This was pretty simple and quick to build. It is just two pieces of 1″ X 4″ cut with 45 degree ends and then screwed to a piece of plywood so that two ends meet and are level with the bottom of the plywood.

To use it’s just a matter of setting your tablesaw fence to the depth that you want the slot cut and then cradle your workpiece in the jig and run it through the saw while keeping the back of the jig against the fence.

You can use this jig to put splines in boxes and picture frames.

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Both sleds are approximately 15″ X 11″ and made of plywood and Pine with Oak runners.

I find that these sleds make crosscuts a lot easier than using the miter and they minimize tearout.

I made the smaller 90 degree sled because often times I find my larger sled can be a bit of overkill when working with small pieces of wood like that used in making small boxes.

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Although there are quite few different plans and ideas for building a mortising jig, as well as commercial jigs available, I chose this one because it’s quite simple and quick (an hour or so) to build – cut 1/4 hardboard (still commonly referred to as ‘masonite’) to size. Drill the holes to match your plunge router. Route out the slots for the guide screws. Cut the guides to length and drill the holes for the carriage bolts.

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The problem with cutting 45 degree angles is that if your table saw is out of alignment by any amount you will not get a perfect 45. This may not be noticeable when putting only two pieces of wood together but when you have to make a square with 4 pieces you’ll find that there will be undesirable gaps at the miters. A 45 degree cutting miter jig, or as I call it – The Perfect Picture Framer Jig, will eliminate this problem.

Here is a top view of this simple jig:

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Continue reading 'Bandsaw Circle Cutting Jig'