How My BOX JOINT JIGS Work

Build article:

Setting up and using this jig video:

Tips and Accessories video for this jig:

Exclusive content on Patreon:

My second woodworking channel:

My home reno channel:

[mightyporky]

I am too poor to buy any plans but just watching what you have shown here is more than enough to build from. Your ideas are very smart and your presentations demonstrate that intelligence tenfold. As with most extra smart people you seem to get agitated with us less so. Personally I hope you do not let the dumb-asses get you down so I may continue to learn from one of the best if not THE best. It is between the top three, you, Matt and of course Izzy but your presentation abilities give you an edge. I have over 50 years working wood and not a day goes by without some new idea makes me happy all over again.

[barecycles]

John, I built your box joint jig earlier this year and I don't think I ever thanked you for coming up with this jig. I use it a lot and always get great box joints.

[berthatton]

Thanks, John. I built it had no problems but your tip about cutting them in wider pieces and trimming after was very helpful and allows much better outcome.

[dakotamax]

My entire shop is in storage and I really miss spending time on creative projects. Hoping to be set-up again in late 2020. This jig is on the top of the list when I'm operational.

[tomsdreamshopworx]

So cool to hear you mention the shim trick. I was building small boxes a long time ago and the 1/8" ply bottom would not fit in the groove after I applied the finish. I put a piece of tape on the edge of the blade /arbor and it worked perfect! I have never heard anyone else talk about it until you just now.

On a 2nd note. I also use a 7-1/4" saw blade for cutting thin miter spline joints. I took my blade to a sharpener and had them regrind it as a flat top grind. It gives me nice a flat bottom now. I only use it for these joints, so it will last a long time.

[JohnHeisz]

Build article:

Setting up and using this jig video:

Tips and Accessories video for this jig:

Exclusive content on Patreon:


My second woodworking channel:

My home reno channel:

[RobertEchten]

So timely... I built this a while ago, but did not manage to get it working correctly. Just now (yesterday actually when I was trying it again), I realized that my blade probably isn't quite 1/8". Time to experiment more. One other problem I had (still have occasionally) is that the spring doesn't work correctly. I have added an actual (metal) spring and that helps, but I think that, now that I have a drill press, I need to remake some of these components. Thanks, John!

[Frankemand]

Love your videos John - great inspiration. Glad you are "human" as all of us, making mistakes along the road, but learn from it - and we learn from you !!

[stephanevarin]

Ho nice, I wanted to make this jig for my Proxxon saw bench, thank you for having clearly explained the
importance of the space of the threads according to the width of the blade.

[CreaseysWorkshop]

Shimming the blade for a bit of wobble is a good idea.
My stupid dado set cuts just too narrow for 1/8" joints. It works nicely on 3/8"
I also find I get a much better result with some backing wood to prevent tearout.

[andrewcastille]

I used clear lacquer on the body sanded smooth to 220 grit, and I've wiped all of the parts with paste wax. The carriage basically shoots the the opposite side.

[michaelwienstroer]

Good video with great timing. I am completing the build of the jig today. Great instructions for the jig build.

[marceaton]

I was amazed at how much of a difference a shim with one sheet of paper made. Thanks for sharing, and Happy New Year.

[StarlightStream]

great to see, that there was so much improvement from the last video. I am fairly impressed with your mechanism, which moves the workpiece. Very well done.

[BradleyWilloughby]

This is cool. It would be really great for people getting into woodworking and making box joints that don't have the skill level to make Matthias' gears.

[Newfinishconcrete]

Very well put together. Keep up the excellent work John.

[tsstn]

Another beautifully edited and assembled video John. I think when you chuckle about how obvious something you are saying should be to a viewer that a great many experienced guys laugh right with you. Happy new year. Thanks for all the hard work on the videos.

[Cowboy_Ash]

Great and easy to follow demonstration. I really enjoy and benefit from watching your videos. You seem to be calmer recently, it suits you well. Thanks and Happy New Year.

[AcornFox]

This is brilliant! Can't wait to try building this.

[SchoonerLily]

! love my jig! I call it the type writer.