THE BEST JIG IDEA EVER
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

THE BEST JIG IDEA EVER

An incremental positioner turns a simple setup into a powerful system for ultra-precise, repeatable cuts. Build it into a table saw jig, and you can cut perfect tenons, joints, and micro-adjustments with speed and accuracy.

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EASY ROUTER TABLE FINGER/BOX JOINTS
PROJECTS, JOINERY James Hamilton PROJECTS, JOINERY James Hamilton

EASY ROUTER TABLE FINGER/BOX JOINTS

With a few scraps of wood, a straight router bit, and a simple indexing pin, you can turn a compact router table into a surprisingly accurate finger joint machine. This easy DIY jig makes strong, clean box joints for drawers, boxes, and cabinets—without buying an expensive dado set or specialty jig.

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TABLE SAWS VS ROUTERS: WHICH CUTS THE BEST DADOS?
JOINERY, SAWS James Hamilton JOINERY, SAWS James Hamilton

TABLE SAWS VS ROUTERS: WHICH CUTS THE BEST DADOS?

Woodworkers love debating whether routers or table saws are better for cutting dados and grooves—but the truth is both tools shine in different situations. By comparing setup, safety, cost, adjustability, and cut quality, you’ll see why the “best” tool really depends on the job at hand.

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A TRICK TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MITERED JOINTS
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

A TRICK TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MITERED JOINTS

Mitered corners look great—but they’re weak unless you reinforce them. This simple 2×6 bevel jig makes it fast and accurate to cut spline slots that dramatically strengthen box and frame corners while keeping the clean mitered look.

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LEARN TO MAKE BREADBOARD ENDS
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

LEARN TO MAKE BREADBOARD ENDS

Learn how proper breadboard-end joinery prevents a tabletop from splitting despite crossed grain. This guide explains tongues, mortises, tenons, and pegged elongated holes that let wood move naturally—transforming inexpensive construction lumber into long-lasting, high-quality furniture.

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WAS NORM ABRAM WRONG ABOUT BISCUIT JOINTERS?
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

WAS NORM ABRAM WRONG ABOUT BISCUIT JOINTERS?

The biscuit joiner may not add brute strength like a Domino or dowels, but it’s a game-changer for fast, frustration-free glue-ups. If you find a good one at a yard sale, grab it—you’ll thank yourself during your next big panel or cabinet project.

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HOW A LITTLE WEDGE MAKES THE STRONGEST JOINT EVER!
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

HOW A LITTLE WEDGE MAKES THE STRONGEST JOINT EVER!

The wedged mortise and tenon is one of the strongest mechanical joints in woodworking, combining resistance to shear and tensile forces with a visually striking design. This article walks through every step—from cutting the mortise and shaping the wedges to fitting and gluing the tenon—offering practical tips to avoid common mistakes and achieve a perfect joint.

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LOOSE-TENON JOINERY WITHOUT A FESTOOL DOMINO
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

LOOSE-TENON JOINERY WITHOUT A FESTOOL DOMINO

Loose tenons simplify traditional mortise and tenon joinery, allowing faster, more repeatable joints without sacrificing strength. This article walks you through creating a custom mortise jig, cutting precise mortises with a router, and sizing loose tenons for a flawless fit.

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JOINERY LESSONS FROM THE DOUBLE BRIDLE JOINT
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

JOINERY LESSONS FROM THE DOUBLE BRIDLE JOINT

The double bridle joint is a great way to practice precise, repeatable joinery on the table saw, and it teaches you how to sneak up on a perfect fit instead of relying solely on pencil lines. With a simple tenon jig and the right blade, you can create a strong, attractive joint that’s customizable and clean.

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A CLEVER WAY TO MAKE BOXES, CABINETS, AND DRAWERS
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

A CLEVER WAY TO MAKE BOXES, CABINETS, AND DRAWERS

The locking rabbet joint with a hidden groove creates drawers and boxes that are self-aligning, strong, and almost as durable as dovetails—without complicated setups. Using just a router and a few clever fence adjustments, you can make professional-quality cabinetry quickly and easily.

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WORLD’S STRONGEST CORNER JOINT!
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

WORLD’S STRONGEST CORNER JOINT!

Discover how to create the Triple-Castle Joint—an elegant, ultra-strong woodworking joint made from three identical pieces and four simple cuts. This step-by-step guide covers layout, hand-sawing tips, assembly, and finishing for a stunning joinery project.

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INDESTRUCTIBLE: I have NEVER seen a box made like this before
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

INDESTRUCTIBLE: I have NEVER seen a box made like this before

This box features a one-of-a-kind “impossible dovetail joint” that cannot be assembled or disassembled conventionally, inspired by centuries-old German log cabin joinery. Its creation required careful planning, compound-angle cutting, and meticulous assembly, making it both a technical challenge and a unique conversation piece.

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