| Project by Tim Dorcas | posted 678 days ago | 1806 views | 16 times favorited | 13 comments |  |
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After getting frustrated at using my Osborne EB-3 for miters I decided to make a miter jig. You can see the results in the middle picture. Everything worked great until I decided to add some scrap Walnut to the edges. Accuracy immediately went out of the window. I thought I would be able to save it somehow but if it’s not accurate what’s the point?
This weekend I decided to make another one. Looking around for base material I found a cabinet door that I had bought from IKEA for $2. It was smooth, strong and looked nice. When I made the last miter jig, I made a bunch of runners. This turned out to be a boon. 20 minutes later I had the runners attached to the base. After squaring up some plywood I was ready to go.
The last time I cut this, I did this with my EB-3 and I was off slightly. This time I decided to use my crosscut sled. Using my speed square as a brace, I managed to get a perfect cut. It was all down hill from there. This time I did not touch the edges! Some glue and screws and some brads, you can see the result. This sled is very accurate and used in combination with my shooting board, I can now get my miter joints perfect.
I think it’s a measure of where I am at as a woodworker that the jig is not only accurate but also reasonably pleasing to the eye.
-- www.responsetolight.com - A Woodworking & Renovation Blog & www.craftedbytim.com - I make. You buy.
13 comments so far
lclashley
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244 posts in 1013 days
posted 678 days ago
Nice looking jig. I just made one as well, not this nice though.
Karson
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25811 posts in 1299 days
posted 678 days ago
Nice looking jig.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
mot
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4904 posts in 935 days
posted 678 days ago
Sounds like my experience in building precision jigs. Can’t seem to leave well enough alone. It’s a genetic disposition to not wanting to leave anything on the table. I’m glad you came up with an accurate and equally attractive jig.
-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)
GaryK
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9549 posts in 887 days
posted 678 days ago
Looks very functional. Good job.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
rikkor
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11335 posts in 773 days
posted 678 days ago
If it cuts true, you’re there. Leave it alone. (Note to self—follow your own advice!)
cajunpen
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5968 posts in 965 days
posted 677 days ago
Looks like you are ready to cut some nice miters
-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/
Thos. Angle
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4013 posts in 861 days
posted 677 days ago
looks like a good’un
-- Thos. Angle
Scott Bryan
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20784 posts in 721 days
posted 677 days ago
Nice job. In addition to a panel cutter this is one of the most useful jigs for a table saw (at least in my shop).
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
SPalm
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951 posts in 781 days
posted 677 days ago
Looks good to me, but as you say, the cut is what counts.
I also like your dual zero clearance insert. Good idea.
-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon
aaronmolloy
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117 posts in 679 days
posted 675 days ago
Nice jig once i get a chance I’m going to make one to
-- A. Molloy
Grumpy
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14932 posts in 750 days
posted 675 days ago
Nice jig Tim. Mine is similar, the only thing I would recommend is a holding mechanism on either side. I use toggle clamps which are very effective and quick to apply and release.
You can see what I mean in my blog
:http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/Grumpy/blog
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
motthunter
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2079 posts in 698 days
posted 675 days ago
looks great but I also would want ot add hold downs.
-- making sawdust....
mcoyfrog
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824 posts in 493 days
posted 221 days ago
Great jig
-- Wood and Glass they kick (well you know) Have a great day - Dug