Low Entertainment Center #3: Biscuits, dry assembly, clamping strategies, and glueup

Good presentation as always, Mark.

-- Kent Shepherd * The goal is-----More Tools!

Thanks Kent.

I also wanted to add a few thoughts since these questions came up on my blog. A few folks were wondering two things: why biscuits (and not Dominos), and why not cut the trim on the tablesaw? Good questions, but both have the same answer. The challenge with this project was to stick with minimal (or lower priced) tooling. So although you don’t need the biscuits for the trim, they really help a lot for alignment. And the biscuit joiner is probably the most realistic option for most people. But hands down, the Domino would have been a better choice if I were making this without the self-imposed challenge.

And the trim would be easier to cut on the tablesaw, but then you have to come up with a good clamping strategy using beveled cauls. Again, if i were making this without the “challenge”, I would probably still cut the bevel after the glueup. Only I would have used a tracksaw to make the cuts for better control.

-- For free video tutorials and other cool woodworking stuff, check out http://www.TheWoodWhisperer.com

I was going to recommend using the Festool plunge saw, but realized you were showing the more common way to do this. Obviously the Festool saves a lot of measuring, and gives a cleaner cut. I do agree with the way you showed. Anyone has access to that method so it is more practical.

Thanks again.
Kent

-- Kent Shepherd * The goal is-----More Tools!

It wasn’t until this project that I realized how hard it is to go back to more basic tooling. Every cut I made with my circular saw, I heard the siren’s song of the TS55 calling my name and my PM2000 was sending telepathic signals my way….....”Use me instead….....you know you want to…....” lol

-- For free video tutorials and other cool woodworking stuff, check out http://www.TheWoodWhisperer.com

Nice job as usual Marc…very informative. Maybe a little blue tape along those dados would help remove that over-glue.

-- gbear, Carmichael, CA

This is another nice tutorial, Marc.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Great job Marc! Like the video.

-- Mike, VT

I was looking at one of your earlier video POD casts and I have to say you have come a long way. Very professional and well done. Check your mail

-- Sell it here> http://woodworkerslist.com

Marc,

Always enjoy your tutorials, can’t believe how much I learn just by watching you do stuff. Often it is very logical to do certain things but I seem to never think of the “simple” way, I always end up doing it the “hard” way…until I watch one of your videos….thanks for sharing your knowledge.

-- robbi-Yadahooty!

Good Job Marc
I find it kind of Ironic that the the woodwhisperer has metal cabinets.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Why? I’m the wood whisperer, not the plywood whisperer. ;)

Actually, I have a strong preference for storing my finishes and other potentially dangerous liquids in metal cabinets. I know they aren’t fire-rated or anything but it makes me feel a little safer. God forbid there was some sort of ignition, I would hope the metal cabinet would prevent or at least slow down the spread of the fire.

-- For free video tutorials and other cool woodworking stuff, check out http://www.TheWoodWhisperer.com

Hey Marc
My comment was meant as an observation not as a criticism . As usual your approach is well thought out.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Nice tutorial, Marc.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker