Cutting Box Joints With A Hand Router

The jig worked beautifully on the ends and sides of the box but the top and bottom are 49 by 15 and it was virtually impossible to hold the piece steady in the jig because of the size.

Cutting box joints with a hand router. Chris marshall demonstrates these techniques on the triton twx7 workcentre module. I wouldnt even consider using a router for box joints today. Simple jig handheld router dovetails that look hand cut. The first step before cutting a joint is to fit the jigs sliding fence with a sacrificial face cut from a scrap of 12 mdf or plywood thats notched to fit over the rail.

When making box joints with a spacer fence remember the bit the fence and the space between the fence and the bit are equal. Box joints are a cinch to make on a router table. Since then ive gone back to doing many on a table saw. I also decided to use box joints for maximum strength.

I make 10 at a time though. Making box joints on the table saw requires a dado stack which isnt available in all areas. How to make box joints with only a router woodworking jig. I stack all my sides for each box and cut them at once too.

Link to the plan for the tool chest project. The biggest problem in making box joints has always been getting a precise fit because the line between success and failure is only a few thousandths of an inch thick. In this router tip we learn the basic principals of the box. The only two things that can go wrong with a box joint is it can be too tight or too loose.

The easiest methods include using a sliding jig and a table saw a portable router and a template style joinery jig or a router table and sliding fence jig or dedicated box joint router bit. A comprehensive guide to cutting dovetails. Learn how to cut box joints using a router table and this simple jig. If you are interested in practicing this art fingerbox joints should be your first step in refining your joint making by hand skills before moving on to more complex joints like dovetails.

I tried a router and that was it. All you need are a sharp bit and a basic plywood jig. Ive cut box joints both ways. I guess if youre only making one box a router is ok.

The next best method is at the router table but not everyone has the space for a dedicated router table. By switching rails and router bits you can use the jig to cut 14 in 38 in. While you could cut box and finger joints by hand both joints are most quickly and efficiently cut with power tools in either solid wood or plywood. I purchased a router table jig at rockler to make box joints.