Thread: Mitre keys in boxes - using hand tools - how?

How about getting one of those old school, hand crank grinders. Modify it to mount a small 50mm or so blade which cuts horizontally, similar to a biscuit joiner blade. Could make a for a dedicated slot cutter?

He does the whole thing just with hand tools.

YouTube

Maybe that helps?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Not sure about cutting the slots, but I have read of hammering the keys to compress them a bit, then they expand with the glue to fill irregularities in the slots.

I have used a handsaw to saw the slots and fitted veneer into them. Worked well


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by arose62

Not sure about cutting the slots, but I have read of hammering the keys to compress them a bit, then they expand with the glue to fill irregularities in the slots.

Oh yes, I use mitre keys a lot, in more than just boxes. I love them.

I make them in a multitude of ways, but my favourite is making a biscuit with a bit of box scrap and a contrasting veneer.

I've also hammered a few to make them fit

Dungeons and Dragons Dice Box 2.jpg

Originally Posted by Interwoodshop

I have used a handsaw to saw the slots....

May I ask, if you used a handsaw, how did you get them nice and exact, other than "being good"? (or careful)

Originally Posted by Cklett

He does the whole thing just with hand tools. YouTube

Yes, here: YouTube

Its good. He farts around a lot, but the idea is good. I suppose I could use my Dozuki.

Not sure why, but I was thinking of planes or some sort of sled for one. I must be over thinking it.

Originally Posted by woodPixel

Does anyone know, for box making, how I might go about accurately putting slots into boxes for mitre keys using only hand tools?

Are mitre keys acceptable? If so you need
Hand saw, preferably filed rip
Veneer for the keys
bevel gauge (or square)
use the hand saw to cut the slots for the keys
glue keys into the slots
use a flush-cutting saw or a chisel to trim the keys

Finish the box as per your "normal" practice

A small dovetail saw is much easier to control than a tenon saw. I clamp a couple of thin timber chops on each side of the blade with some tinny G clamps to give consistent depth and chisel out the waste.