¶ Introduction
Open Works has several biscuit and domino cutter tools. You must complete Wood Shop 1 in order to start using these tools.
¶ Machine Overview
Dowel joining is a method of joining wood pieces by drilling a hole in both piece of wood and joining them using a dowel that gets glued in.
Biscuit joining is a method of joining panels by cutting a slot in each panel and gluing in a small oblong piece of compressed wood called a biscuit.
Domino joining is a method of joining wood pieces by cutting an off-round hole in both pieces of wood and joining them using an off-round dowel-like piece of wood that gets glued in. It is very similar to dowel joining.
These tools are used for joinery and making joints like these:
¶ Machines Available
| tool | type | number | joining pieces available | angle | depth of cut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt | DW682K plate joiner | 2 | yes | 0-90° | 0-20 mm |
| Ryobi | JM82 biscuit joiner | 1 | yes | 0-135° | 0-9/16 in. |
¶ Parts of the Machine
While the biscuit, plate, and domino joiners are not identical, they are very very similar.
Click to see a diagram of the tool!
¶ Machine Reservations
You do not have to reserve these tools.
¶ Material Considerations
¶ Acceptable Materials
Hardwoods.
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
Always check moisture levels with the moisture meter and look for nails with the metal detector.
Reclaimed lumber.
¶ Forbidden Materials:
DO NOT, under any circumstances, cut the following materials with the router:
Pressure treated wood.
¶ Safety
Safety Check:
For more information on shop safety visit Wood under "Safety."
¶ Step-by-Step Guides
¶ Before You Begin
- Mark where the centers of the holes should be. if joining panels, put the panels edge to edge like they will be when joined and mark the locations at the same time.
- Clamp the material down such that there is room to rest the tool on the work surface and the material does not move when pushed.
- Set biscuit size dial to match the size of the biscuit you will be using.
- Set the fence angle.
- Set fence height to put the hole in the middle of the edge of the material, or where needed.
¶ Using the Machines
- Align the center mark on the tool with the mark on the material.
- While holding the tool steady against the material, pull the trigger and wait for the tool to reach full speed.
- Push tool into the material and withdraw when no more chips are thrown.
- Let the tool spin down.
- Clean up by vacuuming off the workpiece, the tool, and the workspace including the table and the floor.
¶ Maintenance
¶ Troubleshooting
¶ References
Instructions adapted from the manuals.
Rypobi Manual.
DeWalt Manual.
¶ Video Walk Throughs
Biscuit Joiner Tutorial. Link goes to youtube video.
¶ Glossary
Adjustable Fence
The biscuit joiner has an adjustable fence for setting the angle from 0° to 135°, with positive stop settings in increments of 45°. The height of the fence can be set between 0 in. - 2 in.
The adjustable fence should always be used to guide and balance the biscuit joiner, providing ease of operation and maintaining control.
Angle Setting Scale
The adjustable fence on the biscuit joiner can be set at angles from 0° to 135°.
Biscuits
Biscuits swell rapidly upon contact with water-based wood-working glues. They are available in three standard sizes:
#0 (5/8 in. x 1-13/16 in.)
#10 (13/16 in. x 2-1/16 in.)
#20 (15/16 in. x 2-5/16 in.)
Depth Adjustment Knob
A spring-loaded depth adjustment knob makes it possible to make proper settings for three standard size biscuits.
Height Adjustment Knob
The height adjustment knob moves the adjustable fence up or down to adjust the height of the fence from the center of the blade.
Height Setting Scale
A scale on each side of the fence indicates the height of the fence from the center of the blade.
Line of Cut Indicator
Centerline and cut indicator marks help the operator make more accurate cuts.
Locking Knob
The locking knob loosens the adjustable fence and allows movement of the height adjustment knob.
Switch Trigger
The biscuit joiner has a conveniently located ON/OFF switch trigger on the underside of the handle.