Router as a biscuit jointer - Woodworking Talk

Streamwinner · 05-20-2009, 02:23 AM

Is there any reason I can't use my router (with a slot cutter) as a biscuit jointer? I'd like to build a folding table for outdoors using a few 1" boards (kind of like a folding card table but nicer).

What's the proper spacing for biscuits? Preferred glue?

knotscott · 05-20-2009, 06:03 AM

No reason you can't use the router, and is one reason you don't need a biscuit cutter. I just used regular yellow wood glue, and space them every 6-8".

jraksdhs · 05-20-2009, 11:29 AM

I prefer the ease of use of a biscuit jointer over a router for this application. As far as glue, if your project will be outside then a titebond 3 would be my choice. Or you use a poly glue.

fortcollinsjerry · 05-20-2009, 05:36 PM

the only reason I can think of not to use a router is safety. That blade is pretty exposed and will grab and jerk as you shove it against the edge of a piece of wood. I wouldn't try it!

Good used Biscuit Jointers are surpirisingly inexpensive and once you own one you'll find other uses for it. Look on Craigs list - I scored a very nice Porter Cable biscuit joiner there about a year ago for $100. There are seveal listed as I write - and that Porter Cable in MA for $150 is a steal even if you have to put out a few bucks for shipping.

cabinetman · 05-21-2009, 08:54 AM

You can use a router and a slot cutter. You'll have to rig up a stop (guide) for the base to get the slot where you want it. For that type of procedure a spline cutting slot cutter would work better, and instead of using biscuits use solid wood or 1/4" plywood.

If you are gluing wood edge to edge, just glue and clamps are all that is needed.

oregoncarver · 05-21-2009, 10:34 AM

I purchased a biscuit cutter bit from Rockler for my router. I have the router mounted on an extra router table, never had any problems with it grabbing at all.

Arthur

Streamwinner · 05-21-2009, 04:45 PM

Thank you, everyone, for your advice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabinetman

If you are gluing wood edge to edge, just glue and clamps are all that is needed.

I've been told this before by my neighbor, who says that buscuits are falling out of favor because, in some circumstances, they swell beneath the wood and raise the surface.

The boards will be glued edge-to-edge and I'll also likely have some supports beneath. Also, the table won't be very large (I haven't settled on an actual size yet, but maybe 2x the size of a regular card table and rectangular instead of square).

Should I forego biscuits all together? Really all I wanted to do was to learn something new, and I've never built with biscuits before. Pros and cons?

Gerry KIERNAN · 05-22-2009, 11:14 AM

I don't know if you have a table saw streamwinner, but if you do, why not slot the boards from end to end and cut splines to install for the extra strength. You can also slot the boards with your router and install thin strips of plywood.

Gerry

woodnthings · 05-22-2009, 11:24 AM

Since it has virtually no strength if run parallel to its length. I would use any wood or wood laminate, but it should be run cross grain to the length of the boards for the strongest joint.

bill

Streamwinner · 05-22-2009, 02:35 PM

I do not have a table saw.

If using splines, is the spacing the same as biscuits? Or would you run the whole length?

And what about a simple tongue and groove?

woodnthings · 05-22-2009, 08:31 PM

If you have the router cutters or a glue joint cutter is also great.

bill

Gerry KIERNAN · 05-23-2009, 10:09 AM

If using splines it is just as easy to run full length. If you have T and G cutter bits for your router that makes a very good joint.

Gerry

Wood4Fun · 05-26-2009, 02:01 PM

I just cut 140 biscuit slots this weekend, took me about 20 minutes. I am glad I didn't try to do it with my router. You can pick up a biscuit joiner at Harbor Freight for $40.00. While maybe not the best choice if you are going to make a living cutting biscuit slots, I find Harbor Freight's power tools just fine for the occasional use they get from me.

Jordy3738 · 05-26-2009, 02:55 PM

I'd spend a few dollars and get set up the right way. The only way that I would set up a router is if I mounted it upside down on a router table and built a back stop.

Bob156235 · 06-11-2009, 01:46 AM

Glad to see a thread on this subject! I've been thinking of getting a laminate trimmer for this sole purpose. Harbor Freight (cough, cough) sells 'em for 25 bucks! Sure, they're nothing fancy, but how fancy do ya have to be to spin a cutter bit? A 5/32nd " router bit with three bearings for 0, 10 & 20 sized biscuts is less than $50.

Who needs a 100 to $200 machine to do the work of a light, tiny, single-hand controlled tool? After some initial practice, the reaction of the tool when the cutter hits the wood will be easily overcome and mastered by lovers of the trade.

woodworks · 06-11-2009, 07:41 PM

If you own a craftsman router, they make a biscuit cutter jig for their routers. I used one years ago and it did just fine. I went to Dewalt because I got tired of changing the jig every time I wanted to use the router for something els.

Cutting them by hand is also ok in my opinion as long as you watch what your doing. As for the whole spline ordeal, I've done that and for me, that is a total pain and I won't do it again. Once was one too many times imo.

Kral · 07-28-2009, 08:58 PM

I have used a Biscuit Joiner for making bevel joints. However, it is tricky to align the base of the joiner with the edge of the beveled edge. I now use a router with a slot cutting bit along with a modification of the fixture described at http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworki...e.aspx?id=3339.
This fixture provides very repeatable results. One safety problem with the jig as described is that the slot cutter is completely exposed, since the router is used upside down. I recommend installing a guard to protect yourself from contact with the cutter.