Shopsmith Made a Biscuit Joiner? YEP!

[@chadnevels246]

I'll give credit to this SPT in that the dust collection seems excellent. Probably the best dust collect out of any Shopsmith SPT I've seen.

[@frankenberry9670]

I vote for "Don't do anything sketchy unless its a pencil on paper" ;-). I got a used SS Biscuit Joiner years ago and haven't used it much due to the type of woodworking I typically do. It is well made and works well but sits next to my hand held biscuit machine and Dowel Max all waiting for that special project. I need to make some cabinets with glued up panels.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Words to live by.

[@terremolander5243]

We bought a ShopSmith biscuit joiner from the mother ship many years ago. Thanks for the helpful tip of rotating the biscuit joiner for more table space. When we have very long boards (cabinets) we use our Porter Cable. We highly recommend using the ShopSmith biscuit joiner for smaller boards for a production run. ShopSmith can’t be beat in this application. Some people have complained the biscuit leaves a sunken mark in wood. We have a coffee table made of reclaimed Douglas fir. The coffee table is 25 years old + and no divots or sunken marks. Thanks again for another professional video.

[@MyGrowthRings]

It sounds like we work the same. Thanks for watching. Scott

[@daveosenni1142]

Huh. I bought a Biscuit joiner in 2022, and did not get a push block. Can't wait to use it, thanks for the great tips!

[@johnrice6793]

I have the biscuit joiner. Not only is it versatile (as you demonstrated) but the dust collection is superb. ANOTHER very good demo/video.👍👍

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, John.

[@ritchtaylor3831]

Had no idea you were such a Rush fan. Outstanding Easter Egg. @ 2;30 😀

[@BadAppleWoodwerx]

Great video Scott, seeing this in action makes me want one.

[@w2tty]

Interesting about the paper. I’ve never used it, and I’ve never had a problem. Have I been just lucky?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yes, you have. I've had them get totally stuck and have even had the thin tapered setscrew snap in half. I always use the paper trick now.

[@drumaganger]

Great video and exactly what I need to know. As I’ve mentioned, my SS was previously owned by a Cabinet Maker who took the SS on sight to do all of his work. The SS came with a lot of great attachments that you may not normally purchase for the shop. One of those attachments was a Biscuit Joiner. I’ve used it once just to play around with it, but I didn’t know about the 0/10/20 marks on the plunger. I was agonizing over the “exact” placement of the Biscuit holes, but it looks like they just have to be close enough as there looks like there’s a little room for expansion of the biscuits. Love the use of the Miter.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yes, biscuits are often quite forgiving in their placement. Especially when gluing up wide panels.

[@michaelbratcher3323]

Very well done Scott. Mine came with the biscuit jointer so this will be used by me in the future. Much appreciated sir.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Future biscuits are always welcome!

[@TheWoodworkersToolbox]

I forgot to mention you can dry biscuits and dowels that have swelled due to humidity in the microwave. Yep, heard that crazy tip somewhere, tried it and it worked!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Those are probably beyond saving, but I'll give it a go just for science.

[@bmanning43]

Microwave works great. You don’t have to be in North Carolina for stored biscuits to become unusably fat! I zap a couple of handfuls when approaching assembly time…

[@andrecharpentier2567]

Another great video. You did a thorough job showing how to use the SS Biscuit Joiner and tips in general on the use of a Biscuit Joiner. I liked the way you showed rotating the joiner. Never really thought of using it at an angle. Also showing the versatility of the SS by using the miter guage as a fence and pointing out the use of a piece of paper to prevent the miter bar from becoming jammed when tightening the set screw. (You only need to jam it once to appreciate that tip).

[@MyGrowthRings]

It happened to me about two years ago and I kicked myself for forgeting to add the paper. It's surprising how something so little makes such a big difference.

[@bobbuchanan8466]

I have a Shopsmith Biscuit Joiner (and someone gave me an HFT brand one). I like the rigidness of the Shopsmith as it was great when I used it to strengthen miters on a picture frame. Great tips! Superb video! Thanks.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Depending upon which HFT version you have, it can be good or bad, but isn’t that always the way? Thanks for watching and commenting. Scott

[@jamesbrunk9817]

I have used as you have shown and, with the use of a jig, have used it to cut splines for a mitered joint. Easier jug to make than one for table saw or router.

