On 17/06/2018 14:19, John Rumm wrote:
On 16/06/2018 18:13, Tim Watts wrote:
On 16/06/18 18:10, Jim K wrote:
Tim Watts Wrote in message:
I have to make up a shelf from planks (800mmx600mm).
My first thought was biscuit jointer, but they're not cheap for
something I will use very sparingly.
I am wondering if a good dowelling jig might be a better investment?
Biscuit bit in a router?
I don't have a router 
You sad twisted individual ;-)
But as I might be interesting in getting one, I will have a look - ta.
Never heard of those...
IME the biscuit cutters for routers are sub optimal... oh and they are
also evil! ;-)
The main advantage of the BJ is that it cuts the whole slot quickly,
safely, and in one plunge. The radius of the cutting wheel matches that
of the biscuit. With the router cutters they are necessarily smaller to
fit through the base of the router, so you need to plunge them in, then
slide along the required amount, and then withdraw from the cut. Its
slower and the slot fits the biscuit less well.
The other big problem is that the required sequence of events means you
need to set the cutter depth and lock it off. That means its exposed.
You need to lower into position, then slide to the side to start the
cut. Remove at the end of the cut and at no time lift or tilt the router
or change the plunge setting while anywhere near the wood - else you
will likely have a lump out of it in a place where you did not want it.
DAMHIK.
Put it this way, I sold my BJ router cutters on ebay!
+1. Once you get the hang of a biscuit jointer, it's quick and easy to
make reasonably accurate joints. And cheap ones work OK (I would not
recommend a cheap router though). I've never made up a shelf out of
planks. For a long time now I've always made shelving units up out of
18mm plywood (usually with 6 mm for the backs). If it is going to be
painted and/or doesn't have to look particularly smart I economise by
using shuttering ply. (I have an ancient cottage, so "rustic" fits in
well). Biscuit cutter and of course sawboard are my best friends.
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