Hello! I’m new to woodworking as a hobby. I’m learning to hand cut finger joints and watched a few videos on how to cut.
For the finger side I cut a few at a slight angle. So when I work on the opposing joints how can I match the angle of cut? Or do I try to fix everything when I chisel?
Replies
I'm assuming your cutting box joints (sometimes called finger joint when small). It sounds like you perhaps cut off line and made a partial dovetail style cut?
Either way, what you need to do is transfer your layout to the mating board. Cutting joinery by hand really lives and dies in the properly marking and cutting out your transfers. There are lots of videos out there to show you how to do this accurately and tips.
In the hand cutting world practice makes perfect... After tons and tons of practice. Draw some straight lines and practice cutting to them.
Good luck to you and have fun
Without knowing what plane is out of square and since you are new, I suggest setting yourself up for success by squaring up the miscut "fingers" with a chisel before marking for the opposing ones. Straight sides everywhere will allow the joint to slide together from all directions. An angle here and there could prevent assembly if they oppose eachother.
Thanks to both of you for responding. I am attempting a box about 2 feet by 3 feet, 12 inches deep.
The cuts are 1/2 inch and most of the initial cuts with my Japanese saw were straight and true.
Sounds like correcting the angled cuts with the chisel is gonna be a tad easier for me. They arw not off by much, maybe 1 degree or 2 at most.
I thought I'd try it for fun, and since I dont have a jig, table, or router...yet!
Again thank you both. This is so fun.
Wow, big box. One more thing..be careful with clamping pressure when you glue it up. A bow in the sides could get locked in. Good luck!
Excellent point. Ill watch for bowing!
Thank you!
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