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And don't even get me started on dovetail jigs! 😄 Good points, James. Thanks for watching my videos! 👍

I love how you are always able respectfully present an opposing opinion , you share your viewpoint in a not confrontational constructive manner. That in and of it self is a valuable skill set. That said I saw both of Steve Ramsey videos on this subject I also was impressed with how willing he was to give the tool a second try and re evaluate his position. You both bring something a little different to the community but both bring value ! I enjoy and learn from both channels. So thank you. And for the record I have owned a Freud biscuit jointer for about 15 year , yes I bought because norm always seemed to use it . I doesn't come out often but when I reach for it shines. Besides the obvious strengthening mitered corners on trim work or attaching face frames , I actually use it on glued up table tops in conjunction with pocket screws I find it help keep the shifting out of plane when you drive the screw home. Not lending or selling it it will be right there on the shelf till I need it

I'm on my second biscuit joiner. Don't under estimate the strength that they have. The more you use one the more you'll appreciate it

All I use mine for is joining boards to keep them aligned, but it's extremely handy for that.

Great tutorial. I would never be without a biscuit joiner in my shop.. equally, I never expect the biscuits to perform beyond their design limits. Use the tool correctly, and it becomes a great aid.

I made my kitchen cabinet doors over 20 years ago. I made the cabinet door frames out of oak and joined them with biscuits, Instead of the joints being at 45 degree angles, I glued end grain of the vertical components to the long grain of the horizontal components. The door frames were machined to their final shape after the glue cured. In over twenty years the joints have never shown any signs of coming loose. They are just as tight as they were when I first made them. SEAN

Kudos for acknowledging Steve’s follow up post. I enjoy watching the content you both produce and I respect you all the more for taking the time to point out that Steve beat you to it in updating his opinion.

Several comments on this video from people who didn't even watch to the end before posting. 🙄 I appreciate having access to the guidance of both Steve's and James' channels, along with many others. It's especially nice that they listen to each other, discuss and respond in a friendly and respectful way, and provide us with the benefit of their various perspectives. As a novice to woodworking I find both Stumpy Nubs and WWMM invaluable. Thank you James and Steve. Think it's about time I bought some merch!

I used to watch that old Yankee Workshop it was one of my favorite shows but he had a lot of tools that would be out of my budget

I saw that one as well! Nice to see he was humble enough to revisit the topic. Wouldn’t expect anything less from him.

I use my biscuit jointer every now and then, it's come in really useful, they do have their limitations but the same can be said for all tools

I’m glad you made this follow up video to Steve Ramsey’s. I admire both of you and I respect Steve for making that follow up video.

I have been watching your channel for a couple of years now. I must say that you presented your views in a professional and respectful manner. I like the fact that you mentioned the owner of the video allowing people to check out Steve's video and presentation. I have the upmost respect for both you and Steve. Nice job both of you.

Great video, James. I love my biscuit joiner. It really helps with alignment, especially on longer pieces. I like putting my biscuits visually off center. This helps me make sure I've got the right sides up. Thank you.

I have one and use it a lot making furniture, great for alignment and it does add some strength to the glue up.

Another great video as always! What I like best is you give information and let the individual find what’s best for them. I use biscuits from time to time and as you say it all depends on the task at hand. When it is used it is an amazing benefit. Keep up the great work and I love the new shop!

I bought a biscuit joiner for one project 3 years ago and haven't used it since. But I have to say it more than paid for itself on that one job, which involved edge joining 11 foot long boards. I make my living in home repair and don't have a wood shop to speak of, so not much call for a biscuit joiner, but I'm glad I have one if I ever need it again.

You’re the Norm Abram of explaining woodworking my friend!!!! Your videos are always so helpful and informative.

I think a biscuit jointer is like the pocket screw tool. Once you have both you will come up with ways to use them that you might not have thought of before. I make a lot of 8 sided pedestals for a local taxidermist and coming up with a way to glue the boards together and keep them from slipping around when band clamping is almost impossible. Depending on how tall the pedestal is I'll put 2 or 3 biscuits along each of the 8 joints. Now when I band clamp them, they stay put. This method can be used for any multi sided project.

