Introduction: Make a Finger Jointed Box on the Router Table

By

I love the look of a nice finger jointed box. Unfortunately they are hard to make and time consuming, unless you have a finger jointing jig. Anybody can produce a great looking box using one of these, being able to make the base of the box in about an hour. The jig I use is a small one and requires the timber to be a maximum of 10mm thick, others go up to 19mm. By using hardwoods this thickness is fine and doesn't look clumsy.

I found this really interesting piece of timber and thought what can I make with this. It was easy a nice finger jointed box.

Step 1: Getting Timber Ready

Some may have noticed timber is not the same. Made the box and then thought I should share this!

I will fit a ply bottom to this box so I cut a grove at the start to make it easy at the end. Cutting it from one big piece is easier than cutting four smaller pieces.

I cut the sides 300mm X 100mm X 10mm.

Step 2: Cutting the Joints

I have modified my jig to hold both sides and ends at once to lessen construction time.

Both sides on one side and both ends on the other.

Once one end/side has been cut it is important to swap the boards end for end.

Before removing timber from jig check that all the joints are cut clean as it is easy to recut joints before you take them out.

VERY IMPORTANT when using jig to place BOTH hand on the ends to avoid accidently touching router bit.

once the pieces have been cut they should just fit together.

Step 3: Fitting the Bottom

Once you have the sides fitting together it is time to make the bottom.

measure the inside of the box and simply add the depth of the groves. eg 180+3+3 =186 280+3+3=286.

.In this case cut the base 186X286 and the ply should just slot in. Plane to size if a little to big.

Make sure the fingers fit tight together.

When happy with the joints glue together, I use PVA.

I hold in vice and use clamp to hold other side

Step 4: Making the Top

To make the top I glued two pieces of timber together, I tried to get the grain to match for this box.

I cut it leaving 20mm overhang all round.

I then set it up on the table router with a straight cut bit and fence.

I took of 5mm cuts @5mm thick until the lid fitted.

To finish it off I fitted a handle.

Step 5: Finishing

To complete the box:

First I sanded it till I was happy with.

To keep the natural look and colour I used boiled linseed oil.