Biscuit Jointer use

[beeg]

How would I use it to join a table leg to the top? The leg has a 60° angle cut on the ends. Would I set the miter gage to 60° and cut the slot? Then for the table top, go back to 90° and cut that slot?

[Nick]

This is not your run-of-the-mill table, I take it. The last time I saw a table with 60-degree legs it was in an exhibit called "Inebriated Furniture."

Nor is it your run-of-the-mill application for biscuit joints. Any chance you could scan and share the plans before I answer?

With all good wishes,

[woodburner]

Most tables I see have aprons running around the edge that hold the tabletop in place and secure it to the table legs. I rarely see a tabletop attached directly to a table leg.

I don't think a biscuit is the way to go for this type of wood joint.

[chettrick]

beeg
Why would you want to use a biscut jointer for that application? Those are used for mostly joing flat boards together. Such as making a table top or picture frame, something where one side needs to be flat.

\Have you thought of pocket screw holes?

[beeg]

Here are the plans. Just scroll down to see them.

http://www.buildeazy.com/kiddies_bbq_table_imp.html

It's a kids picnic table, when Cowboy+ posted pics of his. I thought the granddaughter would like one. It's being made out of 1/2 inch western red ceder.

[charlese]

Hi, Bob! The way I read the instructions for the plans, - after making up the ends, and placing the spacer board, the top and the bench boards are screwed do the aprons. The plans call for wood screws for all attachments. If you want to use biscuits, to secure the top, put them in the aprons and the top boards.

[a1gutterman]

Hi Bob!

I do knot see the advantage of using biscuits for any joints in this table, except to tie the table top boards together. If your aim is to avoid seeing the screws, maybe you could use pegs to assemble this table instead of screws; otherwise, just use the screws.

[charlese]

[quote="a1gutterman"]Hi Bob!

I do knot see the advantage of using biscuits for any joints in this table, except to tie the table top boards together. If your aim is to avoid seeing the screws, maybe you could use pegs to assemble this table instead of screws]
Good idea! Either pegs or plugs.

[Nick]

Okay, it's a picnic table -- which probably means it's meant to be used outside. I would forget anything that involves the use of glue, even waterproof glue. The wood in outdoor projects shrink and swell a great deal more than wood used indoors for obvious reasons. Glue glue joints rarely hold up to the continual movement.

Before we discuss how to attach the top to the aprons, you might consider that the plans as drawn have two potential flaws. First, there is not sufficient side-to-side stability. I would consider adding diagonal braces that run from the seat supports (C) to the top brace (D). Second, there are no spaces between the top boards (E). These boards are normally spaced about 1/4" apart to lower the likelihood of water standing on the top and allow the surfaces between the top boards and the cross members (B) to dry quickly after a rain.

My suggestion is that you attach the top boards to the cross members with stainless steel/brass/bronze wood screws. (You only need consider bronze if you live in an area very near salt water.) If you don't want the screws to show, add two battens, each running parallel to the cross members and butting edge-to-face against their inside surface. The top brace will have to be notched to accommodate these battens. Fasten the batten to the top board with screws from the underside, then fasten the crossmembers to the battens with screws.

With all good wishes,

[beeg]

OH WOW. Thats much more than I expected Nick. Thank You. Guess I'll be making some changes to the picnic table. Thank again Nick for the help.