Biscuit joint
A biscuit joint is a joinery method involving oval shaped compressed wood chips, known as biscuits (or sometimes lamellars), which are inserted into slots cut into each of the pieces of wood being joined, along with glue. The biscuits are exactly the correct gauge for the slot, so the joint stays tightly compressed in position, and once the glue is dry gives added strength to the joint.
In order to cut slots that are exactly the right gauge for the selected biscuits, which come in different sizes a tool called a biscuit joiner, or cutter (also sometimes called a plate joiner). The joiner cuts to a specific, width, depth and shape to allow the biscuits to fit tightly, creating a strong and hidden connection. The approach is a popular jointing method for cabinet makers as well as used in the picture framing industry. Alternatives to biscuit joints might use round wooden dowels, known as dowel jointing or small metal angle which are stapled into place, increasingly common in the picture framing industry.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
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