Hope you are healing well. And hope you have a great new year.

Thank you for adding to the conversation. Its very useful to understand what a tools pros and cons are.

A positive contribution indeed. Excellent sharing of knowledge and wisdom. Thanks!

Thanks for the great video James. I appreciate your views on the biscuit jointer. I hope that your hand is healing up well. May God bless you and your family this new year.

I use biscuits in the miters of my window and door casings. It keeps the moldings aligned even when the wall is uneven and keeps the miters from opening up over time.

Purchased a Lamello 25-30 years ago and it's one of those tools that I use only occasionally, as in rarely, but when needed it becomes the perfect precision tool for the task. Like the oscillating multi-tool and some others ... lots of extended shelf time but glad to have them. Very good video!

Well said James well said!

An old cabinetmaker told me he uses biscuits frequently but _never glues them in._ He said that as the biscuit swells, the surrounding wood does as well. The panel is then sanded smooth. A week or so later, when the glue is fully cured internally, there's a slight divot at the location of the biscuit because the wood has shrunk back.

I finally bought my first biscuit jointer a few years ago while working and saving to get my shop going again. Just used it for the first time this past summer and I totally love it! I do use it quite a bit now, but definitely not for everything.

I had a Ryobi biscuit jointer for a while since it was a recommended best buy in a woodworking magazine. The slots it cut were loose every time. I sold it and bought a DeWalt. Since then, all my slots have been good. I don't use it every day, but it's very useful when I need it.

I watched Steve Ramsey's video and thought that was a pretty cavalier reaction. Just to let you know I am not a Norm fan boy but I had just come off a 200 bf glue up of 10' material and I didn't want to waste the time of using biscuits but after fighting the first two glue ups I decided to bring out the biscuit joiner. You still need to use cauls but what a difference it made to start the pieces together and when you push them together they almost align correctly. I do give Steve credit for watching his reviews and making another evaluation. If I had not of been working with $725 of wood I may have said that is good enough but when you have a tool that will possibly ease some of the pressure use it. Thanks for the follow up and please don't unsubscribe to woodworking for mere mortals because of this issue. Thanks for watching what is going on other channels and presenting a different angle. Much appreciated.

Thank for your opinion. It is very solid. I have had a biscuit joiner for years. Once I learned the correct way to use it has has become a tool I use often. Thanks for sharing.

I like Stumpy Nubs. I like WWMM with Steve. That is all.

I always appreciate your videos... always perfect for me as a beginner, and express your thorough knowledge (especially safety tips) and understanding based on experience....

Happy New Year, James and thanks for weighing in. Obviously, I waited until 4:34 before commenting! I have been successfully using biscuit joinery since the 80's and also shook my head at Steve's first video. I laughed when he held-up his Craftsman (Ryobi) biscuit joiner and knew exactly why he had come to those conclusions. Scott

I’m really glad that you added your opinion whether to biscuit or not to biscuit.

Great video James, thanks. I've been using biscuits for years with good results. I don't use them for adding strength, just for alignment. Works well for me...

This is a good bit of info, thanks! I also watched wwmm’s videos on the biscuit joiner. I appreciate your opinion as well.

Luvya James, Just a note, You know your stuff, and thanx for sharing! Be Well, Do Good Work, and Stay in Touch.

Great video James. One of my first projects was a punched tin tall pie safe for the wife. What an adventure with the first biscuit joiner. I love it.

I, too, saw both Steve Ramsey's videos and found amusement at his retreat from the first video's conclusions. To me, you and he have arrived in roughly the same camp. Liked your extra insight on safety and possible long term quality issues! Good work!

I found a biscuit joiner useful for cutting the recess for Z clips on a pair of solid wood top, sitting-type benches I made. (I had forgot to cut the needed groove prior to assembly!) Just something to throw out there!!

