Make gauges for quickly setting your biscuit joiner
On many biscuit joiners, setting the fence height for various thicknesses of stock can be time-consuming work. It sure would be nice if you could quickly set the fence at predetermined heights. Another tricky task: keeping the fence parallel to the workpiece.
Solve both problems by making a set of gauges from scrap. To start, place your biscuit joiner on a flat table so its base rests flush with the surface. Use a piece of material of the desired thickness and set the fence for a centered cut. For 11⁄2 " and thicker stock, it makes sense to center two slots. Mark the blocks for material thickness and number of biscuits.
To set the fence, place the joiner on a table, loosen and lift the fence, place the correct block under it, and tighten the fence locking screws while holding it against the block.
—Bob Hockenberry, Rochester, Minn.