ss biscuit joiner

[mgbbob]

I just purchased a ss biscuit joiner on eBay. Any advice for a rookie what brand of biscuits are good?

[JPG]

I just purchased a ss biscuit joiner on eBay. Any advice for a rookie what brand of biscuits are good?

I have not discovered much difference between different brands.

[charlese]

Really no difference between brands, but for starters recommend you buy n assortment of sizes. One project could require different sizes.

Keep your biscuits in a well sealed can. When the chosen biscuit is too wide to easily slide into the slot, you will find it helpful to squeeze the biscuit in a vice. Don't worry - the biscuit will widen when glued.

[JPG]

Really no difference between brands, but for starters recommend you buy n assortment of sizes. One project could require different sizes.

Keep your biscuits in a well sealed can. When the chosen biscuit is too wide to easily slide into the slot, you will find it helpful to squeeze the biscuit in a vice. Don't worry - the biscuit will widen when glued.

"n" = 0,10,20

[SDSSmith]

Additional info....

[WmZiggy]

Like the chorus above, I haven't found much difference. Be sure and store your biscuits in a dry place or they will swell. I usually add those humidity control packets that come in pill bottles to my biscuit containers.

Some other unsolicited advice: Be sure and check boards for hidden or not so hidden nails or staples before using the biscuit joiner. I have lost carbide teeth on the cutter. I have to say, I never heard them break and the vaccum probably sucked up the parts. A new blade from SS costs around $75 which I think is way overpriced (as is so often the case with parts). I took the blade into a local blade repair place and they screwed-up brazing two new carbide teeth. I refused to pay for it and told them to dump it. I then found a 4 inch plate joiner replacement blade at Harbor Freight and Tool (Item #38840) for under $10. It fit perfectly, has a more substantial body and the carbide teeth are just fine. I used it all last winter on oak without any problems.

I have a hand held plate jointer too, but my SS is great for 90% of my applications. I know you will love it.

[SDSSmith]

Like the chorus above, I haven't found much difference. Be sure and store your biscuits in a dry place or they will swell. I usually add those humidity control packets that come in pill bottles to my biscuit containers.

Some other unsolicited advice: Be sure and check boards for hidden or not so hidden nails or staples before using the biscuit joiner. I have lost carbide teeth on the cutter. I have to say, I never heard them break and the vaccum probably sucked up the parts. A new blade from SS costs around $75 which I think is way overpriced (as is so often the case with parts). I took the blade into a local blade repair place and they screwed-up brazing two new carbide teeth. I refused to pay for it and told them to dump it. I then found a 4 inch plate joiner replacement blade at Harbor Freight and Tool (Item #38840) for under $10. It fit perfectly, has a more substantial body and the carbide teeth are just fine. I used it all last winter on oak without any problems.

I have a hand held plate jointer too, but my SS is great for 90% of my applications. I know you will love it.

I felt that way a few years back and purchased this blade and have been satisfied with it and the results.

[charlese]

Hmmm! I broke a tooth on about the 10th slot. Was using new red oak. Called Shopsmith and they sent me a new blade - no cost.

Been using that one for years and is still working just dandy fine.

[JPG]

So what is the arbor size???

And kerf width?

[WmZiggy]

According to my calipers, 0.156 on the decimal or 5/32" on the carbide teeth. I didn't pull it off, but don't recall having to bush it. Fit the SS head.