Steady-as-she-goes biscuit-joiner jig

I love the convenience of my biscuit joiner for mounting face frames on cabinets. But I always found it awkward to keep its fence flat on the workpiece while plunging the cutter. I solved both problems by adding an oversized base with a handhold, as shown above. With the base installed, I use my left hand to keep the biscuit joiner aligned, and my right hand to plunge the cutter. For smaller workpieces, I mount the base upside down in my bench vise.

I sized the base shown for my DeWalt biscuit joiner. You may have to change the width and location of the joiner mounting holes to suit your tool. To avoid splinters, be sure to ease the edges of the plywood bed and handhold.
—Earl Eliason, Pagosa Springs, Colo.

Most biscuit joiners have mounting holes predrilled in the bed. If yours doesn't, find two flat spots on the bed where a raised bolt-head won't interfere with the joiner's operation. Locate your bolt positions on the bottom of the bed and dimple both locations with a punch to limit drill-bit travel. As you drill the holes, lubricate the bit frequently with light machine oil. Before you drill, remember that altering the tool may void your warranty.
—WOOD Editors