Finger joint jig question

[Jacob Snow]

Is it better to make the jig for the Table saw or the Router? I am thinking about making one of these jigs, but i am trying to debate what to make it for. All the plans and stuff that i have seen are for the table saw, but i would think that the router would work too. The only problem i have with using the table saw is all of the blade switching...

[Hank Knight]

Jacob,

I think this is one of those personal preference things. You can cut finger joints (box joints) on the table saw or the router. Some prefer one over the other. A router will give you perfectly square cuts without the little "ears" you get with most dado baldes on the tablesaw. I made my jig to work with both my table saw and my router table. I recently bought one of Freud's box joint blades for my table saw that makes a square cut without the "ears." I have used my tablesaw exclusively for box joints since I bought it. My advice is to go with whatever you are comfortable with.

Hank

[John Bush]

Hi Jason,
A jig for the TS is simple to make. I have an extra miter gauge and keep the jig attached to it all the time. I designed it to have the 1/4" on one side and the 1/2" on the other and just place it on either side of the blade accordimgly. I have a home made router jig, similar to a DT jig, that was given to me but I have never used it. I would like to figure a way to make fine adjustments to the finger joint jig to vary the tightness of the joints, but haven't figured out how to do it yet.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

I have done both. My preference is hands down for the TS because (1) I end up having to take multiple passes with the router and (2) the TS is a one pass cut using the right blade/s and it's way far faster.

The right blades in this case all leave a dead flat square cut. a Conventional wood blade won't do that.

[Wes Bischel]

I have both as well, and opt for the router. I go with the router jig because the TS jig makes me bend over to see the cut, and my back starts to ache.

FWIW,
Wes

[David Dundas]

Hi Jason,
A jig for the TS is simple to make. I have an extra miter gauge and keep the jig attached to it all the time. I designed it to have the 1/4" on one side and the 1/2" on the other and just place it on either side of the blade accordimgly. I have a home made router jig, similar to a DT jig, that was given to me but I have never used it. I would like to figure a way to make fine adjustments to the finger joint jig to vary the tightness of the joints, but haven't figured out how to do it yet.

John,

I have free downloadble plans for a micro-adjustable box-joint jig on my Blog (http://rockerswoodwork.blogspot.com/).

David

[Michael McCoy]

John,

I have free downloadble plans for a micro-adjustable box-joint jig on my Blog (http://rockerswoodwork.blogspot.com/).

David

Nice jig David and your plans are very well done.

[Gary Keedwell]

Alot of woodworkers swear by the Freud blades made for box joints. When I have extra money.....gonna buy a set.

Gary K.

[Corey Hallagan]

I use the Oak Park router box joint jig. I have one for 3/8 and 1/4 inch and made a push block to use on it. It's a neat jig and i installed it on my little mini router table that I made using the Bosch Colt trim router. Works great as I use this table for primarily box making as I can do about anything I want to with this router for box making. The little box was as quick sample box after setting up the fit I wanted.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f288/challagan/BoxJBlock1.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f288/challagan/BoxJBlock2.jpg

Push Block
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f288/challagan/BoxJBlock4.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f288/challagan/BoxJBlock5.jpg

[larry fredric]

I've tried 'um all. This Lynn's jig does not develop
an accumulated error as does the typical "square key" tablesaw jig. It's also fun to build. Can be made to work equally on router table or tablesaw.
http://www.leestyron.com/lynnjig.php
Try this link or "Google" lynns jig

Larry

[David Dundas]

Larry,

With my micro-adjustable jig, it is easy enough to fine-tune the adjustment with an electronic caliper, so that there is no error, and hence it does not accumulate.

David

[John Ricci]

Sign me up for the router camp. I have a couple of TS jigs which are ok but I use the Incra Ultra/Intellifence with their template system for flawless finger or dovetail joints, however I don't yet have the finger joint jig for the D4 and given that I like it better for DTs it may sway me further towards Leigh when I get it. My .02Cdn

J.R.