Here’s a router-table technique for producing clean, precise pocket holes for joining face-frame members. First, construct a wooden cradle fitted with a lever-operated toggle clamp. The cradle angles the workpiece as pocket holes are milled. To cut the pockets, mount a straight cutting bit in the router, and with the workpiece clamped in the fixture, slide the fixture along the fence on the router table. A stop clamped to the fence prevents the pocket from running out the end of the workpiece.

To complete the pockets, drill screw-shank-sized holes from the end of the board to meet the pockets. Face-frame assembly is simple. Just clamp the stiles and rails together with glue, and drive screws through the pockets.

Paul K. Murphy, San Jose, Calif.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, December 1995 No. 115

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