Instead of making multiple jigs for cutting different joints on the tablesaw, I saved time, materials, and space by making one that can do multiple jobs. It consists of a carriage that rides my Biesemeyer-style fence and interchangeable fixtures designed to cut various joints. I have three fixtures: one for cutting tenons, one for keyed miters, and one for cutting spline slots.

The carriage is made from 3/4-in. Baltic-birch plywood, but MDF would work as well. To ensure that the mounting holes in all fixtures align with those in the carriage, make a 1/4-in.-thick plywood template the same size as the carriage side. Drill the five 1/4-in.-dia. holes in the template and use it to drill the mounting holes in the carriage and in the fixture base. Install any fences, hold-downs, or clamps you need with glue and/or screws from behind.

I finished the carriage and fixtures with two coats of shellac and applied paste wax on the interior of the carriage so it slides freely on the rip fence.

Tenoning Fixture

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Keyed Miter Fixture

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Spline Slot Fixture

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Drawings by Jim Richey

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