Woodworker's Journal 2008-32-1, страница 45

Standard biscuits

Hinge biscuits

Choose a barrel grip (shown here) or D-handle style. I find the barrel grip keeps my hand in line with the cut and makes the joiner less prone to rocking.

D-handles are preferred by some woodworkers. Features like handle preference are best determined "hands-on" as they tend to be highly subjective.

Glue-up biscuits

to look for in a joiner and helps you compare the various models currently available.

Handle Styles

You can choose between a barrel grip, where you're actually grabbing the body of the machine, and the D-handle style {photos left). You'll want to buy a machine that fits comfortably in your hand, so it's best to grab ahold of a few tools to see what you like best. I prefer the barrel grip style.

Fence Features

Look for a fence that can be set at both 45 and 135 degrees; this allows you to register the machine on either the inside face or outside face of a mitered joint, which maximizes your options when assembling the pieces.

It's best if the fence pivots, making it adjustable to any angle you want.

Knockdown biscuits

Miter reinforcements

Additionally, the fence should track up and down very easily while remaining parallel to the blade. Look for a rack-and-pinion mechanism for adjusting the fence, a large angle scale and comfortable adjustment and lock knobs.

Smaller Blades for Tiny Joints

The 4"-diameter blade that's standard on most biscuit joiners is great for the typical #0, #10 and #20 biscuits. But if you want to use your biscuit joiner for smaller work, such as narrow face frames and picture frames, you need to use a smaller

Shop Test continues on page 82...

You'll get the most versatility from a biscuit joiner with a fence that can be set at 45* and 135*. This lets you register from either side of the miter cut.

Round and oval mini-biscuits

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February 2008 Woodworker's Journal