[@jerbear7952]

You are one heck of a resource and a great representative of the community.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I appreciate that.

[@joeasbeck1924]

I have used the other method many times.Using the tables and fence it seems very safe and very accurate.Thanks for a great lesson

[@williamSmith-fv5hi]

I found my misplaced (in plain sight) SS biscuit jointer and recently used it quite successfully. I do have a DeWalt and use it, also. It blows saw dust in a nice ark whereas the SS unit has excellent dust collection. In Virginian (my residence) we also deal with the same humidity. I keep my stock of biscuits in freezer bags.

[@gjacobson76]

I got the biscuit joiner attachment when I bought my used 500 that was upgraded to a 510. I haven't used it yet, but seeing your video really helps! Thanks for posting all your great content, Scott!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad to hear it! Scott

[@larrywiltse6268]

I have both a cheap biscuit joiner and the ShopSmith product. I have not used either in the last 5 or 6 years. There are so many things I have learned about aligning boards when glueing and clamping that make using biscuits a waste of time. Most of my experience is with boards less than 4 ft long. I can see that biscuits might be useful in aligning much long boards, but using the ShopSmith product with long boards would be very difficult. I agree that recently there have been too many videos on this subject. Actually using a cheap joiner and F clamps on the SS table might be a good joiner solution. I suspect that this idea has occurred to many ShopSmithers long ago, and they have designed a wide range of jigs to do it. My perspective is woodworking as a hobby not a business. I am retired and make gifts along useful things for my wife and stuff I can use in my hobby. About 6 years ago I upgrade to the PowerPro 7 from a Mark V made in 1954 that I inherited from my father. So far I do not think any of my children will become 3rd generation ShopSmithers.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That last sentence breaks my heart a bit.

[@OpossumPiper]

Thanks for covering this tool! I've been waiting for this one for a while now. I really appreciated seeing you demonstrating putting biscuits in the miters.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad you liked it.

[@durtywurkBuilds]

Great video as always!! Definitely learned some new ways to use mine now. Thank you for what you do!

[@stewwolfe1]

I’ve got a SS biscuit joiner sitting in a drawer. I’ve never used it! I always use my Dewalt handheld joiner. After watching this video, that’s going to change. Thanks for another great video Scott.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad to hear it gets a day in the sun!

[@larryhetzer7475]

Excellent tutorial! For doing slots in end of long boards, like bookcase left and right panels to top shelf, build the SS table support with floating table/s and telescoping legs out in front of the drill press.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That’s true, that can be done.

[@samspade2519]

Bought the handheld you talked about. Use it regularly. This i might have a use for. Tks great video again

[@rogerpetrella5993]

Darn you Scott! I've had a hand held biscuit joiner for 20 years and now I want to get a SS one!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Sorry about that.

[@timfrayne8946]

My used 520 came with the biscuit joiner. I have used it several times mainly for alignment. Works great but I’ve never tried a handheld

[@mrgunn2726]

Howdy Scott, thanks for sharing this!

[@MyGrowthRings]

You are welcome.

[@joz_tec]

Great suggestion on marking the depth guide marks with white paint. Thanks!

[@MyGrowthRings]

My pleasure.

[@danweirich3709]

Thanks for the video. I've used mine many times including miters. But it never occurred to me to rotate it 90 degrees & use the miter gauge. GREAT TIP!!!

[@MyGrowthRings]

It’s yours now.

[@stased7343]

A great video! Very informative. I may have to think about buying a Shopsmith biscuit joiner! I am looking forward to the follow up video.

[@johnhoshock9034]

Excellent video, Scott. I have one and have used successfully for various projects. I agree with your statement that sometimes it's just better to bring the tool to the wood just as it is with a router.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, John.

[@masterofnone76]

Thank you so much for these videos they are helping me a ton.....

