Dear Group,
After all my playing around I can happily report that a router table
with straight bit does a VERY good job making these kinds of joints.
The fingers and spaces are uniform in size, fit snugly and look just
fine. The set-up isn't difficult and the only problem was finally
realizing that, unless a stop is used, the stock tends to kick right a
bit at first bite and my holes were ending up a bit bigger than I
wanted. I can also report that this mewthod works a lot better when
the grain is perpendicular to the bit. (At least with the oak and
utili I am using.) When cutting through cross grain the tearout at the
back (even with a backer) is a problem.
Respectfully submitted to the Group,
FoggyTown
Leon wrote:
> "foggytown" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Dear Group,
> >
> > After all my playing around I can happily report that a router table
> > with straight bit does a VERY good job making these kinds of joints.
> > The fingers and spaces are uniform in size, fit snugly and look just
> > fine. The set-up isn't difficult and the only problem was finally
> > realizing that, unless a stop is used, the stock tends to kick right a
> > bit at first bite and my holes were ending up a bit bigger than I
> > wanted. I can also report that this mewthod works a lot better when
> > the grain is perpendicular to the bit. (At least with the oak and
> > utili I am using.) When cutting through cross grain the tearout at the
> > back (even with a backer) is a problem.
>
> May I add that it always a stronger joint when the fingers run in the same
> direction as the grain. If your grain is perpendicular to the bit you
> fingers will much more easily break off.
Excellent point. I was probably aware of that somewhere in my deep
subconscious but I'll think about it actively from now on. :)
FoggyTown
"Oleg Lego" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> The foggytown entity posted thusly:
>
>> When cutting through cross grain the tearout at the
>>back (even with a backer) is a problem.
>
> Use a backer/push block to shove the work through.
>
"Backer" seems to appear twice here.
Suppose it's worth mentioning that box joints are rarely seen across the
grain because it's strong and easy to glue the long grain entire.
Spiral bits and slower feed rates should help, however.
"foggytown" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Dear Group,
>
> After all my playing around I can happily report that a router table
> with straight bit does a VERY good job making these kinds of joints.
> The fingers and spaces are uniform in size, fit snugly and look just
> fine. The set-up isn't difficult and the only problem was finally
> realizing that, unless a stop is used, the stock tends to kick right a
> bit at first bite and my holes were ending up a bit bigger than I
> wanted. I can also report that this mewthod works a lot better when
> the grain is perpendicular to the bit. (At least with the oak and
> utili I am using.) When cutting through cross grain the tearout at the
> back (even with a backer) is a problem.
May I add that it always a stronger joint when the fingers run in the same
direction as the grain. If your grain is perpendicular to the bit you
fingers will much more easily break off.