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  1. #1
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    Default Incra box joint jig - brilliant

    I would describe myself as a "box joint aholic". I've made dozens of boxes using them. I really like the final look and so does my family. Over the years I've made 4 jigs including my most recent, the one in the photo, based on this video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiqpKV0OnGY&t=1s ) which has adjustability by feeler gauges and yet all of them while doing a good job didn't give me the repeatability I was after.

    I bit the bullet last week and bought Incra's box joint jig combined with Freud's box joint blades. I followed the instructions exactly which requires firstly that the pins need to be snug against each other and later the final pin width should allow a snug fit when the previous cut slot is placed on it, but was does snug really mean? I always ended up with the joint too tight. I then saw this video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GszYAh0Yhg&t=13s ) which mentions the fingers should be 0.006" smaller than the slots so rather than following Incra's instructions I made a test cut using callipers, measured the slot and fingers and using the micro adjust on the jig, which allows for 0.001" adjustability, was able to dial in that 0.006" difference every time. Did another test cut to verify and the results are perfect every time. That 0.006" difference is a perfect amount for glue. Less than 0.004" difference made the joint too tight.

    So I can now make any box joint any size (using Freud blades or dado stack) with dead on repeatability. As big Kev used to say years ago, "I'm excited"
    jig.jpg

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  3. #2
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    Default

    Same clearance as what this guy recommends.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
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    Hobart
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    Default

    Hi Barri and Treecycle

    I have been using a finger joint jig similar to your old one in the photo Barri for some 20+ years except that I do the fine adjustment by the "tap and guess" method. I think that the use of feeler gauges is a good idea, and will try it next time.

    That is a time honoured system that has been continuously refined over decades.

    Then I note your enthusiasm for your new Incra finger joint jig; it certainly seems to work well. But I keep coming back to a nagging question: "How is it $369 better than your old jig?"

    Maybe I am just a cheapskate?

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Canberra
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    I've one and love it. Highly recommend one.

    I also made some massive MDF camping crates with it for a customer. For years he took them 4WD-ing with him and tossed all the pots, pans and kitchen gear in them. They were thrashed to all hell, but not one failed.

    The jig made it dead easy.

    I've also done tiny 5mm fingers and they are VERY popular.

    camping box ropes.jpg camping box underside.jpg pillbox.jpg DSC06314.jpg

  6. #5
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    Apr 2005
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    Quote Originally Posted by GraemeCook View Post
    Hi Barri and Treecycle


    Then I note your enthusiasm for your new Incra finger joint jig; it certainly seems to work well. But I keep coming back to a nagging question: "How is it $369 better than your old jig?"
    It all depends on how many boxes you make and whether you have the surplus funds. I've found repeatability, accuracy and safety better on the Incra jig but I agree its not $369 better but sometimes its nice to splurge on a professional product especially made for the job at hand. Sort of like buying an Incra/Rockler sled with bells and whistles compared to a home made crosscut sled.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Melbourne
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by barri View Post
    It all depends on how many boxes you make and whether you have the surplus funds. I've found repeatability, accuracy and safety better on the Incra jig but I agree its not $369 better but sometimes its nice to splurge on a professional product especially made for the job at hand. Sort of like buying an Incra/Rockler sled with bells and whistles compared to a home made crosscut sled.
    I think the iBox design and mechanism is probably what sets it apart from all the home made jigs. If I could make one I would have done but I really don't know how the pin mechanism works exactly until I get it. This combined with a small footprint, in my book is worth the money.

    As for the Incra/Rockler sled, my design is based on both of these. I choose not to buy either as I knew my sled equals if not betters their design. Having said that my tablesaw sled is due for an upgrade very soon.

  8. #7
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    Apr 2009
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    Quote Originally Posted by GraemeCook View Post
    Maybe I am just a cheapskate?
    Yep you're a cheapskate.

    No but seriously, I'm the same with certain things so its horses for courses.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Darkest NSW
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    3,197

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    Quote Originally Posted by woodPixel View Post
    I've one and love it. Highly recommend one.

    I also made some massive MDF camping crates with it for a customer. For years he took them 4WD-ing with him and tossed all the pots, pans and kitchen gear in them. They were thrashed to all hell, but not one failed.
    I guess the total surface area glued on the box joint is pretty huge compared to a dovetail on the same joint, so even without the advantage of the interlocking angle they'd hold up well.

    PVA on the large MDF boxes?

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Canberra
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Brush View Post
    I guess the total surface area glued on the box joint is pretty huge compared to a dovetail on the same joint, so even without the advantage of the interlocking angle they'd hold up well.

    PVA on the large MDF boxes?
    Plain old boring Titebond.

    Probably 2 or 3, I don't remember, but most likely 2, as I have so much of it.

    The big boxes were terribly popular. Kitchen makers should sell them as kits (speaking of which, Ive a new project that needs panels pre-cut for me!)

  11. #10
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    Nov 2005
    Location
    Darkest NSW
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    Can I ask what sawblades did you have for this? Dado, or something like https://www.timbecon.com.au/freud-8i...nt-cutter-set?

    Tablesaw would give cleaner cuts on MDF than a router I think - MDF always tears out a bit when I do dovetails on Gifkins jig.

    Cheers

  12. #11
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    Apr 2005
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    Warragul
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    I use Freud's box cutter set but if I want larger than 3/8" I can use my Dewalt dado set but that's rare.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
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    Darkest NSW
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    Thanks - that looked like the best option to me for box joints. If you have fine adjustability on the iBox, you don't really need it on the blade (a la dado). They even come in 5/8" arbor to fit my JET saw.

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