Tenoning jigs – what am I missing?
The Jan/Feb issue of FWW has an article on tenoning jigs that compares a number of jigs. I have one of the Delta jigs that I got ten or so years ago. After fixing all the inexcusable manufacturing defects, it cut pretty good tenons.
However, I’ve always been bugged by the range of settings on the jig. If you go to the Jan/Feb FWW on page 42, the picture of the jig shows the problem. The “main fence” is assembled to the upper horizontal chunk of metal (on top of the “Base”. The fence assembly has a slot for movement towards or away from the blade to change the location or thickness of the tenon. However, my jig, and all the ones pictured, have a built in problem, or I’m just stupid (not impossible).
If you put your workpiece on the jig with the end on the table saw top, you can’t move it more than about 1/2″ without the end you’re cutting hitting the base.
Why would a tool that has 1/2″ of unrestricted movement have a scale that measures on the order of 3″? Are you supposed to lift the workpiece up so it sits at the height of the top of the base?
Am I all messed up here? Have I missed something?
Incidently, I just made a sliding table for the router table that allows me to cut tenons on the end of rails with the router. The jig rides on the fence and holds the rail at 90 degrees to the fence while cutting. It works great.
Replies
Telemike,
I have Shop Fox jig, similar to your Delta, but must say mine had no defects.
I always used a home made jig before this, but must say it works well, specially when you get into angles.
Same thing though, mine has 1" movement with 2 1/2" scale. Normally this will accommodate most tenons though.
Don't have an answer for you though, good question, seems like no one else has an answer.
Tele,
Don't know about the Delta...my General can shift on the base ie. slide the miter slot rider over a couple of inches....also, it can be reversed to ride on the other side of the blade in the other miter slot.
All the same lines, but different. I have the Delta tenonig jig,had it for a few years, works great, or more specifically, worked great. I just bought a new left tilt Unisaw. I'm very satisfied with the saw. However when I went to use the tenoning jig, I found that the tablesaw slot was too far from the saw blade for the jig to work. I then tried the jig to the right miter guage slot and had to use it backwards. I worked ,but I it does not seem as safe. Do they make a Delta Tenoning jig for left tilt saws or is there another method.
Rich
Rich,
As I said before, my General works in either miter guage slot..you just flip around the handles and stuff and use it in the right miter slot. However, couldn't you just add a piece of ply or mdf permanently to the face of your current tennon jig to make up the difference and use it that way?
the newer delta jig has two places where you could install the runner for the miter gauge slot. one position for right tilt saws and the other for left tilt saw.
Thanks Chills, I have had this for a few years, but a good thought I'll check it out
Thanks for the idea, but in my case the mdf would have to be too thick.
I think the "extra" travel is to account for the varying distances between mitre slots and the blade on multiple tablesaws. When doing production runs I like to use 2 blades w/ spacers and cut both cheeks at the same time. When the tenon is offset from center the blade gets uncomfortably close to the jig. The cure is to mount a sacrifical face on the jig, usually of 3/4" melamine or ply. The "extra" travel makes this possible.
John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
Mine..the less expensive model has always worked just great!
They all seem to be a bit on the cheesy side.
Remember the old Delta that was set at 90º? Nice and heavy looking..I never got to use one but must say I make 99% 90º tennons so I'd love to get one.
Anyone got one for sale?
Notrix
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