We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Machinery

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Plate Joiner?

By Joshua Nuttall
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,323
Share

A plate joiner is a woodworking tool that is used to cut a narrow slot in a piece of wood. A wooden biscuit, a small piece of compressed wood that is usually oval shaped, is glued into this slot so that half of the biscuit is sticking out. This half of the biscuit is then glued into a slot in a second piece of wood, creating a firm joint between the two. Plate joinery is often referred to as biscuit joinery because of the small, wooden biscuits that are the backbone of the joining method.

The most popular biscuit sizes are #0 biscuits that measure 5/8 inch (1.58 cm) wide by 1 3/4 inches (4.44 cm) long, #10 biscuits that measure 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) wide by 2 1/8 inches (5.39 cm) long, and #20 biscuits that measure 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide by 2 3/8 inches (6.03 cm) long. The plate joiner blade is 4 inches (10.16 cm) in diameter and the biscuits sizes are determined by varying arc sizes of the blade. One plate joiner can cut slots to accommodate any biscuit size.

Plate joinery began in Europe in 1955. Invented by a Swiss cabinetmaker and engineer Herman Steiner, the original plate joiner was developed mostly by accident as a way to join chip board quickly and easily. He founded the Lamello Corporation and began marketing the first plate joiners in Europe. Marketing eventually included the United States and Canada, but the tool and method did not catch on very quickly. Over time, American woodworkers saw the beauty of such a simple joining method.

When plate joiners became popular in the United States and Canada, American tool manufacturers decided to get in on the game and developed less expensive models of their own. The design of the tool is quite simple. Most tool manufacturers already produced a 4 inch (10.16 cm) grinder and simply modified the design by adding an adjustable plunge-cutting fence that is able to grip the stock while it is being cut to reduce slipping and miscuts. The blade used is a small carbide-tipped saw blade that is modified to fit the grinder mandrel.

Dust and debris collection is accomplished via a dust bag that is attached to a discharge hole on the tool. Tool manufacturers added a small modification to the plunge fence to make dust collection more convenient for the user. When cutting softer woods like pine, the dust collection port can become clogged and should be cleared before continuing work with the plate joiner. The collection bag should be emptied after each use to keep it clean and clear.

There are many quality adhesives on the market that are used regularly by woodworkers. Everyday wood glue is an effective option when using a plate joiner. Polyurethane glue foams up 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 glue types create a strong bond that, with the help of the biscuit, will last for a long time.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon187651 — On Jun 18, 2011

Finding the right biscuit joiner can be hard, especially when there are so many available. However, the Triton TC9BJM 9 amp Biscuit Joiner is one that can fit almost anyone’s needs. It’s a very versatile instrument that can be used in many woodworking projects.

Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-plate-joiner.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.