Biscuit Joints

Biscuit joints are multi purpose joints used by cabinet makers, furniture makers, finish carpenters and I'm sure many other woodworking trades.

Its basic use is to make a butt joint stronger and to help hold the separate pieces of the joint in alignment. Biscuit joints must be glued in most applications.

Biscuits come in three different sizes numbered 0, 10, and 20, with the smallest being 0. They're used according to the size that fits the application best and are sometimes used in tandom one over the other. When used to keep boards in alignment they're distributed along the length of the board usually 4" to 6" apart.

Most biscuits are made of compressed soft wood chips and when used with glue they swell and make a very tight joint.

The slots for biscuit joints can be cut into the wood with a router and slot bit designed especially for biscuits or they can be cut with a biscuit cutter. These hand held cutters are designed like an angle grinder with a head especially made for cutting biscuit slots. If you use a lot of biscuits you may want to invest in a stationary machine dedicated to cutting biscuit slots.

Biscuit and Cutter Deals

Plate Joinery Biscuits
Three standard sizes of biscuits for biscuit joints. Sold in packs of 250, or a box of 1000. 1000 piece biscuit mix includes all three biscuit sizes in one convenient purchase. Includes 500 #20 (2 3/8 X 1), 250 #10 (2 1/8 X 3/4), and 250 #0 (1 3/4 X 5/8) biscuits. Plate Joinery Biscuits

Biscuit Cutter Set
Includes cutter and all three bearings to cut biscuit slots for 0, 10 and 20 size biscuits. All have baked-on Teflon coating to reduce pitch and resin buildup. Biscuit Cutter Set

Biscuit Cutter Gauge

This gauge shows the exact width and depth of sizes 0, 10 and 20 biscuits slots, allowing you to determine which biscuit size will fit before cutting (and potentially blowing out an edge). Once correctly positioned, the pencil slots allow you to perfectly center your marks. Gauge shows actual cut, which accomodate the swelling of the biscuit once glue is applied. Hole allows it to be hung on the wall. Biscuit Cutter Gauge

Porter-Cable Deluxe Biscuit Joiner, Model No. 557
7.5 amp motor delivers plenty of bite. Includes 2'' and 4'' diameter blades for standard and face frame biscuits. Porter-Cable Deluxe Biscuit Joiner, Model No. 557

More Woodworking Joints

Joinery Tips and Techniques

Woodsmith Box Joint Jig DVD
Tap into a wealth of tips and techniques on how to cut perfect box joints quickly and easily! Covering everything from stock preparation to table saw applications, this detailed DVD shows you how to get the most from your Woodsmith Box Joint Jig. Woodsmith Box Joint Jig DVD

Woodworker's Guide to Joinery, Book

The longevity of every project is determined by the strength of its joints. This book, part of the Back to Basics series, gives clear, detailed instructions on joinery fundamentals: miter, lap and groove, mortise and tenon, dovetail joints and more. Hundreds of full - color photographs and illustrations guide you through. Whether using hand tools or power tools, you'll get plain-spoken advice on how to make your joinery stand the test of time. 192 pages. Woodworker's Guide to Joinery, Book

Router Joinery DVD
Routers can be used to cut a wide variety of joints quickly and accurately. In this video, professional woodworker Gary Rogowski demonstrates router joinery techniques that can be mastered by any woodworker. You’ll see firsthand how to do the work, the tools, the techniques, and the subtle rhythm of each process. 45 minutes. Router Joinery DVD

The Pocket Hole Drilling Jig Book
Learn how to use this time-saving tool to create durable joints without clamps or special fasteners in a range of stunning furniture projects. The Pocket Hole Drilling Jig Book