Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Matt Mimnagh. Matt Mimnagh is a Master Carpenter and Owner of Castleguard Home Services based in Charlotte, North Caroline. Castleguard specializes in finish carpentry including the installation of moulding, trim, and built-in cabinetry. They also offer kitchen, bathroom, and other remodeling services.
This article has been viewed 206,836 times.
Biscuit joints are a method for gluing boards together along their edges to create a wider slab or plank without screwing or splicing them. This technique is used for making tabletops, furniture, and cabinets, and although it requires special tools, it is within the reach of most hobby woodworkers in a home woodshop.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow strong are biscuit joints?
Matt MimnaghMatt Mimnagh is a Master Carpenter and Owner of Castleguard Home Services based in Charlotte, North Caroline. Castleguard specializes in finish carpentry including the installation of moulding, trim, and built-in cabinetry. They also offer kitchen, bathroom, and other remodeling services.
Master CarpenterPretty strong! Composite biscuit joints are very thick and can support a man's full body weight (or at least a couple hundred pounds). - QuestionCan I use a router to make biscuit cuts?
Community AnswerYes, if you have the correct cutter and make the cut slightly longer than the biscuit. - QuestionCan I join the boards end to end (or in a "T" shape) with biscuits?
Community AnswerYes, you can. It's always better to use dowels for a T joint, but it can be done.
Video
Tips
- Be sure to have the fence of the biscuit joiner flat to ensure proper fitting of the two joining pieces. Failure to do so will result in an uneven surface of the two pieces of joined wood.Thanks
- Choose an appropriate sized biscuit for the dimension of the lumber you are using.Thanks
- Keep biscuits dry, as they can absorb moisture and swell before use.Thanks
Warnings
- Plate jointers have a high speed wood cutting blade which is concealed except during use, so keep fingers away from the cutting head when in use.Thanks
- Keep your work area clean and make sure it is well lit.Thanks
- Wear safety glasses when using woodworking power tools.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Plate jointer
- Saw
- Clamps
- Biscuits
- Glue
- Lumber
- Tape measure
- Square
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about woodworking, check out our in-depth interview with Matt Mimnagh.
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
"The item on the saw horse helped, mainly because I have not made one yet."
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
