Use of Biscuits AND Pocket Hole Screws on Same Joint

[Ken Kortch]

Does anyone use biscuits in addition to pocket hole screws on the very same joint?

I can see where using biscuits - if cut correctly - could really help alignment for both 90-degree joints and edge-to-edge joints. 

I'm not thinking so much for added strength - though I'm sure they can't hurt any. I'm really thinking about keeping the wood from sliding out of position while screwing in the pocket screws.

[Ken Darga]

There's no advantage to install a biscuit and Kreg screws in the same joint section.

Material will be removed when cutting the slot for the biscuit---

there will not be a firm foundation for the screw to grip and secure the joint.

With properly dressed faces, squared and adequately clamped, movement will not occur. 

Keep it simple---use the Kreg Joinery.

[Ken Darga]

PS---a biscuit fitted into the slot is a loose fit, so as to allow movement, for adjustment during clamping.

Screws embedded into the soft biscuit material will not offer a firm hold.

[Ken Darga]

If one insists on installing an object between two pocket hole screws, as descibed in the subject matter, 

a dowel or loose tenon, located between the two screws would be more suitable over a biscuit.

NOTE: When installing a dowel, the drilled holes need to be aligned nearly perfect---

once installed, there is no adjustment for alignment.

Hence, the great advantage of using Kregs Pocket hole joinery method.

[Ken Darga]

Had one of the General Tools dowel drilling jig---

after struggling with it, and not getting  accuracy, 

I placed it in the circular file.

[Ken Darga]

Here's the dowel drilling jigs I use.

They produce accurate placement of the holes/dowels.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=857&site=ROCKLER

This type puts the hole on the C/L of the work-piece.

A little more fussing around, so as to get the the indicator line perfect with the line on the work-piece.

(make a practice pieces before proceding with production).

This style jig is intended to be positioned on the face side of the work-piece.

This style is much simplier to use.

Alignment of the line is easier.

Use a knife ''scribed'' line for most accurate placement of holes, vs using a crayon.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30901&site=ROCKLER

1/4" size

3/8'' size

1/2'' size.

[Ken Darga]

Biscuit joinery, for some applications, is an effective joinery method---

it has it's place in wood joinery.

The only drawback, is that glue is needed to secure the joints---

whereas, with the Kreg joinery method, you just

''drill-it

clamp-it, and

screw-it''.

Easier than baking cupcakes.

[Jay Boutwell]

Ken Darga said:

Biscuit joinery, for some applications, is an effective joinery method---

it has it's place in wood joinery.

The only drawback, is that glue is needed to secure the joints---

whereas, with the Kreg joinery method, you just

''drill-it

clamp-it, and

screw-it''.

Easier than baking cupcakes.

I had a a dowel jig made by General Tools and found the same problem as Ken, 'in accurate"  I also have two dowel jigs made by Stanley Tools and that are also in accurate.  I have set them in the dark corner of my shop so that I can't find them and replaced it with a jig known as a "dowl-it" .  This is the same tool as Ken is using.  They are accurate and well made.  I have the "dowl-it  2000" model and bought it over 10 years ago to use when a dowel was needed.   Rockler sells the same tool of which the get from the company  known as "dowl it" company.   http://www.dowl-it.com/.  If you are in need of a doweling jig I highly reccoment this one.  They still make the model 2000 and sell for around $50.00.

[Rick F]

This is the one I use with pocket hole screws on the sides,  But only use it when I build a table and want a little more when jointing the apron to the leg.      http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18088&site=ROCKLER

[Mike]

been curious about the beadlock.. not had a chance to use it yet tho

[Ken Darga]

Mike,

The bead-lock joinery system is effective.

I get good results.

Here's a link---

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18092&site=ROCKLER

joint instructions---

http://www.rockler.com/tech/RTD10000317AB.pdf

video---

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18092&TabSelect=Videos

The beadlock system is more complex and time consuming to Kreg's Pocket Hole System.

With Kreg's, it's 

''drill---clamp---drive''.

Can't get much simpler than that.

Mike said:

been curious about the beadlock.. not had a chance to use it yet tho

[Mike]

Yes I need to find one i can borrow one weekend to see if and how much i love or hate it.....  Why does noone live near me lol

[Gary roofner]

I have beadlock pro get the pro much better clamping system.. Probably for strength mortise and tenon then loose tenon which beadlock pro comes in, and last would be pocket hole. However pocket hole is strong enough and much faster for most projects.