Biscuits

About Biscuits

Wood jointing biscuits are small, oval-shaped components made from compressed beech wood, designed to create strong and accurate joints in woodworking projects. These specialised joinery elements fit into matching slots cut by a biscuit joiner, providing excellent alignment and reinforcement for edge-to-edge, corner, and mitred joints. When wood glue is applied, the compressed beech expands slightly to create an incredibly strong mechanical bond, ideal for cabinet making, furniture construction, worktop installation, and general joinery work.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks wood jointing biscuits from leading manufacturers including Trend, Faithfull, and Draper, available in standardised sizes (0, 10, and 20) to match industry-standard biscuit joiner settings. These multipacks offer excellent value for professional joiners, cabinet makers, and serious DIY enthusiasts, providing a fast and reliable alternative to traditional joinery methods like dowels or mortise and tenon joints.

Applications

• Joiners and Carpenters: Cabinet construction, fitted furniture, and architectural joinery work in workshops and on site
• Cabinet Makers: Face frame assembly, carcase construction, and drawer building in bespoke and production furniture
• Kitchen Fitters: Worktop joining, breakfast bar construction, and custom cabinetry assembly during installations
• Furniture Makers: Building tables, chairs, bookcases, and storage units requiring strong, invisible joints
• Shop Fitters: Constructing retail displays, counters, and fitted units for commercial premises
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home woodworking projects, furniture building, and fitted storage solutions

Choosing The Right Biscuits

Size Selection: Match biscuit size to your material thickness. Size 0 (47mm × 15mm) suits thin stock from 12-18mm, Size 10 (53mm × 19mm) works for materials 18-30mm thick, and Size 20 (56mm × 23mm) is ideal for stock over 30mm. Always choose the largest biscuit that won't show through your workpiece.

Material Quality: Look for biscuits manufactured from quality compressed beech with consistent thickness and accurate sizing. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks reputable brands like Trend, Faithfull, and Draper that ensure dimensional accuracy critical for professional results.

Quantity Requirements: Professional tradespeople typically buy bulk packs of 500 or 1,000 pieces for better value, while occasional users might opt for smaller quantities. Most joints require biscuits every 150-200mm for adequate strength, so calculate your project needs accordingly.

Storage Considerations: Biscuits must be stored in dry conditions to prevent premature expansion. Purchase quantities you'll use within a reasonable timeframe, or store in airtight containers with silica gel packets to maintain effectiveness.

Safety Information

Store biscuits in a dry location away from moisture sources to prevent premature expansion. When using biscuit joiners to cut slots, always wear appropriate eye protection and ensure adequate dust extraction, as fine wood dust can pose health risks with prolonged exposure. Follow HSE guidelines for controlling wood dust in accordance with COSHH regulations. When working with wood adhesives, ensure adequate ventilation and allow glued joints to cure fully before applying stress or removing clamps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size biscuit should I use for my project?

Size selection depends on material thickness. Use Size 0 for stock 12-18mm thick, Size 10 (the most common) for materials 18-30mm, and Size 20 for stock over 30mm. Always use the largest biscuit your material thickness will accommodate without showing through, as larger biscuits provide stronger joints.

Are biscuits from different brands compatible?

Yes, jointing biscuits follow standardised sizing across manufacturers, so Trend, Faithfull, and Draper biscuits are interchangeable. The critical factor is the size number rather than the brand, though quality can vary between manufacturers.

How should I store unused biscuits?

Keep unused biscuits in an airtight container with silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Once exposed to humidity, biscuits can swell and become difficult to insert into slots. If biscuits have absorbed moisture and expanded, they're no longer usable and should be replaced.