Box Corner

[WestofLongBeach]

I'm edging a cutting board with Cherry, and would like to foray for the first time into what I think is called a "box-style corner" or like that.

That is, evenly-spaced "teeth" on each piece that mate and align the rails and stiles so that the faces are not proud of one another. I've never done that, so wonder if there's a way to set up my router to take care of the whole job in a few passes?

If anyone can point me to how to set this up, I'd be grateful.

Thanks.

Don.

Also, Merry Christmas, all.

[lum]

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworki.../011148060.pdf

is a nice plan for a jig and there are videos showing several methods.

[WestofLongBeach]

lum,

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, it is a subscribed site, and they want me to sign up for a membership then cancel it if I decide not to continue. Which if I did it would be a little dishonest from my point of view, since I would not subscribe at this time in my life.

[siliconbauhaus]

box joint jigs

http://www.newwoodworker.com/bxjntjig.html
http://www.songofthegreatlakes.com/box.htm
http://sawdustmaking.com/Box%20Joint/boxjointjig.html

[Daryl]

Do you guys know there is a real nifty box joint jig on the front page?
http://www.leestyron.com/jigs.php

[siliconbauhaus]

I knew about that one but it seemed a bit overcomplicated for what the OP wanted

[WestofLongBeach]

Thanks, all, for the suggestions. I studied them all.

Mostly to try to reorient them to my own setup, which I should have mentioned in the first place: I have no dado blade. Actually never occurred to me to use one.

My intention was always to use the router mounted to the accessory table to produce the box joints I had in mind. Trying to "translate" the dado illustrations to something I can do with my router has truly twisted my mind.

So does anyone out there use a router to do box joints?

Thanks.

Don.

[mschrank]

Thanks, all, for the suggestions. I studied them all.

Mostly to try to reorient them to my own setup, which I should have mentioned in the first place: I have no dado blade. Actually never occurred to me to use one.

My intention was always to use the router mounted to the accessory table to produce the box joints I had in mind. Trying to "translate" the dado illustrations to something I can do with my router has truly twisted my mind.

So does anyone out there use a router to do box joints?

Thanks.

Don.

You can use one of the jigs mentioned above. It's the same principle, just substitute a straight bit in a table mounted router for a dado blade.

One thing I might worry about on your project is wood movement. If you frame the cutting board on all four sides, you will be restricting the boards that make up the interior (the cutting board portion) from expanding and contracting with changes in moisture. It might not be a big deal on a small project like a cutting board, but be aware that you might get some cracks eventually.

[jackellis]

It might not be a big deal on a small project like a cutting board, but be aware that you might get some cracks eventually.

Make that "will", not "might". We have a bunch of commercially made cutting boards and several have splits along the seams. If these cutting boards are going to be used for dry goods like bread or cheese, probably not a big problem. If they get wet, you can count on movement.

[steve-norrell]

My intention was always to use the router mounted to the accessory table to produce the box joints I had in mind. Trying to "translate" the dado illustrations to something I can do with my router has truly twisted my mind.

So does anyone out there use a router to do box joints?

Try this one from the Router Workshop. I have used it with good success. The jig is easy to make and does a good job.

http://www.routerworkshop.com/boxjoints.html

Regards, Steve

[WestofLongBeach]

Mike & Jackellis,

Make that "will", not "might". We have a bunch of commercially made cutting boards and several have splits along the seams. If these cutting boards are going to be used for dry goods like bread or cheese, probably not a big problem. If they get wet, you can count on movement.

Hm. So I wonder if I could solve that problem by NOT gluing the joints in?

Optionally, I was thinking of giving up on box joints for this project (I've never done one; it would be necessary to construct a jig of some sort first; the wood is fairly expensive; time is short and sometimes it's better to listen to Geronimo--live to fight another day), and some other, simpler joint like a rabbet or, God forbid, a miter, also left unglued, might work. Maybe I'll try a box joint next time.

Thanks for your input. I'll go look at Router Workshop.

[WestofLongBeach]

Steve,

Try this one from the Router Workshop. I have used it with good success. The jig is easy to make and does a good job.

http://www.routerworkshop.com/boxjoints.html

Regards, Steve

Now, that is a great simple router jig. And I can see how it works.

Somehow, I just couldn't get my mind around translating the dado jigs for a router. But this is really good, and I have materials I can make one out of.

Thanks.

Don.

[DonHo]

Here is a link to a variation of the routerworkshop jig by one of our own BT3 regulars

http://www.blackwalnutjigs.com/boxjointjig.asp

DonHo

[steve-norrell]

Steve, Now, that is a great simple router jig. And I can see how it works.

Somehow, I just couldn't get my mind around translating the dado jigs for a router. But this is really good, and I have materials I can make one out of.

Thanks.

Don.

Don:

I made mine out of 1/2 inch MDF and the 'fence' is UHMW -- all of which was left-over stock from other projects.

Regards, Steve