Hi all. I just finished making a box joint jig. As I use it each joint that I cut gets a little bit smaller than the one before it. Can't seem to figure out why. Any ideas. As I cut each joint I move it over the drill bit and slide from side to side while cutting it on the table saw.

Here is a picture of my jig.

No picture, Dan.

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Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

Dan not sure why you are getting them smaller. On the one I built, I cut a key that was the same size as the joint I cut. I spaced it over the same distance and attached it to the jig. So I have the slot I cut, a solid place and then the key. So when I cut the first one I move it over and sit it on the key and cut the next joint.

That seem so hard when you try to put it into words. I'll see if I can get a picture of mine.

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John Moody
Site Administrator


John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

Have to try this to be sure but I see the pin is centered on the line. Should the edge of the pin be aligned with the mark?

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Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

I do the same as John for the jig I built. Although mine is adjustable for different size finger joints the principle and operation is the same once adjusted. As long as the jig is securely attached to a properly adjusted miter gauge you shouldn't have changing slot sizes. If your runners or miter gauge have any slop in the miter slots on your saw then you may get differing sized slots. 

In your picture the rod appears to be smaller than the kerf in your jig. The rod should be the same size as the thickness of your saw blade.

Dittos, the one I built as well the key was the cut the same as the joint. in other words Dan it might help to replace the drill bit with a key the exact same size as the join, this way all you gotta do is hook it over the key as you move up.

John Moody said:

Dan not sure why you are getting them smaller. On the one I built, I cut a key that was the same size as the joint I cut. I spaced it over the same distance and attached it to the jig. So I have the slot I cut, a solid place and then the key. So when I cut the first one I move it over and sit it on the key and cut the next joint.

That seem so hard when you try to put it into words. I'll see if I can get a picture of mine.

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John Moody
Site Administrator


John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

Thanks for all the help. I will try to make a jig with the key in it. I was trying this style because I was trying to build a clamp rack with deep grooves in it like a box joint only 2" deep. 

John Morris said:

Dittos, the one I built as well the key was the cut the same as the joint. in other words Dan it might help to replace the drill bit with a key the exact same size as the join, this way all you gotta do is hook it over the key as you move up.

John Moody said:

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

here is mine:

http://s1002.photobucket.com/albums/af143/zydaco/The%20Shop/Box%20Joint%20Jig/

Dan

Mine is an adjustable jig. The original plans were from Wood smith I think. As always I modified them to fit my needs. I have seen jigs set up using a nail, drill bit for spacing and was not impressed with them. Other have made the same comment as you, the joints get smaller as I cut. If you re-work it with a finger instead of the drill bit, your spacing will be correct. Just remember to add an equal spacer when needed to assure the end match up. In short if you have an open joint at the end of one side, you need a closed on the joint to match it. Keep us  all posted on your progress.

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Wayne Mahler
God bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.

Your dado width is not tne same as your offset.  Either move your nail or make your dado smaller or larger.

Dan Coleman