Every once in a while we like to check in on the WWGOA editors to see what they’re up to in the shop. Here’s your chance to get to know the faces and personalities behind WWGOA and take a peek into their own worlds.
I just assembled eight extra “treasure box kits” from a class I taught at the Oakdale Discovery Center in Oakdale, Minnesota. The classes I teach focus on wood selection, joinery, adhesives, and finishing techniques for non-woodworkers. I chose mitered joints with splines for this class.
For years I’ve used a shop-made spline jig on my table saw using a dado set. This location required a more portable solution. I picked up a router table spline jig from Rockler (item number 59288, www.rockler.com). The Rockler jig uses an up-cut router bit and the results are much cleaner than the table saw method. The jig can be adapted for ¼”, 3/8” or ½” key slots. The jig performed quite well.
What are you working on this month?
A new client ordered 15 boxes for her nieces and nephews in lieu of birthday presents this year. She is leaving me to pick out the woods. (They will all be different.)
You’re always selling something, George–this or that jig, doodad, gadget, etc.–and usually expensive somethings at that. Can’t you build something with the tools that the typical woodworker has in an average shop. I’d think WWGOA ought to understand that you exist because of amateur woodworkers out here in small garage and basement shops. We make stuff. When we need a jig we make it. We like to learn about making stuff. You, sir, are a machinist, and a salesman, more than a woodworker. Too many of your videos focus on expensive gizmo-type accessories instead of basic woodworking techniques.
Have to agree with Larry. Most of the E-mails I get are not on how to do a project. but buying something that are nice told but way out of my price range. This is one reason why I am thinking of not renewing my subscription > To much selling not enough help.
Sorry, but I didn’t see this post until today. Thanks for your comment, but we do post a lot of work arounds that don’t involve commercial jigs. A few examples: Cutting biscuit slots with a router, instead of a biscuit jointer; https://www.wwgoa.com/article/workaround-cut-biscuit-grooves-with-a-router/ Cabinetmaking jigs https://www.wwgoa.com/article/georges-three-favorite-woodworking-jigs-for-cabinetmaking/ Shop-made box joint jig https://www.wwgoa.com/video/wwgoas-box-joint-jig-10812/ Miter spline jig https://www.wwgoa.com/video/how-to-make-a-spline-jig-001660/ If you use the search window in the upper right hand corner of the sight and type in “jig,” you’ll see lots of other options.
Please provide more details about the jig.
Hi John. Here is a link to the jig: https://www.rockler.com/rockler-router-table-spline-jig
Features from the Rockler web site:
Features:
– Capable of accommodating a frame with a standard 11” x 14” opening, or a box measuring up to 12” x 12” x 12”
– Smooth-sliding tracks ensure accurate cuts and ease of use
– Includes centering tool, which aligns the jig with the center of the router bit; stores onboard
– Centering line on sled aligns the bit with your cut line
– Taller fences can be added to stock ABS fences to stabilize larger frames
– Fences are removable to accommodate taller boxes
– Workpiece can be clamped to sled if additional support is needed
– All adjustments are achieved with tool-free knobs
– MDF base with durable ABS sled
– Fits standard 3/8” x 3/4” miter slot
– Instructions included
– Fits router tables on which center of miter track is between
3-1/4” and 6-7/8” from center of the bit.
Hi I am interested to know how to make book shelf wooden.
Thanks for your inquiry. We have a few different plans available for bookshelves. If you go to wwgoa.com and search for book shelf, you will see a number of options.