Economy Box Joints

Finger joints, the cheap way.

[matey]

This method actually helps people hone their skills so they don't have to rely on expensive jigs. Much more satisfying when you can hold up a project and say "I built this" (if it's small that is). Great video's John, please keep up the good

[JohnHeisz]

@deezynar I actually used to cut box joints this way - never did have any kind of proper jig until recently.
I mainly did this as a result of a comment posted on the division plate cutting video, where it was said: "If you can move your rip fence the same increment every time, that accurately, that repeatably, you don't need a jig to cut box joints - just cut the box joints"
And so it is.
This is an ok way, but a good box joint jig (like mine :-) ) is better, since it will be quicker.

[deezynar]

Wow. I guess you woke up one morning and said, "Gee, if I can make the indexing comb by just using the scale on my tablesaw, why do I need an indexing comb at all?" That's a masterful jump in thinking. Bravo. Thanks.

[NateCougill]

John, this is a breath of fresh air. One needs only a pair of eyes, a tape, dado stack, and a table saw to cut nice box joints. Thanks for posting.

[alemiller]

Mr. Heisz: It is amazing the simplicity and accuracy you achieve with your jigs!!!  I'm a carpentry student and your site will me my second classroom!  Thanks soooo much for sharing all these valuable tips.

[TomYokom]

For all of you that have nothing to say but negative comments: GO FIND A POLITICAL FORUM TO SPEW YOUR NEGATIVITY! You paid how much for this video? NOTHING! We as a woodworking community need to respect those that are willing to spend THEIR TIME, using THEIR RESOURCES to share with the rest of us, FOR FREE! So you're not a fan of how it was done, so it didn't work for you like it did for him, maybe he's got more practice! Maybe he's taken the time to get it right! He's not selling anything here, he's sharing his IDEA! This isn't a step-by-step instructable or plans that you paid money for - it's an idea, it's something that may inspire the rest of us to go do something other than watch videos and make snarky comments! Do as your mother taught, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all! " </end of rant>

[hammockmonk]

This method really showcases the benefits of your more sophisticated box joint jigs, John. Viewers should check out your advanced & ultimate jigs if they want more precision or to avoid the need for an expensive dado stack. Thanks as always for the informative video.

[jhcarr]

Excellent, John. I don't know how I missed this one from 4-1/2 years ago!

[rhshel]

everyone should see this because it shows the concept and results can be good without getting complex or complicated! Thanks ....Great video!

[jimmymal]

I've watched a number of your videos now - learned some awesome tips. Thanks a million shopmaster!

[kimstuart-gregory]

You make everything look so easy John!!! I'm gonna try this jig as I've had a terrible time getting my last box joint jig to perform... Maybe simplicity is what's needed.

[JohnHeisz]

@TheMusicalox There's reasonable accuracy involved, but nothing too extreme. Fact is, you can get some very precise cuts this way, without anything fancy.
I'm just using the pointer and tape on the saw to line up the cuts.

[charlesify]

Thank you for a clear way without any add-ons I'm retired and disabled so I'm looking for easy and safe ways to do things, and this has impressed me if only I could work the PC to find it again.I will a grandson will be able to find it for me.I'll be trying this in a few weeks, I have a band saw, table saw reciprocating saw, pillar drill and a router looking for instructions of how to use the router and any help is appreciated.

[howmuchbsisthis]

love this one when the temperature drops below 30deg celsius i'm out to the shop to give it a go thanks for the great vid cheers

[chrischaral]

Thank you for sharing your studies and good willing... to all the people here (even with all these with negative energy and bitter comens -they find always something to "remark" ....)

[runfox_]

This is pretty cool John, thanks for showing us how to mke a quality joint on the cheap, When I have the time I plan on tackling your box jig machine, it is just too cool to not want to make.

[JackRockBLC]

Okay, I can see how this method may be prone to error, it does rely on an accurate measuring device on the table saw, and that the user be precise on the settings. Both are not a problem with the method, but the table and/or user. This method, properly used, would be great for somebody like me who might make a box joint once a year for a small home project.

[slayerhawk]

Thanks for taking the time to make the video John. I just finished a jig today..from the Woodfather. I am getting inconsistent results.

[ecrusch]

Nice!
Simple, effective & good looking box joints!
Thanks a bunch!

[Gidjoiner]

Yep, a diamond sharpening stick/stone/file will do it no prob, wet it & just a few strokes will put an edge back to the tooth, any that are chipped are chipped forever. the same with router cutters, easy to make the angle wrong though if you get carried away.