[@MyGrowthRings]

You are so welcome!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Scott… I was working with my SS biscuit jointer last week. I was going to post a video on it. But, you did a much better demonstration than I had prepared. There are a couple of other pros and cons with use of the jointer that you might want to cover… PRO- doing double biscuit cuts are simple. You run all your stock through on the bottom cut… make a simple vertical height adjustment and use the same bottom surface and witness marks to cut the second set of slots. This is more precise, quicker and less cumbersome than doing so with a handheld jointer. It also allows a greater vertical space between the slots than most handheld can provide. PRO- if you imbed the locator pins into the face of the stock before plunging it into the blade, shifting stock is not an issue. I extend them further on softwood than on hardwood so they have a bit more bite! CON: Face bowed lumber is not as easily milled due to the table being flat. Sometimes you can mitigate this somewhat by placing the out bowed face, down against the table. But, it may be better to just mill them with a handheld, if you have one. As I said, you did a most excellent demo… thanks bud.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Please do post a video on it. I’ve wanted to talk about it ever since Scott Philips and I spoke about it, but I just don’t have an immediate need to use it. You are right about it being easy to machine double rows, and I almost shared that!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@MyGrowthRings I have a video coming out this week already. I’ll put the biscuit vid out next week. Thanks

[@marcbarash6045]

Thanks Scott, great instructional video, I have a biscuit joiner.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks!

[@jamespierson4324]

I have the SS biscuit jointer along with a hand held jointer. I currently use the hand held jointer when I do use biscuits. After seeing this video I will set up the SS jointer and give it a try the next time the occasion arises! The Shopsmith table looks to offer more support .

[@MyGrowthRings]

It really deserves a day in the sun, Jim.

[@toddharshbarger8616]

Another excellent demo, Scott

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, Todd.

[@mikeking7470]

Yeah. And the WEN looks so good at $70.00 I would have a hard time justifying the SS Biscuit Joiner at anything more than a few bucks. Or maybe my next SS (and there will be a next) will come with one. And I think I would try to use the miter gauge with clamp as a pusher for every cut possible.

[@jamespowell7196]

Thanks for the very thorough video demonstrating the SS biscuit joiner! I've been well served by my DeWalt biscuit joiner which I think I got before my Shopsmith. I later got a Shopsmith biscuit joiner but was plagued by table alignment issues(yes, I'm bad!) so my go to is the DeWalt merely because it's faster for me... and makes much more saw dust-the SS has great dust collection. BTW ...I see you are using the indexed quill feed lever- I like it!. jim

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yes, that table alignment is critical for so many functions, but for sure with the biscuit joiner. The DeWalt biscuit joiner is one of my favorites.

[@HebronGrandpa]

My wife wanted me to get one along with the router stuff. Haven't used any of them.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Get on it! It’s waiting for you.

[@jtome12]

Scott, I particularly liked your demonstrations of how to rotate the jointer to use it with the miter gauge. I'm looking forward to a project to give those techniques a try. Out of curiosity, where would one go to purchase a replacement blade? Are they "universal" among other biscuit jointers?

[@MyGrowthRings]

They are universal, so pretty much anywhere.

[@bobharper7014]

Thanks Scott. Now I need another tool for my shop! So sad you lost your custom emoji.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I agree!

[@alberttreado3713]

🎉 I’ve got one, I’ve used it, but I’m not the biggest fan of it. It seemed to me to be a bit clunky when everything is assembled. If I had one at the time, I would have probably preferred the handheld unit. Thanks Scott 🎉

[@MyGrowthRings]

Everything's not for everyone, that's for sure.

[@tigger-5652]

Thanks for another great video. I tend to build adjustable shelves in my bookcases, so I have never really thought about biscuit jointing the face of a board. There is a handsonline video about Cuttting Biscuit Joints in the Face of a Board. After watching it I did think investing in a handheld biscuit jointer might be the right way to go if I ever need to go there.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yeah, I almost put a clip of Nick in this video, and I may still reference it in the Q&A follow-up. Scott

[@frankenberry9670]

I've made a few end grain cutting boards and have wondered if putting in long dowels would make them a little less prone to joint separation due to inadequate maintenance and too much water. The visual dots on the cutting board sides would also be interesting.

[@ChathamJackTar]

So clear. Thank you.

[@MyGrowthRings]

My pleasure.

[@TheWoodworkersToolbox]

My Shopsmith biscuit joiner came in a box of parts with other used Shopsmith equipment. I don't think I would have sought it out specifically. For adding strength to joinery, I more often reach for the doweling jig. I have used it for edge-to-edge glue-up alignment and find it very effective and convenient, especially in dust collection. This thing grabs all the dust. Ignoring the cost, this is where the Domino makes total sense as it combines the convenience and features of a biscuit joiner with the strength of dowels and integral tenon joinery. A good product for the Shopsmith would be a more convenient way to cut floating tenon mortises. I could envision a special fence and subtable used in horizontal mode with a spiral up-cut bit that draws the workpiece into the fence.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I totally agree with that line of thinking. I imagine that tool is on a whiteboard in Nick Cupps’ office!