Good Job I waited to the end. Was about to say 'Poor Steve" LOL Funny how we all watch the same makers :)

Love all of your videos. Thank you so so much for sharing your knowledge

I just finished up a decorative sliding barn door for my sons home. I used biscuits to do just as you explained. To aid in joining a large panel to help keep the surface flush. Worked great & only had to do minimal sanding. This door was 54” wide.

I love your videos that are always on point and clearly explained. Thanks!!

Some time ago I watched a John Heisz video where he decided to evaluate the suitability of biscuits as shelf supports... 4 biscuits (maybe 5 , can't remember ), no glue , a plywood shelf with John sitting and bouncing on it. No failures as I recall. It was amusing to watch of course but illustrated the strength of a good biscuit, made with the grain at 45 deg. to the long axis. I've used them on garden planters several years ago without failures. Loads are high but static. As you say, they have a role to fill, just know the limitations.

Thank you for this. I had just watched Steve's video and follow up and was a little skeptical of his initial opinion. I grew up watching Norm and still love watching NYWS online. I always remembered seeing him use biscuits for what you described: gluing boards together for large panels. I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work!

Have one. Not used much but when it is it's darn nice to have and it's not eating any straw so I'll keep it.

I agree totally, l use a biscuit joiner and find it very useful but not in all applications. You presented a fair assessment and honest opinion in a respectful and polite manner.

I have had one for years! Your right, depending on your workflow determines use. I have used mine only a few times. But when I did I was glad I had it in my tool belt!

All those years ago I did buy a Porter Cable biscuit joiner and it has served me well when needed.

As professional carpenter /cabinet maker, I simply would not be without a BJ, I mean biscuit joiner. I've had the same DeWalt as you for about 10 years and it's still going strong.

Having watched the latest Steve Ramsey video, it was good to hear your opinion and experiences with biscuit joiners. It brought everything together in practical ways for me.

Good video Content... I watched Steve Ramsy's video and had to comment on how His old bouquet joiner had way to muck slop/play in his cut slot/groves...... I use my biscuit joiners mostly for face frames, gluing up panels for making them level/flush and other odd cabinet carcass uses... Greg

thanks for sharing that, happy new year

I saw the title and had to watch this one. I grew up watching norm with dad as a kid even here I'm the UK he was famous.

I’ve watched both and a longtime fan of Norm - a tool’s value or use is highly dependent on the user’s understanding the purpose and it’s limitations. Thanks for this video.

I’ve had my biscuit jointer since the early 1990’s (ELU) and have used it extensively, l love it and wouldn’t be without it. I certainly agree with you on one thing, and that is you have to know how to use it properly. If not used properly then it’s not the tool that’s useless!!!!

Love using them on glue up, reinforceing miters on trim an such..Forsure love that machine, just got the DeWalt 20v max and super glad to get rid of that cord...

I don’t always use my biscuit joiner, but when I do it’s invaluable. I love mine and will replace it if it ever breaks down.

Good tip on biscuit jointers; I will definitely keep these tips in mind

I used mine yesterday to cut a slot for the cam of a cabinet lock. Worked great!

I never used one till my Wife's Grandfather moved and decided he was too old to be doing his wood work. Lucky for me I got a lot of cool old timer tools, and a biscuit jointer to boot! I don't use it all the time but it sure comes in handy when I do! Thanks for the informative videos!

I was a huge fan of Norm and bought a DeWalt biscuit joiner when I made may own kitchen cabinets (beech plywood NO particleboard) It made assembling the carcasses quite simple. Have to admit I haven;t used it in a while, would use a Dowelmaster if I was to do it again.

Happy New Year!

Excellent commentary

I have a Porter Cable , works very well and I enjoy using it on panels.

I only watched halfway through, some really good tips, the takeaway at the end, use the right tool or joining method for the job.

When I was building a new butcher block style countertop for my wife, I used my biscuit jointer to join the sections together. Even though it was a "cheap" one from Harbor Freight, it worked really well.

2 of 3 of my favorite woodworkers commenting on each others videos. Awesome.

I've used a biscuit joiner a few times over the years for a few table tops I made. It's not used much but nice to know where it is when I need it. Right in my dad's garage. 😁

Nice video and good information. Thanks.

