Thread: Finger joints

This method will only work if you have yet to assemble the project, and have the required router bit.

Use a straight cutter of the required width. Set your router bit to 5mm. Set up a start block, and a stop block at the required positions.

Start the router, and carefully lower the side of the cabinet onto the router bit, while the opposite end is against the start block. Slide the work through until you impact the stop block. Stop the router, remove the side. Repeat for the other 3 sides.

The beauty of this method is that you won't have to fill any holes visible from the outside (which I assume is what you were asking about).

This method will only work if you have yet to assemble the project, but don't have the required router bit.

Set the table saw fence to the correct distance from the blade. Set the blade to 5mm. Run each board through to cut the channel.

Assemble the project. Fill the holes now visible in each corner finger with a small square of wood and sand. Being end-grain, you should be able to make them reasonably inconspicuous.

This method will work if you have already assembled the project.

Set your router with a circular cutter (similar to the one that comes with the biscuit joiner, but with a bearing.) Ensure that the difference in diameter between the bearing and the cutter is 10mm (ie to give a 5mm trench) You cannot use the router fence for this operation.

It is then a simple matter of routing the trench all round.

Next, remove the bearing, and replace the fence. Set the fence so the bit is exposed the thickness of the side of the project.

Carefully route a channel completely through the side of the project, on the most inconspicuous side (or top). NOT the bottom!

This allows you to slide the glass pane in!

The final step before inserting the glass is to use a chisel to square up the corners enough for the pane to fit fully home. If you are a glass cutting wizz, I guess you could round the glass pane corners!

Finally, insert the glass, then make a strip of wood to fill and disguise the slot.

Stuart,

Many thanks for your assistance, and yes, the latter method is the one that I require.
Fed

Lee Valley sell 'dedicated' router bits for doing this (option 3) to drawers. Also works if you just clamp the parts together before glueing, so you can do 4 sides for a fixed panel. They call them 'box slotting bits' - do a 1/8" or 3/16" by 1/8 or 3/16 - set comes with 2 bearings for 1/8 or 3/16 deep slots.

I have both, only used the 3/16 so far & it works perfectly. Part no.16J83.02 or .04 (I'm putting together an order so the catalog is next to the computer - dangerous I know ))