Like any woodworker, I am always interested in learning new ways of working with wood. And who cannot resist some project plans to use these newfound techniques when constructing them?

So when I was asked to review Anthony Bailey's new book Woodworking Techniques and Projects, it did not take me long to agree (about 2 seconds actually). So, let me take you on a tour.

Introduction to the Biscuit Jointer
 

Part I – Biscuit Jointer Basics
The book starts with eight chapters on the Biscuit Jointer. In this opening chapter, the author introduces us to the tool and covers the two different types, being plunge and swing-down. I must confess that I have never seen a swing-down model before reading this book and, while it is nice to know about them, the plunge models are, in my opinion, a much better design.

From here, Anthony then gives us a brief run down on safe usage of the tool followed by a section on the different sized biscuits available. This includes a discussion on Triton biscuits and Triton Biscuit Jointer attachment as well as special ‘assembly’ biscuits that are available. These are made by manufactures such as Lamello and Knapp, are made of plastic or metal and are designed to make assembly supposedly easier. There are even varieties that are in two parts which clip/slot together for use in knockdown furniture construction. The different types of glues and special applicators that are good to use in combination with biscuits are also explained.

The last few paragraphs give us a quick run down on typical Biscuit Jointer usage and situations where it is applicable to be used. If you have a Biscuit Jointer, you will know that this is a fairly long list including carcass construction, joining boards for, say, tabletops and, basically, substituting for most other joining methods, particularly dowels.

Part II – Jointing Techniques
Next, we are given a full explanation of how to use the Biscuit Jointer in different situations. Anthony starts with assembly techniques and gives us some good tips particularly on applying glue when using biscuits, so as to get the strongest joint possible.

We are then shown the main ways that biscuits can be used and these include:

• Edge to edge joints

• Corner joints

• T-joints

• Face to face joints

• Boxed-up joints

• Miters

Part III – Making Functional Items
Now, I must say I am not at all comfortable with Anthony’s opening section in this chapter as it explains how a Biscuit Jointer can used as a small power saw.  He actually mentions right at the start that most manufacturers place a warning not to use the tool in this fashion. However, the author states that he has done this for years without incident. For me, any warning in a manual should not be ignored and would, for a start, be dangerous and also indicate that doing so would probably void any warranty.

Apart from this method, the chapter does contain some other methods that may be useful. Methods such as using the Biscuit Jointer to create draw pull holes by plunging the Jointer multiple times at different height to cut it out. Also using biscuits to support removable, sliding shelves. Also your basic butt jointed Drawer construction is discussed but Anthony does use the ‘saw’ method to create the draw bottom slot which, again, I am not at all in favor of.

Part IV – Moulding Effects
The Author now shows us how he uses the Biscuit Jointer to achieve different moulding effects such as:

• Multiple groove effect

• Groove highlight detail

• Star detail

• Dentil moulding

• Slotted frieze

• Scallop effect

For the first two effects, the Biscuit Jointer is used in the saw mode. The rest, however, use the standard ‘plunge’ action of the Biscuit Jointer and are quite easy to achieve. I must say I liked the Dentil moulding method quite a bit with the Scallop effect also fairly interesting. The other effects did not do much for me but you may find them interesting nevertheless.

Part V – Jointer Jigs
Now we get into some really helpful Biscuit Jointer jigs that can be made quite easily. All of these jigs are well done and will make using the Biscuit Jointer much easier, faster and, particularly, accurate. Jigs that are presented include:

• Reference board jig

• Bed Slat jig

• L-Jig

• Drawer jig

• Framing cam jig

• Dentil Moulding and Slotted Frieze jig

Part VI – In-Situ Working
The author now shows us various situations where the Biscuit Jointer can be used on a job site.  Anthony discusses how it can be used to apply composite skirting boards and moulding as well as Kitchen cabinet and Worktop installations where the biscuits are used to align the top only and proper worktop bolts hold the top together.

