using biscuits

[agent511]

Using biscuits first time. Brand new Dewalt plate joiner, with #20 biscuits from bosch-brand new jar.

I did a dry-fit. On TV, and logically, the biscuits should be a little loose, as they should swell when you put the glue on.

FOr me, it was such a tight (thickness-wise) fit, that I ahd to use the clamps to close the boards together, then I had to use the shot-hammer to get them apart, and pliers to get the biscuits out. Seemed like it would have held well WITHOUT glue!

Doesn't make sense to me, hence this post.

Also - which glue - yellow glue (tightbond II) or urea glue (gorilla). Need to glue four boards, each 1" qs oak, each with 3 biscuits.

[LCHIEN]

I have the DW682 and
I usually have to bump them together with a rubber mallet.
I can usually get the dry assembly apart but have to extract the biscuits from the remaining side with a plier. l always use yellow WW glues.

[agent511]

Thanks for the quick reply. Needed to know it wasn't something I did wrong.

[natbr]

Wonder if the Bosch biscuits aren't manufactered just a little thicker -- I have use Porter Cable buscuits in my PC plate joiner and they are never really that tight. I've even sanded down buscuits because I miscut to slots -- once the glue gets in there, they're bomber. Good luck !

[WayneJ]

I had a problem with the biscuits being to tight but I solved it by squeezing them in a vise. I think its just moisture that they suck up from the air. If yours are that tight they might leave a mark onn the surface when they swell from the glue. You might try heating them in an oven first.
Wayne

[agent511]

I'll try those ideas next time. I already glued it up. Took a lot of force to close it with the clamps - ended up with a couple of very slight gaps. I dropped some glue over the gaps and forced some saw dust in. Looks OK for now and for second project.

[Tom Hintz]

Make sure the biscuit cutter is to cut the right depth for the size biscuits being used. The difference between settings isn't great visually but will certainly cause problems during assembly. (Don't ask how I know this....)
I have had "thick" biscuits in the past that I believe were just a little older and had sucked up some moisture as mentioned in an earlier response. They are designed to swell when exposed to the moisture of the glue but will do the same thing in response to humidity over time. During manufacturing they are pressed so squeezing them in a vise in your shop when they seem a little tight is a good idea as well.

[L. D. Jeffries]

I buy my bisquits by the 100's and store them in a gallon jug with screw top and add two or three silica gel packets to suck up any moisture. Other post are right in that bisquits from different manufactures may be a little on the "thick" or "thin" side than the cutter head you are using. Keep trying and above all keep smiling!

[Stormbringer]

The old tried and true trick is to throw them in the microwave. Solves any swelling problems I've had everytime.

[JimD]

My biscuits are Porter Cable and they are also pretty tight. I sometimes use pliers to remove them from the slot on a dry fit. I cut the slot slightly more than 1/2 a biscuit deep. That way I do not get gaps in the joint. It also helps to use a flux brush to spread the glue out so you do not have a bunch at the bottom of the slot (although it usually shoots out the end if you let it build up in the bottom).

Jim

[onedash]

I have a PC and both PC and I think I had one pack of Bosch biscuits. They are always loose fitting.
Maybe PC has a slightly thicker slot.
Anyone know if blades are interchangable between brands?

[RayintheUK]

Anyone know if blades are interchangable between brands?

Blades are commonly 100mm diameter and cut a 4mm thick slot. The arbor size is normally 22mm. Most blades are interchangable, depending on fixing method. Some have a clamping ring (like an angle grinder), some use a large washer. Range of blades here should give you an idea. HTH

Ray.

[thestinker]

Good stuff here...never used a biscut cutter but it may be my next tool purchace, so this is good to know. I will need to ask, whats the microwave do to the biscuts? Suck some moisture out, making them skinner? Because heat normaly makes things expand, not contract.

[sacherjj]

I am using the Porter Cable bicuits that I purchased in the large variety box from Amazon. I have the DeWalt joiner. The fit is snug, but not tight. I can get them out with a strong finger grip.