Buy a Biscuit Joiner (Biscuit Jointer) Online

A biscuit joiner (commonly called biscuit jointer, biscuit cutter or plate jointer) is a relatively new addition to the home workshop, only a few years old. They are intended as a method of replacing older types of wood joinery, specifically dowelling. In this regard they are head and shoulders above older methods and are deserving of consideration for the homeowner doing woodworking projects.

Biscuit joiners are a fairly simple power tool, consisting primarily of a precision moveable fence attached to a small motor driven saw blade. With the fence adjusted correctly, the tool is placed against the wood to be joined and the saw blade is turned on to cut a small, curved slot in the wood. A biscuit is then inserted into the slot cut into both pieces of wood, glue is applied and the project clamped until the glue dries.

The biscuits used with a biscuit joiner are a small flat pieces of dried and compressed wood. When in contact with the moisture in the glue they will swell, forming a very tight fit in the two pieces being joined. Coupled with the glue used, they make a very strong joint indeed.

Unlike the use of dowels, joints produced with a biscuit joiner do not have to have holes precisely drilled to make a good joint. There is some "slop" in the grooves cut until the biscuit swells, making well aligned joints possible with extensive effort in alignment and cutting or drilling. The usage of a biscuit joiner is simpler, faster, and considerably easier than doweling. Anyone making wooden joints needs to seriously consider purchasing one of these joiners - there is just a world of difference between using a biscuit joiner and using dowels.

There are a few considerations to be considered when buying a biscuit jointer. Make sure that it has a collection bag - these tools don't make a lot of sawdust, but what they do make they throw out in a hurry. The fence assembly should be on a rack and pinion assembly to assure proper alignment. While biscuit cutters can be extremely accurate in their cuts, it is all dependent on the fence - a fence that cannot be easily adjusted straight and square to the tool is of little value. Power of of at least some concern; a good plate joiner should be in the range of 6.5 amps, or about 800 watts or more. At the same time, extreme power usually indicates an unnecessary cost or even poor workmanship using an inefficient motor. More is not always better here.

As with any power tool, quality generally follows price. At the top end are the pricier brands such as Dewalt and Porter Cable. Both of these companies make very fine tools, usually at the professional level. Both make tools that can reasonably expected to last many, many years with little repair work necessary.

Makita is known for making good homeowner quality tools. Not usually used for professional work, they are of a high quality level and will perform well and last many years in the home workshop.

More inexpensive biscuit jointers are also available, but care must be taken when buying them. Some are undoubtedly of good quality, but lack name recognition, and there is nothing wrong with that. Others are worth less than nothing and will cause only grief as they will not work properly. If this is what the budget will allow, take care and read some reviews before buying.

Whatever your choice, rest assured it will be useful.  These are not large tools, and can be easily stored even if your own tool storage area is little more than an unused closet.  Do yourself, or maybe a favorite woodworker, a favor and check out these fine machines. 

The one "accessory" that every biscuit jointer will need is a supply of biscuits. Biscuits come in three sizes; #0, #10 and #20 - if a joiner is being purchased it is suggested that a supply of each size be purchased. Common edge joints usually use a #20, but the smaller sizes are often necessary for other joining tasks, so make sure you have some of each. Suggested is an assortment pack from Porter Cable. This contains 1000 biscuits (more than most people will use in a lifetime) but is still cheaper than buying 3 different packages to get some of each size.