Ten Expert Tips on How to Use a wood Router

Biscuit Joinery Without a Biscuit Joiner

If you want to make biscuit joints, you don’t have to buy a biscuit joiner. In most cases, a wood router with a 5/32-in. slot bit can cut perfect slots to fit the biscuits. Here’s how to do it:

Mark the biscuit positions on both adjoining boards as you would with a biscuit joiner. Then cut a slot that’s about 1/2-in. longer than the biscuit. On thick boards, you don’t even have to mark out anything; just cut one quick, continuous slot on each board. Add glue and biscuits, then clamp it to create a strong joint.

There are two situations where a router can’t substitute for a biscuit joiner. A wood router can cut slots only along the edges of a board, not across its face. And it can only cut along square edges, not beveled ones.

Most slot cutters cut about 1/2-in. deep, which suits No. 20 biscuits. If you want to use smaller biscuits, buy a kit that includes three bearing sizes for No. 0, No. 10 and No. 20 biscuits.