Question "Biscuit jointer"
- Thread starter Beemer
- Start date
Jeff Rodier
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Welcome to the Grumble.
There are times when framers use a biscuit jointer but not very often because they are very time consuming. I certainly wouldn't recommend any "Hand Operated Underpinner". Very amature and will hit the junk pile in short order.
For the least expensive possible underpinner you should be able to find a professional foot operated used piece of equipment for $200-300. Check the commercial post section of the main page at the bottom. If you are serious about framing you would be better served to buy an entry level pneumatic for less than $1,000. PAM Fastening has the Inmes in that price range.
Also please fill in your profile with at least city and state for more timely and complete responses.
There are times when framers use a biscuit jointer but not very often because they are very time consuming. I certainly wouldn't recommend any "Hand Operated Underpinner". Very amature and will hit the junk pile in short order.
For the least expensive possible underpinner you should be able to find a professional foot operated used piece of equipment for $200-300. Check the commercial post section of the main page at the bottom. If you are serious about framing you would be better served to buy an entry level pneumatic for less than $1,000. PAM Fastening has the Inmes in that price range.
Also please fill in your profile with at least city and state for more timely and complete responses.
Pat Murphey
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Sears makes a "detail" biscuit joiner that can be a worthwhile supplemental tool for a framer. (Smaller biscuits that are more appropriate for frames.)
Sears.com - product number 17550
Sears.com - product number 17550
Woodworks by John
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Biscuit Joiner
I use biscuits for most of my frames because they make the corner virtually bullet proof IF the angles are cut exact. Porter Cable also sells what they call face frame biscuits and requires that you change the blade in the machine -- no big hassle. I'd use the biggest biscuit possible for any given frame size. If memory serves me correctly, Ryobi made a joiner that was just for the face frame size. The way biscuits work is that the glue (water-based) expands them and that's what makes the joint tight. I've learned that with basswood it's best to reset the depth and make a second cut into the joint. I use a caliper to measure and the slot should be .165 to .170, the first cut will be about .155 inch. Through experience I've learned that making the second cut will allow you enough time to make any adjustments before you clamp up. Yes, it does take more time but, in my estimation, quality trumps speed every time. John
I use biscuits for most of my frames because they make the corner virtually bullet proof IF the angles are cut exact. Porter Cable also sells what they call face frame biscuits and requires that you change the blade in the machine -- no big hassle. I'd use the biggest biscuit possible for any given frame size. If memory serves me correctly, Ryobi made a joiner that was just for the face frame size. The way biscuits work is that the glue (water-based) expands them and that's what makes the joint tight. I've learned that with basswood it's best to reset the depth and make a second cut into the joint. I use a caliper to measure and the slot should be .165 to .170, the first cut will be about .155 inch. Through experience I've learned that making the second cut will allow you enough time to make any adjustments before you clamp up. Yes, it does take more time but, in my estimation, quality trumps speed every time. John
I used a Ryobi detail biscuit joiner for special situations, but I'd hate to depend on it for normal production framing. If you join 4-5 frames each day, you won't have much time to do anything else.
Jeff Rodier
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
The technique you describe is perfect for closed corner frames. Unfortunately we are businesses that need to complete X number of dollars of work per day. The customers for the most part are not willing to pay for the time this takes.
For the framing BUSINESS that needs to complete 150 frames in 2 or 3 days at a low cost to the customer it is just unrealistic to consider the furniture method.
I'm not dogging anyone as I have manufactered closed corner frames in the past and what I have found is that you are either all in that business or you buy them from those who are.
Jeff Rodier
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Slop a bunch of sausage gravy on them and they'll stick to anything, especially my ribs MMMMMMM............
Do the sauage gravey too.
Back to the original question. I don't use biscuits in my framing.
I use biscuits on large frames in wide profiles. Not only do they add a lot of strength, but it makes joining easier, especially if you haven't a lot of room or are working alone. I quickly glue up all the corners at once and put a strap clamp around. The biscuits align the joins in the vertical direction, but allow a bit of movement horizontally. So you can slide the the joins to get them just right. When all four mitres are aligned, I give the strap and extra tweak and take the whole thing to the pinner, knowing that that joints won't move.