Lock Miters

[Adam_M]

Does anyone use lock miters to build cabinets? I've only used standard miters or **** joints to put cabinets together. It looks like the lock miter will make alignment and clamping easier.

Does that actually happen? Is it hard to get the panels routed correctly using a router table?

[Eric.DeYoung]

Re: Lock Miters

I looked at lock miter bits a while back, but moved away from them after learning about where the strength of MDF lies - which is in the face. Since I use mostly MDF, I still use but* joints If using on hardwoods or plywood, it may be a different story and I would assume it makes assembly easier since the 45 degree angle faces can't slide past one another.

[donradick]

Re: Lock Miters

A friend of mine who is a darn good amateur cabinet maker swears by biscuit joiners. As far as I understand, it locks the pieces together in 2 dimensions, so it should be better than lock miter joints. Haven't used them myself, though.

[zach_t]

Re: Lock Miters

I have used Lock Miters and they do work. They are stronger then traditional plan 45 miters. They work best with solid wood though. With MDF, the tongue can break and plywood has nasty tearout. A setup gauge is 100% required or else you will spend 8 hours during the setup.

[mgrabow]

Re: Lock Miters

I also swear by the bisuit joint. However the locking miter bit works best on the table... Free hand I would not try. They are great if you are veneering each panel before you assemble...

[fastbike1]

Re: Lock Miters

+100. In fact, I'd say they ONLY work with solid wood. IME you can biscuit both boxes before you can get the lock miter set up. Better off w/ biscuited B**T or miter joints.

I have used Lock Miters and they do work. They are stronger then traditional plan 45 miters. They work best with solid wood though. With MDF, the tongue can break and plywood has nasty tearout. A setup gauge is 100% required or else you will spend 8 hours during the setup.