Instead of making multiple jigs for cutting different joints on the tablesaw, I saved time, materials, and space by making one that can do multiple jobs. It consists of a carriage that rides my Biesemeyer-style fence and interchangeable fixtures designed to cut various joints. I have three fixtures: one for cutting tenons, one for keyed miters, and one for cutting spline slots.

The carriage is made from 3/4-in. Baltic-birch plywood, but MDF would work as well. To ensure that the mounting holes in all fixtures align with those in the carriage, make a 1/4-in.-thick plywood template the same size as the carriage side. Drill the five 1/4-in.-dia. holes in the template and use it to drill the mounting holes in the carriage and in the fixture base. Install any fences, hold-downs, or clamps you need with glue and/or screws from behind.

I finished the carriage and fixtures with two coats of shellac and applied paste wax on the interior of the carriage so it slides freely on the rip fence.

Drawings by Jim Richey

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