Exact Fit Splines

[HandyDan]

I sure was impressed with this video.  Looks useful to me.

 

 

[Gene Howe]

Thanks. So simple, too. 

[Gunny]

Great tip, now if I can remember it and use it next time I NEED it.  That remains to be seen. 

[sreilly24590]

Interesting and easy to do. What I find interesting is the fact that he didn't mention to be sure to use the same blade for the spline cuts and the splines themselves. I guess that should be taken for granted but.......I don't always think that clearly. But then the sled design looks nice and the cutouts for the fence to allow clamps works well I worry about using the hand as a hold down method. Should something go wrong the hand is mostly captive and that looks dangerous to me. Don't go calling me a wuss just yet as many haven't experienced just how quickly a mishap can happen on a fast moving tool. Thankfully I have a Sawstop that really helps with that but many don't so I think worth mentioning. I would think it far safer to reach over the top of the fence to hold the piece of wood than through the fence opening but that's me. Seems he has a series of interesting videos worth watching. Plans would be nice.....

[Gerald]

2 hours ago, sreilly24590 said:

 But then the sled design looks nice and the cutouts for the fence to allow clamps works well I worry about using the hand as a hold down method. Should something go wrong the hand is mostly captive and that looks dangerous to me. Don't go calling me a wuss just yet as many haven't experienced just how quickly a mishap can happen on a fast moving tool.

I had not thought about a trapped hand but like you I just did not like the hand thru a hole. But that is just a design deal and cutting the back off the sled will work and make clamping easier.

[HandyDan]

44 minutes ago, Gerald said:

I had not thought about a trapped hand but like you I just did not like the hand thru a hole.

 

I don't think he could reach the blade with his hand through the hole if he wanted to.  I would feel safer with a clamp though.

[sreilly24590]

I'm thinking more like a kickback where the hand gets broken.......

[Gunny]

2 minutes ago, sreilly24590 said:

I'm thinking more like a kickback where the hand gets broken.......

You are making the pins in my wrist and arm vibrate like a tuning fork.

[tomp]

Certainly one way to cut a spline, hand position notwithstanding. However, a spline that tight in the slot will have all the glue scraped off when installing the spline in the slot. I guess you would have glue on the (narrow) bottom of the groove but there would be little to none on the flat faces.

[sreilly24590]

I thought of that as well when he "slipped " the spline in the grove. 

[HandyDan]

1 hour ago, tomp said:

Certainly one way to cut a spline, hand position notwithstanding. However, a spline that tight in the slot will have all the glue scraped off when installing the spline in the slot. I guess you would have glue on the (narrow) bottom of the groove but there would be little to none on the flat faces.

 

Or make some adjustments.  Give the stop a tap or two.

[Gerald]

If you let the glue sit for a minute or two it will soak into the wood to a small extent and should be enough to hold. Anyway how much would a spline hold?

[Gunny]

39 minutes ago, Gerald said:

Anyway how much would a spline hold?

250 lbs.  

[BillyJack]

Ill have to keep this in mind when I can use the table saw. I use these a lot on the poker tables...See if you can find  an easier way with a router...I guess I need a new jig...

 

[DRAGON1]

On 12/9/2019 at 9:54 PM, Gerald said:

If you let the glue sit for a minute or two it will soak into the wood to a small extent and should be enough to hold. Anyway how much would a spline hold?

As much if not MORE than the original wood. Titebond is stronger than the original wood.

And if you make a spline by cutting one cross-grained instead of using the long grain of the wood you can triple the strength of the joint.

[Ron Altier]

I had a similar set up I used years ago on a simple project.  However, I didn't use that technique again, I forgot about it. Then, I couldn't remember how I did it. Thanks for posting, it made me remember and I am going out in the shop and try it.

 

I think I'll cut up 8 or 10 splines and store till needed

Edited April 10, 2020 by Ron Altier

[Al B]

Except for the possible hazard in the demo, this is a great idea. Sort of like a box joint jig works. Maybe a little hand sanding on the spline to loosen the fit.

[FlGatorwood]

That is one serious and awesome poker table.  Some really serious craftsmanship there.  

[Gene Howe]

13 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

That is one serious and awesome poker table.  Some really serious craftsmanship there.  

DITTO!!!