This jig, designed to cut tenons and bridle joints on the table saw, performs as well as more expensive commercial versions.

It consists of a base, which travels in the miter gauge slot, and a fence assembly. Dadoes in the fence assembly slide on rails in the top of the base to allow the blade-to-fence distance to be varied.

The two pieces are locked at the correct position with a shopmade handle comprised of a nut mortised in a block of wood. Make the other jig parts of high-quality 3/4-in. aircraft or hardwood plywood; don’t waste your time with fir plywood.

To use the jig, clamp the workpiece to the jig fence with a C-clamp or a hold-down clamp mounted on the fence. Then align the jig to the proper location for the cut, secure the fence assembly to the base, raise the blade to the correct height, and push the workpiece through the saw.

Originally published in the October 1979 issue of Fine Woodworking

Illustration: Jim Richey

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon

Olfa Knife

Comfortable plastic handle with a break off blade. A tool for breaking off the blade is built into the handy pocket clip.

Buy at Amazon

Double Sided Tape

A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.

Buy at Amazon