If you just need to create simple box joints rather than fancy joinery, MLCS has another system for quickly producing these joints on your router table.
The three different spacer bases in the Multi-Joint system allow you to make 1/2″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ box joints as well as rabbet, dado, spline, and sliding dovetails. The bases are 24″ long pieces of laminated MDF with guide bars made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW).
To set up the system, choose which size box joint you want to make — we’ll choose 1/2″ for our purposes. Chuck a half-inch straight cutting bit in your router table and place the 1/2″ base over the top of the bit. Use the 1/2″ setup bar to set the height of the bit, use it to set the distance from the bit to the plastic guide bar, and then clamp the base to your table. Then place the right angle fence with the 1/2″ notch over the guide rail and clamp the work piece to the fence. Now you’re ready to start cutting.
When you buy the Multi-Joint system you get 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ spacer bases, three right angle fences, a dovetail liner offset fence, a positive stop setup block, and five brass setup bars. You’ll need to supply your own 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ straight cutting bits. You can purchase the entire Multi-Joint spacing system for $120, or you can buy a kit for just one size box joints for $50.
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6 Responses to Box Joints Made Simple
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Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire: Ringshanks.
I’ve googled “ringshanks” and get a lot of jewelry links. Please explain.
Ringshanks are nails with rings on them, to give them better holding ability. The quote is roughly from “The Graudate,” if you replace ringshanks with plastics, but I don’t get it.
I think he’s suggesting butt joints and ringshank nails. Functional but not lovely.
Seems a bit expensive for something that looks like it would be very easy to make yourself.
I made one myself for both the table saw and the router table. In time, I did not make min wage building them myself. The cost of my materials was mostly scrap, and the toggle clamps came from HF. I love box joints, second only to the dovetail.