OK, maybe I’m going to ask an obvious question but that is what I do, being a new kid on the block here. I am in the process of my first finished woodworking project, replacing crappy end tables/coffee table tops in my living room with maple 1X6s glued together, sanded, and routered with a roundover bit. I finished my first end table top (first time ever doing this) and I am amazed at how good it feels and looks. Haven’t stained it yet, in fact, my wife is going to be doing the staining.
I didn’t use any biscuits, just glue, and it appears to be very solid. From what I understand, gluing boards together ends up with a very strong joint. When is the determination made to use biscuits or some other type of joiner (dowels)? If this method comes out so strong, as I have heard on this board, then why would anyone want to use biscuits or dowels?
I’d love to hear from the wisdom of the group here and, in your experience, when you have used biscuits in lieu of simply joining with glue? Thanks..
Regards,
Buzzsaw
Replies
Lots of different opinions on this. I only use biscuits or glue lock joints when the stock being glued is very long or bowed along it's length. Helps to align everything when clamping up. When done correctly, a long grain glue joint is stronger than the wood.
Not so with butt joints, where end grain is being glued. You should always use some kind of strengthening on those.
Get a copy of Taige Frid Teaches Woodworking: Book I, Joinery.
the only reason I use biscuits on table tops is to help it stay lined up when gluing them up.
Custom Cabinetry and Furniture
http://www.BartlettWoodworking.com
Gecko,
Along the lines of my current project, I will be doing a glue-up of a 4'X2' coffee table top and I wasn't planing on using biscuits but I will be using cauls to keep the top in line at the joints as well as pipe clamps to actually join the boards. I was not planning on using biscuits. I'm thinking that maybe with a top of this length that it may not glue-up well without the biscuits but I'll find out...Thanks
Regards,
Buzzsaw
I've glued up plenty of panels using the curved cauls. About 1/8" curve over 36" caul. With maple cauls you can get away with less than a softer wood. Never use bisquits and I've glued up 4' x 8' panels single handed with no alignment problems. 4' x 2' is a piece of cake.
Thanks Rick. I use a straight caul. Does the convex side of your caul bow toward the outside of the panel or the inside?
Having said what you said, why even use biscuits? Thanks...Regards,
Buzzsaw
)I( Tip diagram sideways. Bow in toward panel top and bottom caul. Make uniform rectangular cauls and bandsaw a slight curve and rout it or sand to shape. Basically it pinches the panel in the middle to keep it all lined up. A straight caul doesn't work as well you will find. It's important all cauls be exatly the same for consistency. Lay plastic or something between so glue doesn't stick.
Edited 2/13/2004 2:28:36 PM ET by Rick at Arch. Timber and Millwork
Thank you Rick...Good tip...Regards,
Buzzsaw
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled