Wood joining question

Davidb6

I want to do some wainscoting in my family room, up the stairs and around the hallway.

Plan is to use MDF board, 3” wide by ½” (+/-) for the frames - similar to this picture.

Question – I’d like to build the units on a flat surface before attaching to the wall using the sheetrock as the backer. How can I join the flat MDF boards to keep the joints tight and smooth…plate joiner? http://www.cpoworkshop.com/specialty...ref=nextag557r

[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Dave/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image002.jpg[/IMG]
Stairway pic came from - (http://www.elitetrimworks.com/home.php)

Thanks
Dave

Tom Struble

i like pocket screws but to be honest ive never used them on mdf

Bob Mariani

Biscuits work the best with MDF edge to edge joints. pocket screws will not get enough hold into 12/"

Davidb6

Thanks for the info.

What do you think of the Porter Cable 557 joiner?

I don't expect to need the joiner for anything other than this project but it's a good addition to the tool set. Here's a re-conditioned one I found -

http://www.cpoworkshop.com/specialty...ref=nextag557r

jaros bros.

I've never had problems with pocket screws in mdf. That said, you do have to be careful not to overtighten and glue is a must. Make sure to use the coarse threaded screws.

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Tom Struble

that pc is nice but for ocasional use you might consider this ryobi,it was rated pretty good by finehomebuilding about 100$ at hd
http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/po..._joiners/JM82K

Willie T

I have a 557, and love it. But I honestly think it would be way too much overkill for part time use... unless you just happen to have a lot of extra money.

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Willie T

Davidb6

I've never had a use for a joiner so I don't know what options / features are important.

I found this comparison chart - http://www.toolnewz.com/comparison_c...itJoiners.html and a couple key features jumped out at me.

1, Fine Height Adjustment - Porter Cable is the only one with fine height adjustment (not sure if I need it)

2, Number of Depth Stops - P C has more then the others (again, not sure if I would need it)

3, Anti-Slip Mechanism - DeWalt has steel pins...is that good or bad.

Thanks for the help

Bob Mariani

fine adjustment is used when matching heights for edge to edge joining

Pins are not needed, and seems like the will mar the surface of fine woodworking

Depth adjustments are used to cut for the correct size biscuit. Which is used for different sizes of woods being joined.

Tom Struble

i have pins on my old pc plate joiner,if you can afford it i would have no problem with either of those tools

Mop in Hand

I own the Dewalt, the pins work well, whatever marring occurs is on the side of the woods joining so it's not a problem. The pins help hold the plate joiner in place on startup.

Ron6519

With the use of 1/2" MDF, you might see swelling around the bisquit sites as a result of the glue. It's the swelling of the bisquit that enforces the joint. Test it before you commit to that size.
Ron

zircon

and use half lap joints?