Box joint routing advice needed.

[JJ1]

Hi,

I'm just in the process of routing my first set of box joints using a jig I've just made to go on a homemade router table. The bit I'm using is a 12.7mm (1/2") straight cutter.
I'm using 18mm MDF at the moment. So far so good and my initial test cuts appeared to fit nice and snugly. The only slight issue was some tear out on the front side of the MDF, but having a thinner piece of MDF in front of, and behind my workpiece seems to minimize that.

What I'm a little concerned about and what I would appreciate some advice on, is;
Is it ok to be cutting the box joints in a single pass (as I believe you're supposed to)
or will it put too much strain on the router and/or router bit? Bearing in mind I'll be cutting 18mm high by 12.7mm wide slots in one or two pieces of 18mm MDF together, with a 6mm or 9mm support piece either side.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Steve Maskery]

It all rather depends on our router. It is a fairly hefty cut, but if you go steady, I would think that any half-decent 1/2" router would deliver.
The packing pieces do not make the cut more strenuous, just a longer operation.
Out of interest, what particular jig have you made up?
S

 

[mailee]

I also find a spiral upcut cutter works better. HTH. :wink:

 

[mseries]

Hi,

I'm just in the process of routing my first set of box joints using a jig I've just made to go on a homemade router table. The bit I'm using is a 12.7mm (1/2") straight cutter.
I'm using 18mm MDF at the moment. So far so good and my initial test cuts appeared to fit nice and snugly. The only slight issue was some tear out on the front side of the MDF, but having a thinner piece of MDF in front of, and behind my workpiece seems to minimize that.

What I'm a little concerned about and what I would appreciate some advice on, is;
Is it ok to be cutting the box joints in a single pass (as I believe you're supposed to)
or will it put too much strain on the router and/or router bit? Bearing in mind I'll be cutting 18mm high by 12.7mm wide slots in one or two pieces of 18mm MDF together, with a 6mm or 9mm support piece either side.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

You should be fine doing that. I have cut box joints 18 mm high with a 3/8" cutter, just go slowly to allow the chips to clear.

 

[JJ1]

Thanks to all for the advice, it's much appreciated


Steve,

The jig isn't quite finished yet, but it was based on a combination of your design and the one by Ron Fox, so thanks for the useful video . I notice your video is now off air. Have you removed it permanently or just temporarily?

 

[Steve Maskery]

I certainly haven't removed it! I must investigate.
S

 

[JJ1]

Perhaps the problem was my end Steve. I tried yesterday evening and again this afternoon. I'll try again and see what happens.

 

[Steve Maskery]

No, it's not you. Blip have removed it. Presumabley I don't make enough films often enough.
I get proper broadband installed in a week or two. I'll upload the film to YouTube when I do. At the mo everything is done through my phone and it takes for ever. At the time I made it YT limited films to 10 mins, which is why I used Blip, but now that restriction is removed.
I'll sort it.
S

 

[JJ1]

I'll look forward to catching it on YouTube

 

[rafezetter]

I had that bookmarked and wondered what had happened to it. It's annoying when so called "free" providers yank stuff without letting you know what's going on.