Once you’ve created your spline cutting jig you’ll find countless applications for strengthening and beautifying your woodworking projects. In this case a hand-held router is used to create the spline joint while the workpiece is secured on the shop-made spline cutting jig. I attached them to the jigs face so their intersection would hold the workpiece slightly above the top surface of the table saw. Use it on your table saw or router table to cut great looking box joints with a stacking-type dado. The jig face Now that the jig is running wonderfully along the rip fence, you need to attach two 2' wide strips to hold the workpiece in place at 45° to the table saws table during use. As the size of a project grows, it becomes desirable to leave the project in position, and bring portable tools to perform milling operations on the project, rather than trying to handle the project while using a stationary tool. incra i-box jig for box joints (standard & shopsmith).

The spline cutting jig should allow the workpiece to be clamped into the position while the cuts are made.īring the tool to the work. Constraining the movement of your project during the spline cutting operations adds not only quality but safety to the operation. Secure the workpiece before cutting slots. If you want to make a spline cutting jig that can accommodate larger projects such as a table top or tall picture frame, then there are a couple of key concepts that you should consider. This spline cutting jig approach can be effective on smaller projects, but it can be awkward to hold a larger work piece steady at a 45-degree angle.įor larger projects, a different spline cutting jig approach should be taken. If you are wondering how to make a spline jig, one common way is to use a table saw. As with any woodworking operation, there are multiple approaches that can be used to create a spline joint. Have you ever built a project that incorporated mitered corners, such as a picture frame, and wondered how to strengthen and beautify the mitered joints? The answer lies in adding a spline, which introduces a mechanical reinforcement to the joint, and at the same time adds an element of beauty, particularly when contrasting woods are used.

Table saw spline cutting jig