Hi Gary,
I am still in the extreme novice category when it comes to woodworking, but even at age 53, I still want to learn so much more. My question is – are box joints a suitable method of constucting a cedar chest? I have a Porter Cable 4212 jig, but I don’t think it will handle the width I would need, plus, I have never used it before. Hopefully you won’t laugh too long at my ignorance, but any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Larry
Replies
Hi Larry,
The only people I laugh at are the ones who come in claiming they know a lot about woodworking. I’ve been doing it for 30 some odd years and I feel like I’m just beginning some days. I describe it this way to my students: Ignorance is not knowing why my computer doesn’t work. Stupidity is trying to fix it with a hammer. We can deal with ignorance.
Box joints are fine for a cedar chest, lots of gluing surface, and a nice look when done well. I don’t know the jig you mention but if you’re cutting finger joints on any jig you should be able to just move the jig over and continue cutting along the width of your stock. The thing you’ll have to pay attention to is lining up the second run of finger cuts. Use a stop or a mark on the jig so you can line up the next run of cuts as well. Practice on some scrap stock too. Finally remember that the difference between an amateur and a professional woodworker is that the professional covers up his mistakes better.
In my last joinery book I do talk about some other methods for cutting finger joints. Take a look, [shameless plug inserted here], at The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery. Available at fine bookstores, the FWW website, on-line, or through me. Best of luck. Gary
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