also be used for your dados and grooves. If you get a good quality plunge router, you will have a tool that has almost unlimited uses for 2/3 to 1/2 the cost of a specialized tool.Dano

1. 
   Don_Stephan | Feb 05, 2001 01:52am | #3

   *Drilling and chopping mortises would require a small workbench. A router also could be used with a small bench and good clamping system, but will throw sawdust everywhere. Pocket screws, based on other posts, apparently more than strong enough and can be made with Rocket jig and drill. Requires that you either not be bothered by the appearance on the back side, or use the special filler plugs (available in very limited wood selection).

1. 
   Tom_LeRoy | May 20, 2001 05:13am | #4

   *Having done cabinet face frames with mortise and tenon in the past, when I tackled this most recent set of 16 I switched to a biscuit jointer for the face frames (due to time). Given the stresses of the hinge side and the small face frame sized biscuits of the PC--I doubled them up (front to back). The fence does have a very big issue that is completely easy to fix by using a 10$ shim that I found out about over the net. It allows the face of the plate jointer and the fence to be oriented in the same plane. (Can't remember the name of the company but I remember I "searched" copper and shim I believe and that got me to it. When it comes to the doors on the other hand, IMO mortise and tenon is the only way to go if you are building something that you want to last beyond the short cycle of kitchen "fashion"Good luck!

1. 
   CStanford_ | May 20, 2001 07:42pm | #5

   *You're working inside your apartment right? I'd try the Beadlock loose tenon system (WAY stronger than biscuit joinery). The only noise will be the sound of a cordless drill running for a few seconds on each joint.

2. 
   Ron_Teti | May 21, 2001 05:08am | #6

   *I agree with Don you cannot go wrong with pock holes check out the kreg pocket hole system it'll run you about 139 bucks for the complete system including screws. I just got done reconmending it to a friend as the tool to have