Replies

1. 
   Pondfish | May 02, 2007 12:56am | #1

   I've done it: you just don't use biscuits. If you have a good edge joint, glue will be sufficient to bond the boards together.

   The top in the attached photo was 1/4"; other panels were as thin as 1/8", since this was a competition to build something out of a defined (and small) stack of materials.  Even at only 1/4" thick, it was still enough to bevel.  It's plenty solid and I have had no problems with joint failures.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005

   
2. 
   RMillard | May 02, 2007 12:59am | #2

   Biscuits are unnecessary in any edge joint. Properly prepared glue joints are always stronger than the surrounding wood, so there won't be any problems with your 1/4" glue up.

   I use two different methods to glue up thin panels. One is to plane the common spring joint, and use clamps and cauls (while I find the use of cauls in thicker glue ups of dubious value, they are important with thin stock, as the clamping pressure wants to pop the boards out of the clamps).

   The other is to plane the joints for a prefect fit along its full length, and use hot hide glue, rubbing the joints together;I do this quite often for drawer bottoms, and have yet to have a failure. This method obviously has some limitation as to the length that is practical, with about 24"-32" being the maximum.

   Rob Millard

   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com

3. 
   Napie | May 02, 2007 04:04am | #3

   I never use biscuits on edge joints at all, no matter the thickness of the material.  They serve no purpose.

    

4. 
   mwenz | May 02, 2007 11:52am | #4

   You can probably see how I do thin panels from the linked picture. Actually, I do a lot of thicker panels this way as well.

   The picture shows 1/8" thick edge glue ups which after all the pieces were glued became thick veneers for the doors, drawer fronts, side and back panels for a credenza. Just don't use more pressure than necessary.

   http://wenzloffandsons.com/temp/credenza/credenza_0055.jpg

   Take care, Mike

1. 
   DustyGeorge | May 03, 2007 12:20am | #7

   Mike,

   Pretty neat glue up.  At first I wondered what was applying the edge to edge pressure.  Then I realized the upright boards were actually paired wedges.  I will have to remember that technique.

   Thanks, GeorgeYou don't stop laughing because you grow old.  You grow old because you stop laughing. - Michael Pritchard<!----><!----><!---->

   <!----><!---->

5. 
   MikeHennessy | May 02, 2007 02:47pm | #5

   Luthiers do it all the time. A guitar top is less than 1/4" and is generally a hide glue rubbed joint. They seem to hold up pretty well.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

6. 
   terrylee86 | May 02, 2007 04:10pm | #6

   Finally people are stating the facts about edge gluing.  Biscuits serve no purpose in an edge joint.  If you say you are using it to align the boards use straighter material.  Biscuits and dowels actually weaken an properly prepared edge joint.  A spline in  certain conditions will be acceptable but biscuits can actually show up in the finished surface of some woods.

1. 
   blewcrowe | May 03, 2007 02:33pm | #10

   I find that biscuits have enough slop that they do not really align glue panels anyway. They will get you in the neighborhood, but that's about it, in my experience.

1. 
   KUBasswood | May 03, 2007 02:50pm | #11

   Thanks to everyone for your insightful comments.  Another step in the learning process.

2. 
   terrylee86 | May 03, 2007 05:38pm | #12

   I agree, I use my biscuit jointer to cut the slots for table top fasteners as a ripped slot or a fully routed slot will weaken rails around a table.

7. 
   Glaucon | May 03, 2007 01:43pm | #8

   As noted, you don't need biscuits. I would advise cauls to keep your panels in register.

   Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

8. 
   CharlieStanford | May 03, 2007 01:52pm | #9

   Well, my advice would be to glue up half inch material and leave yourself some room to flatten and clean up the panel and bring it to finished thickness. 

   Nix the biscuits.  Learn about rubbed glue joints, especially if you have no other choice than to glue up boards that are already at the finished thickness you need.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/3/2007 11:49 am ET by ThePosterFormerlyKnownAs