Whether you’re a woodworker or not, you’ve probably seen finger joints – those cute little squares that join two pieces of wood together in a near-perfect way. They’re often used in furniture construction and can make your project look more polished and professional.
The bad news is that if you don’t have a table saw, making finger joints can be quite challenging. But the good news is that there’s an easy workaround! In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make finger joints without a table saw.
How To Make Finger Joints Without A Table Saw?
Woodworking can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be challenging – especially when it comes to tools as the table saw.
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The first thing is measuring the width or length of your piece and then dividing it up into fingers depending on how many pieces there are in total with their measurements taken along each side; after this has been done make sure that both horizontal lines are aligned according where they should cut at given depths using woodworking dividers for accuracy before finallyMarking those points accordingly using a gauge (a little tool similar like pins).
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To ensure an accurate cut, it is important that you clamp the wood tightly. This will help eliminate any errors from movement during cutting and allow for cleaner lines when sanding later on in this process.
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To create finger joints, use a back tenon saw to cut along the marked points vertically until you reach your desired number. Repeat this process for all of them so they are evenly spaced out in regards to how many fingers each one will have when finished being joined.
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When it comes to cutting curves and shapes in wood, there is no better tool than a coping saw. This type of blade has been designed specifically for these tasks so you can easily make complex cuts along the horizontal lines while achieving deep vertical ones with just an angle grinder or even power tools if necessary. When cutting the pieces of wood, always alternate so that you can create joints with each other. And remember to use a chisel for finishing and precise measurements since this will ensure perfect fitting once done.
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When you’re done with the first wood, repeat this process for another piece that will interlock perfectly when combined. For these other pieces cut complementary joints to make sure they fit together nicely by doing opposite alternating cuts like a puzzle.
Tools:
- Marking gauge
- wood clamp
- A back tenon saw
- Try square
- Coping saw
- Chisel and mallet
The pros and cons of making finger joints without a table saw
Pros
- it’s a lot cheaper to do it this way
- it’s more portable you can take it with you wherever you go
- it’s easier to use than a table saw
- it’s more accurate than a table saw
- it is a relatively simple process and it does not require a lot of equipment
- it’s more fun to make
Cons
- you need some sort of moulding head for your drill press
- the bit has to be exactly on centre or your fingers won’t come outright
- it’s harder on the wrist than using a table saw (especially if you’re doing this for hours)
- it will not work with all types of woods–poplar and pine are probably best
- you have to have an extremely steady hand in order for this method not to turn out sloppy looking. If you weren’t very coordinated before starting this project, don’t expect things to magically get better now.
Conclusion:
Making finger joints without a table saw can be challenging, but with a little bit of practice and these tips, you’ll be able to make them like a pro! The most important thing is to take your time and be careful. Remember, it’s always better to go slow and get things right than to rush through the project and end up with sloppy-looking fingers.
