Biscuit jointing edge of plywood?

I thought my biscuit joiner was the coolest thing when I first got it. Nowadays putting a solid wood edge to plywood and attaching face frames to plywood cabinets is the one place that it still sees common use.

-- Greg, Severn MD

I find that using a biscuit joiner is a great aid in aligning edge banding, etc. If I am looking for strength, I revert to dowels or if the joint will not be seen, then pocket screws. But the biscuit joiner still has its place in my shop.

I don’t have a problem with glue starved joints. Just make sure that enough glue is used, a measure of which is the squeeze-out. If you are worried about squeeze-out ruining your finish by sealing the face veneers, then add wide painter’s tape to the face veneers so the glue squeezes out onto the tape where you can wipe it away. I always try to make the edge banding a bit wide so that I can later trim them with a flush bit and router.

-- Dave; Lansing, Kansas

Have you considered an edge banding bit set for your router? One cuts a “V” style profile in the plywood and the other cuts the mate into the solid wood of your choice. Some glue, some clamps, no more plywood endgrain.

A quick search turned up this:Click here but I’ve seen them elsewhere as well.

I found this nice little jig for trimming the edge banding after installation as well. “Fine Woodworking Jig“

-- A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. - Mark Twain

I used biscuits with no problem I do prefer tong and groove for egdging.

An issue of FWW (i will go back a look for the issue) suggested putting a thin layer of glue along the edge of plywood and allowing it to dry first (pre sizing) and then re applying a second layer afterwords to avoid joint glue starvation.

-- Shawn, I ask in order to learn