Finger Joints (aka "box joints") which machine?

[HoosierBuddy]

Hey guys,

I have never done any joinery to speak of. That being said, I have been wanting to learn some of the basics and plan on taking on a jewelery box project soon that requires finger joints.

The box in question is shown here:

http://www.jeffgreefwoodworking.com/pnc/Boxes/FingJewel/index.html

So...I have the following tools but do not have the right bits, blades, or jigs...so I'm going to have some $ invested to get going. Which machine would you recommend for the finger joint and what would be required to get started?

Here's what I have:

1. Table Saw - Older Floor style Craftman brand Table Saw.

2. Router Table - Craftsman brand router with small craftsman brand router table.

3. (WILD CARD) - Millright 9 X 30 Milling Machine. Not sure if that's an option or not...but thought I'd throw it in there.

My plan is to make 2 of these. One out of oak or some other inexpensive domestic hardwood to develop skill set. One out of exotic hardwoods for final use.

Thanks in advance for any advice you might have!

Phil

 

[zkling]

Make a jig for your table saw.

@ the milling machine. You'd probably have the most accurate box joints in the neighborhood. Shave few thousands off, no problem.

O, if you don't have a good table saw blade already, now is the time to get one or two.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Table saw with a jig if you are only making a few.

http://www.shopnotes.com/files/issues/110/fast-and-easy-finger-joints.pdf

 

[rlitman]

Most table saw blades are "triple chip" cutting. They will not make an acceptable bottom to a finger joint cut.

 

[retfr8flyr]

Since you have a router and table I would get a finger jig for the router. This one works great.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0025AA3EQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[beamrider]

http://woodgears.ca/box_joint/jig.html, for a table saw, or....hmm.

I guess you could still use that jig on a router table, just up against a fence.

 

[rsanter]

You can use

Table saw
Router table
Milling machine
Hand saw and chisel

Bob

 

[Spire]

I have a porter cable dovetail jig, it does box joints also.

Very nice tool and comes with the proper router bits.

Dovetail jig - Amazon

 

[Hawk]

In order:
Router
Table saw
?Milling mach.

 

[Packard V8]

The table saw is far and away the easiest and quickest way to cut box joints.

All you need is a blade which makes a flat bottom cut and a book showing the finer points of making the jig to align and advance the workpieces.

jack vines

 

[Hawk]

Here is a very good article on fingerjoints:

http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/Main/Articles/Skill-Builder-Box-and-Finger-Joints-6989.aspx

 

[McFarmer]

Table saw with a very wide kerf flat bottom blade. I have mine ground special for that purpose. Dado blade the same way.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Freud makes a very very nice "box joint" set. Two blades fitting together to make either 1/4" or 3/8" joints. Very smooth cuts.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Freud makes a very very nice "box joint" set. Two blades fitting together to make either 1/4" or 3/8" joints. Very smooth cuts.

Thanks for all the responses guys. I went ahead and ordered the Freud cutter per turbowoodworker's suggestion. The $95 was sort of hard to take...but I have several projects planned I think it will be useful for. I started building my jig last night.

Phil

 

[GarageNewbie24]

Table saw w/ Dado Blade. I have the Freud SD606, it's awesome! Got it barely used once off craigslist for 100 bucks. For box joints,daddo's and making rail/stiles for cabinet doors, it easy.