Part VII – Making a Jointer Table
Now, I have made several Router Tables over the years but I had never thought to make a Biscuit Jointer Table. Anthony’s basic idea here is that you need a dead-flat surface with a work support fence to achieve consistent joints as well as make the use of your Biscuit Jointer much quicker and easier. I will say that I am still not enticed to make one but, if you use the Biscuit Jointer an awful lot, then it would be handy.

Part VIII – Biscuit Jointer Maintenance
Like any tool, the Biscuit Jointer does require maintenance from time to time.  The author covers everything from general cleaning, blade care and replacement and motor brush replacement. Anthony even discusses the electrical and mechanical internals of the Biscuit Jointer but, correctly, states that you should leave these to the professionals if repairs are needed. The reason that he does explain each of them though is so that you will know when you need to have your tool serviced.

Moulding Magic
I must say, by now, I had had enough of reading about Biscuit Jointers and was quite happy to move into this chapter. Making elegant moulding using the Router is something I love doing and gives me quite a lot of satisfaction because I am making something special, so I am always interested in learning more. Anthony taught me quite a few new techniques that I will be using in the future, particularly with making composite moulding.

Projects

In the next nine chapters, Anthony shows us how to make the following:

• Blanket Box with ‘linen fold’ panel effect

• Radiator cover including different grille options

• Fireplace Surround in pine

• Router storage/transport case including bit and tool storage

• Double Bed (presented over three chapters) with optional storage drawer

• Oilstone storage case

• Rotating CD rack

• Chessboard featuring two different timbers for the squares and maple inlay strips as well as chess piece storage

• Two drawer Filing cabinet

All projects have fairly detailed plans and nearly all of them feature exploded view drawings that I found quite helpful. The author includes very easy-to-follow step-by-step construction and assembly instructions as well as finishing recommendations. Personally, I found the CD rack and the Chessboard projects the most appealing but I am sure everyone will find something here to his or her liking.

Mechanics of Making
Over the next eight (short) chapters, the author describes ‘How to change a great concept into a great piece of work’. Topics that are covered are:

• Inspiration

• Materials

• Design

• Cutting List

• Machining Order

• Machining Care

• Finishing

• Assembly

These chapters are an interesting read and give some great tips, techniques and procedures that, I’m sure, will assist woodworkers at every skill level.

Machining
The last section of the book contains three chapters covering Rip Sawing and Cross cutting, Mechanical Planing including machine selection and ‘Work Aids’ which covers other machinery such as the Triton 2000, Chisel Mortiser and Spindle Moulders.

Summary
While this is quite a nice book, I think the title could have been “Biscuit Jointer Techniques & Projects” which would have more aptly described a lot of the contents. This is not a condemnation of the book and my suggested title would still not give a fair indication of the subjects covered.

Regarding the coverage of the Biscuit Jointer and its maintenance and usage, even if you have had one of these power tools for a long time, you will probably pick up a tip or two from the eight chapters. However, as I mentioned previously, one method I particularly did not like is the usage of the Biscuit Jointer as a small power saw.

As I mentioned at the start, the book is basically a collection of short articles written by the author over a period of years that have mostly appeared in UK ‘The Router’ and ‘New Woodworking’ magazines. This is again not a condemnation as it is stated up front in Anthony’s Introduction page, however, if you have read these magazines over the years and then purchased his book expecting something new, you will be disappointed.

With that said, the book is an easy read at only 124 pages and does contain quite a bit of information and projects that, I believe, would mostly appeal to the beginning woodworker.

Part 1: Biscuit Jointer Basics.
All you need to know about operating a biscuit jointer!

Special techniques for using your biscuit machine can be found here...

Maintaining your biscuit joiner is covered in Part VIII of the book

A plan to build a bed.


Anyone for chess? Learn how to make your own board.

The included plans are relatively good and reasonably easy to follow.

The basics of using and maintaining a router are discussed in this section.

And of course no good project can be without the proper materials.

Aha! So that's how they did that!

The book discusses the usefulness of a jointer to prepare stock for your project in this section.

Make your very own router storage box. Details inside...