Biscuits for router

[NOTTNICK]

Hi
I was given a few router cutters when I got my router recently.
This included a biscuit cutter 4mm X 37.2.
It only has one bearing - diameter 12mm.
I have made myself a router table, and would now like to do some jointing.
I need to get some biscuits but don't know which size to get to suit my cutter.
Information gratefully received.
Nick

 

[carlb40]

Whichever size you want. The fence on your table can control the depth, so the bearing makes no difference until you go full depth. So you can use all 3 sizes of biscuit.

 

[NOTTNICK]

Thanks for that advice.
I'll get working on it tomorrow.
Loving having a table - so much easier for some of the jobs I am doing.
Good fun designing and making it too. Satisfying it works as I had planned.
Nick

 

[baldpate]

What Carl says is correct: but just to answer your original question - your cutter and bearing diameter combination will cut to a depth suitable for the larger, No 02 biscuits.

Whether you are using bearing or fence, the real trick lies in getting the correct width of cut. which involves moving the workpiece by a small amount to the left, and to the right, of the centre line (for a No 02 biscuit, something like 13mm on each side, if I recall correctly) - too little and the biscuit won't seat properly.

 

[NOTTNICK]

Thanks so much for the extra info.
I'll get some #2 biscuits and spend a bit of time experimenting.
I'll set up some markers and stops on the fence so I can be accurate.
I've been using a high quality dowel jig up to now and the biscuit / table combination should be much more efficient.

 

[Dodge]

Triton used to manufacture and sell smaller biscuits which are different in shape and designed for use with the router cutter diameter rather than the larger diameter in standard biscuit jointers.

HTH

Rog

 

[NOTTNICK]

Well I got some biscuits, set up the table, got my guide marks worked out and - job done.
Really appreciate the advice here.
I'll now be a regular visitor to the forum.
Nick