Finger jigs are used to guide carefully made patterns on the bandsaw. The finger spaces the pattern just slightly away from the bandsaw blade, leaving a small amount of material to be worked by hand, or as I frequently do, shaped by a router outfitted with a flush-trimming bit. The pattern works with both the bandsaw and the router. This is a great technique for making multiples of curved chair parts such as rails or stretchers.

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The blade is positioned within the notch at the end of the finger. The distance the finger protrudes past the blade determines the amount of wood overhanging the edge of the pattern when the cut is complete. The ends of the finger should be curved slightly tighter than any curve on the pattern.

The notched finger jig surrounds the blade. For simple curves, the finger rests on the table, and a short bolt holds it in the dado of the clamping block. Click to enlarge.

Simple, shallow curves can be bandsawn by clamping the finger jig directly to the table, and affixing the stock above the pattern.

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The pattern rides along the finger jig to guide the cut. The notch in the finger jig accommodates the blade and protects the pattern from damage.

The finished cut overhangs the pattern (above). The distance from the end of the finger to the teeth determines the width of the overhang.

-Excerpt from Five Essential Bandsaw Jigs, FWW #180

Photos: Marcia Ryan

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