Featherboard

[cdjr]

Getting ready to make a featherboard (or two) out of some pine scraps. Is there any reason that I should not cut it against the grain?

Thanks in advance

[LCHIEN]

I imagine intuitively, that the "fingers" will be much more likely to break when cut against the grain, than with the grain!

I know for a fact that crosscutting thin strips for a half lap, for example, results in easily broken fingers:


But cut with the grain, long thin fingers will be more flexible which is the purpose,
like these:

https://youtu.be/ilIHYEjrpP4

[cdjr]

Thanks for the quick response. I understand your point. I do have enough scraps to go with the grain so I will make them that way. Sure don't want to make them twice.

[LCHIEN]

Long featherboards are easier to clamp/position etc., anyway. You can always cut them shorter but its much harder to make them longer.
Also, I find simple jigs are not that hard to make, the experience with the first one always means the second one is much better for your personal needs.
Don't be afraid of making them twice.

[cdjr]

Thanks, I've made a couple so far. First one the feathers are all different sizes. The second one the feathers are all the same but too thick. Each one is a learning experience for sure. Got a piece of pine, I have enough to make plenty if I need them. If not, I can use it for other jigs.

[capncarl]

I’ve found that Sweetgum, Blackgum.. and probably any in the gum family of trees makes exceptionally good thin strips. A 4’ long strip 1/8” thick can be tied into a knot without breaking. Can’t do that with pine. For your jig I would suggest making thinner strips with more spacing between strips. You want it to have plenty of spring, not firm like a lot of the plastic featherboards sold today

[cdjr]

All great input. Thanks for the input. A lot of things that I didn't think about.

[capncarl]

Let us know how your scrap pine featherboards work out for you!