How to Use Biscuit Joints

Biscuit joinery is ideal for connecting edge-to-edge joints and some corner joints (such as miters), as it entails cutting a thin, matching slot into the corresponding boards, then gluing a thin beechwood "biscuit" into the slots. The beechwood biscuit expands with the moisture in the glue and holds the two boards in place. In this article, learn how to make consistently strong biscuit joints.

Sometimes referred to as a plate joiner, the biscuit cutter is a single purpose tool: that purpose is to cut slots for biscuits. The biscuit cutter can be adjusted to cut slots for various sizes of biscuits plus typically can be adjusted for cutting slots of up to 45-degrees. In this article, learn tips for using a biscuit cutter properly, plus some features to consider when looking to purchase one.

One question that is commonly asked about biscuit joinery is regarding close together or far apart should the biscuits be placed. In this woodworking tip, learn what biscuit sizes you should employ for a particular project, as well as how far apart these biscuits should be installed.

Every house, garage or shed needs strong, sturdy shelves. While the main purpose of a utility shelf is, well, utilitarian, it doesn't have to look that way. With a little bit of planning, you can make some utility shelves that look as good as they are strong. In these free woodworking plans, find step-by-step instructions for building some very useful (and good-looking) utility shelves.

When you need an attractive way to house and display some medium to large plants, consider building a large planter box. These free woodworking plans show you how to build a planter box that includes a drainage system and heavy plastic liner to protect the box from water damage. Download the free woodworking plans today.

On many office desks, the computer monitor may be a bit lower than ergonomically-acceptable for good posture. One way to address the problem is to build a computer monitor riser. In these free woodworking plans, read step-by-step (and download a free set of measure drawings) to build a great 2-drawer computer monitor riser (that looks great built from hardwoods like oak or maple).

In this woodworking tool review, check out the Ryobi JM82 Biscuit Joiner. This biscuit joiner can be adjusted to accommodate three different sizes of biscuits at a variety of depths and angles. Although it isn't the most expensive biscuit cutter on the market, it does a very effective job of cutting biscuit slots.