Table saw project
I wanted to build a project this week that was almost entirely made using my new table saw. I am a believer in diving into new tools with a purpose, rather than running boring tests on scrap wood. Wow, the difference between my old saw and this one is like comparing a poodle to a greyhound. I'll shoot a separate video this week showing you more of the saw.
Finger joints
Also, if you've never made finger joints in boxes, they are really simple. I've made them on my router, but this is the first time I've done it on the table saw. In this video, I'll show a quick jig you can set up on your saw and cut them using a dado stack.
Great project Steve! Just out of curiosity, since you have the necessary tools and wood laying around (not a shot, just an observation), why not make a few throat plate blanks for that lovely new table saw so you can make zero clearance throat plates as needed...for say, oh I don't know, a dado stack setup? LOL
ReplyDeleteSeriously, it was a great video and thank you for the post.
Cheers
John
Finger joints are splices to make longer boards out of short ones. What you made are box joints.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to brag or anything but I'm kind of the God of box joints
ReplyDeletehttp://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Box-Joint-Box/
I could tell you a few ways of improving. The biggest way though is gang cut the sides! It actually improves your overall accuracy for whatever reasons. I have to agree with 7.62x54r on the nomenclature of the joint names. Fingerjoints are what they use to splice together cheap mouldings at the big box stores.
I've had a few people call me out on finger joints. In my defense, I have seen the two terms (box joints/finger joints) used interchangeably. To me, they look like fingers!
ReplyDeleteJohn: I am definitely going to make some additional clearance plates!
If I'd of known there was a "god of box joints" I'd of called them finger joints also.
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly do you know?
DeleteMaybe short stubby fingers.
ReplyDeleteSteve, I've been corrected on the finger joint/box joint myself. I looked up, "How to make Box joints", and the instructional began, How to make box joints,also referred to as finger joints. I give up. NICE TABLE SAW>
ReplyDeleteDanny in Los Angeles
In a specific explanation where I needed to refer to an individual element of the entire joint I chose to use a word I felt conveyed my meaning as concisely, and clearly as I could, so for that unique circumstance I referred to one land of the joint as a "finger" exactly once. Nowhere did I call the entire work of joinery a "finger", rather its proper name box joint. As another example hinges have knuckles, but it would be awkward to refer to them as brass knuckles when you are trying to buy one in a hardware store. So to you Danny in Los Angeles I raise my middle finger and the meaning of that should be lost on none.
DeleteSteve! I'm so glad you got a new table saw. Especially the big Porter Cable Table Saw. I have the same one. Got mine last Father's Day. The PC website does sell a dado insert and Woodcraft sells a zero clearance insert for the saw but it is under the name for the Hitachi saw.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great videos and have a good, safe time with the new toy.
I've always made my own throat plates, then I saw pictures of these. They look hard to replicate. At $27 a pop though I think I'd try.
DeletePaul: you are cranky. Middle finger? I suggest a pale ale.
ReplyDeleteXANAX
DeletedANNY
Love the new saw. I have the same as your old one and need desperately to upgrade. Great project idea, love the finger/box joints. Unfortunatley I let my wife see your video and now she wants one. Alas, she too is a yarn hoarder. I bet our closet has more yarn than yours. When you are your wife are watching TV, does she throw you a skein of yarn thingy and get you to roll it into a ball? God I hope I'm not the only one that has to do that.
ReplyDeleteI made a yarn storage cabinet for some friends of mine. See it at http://www.tomwoodworker.com/index_files/Page1516.htm
ReplyDeleteI've found finger / box joints always kind of fussy. Some people even have micrometer adjustable jigs. The video here is quite clever and I found that it works very well with minimal effort to build the jig and minimal tuning & tinkering.
ReplyDeleteThey key is "reference surfaces"
http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-plans/jigs/free-video-box-joint-jig/
I just discovered your websites, and this is the first post I must comment on, from a (novice woodworking) knitter's perspective. A lovely box like this would add much to the pleasure of knitting! Your wife must be delighted with this treasure! A woodturner friend in Portugal made a special little round box built just to hold my double-pointed sock-needles, and it makes me happy every time I use it.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve,
ReplyDeletegreat video as always. Now, let me tell you one thing: believe it or not, I will probably do a replica of your project someday, as my wife is a yarn addict too :)
But first of al, I'll have to build a few cabinets to store her yarn. Out of red cedar if possible, as I believe it is a natural repellent to moths ;)
Keep enjoying us with your videos, and great humour!