Success with Biscuit Joiners

Pro's: The pictures are nice.Con's : Throughout the book the word "clumps" was used instead of "clamps". Abbreviations were used without descriptions. Typo's & missing words everywhere. I was constantly questioning what the author was trying to say and I found myself questioning the topics that were new to me. For a beginner, if you don't want to interpret while you learn, look for another book!

This book details the many uses and even unexpected applications for what I would call a biscuit saw. There are many photographs of both proper and erroneous results from using biscuits in wood building projects. It has enabled me to build some durable and serviceable furniture from economical stock with materials that are easy to use.

This book was very wordy, but spent very little time on basic teaching for detailed use of biscuit makers. You tube is a better source. Will not help you that much

This is a nice overview of many machines and their uses. 2005 and up to date on product. It is an overview and not a how to do type book - although some of that is there.

If you want to learn the basic techniques in using a biscuit joiner, then this may not be a useful book for you. I am a beginner and was looking for a primer. This is a beautiful book with excellent photography but it almost appears there was an effort made for filler. I was surprised that a big portion of the book was taken up by basic safety, sanding, and a long non-definitive review of various models. Other side bars including using the biscuit joiner as a saw and to make decorative joiner work. The author is in the UK. This enables him to make interesting comments on biscuit accessories that I have not heard of (steel and rubber biscuits for special purposes). The writer is alright, but I think this is one of the books you buy, look through, then put on the shelf for good. Not one I will refer to for information or inspiration.The book is broken down into three parts:Part 1 is Equipment. This section comprises 58 pages with chapters on "The biscuit joiner", "Safety", "Biscuit joiner model review", and "Consumables"Part 2 is Techniques. This should be the meat of the book. There is some good information, but IMHO, there is waste here covering using a router to cut the slots, using the biscuit joiner as a crude saw, using it to make decorative grooves, and using the biscuit joiner to cut grooves in MDF to make it pliable to make curves. This is interesting, but it does not seem feasible (there are many other ways to do these in a safe, efficient means) and it is not why we would get this book. There is an excellet chapter (8 pages) on jigs and fixtures that is solid information.Part 3 is Projects. These include a T square, L jig, storage case, working table, and dust collection drop box. The book is rounded out with a glossary, manufacturer list, and index.

Both my teen-age son and my retired father found this book useful for learning to join wood. They were able to master various decorative details that they would not have attempted without this book. We had an antique table that needed some repairs, and now it looks great! A+

Should have no star at all.This is the worst,most uninformative book I have ever come across and contains chapters on potentially dangerous practices if used in the wrong hands.Why does he get into repairing on/off switches?Beginners need step by step guides to get a clear idea,e.g. how to join wood of different sizes as in rails to legs for a table.He seems to be obsessed with reference surfaces which could confuse a beginner.Why not just say a flat surface such as your bench,a table or mdf or plywood?On joining different thicknesses,don't go on about reference pieces,tell us to use packing pieces to achieve required height.Story sticks?love em,but he needs greater clarity for marking out something like bookcase ends.With his unclear way it is so easy to mark from the wrong edge and potentially wrong height.Then we get a chapter using a router.Why?If I own a router I buy a book on routers and it will tell me in there.I don't buy a router and then a book on biscuit jointers to tell how use a router for biscuit jointing.I occasionally groove with my machine and,although he does mention it,he again needs to be more helpful on direction of travel which is different depending how the jointer is presented to the stock.A couple of illustrations with arrows would do it.Then we get to his 'design' projects and this is the worst of all.Not only are aesthetically naive but are fraught with danger and,although obviously doable,I would strongly advise people to stay away from such practices.Besides which,most people are more likely to buy a router before a biscuit jointer and this will do a cleaner,safer cut and,unlike the jointer,do the job it was designed for.Then we get to the book jacket and it seems that he has turned his hand to many things.Jack of some,master of none comes to mind.The final insult is that,having produced such dreadful book on biscuit joining,he is photographed with a router!Luckily I bought this book secondhand so it only cost me a bar of chocolate.I did think about taking it to a charity shop but decided it would be best out of circulation so it went into the recycling bin.At least that way it will be pulped and turned into something that is actually useful.

Anyone who has just purchased a biscuit jointer, or who is thinking of doing so, would find this book useful. One particularly good feature of the book is that several commonly available brands are reviewed briefly, helping a prospective purchaser to make a choice.

Non practical as american books. Lack of tips, draws, schemes and step by step. Too much big photos - all equal!-