Biscuit Joiner

[twalz68225]

I've had my Shopsmith biscuit joiner for some time, but don't use it often because I've always had issues with a pretty noticeable step between the boards that I've joined. Is this normal, or is it an alignment issue or something else (like operator error)? Any help would be appreciated.

[reible]

Hi,

If you are working on projects like table tops then you should see no steps on the "face" side of your work. If the material is not the same thickness you might see it on the back side. Make sure you mark the "face" sides and keep them to the table and make sure they are flat against the table where the cuts are made.

Even if you could make sure the wood was all the same thickness it would be very hard to have things so centered that you could exchange face and back sides.... this flipping is most likely the cause of the stepping.

Ed

[Ed in Tampa]

I've had my Shopsmith biscuit joiner for some time, but don't use it often because I've always had issues with a pretty noticeable step between the boards that I've joined. Is this normal, or is it an alignment issue or something else (like operator error)? Any help would be appreciated.


I too have this problem from time to time. I'm very careful to keep the face or top side always firmly pressed on the table, yet I too end up with steps some times.
I have no idea what the problem is but I suspect the table is not parallel with the blade. Or in my desire to make sure the work piece is firmly pressed down on the table surface, I'm applying too much pressure and causing the table to deflect.

The more I work with the SS the more I see the wisdom of using clamps and hold downs instead of body strength/weight. If the hold down, feather board or clamp is directly onto the table there is no way to deflect the table. However if the is mounted on the quill or something above the table you can deflect the table with it. I try to clamp directly to the table or mount the fence which effectly becomes part of the table and any downward pressure on the holdown will not deflect the table.

I also have the problem using the horizonal boring mode. I can creat steps there also. Again I think I tend to vary the pressure I exert holding the wood to the table. I think if used clamps to hold the piece down and it would resolve the problem.
Ed

[ericolson]

I've pretty much quit dealing with a biscuit joiner. I don't have the Shopsmith version, but I use a DeWalt. I've noticed on perfectly flat stock that even when I'm excrutiatingly anal with set-ups, measuring fifty times and cutting once, that I still get a little mis-alignment of the edges. I took my complaints to a mentor of mine and he showed me how to get my edges perfectly aligned, every time, using cauls. Haven't had a problem since.

Eric

[Ed in Tampa]

I've pretty much quit dealing with a biscuit joiner. I don't have the Shopsmith version, but I use a DeWalt. I've noticed on perfectly flat stock that even when I'm excrutiatingly anal with set-ups, measuring fifty times and cutting once, that I still get a little mis-alignment of the edges. I took my complaints to a mentor of mine and he showed me how to get my edges perfectly aligned, every time, using cauls. Haven't had a problem since.

Eric

Eric

Please give us more information. Could you explain your technique?

When you say cauls I assume you mean clamping boards that span the boards you jointing together. But doesn't that limit you to boards of exact equal thickness and/or a "perfect" flat work surface?

Also I will agree that most of the strength in a joint comes from the glue both a biscuit or dowel do add some strength which would be missing if you didn't use them.

I have seen Norm on New Yankee does some glue ups sans dowels or biscuits I would like to hear more about your technique and experinces. thanks
Ed

[twalz68225]

I think I discovered something. I went over the alignment and set up procedures again and discovered that if I increase the depth of cut of the slot by a hair, I get much better results. Not perfect, but much better. Give that a shot if you are having issues.

[drbob]

I too found the adjustment to be off. It cuts a bit shallow. Your solution is one I use as well. I also double cut the slot. Align just to left of center, cut then repeat just to the right. It gives me a bit of wiggle room in assembly.

[paulmcohen]

I had an early Shopsmith unit and could never get it to work exactly right, the adjustment was always off. I contacted Shopsmith and they said my unit may be at fault. I returned it and they sent a new or fixed mine, replacement works perfect. I wonder if they had a manufacturing issue. I use my 520 legs to support the table front (I think Shopsmith sells a special leg for this) and this seems to prevent the deflection others are compaining about.