Which works out better...

[aschueler]

Which works out better: dowels or biscuits?

I am assuming there is some major advantage to biscuits, as a biscuit joiner runs around $200, whereas the doweling jigs run around 30-50 bucks.

Currently I am using a doweling jig which I have suspicions of (grizzly). It seems to not ALWAYS perfectly center itself. However, I suspect biscuit joiners will likely also have some issues with perfect alignment. I saw a doweling jig online that sounded like the ultimate accurate doweling device, but it was around $250-$270.

So. I hate to begin controversy (I am assuming there must be a little controversy), but please educate me. Tell me what you use, and why you use it over the alternative. Thanks!

[old_guy]

Another alternative you should consider is pocket screws. They are stronger and easier to use than either biscuits or dowels. I think the choice of which to use mostly depends on what you are trying to join.

A cheaper alternative to buying a $200 biscuit jointer is to get a slot cutter for your router (about $20-30) -- they work very well if you are just edge joining boards.

[bogydave]

I like "old guy"s alternative. I've been using the Kreg pocket hole jig & it works great for me. Frames, tables, cabinets etc.
Iv'e never used biscuts.
I use dowel jigs, lay it out & mark the boards face so the jig front face goes on the same face of both boards. (& don't over tighten)
I also use a drill pess, for edge joining, with a fence, same applies, mark the face.
Also use glue with a longer open time to give you time to align the edges.
I suspect even biscuts will be off some.
Hope somebody chimes in with using biscuts.

[JasonB]

we tend to use poket screws the most where I work. If its not gonna be seen and strength isn't a really big deal thats what I would use. Its the fastest method.

next would be biscuits. if strength is more of an issue or you don't want to see those screw holes use biscuits. I would say this is the best combo of strength, speed and workability.

next for me would be a spline joint. kinda like one big biscuit. I personaly don't think this is as strong as biscuits. but is stronger than pocket screws.

If strength is really an issue use dowels. I sometimes have problems with the dowels lining up so I don't use this method a whole lot. theres no play with dowels like there is with biscuits.

[Dagster]

I only use bisquits when alignment is difficult on long glue-ups but this is rarely needed. They are sometimes helpful when building speaker enclosures as well to help keep things aligned when clamping.

I use pocket hole jigs for face frames on stuff like kitchen cabinets and I use them a lot on my jigs for my tablesaw etc... When building furniture I try to not use fasteners when possible just because it is fun.

[aschueler]

So the answer to the question of dowel versus biscuit is: pocket screws.

Thanks.

Seriously, I do have the Kreg pocket hole jig and I like it quite a bit. There are some circumstances, however, where this is not practical. Such as edge joining boards (currently I am making a bedside table and joining 6" boards for the surface). Never heard of the router thing Old Guy is talking about, but it sounds cool. Maybe I'll give it a try.

The dowels work ok, but not always as accurate as I want them to be. Part of me wondered whether biscuits were more accurate (hence the higher price tag, or at least some reason for biscuits over dowels).

[Don]

Good suggestions all. I personally like buscuits because lining them up is only critical in one axis, dowels need attention to two. But, like's been said there's a need for them all. We've used millions of dowels in cabinet and case construction because the machinery is geared to drilling mulitple holes at once. It's more a preference and experience. Pocket screws are great, people might not think they are worthy of fine furniture assembly, but we've used them by the boxload too.

dawjr

[splinters]

Dowels, Biscuits, pocket holes all have their place. I have a friend who just bought the Dowel max for something like $350. He says it is the most accurate tool he has. He showed it to me and it seemed very complicated....but I guess it's whatever you get used to. I have a dowel jig and it works great. I have a biscuit joiner and I love it. And yes I have a Kreg pocket hole jig and it is also great. I use the biscuit joiner when joining miter frames and also for slots in the sides of tables to use z clips to attach the tops (for wood movement). When joining boards for a table top or any panel, I dont use biscuits. Glue is plenty strong enough to hold your boards together, biscuits are not necessary. They do however help align your boards and without a good clamping system, they help.

I just completed a changing table that I built for my new grand daughter and I built it entirely out of pocket hole joinery except the slots to attach the solid wood top (used the biscuit joiner there). Pocket holes is quick and simple. Really cool, however, they are not stronger than properly installed dowels, but where strength is not critical, and they wont ever be seen, I will always use pocket holes because of the time savings. More time for me to make cool jigs!!

You will find that there is always 3 or more ways to do things in this hobby we call woodworking. Try different ways and use the one that works best for you.

[Domer]

As always there is another way.

I also have a Kreg Jig and Biscuit Joiner. I also have a doweling jig which I have not used in a long time. It is too difficult to line up more than one dowel.

Both the Kreg Jig and the Biscuit Joiner have their places. Have used both of them quite a bit, but less so recently because I have a new favorite method.

Eagle Jigs from Kansas City has a tool they call the Router Wizard which makes doing loose tenons pretty easy. It costs a little over $200 plus you have to mound a plunge router to the tool. It is both easy and repeatable and as strong as an integral mortise and tenon joint.

I build a Morris chair that would have had over a hundred mortise and tenon joints (that means over two hundred mortises) and it worked great.

[redbird]

I have a pocket jig, dowell jig, and a biscuit joiner. To me, the biscuit is faster, and stronger. I use it all the time.

[Joe C]

I like using biscuits on flat panel glue ups.