Thanks again....love my biscuit joiners!

I use my biscuit cutter anytime I’m edge glueing large panels like table tops. It really does help with alignment and keeping the panel flat.

Thanks James, good insights into the biscuit joint debate 😀, wishing you a happy 2020...

Yet another clear and concise video, very informative and unbiased. I have a cheap (£50) Clarke biscuit jointer brought from Machine Mart. Good for the price and will produce good results if time is taken to set up the cuts. I don't use biscuits that often so could not justify the expense of a better quality machine.

Thanks. My thoughts exactly.

You did contribute to the discussion of efficacy of a bisquet joiner. Steve Ramsey presentations are geared for novce & journeyman wood workers and effective tools.

I have an OLD small Ryobi Biscuit Joiner. Works great for small frames and other small project glue ups.

Used my HF Biscuit Joiner recently to make some panels out of 2 x 6's for a project that my wife needed done. Since I did not know how thick she wanted the blocks to start with, pocket holes were out. Loved it, perfect fit and alignment, and great for planing or cutting to exact size. Faster then any thing else in the shop at the time. Never underestimate the power of a through dowel to strengthen a butt joint. Just drill, glue, hammer in the dowel, cut off at the surfaceand instant strength that is a decorative feature as well. We did that on a scout eagle project as well.

Invaluable when joining kitchen worktops together

I love mine, works great and quick.

A civil discussion. Thanks for the video.

Thanks for the great video. Yes, I've watched Steve Ramsey's vids but more information and opinions are the key to woodworking Zen...keep up the great stuff!

Thanks for the information!

Interesting, I have wondered about a biscuit jointer, thank you

Hi Stumpy, I watched the video in which you injured your hand. I had my grandsons watch the video, they were amazed at how fast that happened to you. I know it was a bad day for you however it really showed how an experienced woodworker can be injured. I also told them to remember Stumpy said he didn't listen to his own intuition !!! Thanks for being honest, I really enjoy your channel, keep on woodworking. Tim

I use my B.J. mostly for lining up glue ups. But not all glue ups. It's just another tool. I got a belt sander too and it doesn't get used that often. But when you need it.. Nice video Stumpy. Thanks.

even though i have a decent biscuit joiner, i use a biscuit sized router bit on my palm router most of the time. more dust, but it goes very quick and reliably.

I have used bicuits to join large pieces together, but also use a kreg jig to help with strength. Seems to work pretty good for me so far

I have a biscuit joiner and i love it. The alignment issues when making table tops is minimized i discovered

Thank you for a well reasoned presentation on the uses of a biscuit joiner. They preform certain task very well and are terrible at others. I would never try to make a loop type of cut at a table because they were not designed for that, that for a band saw. If you do the types of woodworking were biscuit joiners are useful, buy one. Using the correct tools for the job makes a better a better project.

I love the biscuit joiner, for alignment purposes.

Great video. My opinion is that biscuits are useful for things like building shaker cabinet door frames where the glue surface is substantially smaller than the height of the door. I see it helping to ensure alignment and adding just a little bit more strength. Also, as you say, building wide peices from several planks, helping with alignment. I think they are perhaps quite over used, but they definitely have their usefulness.

nice video--and thank you for your tips and tricks

Hi James, I agree with you, in fact, I bought a biscuit jointed over 40 years ago (I may have the first one ever made) and I use it quite often. I use a lot of pallet wood in my joinery and a biscuit joiner is excellent in keeping those joints aligned.

I enjoy your videos keep up the great job

I just got into woodworking a couple of years ago, and I bought a biscuit joiner because I had no doubt I was going to need one. Two years later, and I've never used it once.

Love the video, but the title brought me in :-) Norm introduced me to woodworking on PBS, long before on-demand and youtube, and became the role model for myself and many others. I still use the Dewalt Biscuit Joiner I bought to help with alignment since I didn't have a jointer or planer. I really enjoy watching the craftsmen video these days, but find myself always falling back to the Keep it Simple methods that Norm shared as he taught us about the Shakers in that village he visited almost every week.