biscuit joining

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J

jsuth

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Jan 23, 2005
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233
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voorhees, new jersey
I am just beginning to experiment with biscuit joining on larger, wider profiles, since I have never been happy with the stability of glued and v-nailed corners on frames of this size. One thing I found is that the corners should be clamped immediately after the insertion of the biscuit and glue. (The manufacturer claims the biscuit will begin swelling within one minute; it takes a heck of a lot longer.) I'm looking to perfect this technique, as we are doing far more big mirrors than ever before. I'm curious to hear feeback from framers using this method. Also, I have been considering one of Baruch's masterclamps. They're pricey, but I was impressed by them at the trade show. Any comments on those as well? Thanks to all.
 
I use the mini biscuits whenever possible. Four Stanley type miter vises (a la Blue Sky's setup posted many years ago) will do the trick. Baer- you can't dry fit any better than that! Master clamps seem to be a very expensive way of doing the same thing.
 
For extremely large frames, I like using pocket screws.

The Kreg Company has the best jigs on the market.

http://www.kregtool.com

prd_31.jpg



These joints will hold forever.
 
I use a biscuit joiner, but I put the biscuit in the back of the frame. I first glue the corners, put them in the vice and let them dry. Then turn the frame over (front side down) and cut your bisquit hole on the back side so the hole hits both pieces of the joined corner. Lay in the glue and then a small biscuit. Works great for me.

Wally
 
Originally posted by Jerry Ervin:
For extremely large frames, I like using pocket screws.

The Kreg Company has the best jigs on the market.

http://www.kregtool.com

prd_31.jpg


These joints will hold forever.
Click to expand...
Jerry, I have a pocket screw jig that I used in cabinet making. Bigger than what you have pictured. Problem is it clamp stiles and rails together at butt angles (T) not at a 90 like picture frames. The jig you have pictured appears to do the same thing, or am I missing something. How do you use it for 90's.
 
John, note the "For extremely large frames"... When I'm doing an 7"-10" wide frame, I use the same.
NDB also stocks a slightly longer screw that gives me a 5/8" deeper bite.

But for a 4-5" moulding... I just can't see whipping out the Roman slaughter gun for four lousy holes..
 
ok, for all you "biscuiters"... who's machine do you use & why... bench mount or hand held... in the ends or in the back alla wally? Lastly, if in the ends-any tricks to keeping the cut 'correct' on the 45* or does it take care of itself??? thanks for the brain-drain
 
I have the Ryobi.. got it at Sears. I have never tried to put the biscuit in the ends, because that to me would be much harded to align then just putting the disk in the back.
 
I use the Sears Detail Biscuit Joiner. I strap clamp a dry fit and mark the location of the biscuits (and number the joints). For a taller moulding I'll add biscuits above the first row. For shadow box mouldings, you can lay the joints together flat on the table to mark (don't forget to number). The Sears joiner has fence that handles the 45 degree cut just fine. Most of the time I use the R3 - 1/2" x 1" biscuits.

Pat :D
 
I use the Ryobi. Biscuits go in the ends. I made a jig to ensure the same location in all the miters. Works quick and accurately.
 
Al, I use the Ryobi as well and would be interested in seeing a photo of that jig if you have one.

I put the biscuits in the mitered ends and the process I use to ensure alignment is tedious and time-consuming.

The late Jim Safford, formerly of Crescent and, before that, Evald moulding, was the one who first said to me a really long time ago, "I don't understand why framers don't use biscuit joiners."

Geez I miss that guy.
 
Ron,
I'll send it via email. I made the jig after we had some discussion of this on TG quite a while back. You said you did it free hand without difficulty so I never mentioned the jig. Sorry about that.
 
I think my perception of "without difficulty" is changing as I become older and busier.

Thanks, Al. I'll watch for it. With your permission, and if others are interested, I'll post it here or on the Tips forum.
 
Originally posted by Ron Eggers:

Thanks, Al. I'll watch for it. With your permission, and if others are interested, I'll post it here or on the Tips forum.
Click to expand...
I'm interested too.
 
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