# STL 170: Biscuit Joiner vs. Dowel Jigs

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2018-08-17
- Length: 59m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-08-17-stl-170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs

## Summary

Fine Woodworking editors Mike Pekovich, John Tetro, and Jeff Rose discuss the practical differences between biscuit joiners and dowel jigs, recommending specific tools like the DeWalt biscuit joiner and self-centering Dowel jigs while critiquing their limitations. They provide detailed advice on ensuring square glue-ups for tapered legs, emphasizing dry fitting and strategic clamping to prevent racking. The episode also covers shop safety, specifically the importance of dust collection and respirators, and features the hosts' favorite tools, including John Tetro's wooden mallet and Mike Pekovich's magnetic tool rack.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-08-17-stl-170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs#t=6) Introduction and John Tetro's World Map Project
- [5:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-08-17-stl-170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs#t=331) Biscuit Joiner vs. Dowel Jig Comparison
- [16:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-08-17-stl-170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs#t=978) Techniques for Square Glue-Ups and Clamping
- [27:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-08-17-stl-170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs#t=1673) Favorite Tools: Wooden Mallets and Sharpening
- [35:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-08-17-stl-170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs#t=2105) Shop Organization: Magnetic Tool Racks
- [42:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-08-17-stl-170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs#t=2537) Dust Collection and Respirator Safety
- [51:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-08-17-stl-170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs#t=3093) Listener Comments and Final Thoughts

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- DeWalt (company)
- Porter Cable (company)
- Domino (tool)
- Dowel (tool)
- Stanley (company)
- Lee Valley (company)
- Amazon (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

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- [Episode 160: The Cadillac of trailers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-03-16-episode-160-the-cadillac-of-trailers) (Making It)
- [486: If I Had $300, I Could Do That Too](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-06-16-486-if-i-had-300-i-could-do-that-too) (Making It)
- [Episode 170: Elephants](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-06-08-episode-170-elephants) (Making It)
- [Episode 094: Being a hoarder is a big job…](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-10-28-episode-094-being-a-hoarder-is-a-big-job) (Making It)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2018-08-17-stl-170-biscuit-joiner-vs-dowel-jigs. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Shop Talk Live.