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A plate joiner cuts a slot in wood to insert a biscuit, creating a solid joint. The biscuit sizes vary, and the tool is simple to use. The method originated in Europe and was developed by Herman Steiner. American tool makers created less expensive models, and dust collection is done via a bag attached to the tool. Wood glue or polyurethane glue can be used for a strong bond.
A plate joiner is a woodworking tool that is used to cut a narrow slot in a piece of wood. A wood biscuit, a small piece of compressed wood that is usually oval in shape, is glued into this slot so that half of the biscuit sticks out. This half of the biscuit is then glued into a slot in a second piece of wood, creating a solid joint between the two. Plate joinery is often referred to as biscuit joinery due to the small biscuits of wood that are the backbone of the joining method.
The most popular cookie sizes are Cookies No. 0 biscuits measuring 5/8 of an inch (1.58 cm) wide by 1 3/4 of an inch (4.44 cm) long, the No. 10 measuring 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) wide by 2 1/8 inches (5.39 cm) long and 20 cookies measuring 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide by 2 3/8 inches (6.03 cm) tall length. The blade for joining the plates has a diameter of 4 inches (10.16 cm), and the size of the biscuits is determined by the different dimensions of the arc of the blade. A plate carpenter can cut slots to fit any size of biscuit.
Slab joinery began in Europe in 1955. Invented by Swiss cabinetmaker and engineer Herman Steiner, the original slab joinery was developed mostly by accident as a way to join chipboard quickly and easily. He founded the Lamello Corporation and began to market the first joineries in Europe. Marketing eventually included the US and Canada, but the tool and method didn’t catch on very quickly. Over time, American carpenters have seen the beauty of such a simple method of joining.
As joiners became popular in the United States and Canada, American tool makers decided to get involved and developed less expensive models. The design of the tool is quite simple. Most tool manufacturers have already produced a 4 inch (10.16cm) grinder and have simply modified the design by adding an adjustable plunge cut guide that is capable of gripping the stock as it is being cut to reduce slippage and cutting errors. The blade used is a small carbide tipped saw blade modified to fit the grinding wheel spindle.
Collection of dust and debris is done via a dust bag attached to a drain hole on the tool. Tool manufacturers have added a small modification to the plunge guide to make dust collection more convenient for the user. When cutting softer woods such as pine, the dust collection port can become clogged and must be cleared before continuing work with the splicer. The collection bag should be emptied after each use to keep it clean and tidy.
There are many quality adhesives on the market that are used regularly by carpenters. Everyday wood glue is an effective option when using a plate joiner. Polyurethane glue is formed with the application of a small amount of moisture; the foam works its way into the nooks and crannies inherent in a biscuit joint. Both types of glue create a strong bond that, with the help of the cookie, will last a long time.
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