Hello,
This is my first attempt at doing box joints with a router. I bought a jig rather than trying to build my own, it was just much quicker..lol. I did a bunch of test cuts on different pieces of scrap wood I had laying around (plywood and 1x6 pine I think). The issue I'm having is that I keep blowing out the box joints and I have no idea why and Im hoping someone can give me some direction. I'm using a Skil router and portable router table with a 1/4" bit.
Box Joint Help Needed
Posts
Re: Box Joint Help Needed
#2
Looks like you're using a very soft wood that's subject to tearout. A harder wood would give better results.
Also, your router bit may be a little dull. Is it a bit you've used a lot before?
A straight bit also gives more tearout than a spiral. Try using a spiral upcut bit.
Re: Box Joint Help Needed
#3Thank you for a quick reply. That was a brand new bit. Something I was going to.ask also was are all bits equal? Do some work better than others?
I will try the sprial upcut though.
Thank you again.
Re: Box Joint Help Needed
Edited #4You're trying to "cut" end-grain with a router; not something not usually associated with smooth cut faces.
This is, of course, because of the jig needing to cut 3 sides of the boxes. A better jig works on the table saw.
Re: Box Joint Help Needed
#5
banatello wrote:I bought a jig rather than trying to build my own
Curious what jig you bought. Do you have a photo or link to where you got it?