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 James Hamilton JOINERY 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
SHOP SKILLS, JOINERY James Hamilton SHOP SKILLS, 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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