Finger joints are a strong way to join wooden sides, requiring a special jig for precise spacing. Glue is applied to each finger before joining the sides. Learning methods include hands-on experience, classes, books, and the internet.
A finger joint is a great way to join the sides of a case, box or cabinet. It’s also a common method of securing chairs and tables. In woodworking, it is a great way to join wooden sides, when other types of joints would not provide enough surfaces for gluing. In appearance, there are many “fingers” intertwined together to form a finger joint. Each finger provides an additional surface to apply glue to, making the construction quite strong.
Cutting finger joints on a tabletop router requires a special type of box joint jig. The jig allows the carpenter to precisely space each notch. A finger joint mask can be purchased at a hardware store or can be made yourself.
The hardest part of using a finger joint jig is setting it up so that it cuts each of the notches at the precise location. Finger joint jigs for a tabletop router can only cut notches of the size commonly found in straight bits. As a result, they are found in sizes such as 1/8 inch (3 cm), ¼ inch (6 cm), 3/8 inch (1 cm), and ½ inch (1.3 cm).
Once all the toe joints have been cut, it’s time to apply the glue. Run some wood glue on each finger, making sure it covers the entire surface. There is no need to put glue on both surfaces for a finger joint as it will simply ooze out and make a mess. After applying the glue, join the sides of the wood, taping each finger joint.
Without the proper tools, making a finger joint can be quite difficult. While there are many different ways to learn how to make a finger joint, the easiest is through hands-on experience with a person skilled in woodworking. Experts can be found through family or friends or even at a local hardware store. Often, there are classes through hardware stores that will teach groups of people in a casual setting. The expert can teach the novice the ins and outs in a short period of time, while other methods may take a little longer.
Other learning methods can be found through books or on the Internet. There are step by step instructions; however, they can look quite complex and can be intimidating to someone new to woodworking. If books or the Internet are the best method for you, it’s best to start with a book designed for beginners. In these cases, the instructions are simplified and do not assume any previous knowledge in woodworking.
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