| Project by ChuckM | posted 1022 days ago | 5101 views | 36 times favorited | 6 comments |  |
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I have made box joints using the router table, and the Leigh jig methods. The Methods of Work on box joints (FW Issue #214) has a tip on building dedicated jigs for making box joints on the tablesaw. I decided to give it a try and after a few hours in the shop today, the 1/2” box joint jig was made and the results (using scrap 1/2’ plywood) were very satisfactory.
If you’ve built a cross-cut sled before, this jig is as easy to make. I cut the runners an hair thicker than the miter slots and used a cabinet scraper to size them to exact thickness.
You can see a couple pairs of spare runners I’ve made. I plan to make one more box joint jig for the 3/4” stock.
If you don’t have the issue #214. go to here to see the interactive instructions:
http://www.finewoodworking.com/interactive/finger-joint-jig-for-the-tablesaw/
The published tip is here:
http://www.finewoodworking.com/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=33472
(Note: The above pages are free for now but may require membership to view after a while.)
If you search ‘box joint’ in FW’s site, half a dozen articles/videos will be retrieved.
Cost of this jig: $0 as everything including the wing nuts and bolts was from the scrap bin.
Happy finger-joint making.
P.S. If you don’t want to build a jig, you can adapt this for use with your miter gauge.
-- The time I enjoy wasting is not time wasted
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6 comments so far
OttoH
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787 posts in 1207 days
#1 posted 1018 days ago
You have a very useful jig there Chuck, and I see it is popular too being favorited 10 times already. I have a few projects coming up for Christmas presents that this would come in very handy for. Thanks for sharing.
-- I am responsible for how I respond to everything in my life - - Katy TX
Bricofleur
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964 posts in 1390 days
#2 posted 1017 days ago
Nice jig Chuck and good results as I can see. I believe you didn’t get any tearout since your plywood test pieces were well back supported, compare to a router jig, right?
Thanks for posting and thanks for the links.
Best,
Serge
PS: There is such jig in my Diary Book that should come out some day!
http://atelierdubricoleur.spaces.live.com
-- Learn from yesterday, work today and enjoy success tomorrow. -- http://atelierdubricoleur.wordpress.com
a1Jim
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#3 posted 1017 days ago
Thanks Chuck great job
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
craigburr
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#4 posted 1009 days ago
Hi Chuck
nice jig, been looking for a simple yet effective jig for box joints, well done
lovinmrv
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103 posts in 1256 days
#5 posted 960 days ago
I want to use finger joints for my kitchen drawers, so I I have been looking for a nice, easy, safe and moron-resistant way to make the joints.
Then I stumbled upon this post and the Fine Woodworking jig.
Now, I could go into great depth describing some of my mis-steps in creating the jig (Just make sure you don’t screw the thing together along the centerline….you’re going to want to saw right through there….
BUT, the proof of this jig lies in the following picture…first try, perfect joints!
It’s gotta be the tool, it can’t be the operator.
I hope this is helpful.
-- Life is a sales job.
Gabe C.
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288 posts in 538 days
#6 posted 483 days ago
I am trying my hand at learning to do finger joints and I am going to build this jig. Thanks for posting!
-- If I could just get this whole "Time/Money" problem figured out...
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