Joinery - Spline Miter Joint

I will soon be venturing down the Spline Miter Road! I first need to build the jig, along with several other jigs for the shop.
Thanks for taking the time to make and post this. You make it look like even I could do it!!!

-- Randy-- I may not be good...but I am slow!

Bob,
Early on someone said to me in here that there are a least two ways to do everything.
When I say you put the splines into the rounded frames and then trim on the band saw I though you were going to go right back to the router to bring the remaining flush. Then came the square frame which you planed first.
Why not use the router on the rounded frames?
My question is purely out of curiosity?

Randy…

The spline miter jig is simple to make. It can easily be made in thirty minutes and can last a woodworker for years. Good luck with it.

Paul…

You are asking an important question. The important thing obviously is the final result. We want a nice & smooth edge & a spline that is flush with this edge. Now…we are dealing with two contrasting grain directions. At the spline miter joint the frame is long grain while the spline is end grain. Is it advisable to joint end grain on the jointer? No, it is not. Why? It can create tear out. So, why would a woodworker joint the end grain with a router?

While I understand that many woodworkers are tempted to rout the spline smooth, I would not recommend it.

As you can see, a lot of work went into making these frames and the wood inlay banding that is inlaid in the frames. It is not a time to take chances. One mistake can ruin the frame.

Careful work with block plane that has a sharp plane iron will bring the spline down and close to the frames edge. Then a little filing can create the desired results. (A block plane is designed to cut end grain. The plane iron is bevel up.)

“there are a least two ways to do everything.” Yes, there are generally at least two ways to do everything. The key is to find the best way of doing it.

For a hybrid woodworker, it is important to have the skills of working with both power tools as well as hand tools. Then it is a matter of knowing what tools to use at a given time.

Again…excellent question. It shows that you watched the video closely. Thanks for asking.

-- Bob Simmons, Las Vegas, NV, http://TheApprenticeandTheJourneyman.com

Can I ask a personal question, i like your videos but why is there no narration?

-- Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31

gpastor…

Fair question…

I prefer that my viewers think for themselves. If you or any other viewer has a question about the woodworking process, I would be happy to answer (just like I am currently answering you.)

What language should I narrate the videos? English, French, Spanish, Russian, etc…

Because there is no narration, it forces me to tell the story better through filming.

Let me ask you a question. For what reason(s) do you like these videos?

Thanks for asking!

-- Bob Simmons, Las Vegas, NV, http://TheApprenticeandTheJourneyman.com

“For what reason(s) do you like these videos?”
The way you work reminds me of my shop teacher from High school. (30 years ago) good memorys
Keep up the good work!

-- Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31

gpastor…

That’s a great compliment that I take to heart. Thank you very much.

Often times a shop teacher will say “Just watch.” It’s very effective. The person watching can turn off any and all thoughts and just pay attention to the demonstration. He can think of his own questions rather than being told what to think. A great teacher understands this and will answer the questions following the demo.

Thanks for for asking and also for your support.

-- Bob Simmons, Las Vegas, NV, http://TheApprenticeandTheJourneyman.com

Hello bob

Another nice video

I also like the bandsaw jig to cut the splines

I love the splines for differents reasons : for the strong, for the look, for the contrast
Thanks for sharing and continue to make another so instructive videos for this new year

-- Diggerjack-France ---The only limit is the limit of the mind and the mind have no limit

DJ…

Yes…The 45 degree miter band saw sled makes easy work of cutting a spline to be placed into the slot of the miter. It’s just a simple matter of measuring the needed width, making a cut, & then flipping the spline material over for another cut.

As you say, there are many things to appreciate about the spline miter joint…strength, looks, and contrast. The spline adds a distinguishing touch to a woodworking project.

Thanks for watching and for your support. It will be a fun year.

-- Bob Simmons, Las Vegas, NV, http://TheApprenticeandTheJourneyman.com