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The Editors Mailbox

Fast Fix: Breadboard Ends Jig

Ed Pirnik, Senior Web Producer

17 users recommend

Learn how to build a simple jig that ensures perfectly aligned shoulders on breadboard ends. It's a brand-new episode of our Fast Fix video series.

Photo: Ed Pirnik

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The term "indexing" has a very special place in the woodworking lexicon. The various faces of a variety of joints are often mirror images of one another. Breadboard ends are a perfect example. The shoulders of the long tenon that mates with the breadboard end require perfect alignment. If your preferred method for cutting tenons involves a router and a fence, things can get a wee bit tricky. Sure, it's simple to measure the offset of your router base, clamp a fence in place and clean out the waste, but if you've got to flip the tabletop over, set a new fence and rout again, you could be asking for trouble. If those shoulders aren't in perfect alignment, you'll be left staring at an ugly gap on one side of the workpiece.

The solution? A simple jig that offers the user two fences—one for each face of the tabletop—all in one handy unit. Learn how to build it in the latest episode of FineWoodworking.com's Fast Fix video series. And be sure to visit the home of Fast Fix on FWW for even more time-saving tips and techniques.

Try These Projects with Breadboard Ends

	Trestle Table Charles Durfee's classic trestle table seats eight diners, although the author explains how to modify the design to seat more or fewer people. Full-size, CAD-drawn plans are also available.
	Greene & Greene Side Table Pins and plugs make Gary Rogowski's mahogany side table a pleasure for eye. Breadboard ends keep the top flat and are adorned with ebony accents on their ends.

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UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Working with Tablesaws, from the editors of Fine Woodworking

Comments (1)

DaneJohnson writes: Add one more step to the fabrication of the jig... after it is glued up run it through the jointer or table saw to make the 'working side' absolutly true. If you are a little imprecise like me, this last step will make sure that the two working edges are perfect and true to each other.
Posted: 10:48 pm on January 4th

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