Anyone for a biscuit?

THE WORKSHOP: Over the past two days we have been focusing on the continuation of our final design.  As we are making a bench, we have started laminating materials together.  We have also recently been introduced to 'biscuit jointing'.  


I have found that 'biscuit jointing' is a simple, yet effective method of joining two pieces of would together.  When biscuit jointing, an oval-shaped piece of wood (i.e. a biscuit) is inserted into slots in the two pieces of wood that are to be connected permanently.  When glue is put on the 'biscuits', they expand, creating a 'snug' fit and a very clean joint.

The side of our bench, that has been 'biscuit jointed'

The advantage of 'biscuit jointing' is that the joints are completely hidden.  As they are internal fixations, this technique is popular with woodworkers who do not want people to be able to see the joint.

Picture illustrating the internal fixations in the wood

The biscuit joints

The above picture is a photograph of our final biscuit joint.  What I find interesting is that the process conceals the means of reinforcement, without sacrificing any strength.  This technique has worked effectively within our design.