Introduction: Easy Box Joint Jig | Quick Box Joints in Your Table Saw

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About: I'm an average guy trying to to above average DIY projects. I'm driven by my desire for nice things around the home with a desire not to pay someone else to do them. This drives me to constantly learn about …


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In this video, I'll show you how to make an easy box joint jig. You will be able to make quick box joints in your table saw. I'll show you how to DIY and the make box joints. I'll cover making the slides for the miter slots, making the base, using CA glue and screw to attach the base, making the frame, attaching the fence, creating an indexing pin and waxing the slides and base.

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Downloadable Plans ($4.99)

Supplies

-Dado Set https://amzn.to/3oTbRmM

-Hardwood or poly table saw slides

-1/2" plywood

-1x4 pine lumber

-1x2 pine lumber

-Short wood screws

-Paste wax https://amzn.to/3oSMvFE

Step 1: Cut Slides to Size

Make the slide out of a hard wear resistant wood. Cut to fit without slop and be just proud of the saw table.

Step 2: Cut Base to Size

I used 1/2" birch plywood cut to 12"x16". You could also use 3/4" or make a difference size for your needs.

Step 3: Attach Slides to Base

Use CA glue and accelerator to glue the slide on. Then remove from the saw and predrill and countersink holes and screw into place.

Step 4: Attach Frame

I used a 1x2 for the three frame sides. I glued and brad nailed them into place. Cut the fence a little long but do not permanently attach it yet.

Step 5: Install Dado Set

Remove the blade and install a dado set.

Step 6: Temporarily Install the Fence

Screw down the fence so you can cut the indexing pin slot.

Step 7: Cut Dado Slot

The slot width will be how wide your finished joints are. The depth of the slot should be a little less than the thickness of the wood you will use. I use a 1/2" dado for 3/4" thick wood.

Step 8: Cut and Install Indexing Pin

Remove the fence. Now cut indexing pin material to fit tight in the slot in the fence. I used oak for wear resistance.

Step 9: Permanently Install the Fence

Now install the fence offset from the blade by that distance as the width of the indexing pin. You can use some of your extra indexing pin material to do this. Now permanently glue and screw the fence in place while the slides are still in the miter slots so it doesn't move.

Step 10: Wax the Slides and Base

Now wax the slides and base to allow the jig to move smoothly on the table.

Step 11: Test!

Test using a scrap piece. Start with first piece butted up against the indexing pin and work your way over. Not flip that piece over and put it back over the indexing pin as a reference for the mating piece. Work your way across the mating piece until its complete. Test the joint. If it fits properly, you can glue it together to make it permanent.