[@chadnevels246]

Like you Scott, I also have faithful Porter Cable hand held biscuit joiner going back 20+ years. If I had to guess, I'd say this Shopsmith version is one of the cheapest (in price, not quality) stationary biscuit joiners on the market. I've always considered a specialized stationary tool, such as this, more of a production tool. But I can see where it would have it's place.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That’s a very good point. I love the ample support that I get from the Mark’s table.

[@GeoffreyBaker]

Great video! Question, do you know why Shopsmith put the two slots on either side of the biscuit joiner? Seems like they could mount to t-nuts or other table jigs, but would it be helpful in any way to do so? It's not addressed in the manual or your video... just wondering! :)

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yes, I do know why and I will share that in about a week when I show a Shopsmith tool that you couldn’t pay me to use!

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

Once again the versatility of the SS shines on! The adjustability of the table, miter gauge, and biscuit joiner all combine to facilitate all the different cuts with ease. Curious as to what speed range you were using. Same as table saw or something else? Also, most videos I have watched on joining say that biscuits do a great job of helping with board alignment but do very little if anything to increase joint strength. Do yo find that to be true. As always, thanks for another great video. Your approach is always helpful and informative. Blessings, Glen

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Glen. Yes, in the edge to edge and edge to face joints a biscuit will not add strength. If the boards fit well, a glued butt joint is all that is needed for strength. In those cases biscuits are helpful for assembly and alignment. In the end grain to edge of face grain, they do add a bit of strength. If I were really concerned about adding strength to the joint I would go with dowels.

[@thebeggarswoodshop8756]

Yep, not the most practical for a shopsmith but still works for its limits.

[@edblough4134]

I have one most excellent tool!

[@boatfreak207]

I was hoping you could do a demo on the mortise and tenon kit. I have the kit, but would like to hear your tips on use. Just found a biscuit joiner on ebay, looking forward to trying it out.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I’ve done that very presentation here on this channel a couple years back.

[@davidhaas8821]

Very useful video. On another subject, what do you think about upgrading the to the touch screen of the PowerPro 2? I see they bumped the price up $30 before they put it on sale. Any thoughts how involved it would be? Thanks.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I haven’t used it, but I have a personal concern with touch screens because they often don’t register my touch. Beyond that I like the power of the PowerPro motor, but the conventional headstock works so well and is so dang reliable that I have a hard time justifying the investment. How about you? Have you tried a PowerPro?

[@davidhaas8821]

Good advice. I have had the Mark 7 for about 10 years. I also own a 40 year old Mark 5 (now a 520). I think the control on the 7 is not very intuitive, but very much like the unit overall. @@MyGrowthRings

[@drumaganger]

Just an option: At time 2:37, instead of lifting the Biscuit Joiner up, why not extend the quill down?

[@MyGrowthRings]

I lifted the table up, but yes, I could have extended the quill. I like to use the biscuit joiner with a minimal amount of extension on the quill out of habit, because if the Mark has a single bearing quill (which this one doesn't) you'll begin to get a sloppy slot. Come to think of it, I could have used some oversized slots!

[@devinskimackelenski4392]

How would this be an advantage over horizontal boring? Maybe you mentioned this and I missed it. If so I apologize!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Primary speed and ease of set-up and use. Think about a joint that has three dowels. You would have to layout and accurately drill six holes, and in the time it would take me to just do the layout I could be done setting up and cutting six matching slots, that also offer forgiveness for slight misalignment.

[@timbo389]

Yes, biscuits tend to cause swelling over time. Oh, you’re talking the biscuits swelling and not my midsection. lol

[@MyGrowthRings]

Both, actually.

[@jerbear7952]

Ok so here is my theory. He is obviously enchanting other wizards and stealing their secrets.

[@bmanning43]

Don’t want to sound obvious or like the safety police but you might mention it is not safe to cut slots in any parts shorter than the distance between the pins on either side of the blade, or unless otherwise secured in one of the other ways you mention. If not secured against pusher the blade can jerk the part away and replace it with a finger. Don’t ask me how I know this…

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yes, it can take you on a wild ride!

[@jerbear7952]

And cheap shots. 😅