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

mgbbob wrote: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.

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.

charlese wrote: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

Additional info....

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.

WmZiggy wrote: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.

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.

So what is the arbor size???

And kerf width?

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.