Fix your Biscuit Joiner Problems!

Today we look at one of the most controversial woodworking tools in woodworking, the Biscuit Joiner!
Biscuit joints are popular in wood jointer but seem plagued with problems for many woodworkers. In this video, I'll look at some biscuit jointer tricks to help fix some of the most common of these problems.

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[rickybobbyracing]

That fact that you had one, sold it, and bought another one to help people is amazing! You rock!

[garyholtfreter]

I have always used biscuits in my shop and they hold very well. Glue is necessary as the biscuits do swell with glue applied. It only makes sense to glue the biscuit if you are applying glue along the edge of the board.

[stephenwilliamson]

Hi Colin, as always very informative. I have used one in England 4 or 5 times in the past 2 years. I was under the impression that the glue around the biscuits caused them to swell and make a really tight joint. I have had no problems, but I am just a keen DIY man. Keep up your brilliant videos. Steve Williamson

[gregspencer]

Great video Colin. Like many people my age, I got the woodworking bug from watching Norm Abram's New Yankee Workshop. He used the biscuit jointer almost exclusively, which enticed me into buying one myself. Could never figure out why my projects were so exasperating..now I know why. Your video has certainly opened my eyes...thank you.

[psu]

I had the Dewalt for two years and it worked fine. Just never really thought it really helped anything. I found that it slowed me down and didn’t do much, at least for me. I’ve made some pretty long tables and just always found quicker ways to keep the boards aligned. I gave it to my son, who is still on the new tool honeymoon. Maybe he’ll convince me it’s worth it. I know there are lots of people who use them and swear by them. Just not for me. Good job as always Colin.

[KDD]

Wow thank you so much! I was very frustrated with my biscuits being too small. Your solution is perfect!

[samcreates]

This is great, this channel teaches me so much about woodworking. Thanks.

[brookswade]

I don’t use biscuits but I do have a joiner that I saw in a pawn shop for a ridiculous low price. After watching your video and seeing the strips you cut, I’m going to follow your lead. Thank you so much.

[richardstrada]

You couldn't have timed this video better. I had been using the dowel jig that you mentioned but was thinking of getting a biscuit joiner. Thanks to you, I just dropped that idea and will continue using my dowel jig.

[acemanmccool]

I like the idea of making your own alternative to the biscuits. Thanks

[memor]

Thank you Colin.... Your videos have made 2020 that much more bearable. Merry Xmas from Great Britain

[sawdustandsurvival]

YES! I absolutely love biscuit joining. So excited to watch a new biscuit jointer video.

[robertsmith]

Great vid ! Thanks again . Mine is a PC brand and I use the PC brand biscuits and had zero failures for what it's worth . I am sure the other brands are just fine as well as your home made ones as well .

[whomadethatsaltysoup]

Good review of this tool. I bought one about seven years ago, and was sorely disappointed. And, no, it wasn't a Lamello, or other big brand. I only managed around 30 slots before the blade started to set the mdf architrave on fire.
As Colin states, dowels are much stronger and, with a decent jig, just as easy to use.
I got mine out of storage to use it as a spline cutter. I've ordered a better blade and will look forward to better results.

[WarrenDrakeVRN]

Great tips! I haven't been happy with using biscuits for some time. Now I will try them again.

[timothyhood]

Excellent discussion of pros and cons! Old biscuits are also a 'big' problem so I really like your idea of making a tenon equivalent. After all, if you already have the tool, it simplifies much of the issue of creating a reasonable mortise and tenon joint.

[theironmanofwhiterosedesigners]

Just bought a biscuit machine today, that was helpful

[annietempleton]

Thank you Colin, this was really helpful in sorting out problems I was having joining boards. You are so good at explaining stuff.

[joeblow]

❤❤ if you are using your biscuit jointer to run down a board to cut a slot for a spline, Porter Cable has a no slip face like sand paper.
Try using another manufacturers biscuit jointer. Most others don't have that no slip face. Great show as always 👍👍

[ot]

Very good and a pleasure to watch as always!