52 - Miter Spline & Dovetail Key Jig

A complete set of detailed 3D plans for this project are found Here:
kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
Miter Spline and Dovetail Key Jig
This is the perfect jig for making beautiful spline joints in boxes. Or even dovetail keys. If you don’t have a dovetail jig and you don’t want to learn to use one, or learn to hand cut them. With this jig you can have beautiful dovetails on the edge of your jewelry boxes or keepsake boxes.
This is a very easy project. If we take away glue time, it was built in under 2 hours. It’s something that a woodworker of any skill level can accomplish, and it is one of the key jigs that I recommend to beginners, because with very little experience, you can begin to make great looking boxes.
This is a comprehensive jig that will work on both the table saw and any router table with a miter slot. There is no need to build multiple jigs for dovetails and splines, or separate jigs for boxes instead of picture frames. This one will do them all perfectly.
Things we used for this project:
Tools:
Thor’s Hammer Woodworking Mallet: kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
Grizzly Planer - amzn.to/3x2v20l
Grizzly Cabinet Table Saw - amzn.to/3wXwzo1
Hand Sanding Block - amzn.to/3Rnsx1F
Combination Square Set 6" & 12" - amzn.to/3kB2jfW
Microjig Grr-Ripper Table Saw Pushblock - amzn.to/3XQ7I1y
BOSCH 12 Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw - amzn.to/3j331SU
Wood Glue Dispenser, 16 Oz Btl, Drip less - amzn.to/3D94pKz
Woodpeckers Square 8-inch x 5-inch(851) - amzn.to/401kV9k
DEWALT Bar Clamp - amzn.to/3Rgtzgd
Bessey 24" Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3XOyl6u
Pneumatic Pin Nailer Kit - amzn.to/40kXlUQ
Rockler Wood Glue Applicator Set - amzn.to/3ws9Ctc
FastCap Thin Superglue - amzn.to/3YrQKWS
Dewalt Power Tool Combo Kit with 2 Batteries and Charger - amzn.to/3johJUr
Owl Tools Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set - amzn.to/3WQUvUP
Countersink Bit - amzn.to/2kVk4qS
Kreg Trak and Stops Kit - amzn.to/3ZVgnkB
Kreg Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape - amzn.to/3DGNpLU
Ridgid 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander - amzn.to/3JefhdM
Ridgid Trim Router - amzn.to/3wmJOyz
Vix Bits (Self centering drill bits) - amzn.to/2zdReVc
Machinist Engineer Solid Square - amzn.to/3l22Mb2
Grizzly Bandsaw - amzn.to/3XUUobR
SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki Dovetail Hand Saw 6 Inch Pull Saw Tenon Saw - amzn.to/3iZY2Cl
Flush Trim Router Bit Set - amzn.to/3X4YCgf
1/4" Shank Dovetail Router Bit Set - amzn.to/3X5Tl7Q
Silicone Glue Applicator Set - amzn.to/3WQAk9l
Materials:
Machinist Engineer Solid Square - amzn.to/3l22Mb2
Titebond III Glue - amzn.to/3wvDDIh
5/8" Stainless Flat Phillips Wood Screws - amzn.to/3HsInng
Hot Target T-Track - amzn.to/3l73cx1
Power Tec T-Track Knob Kit - amzn.to/3Ylm35V
Minwax Finishing Wax - amzn.to/3kRHOvz
GlideCote Aerosol - amzn.to/3HUTUfx
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Purchase plans on our website: kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
Please like and share our videos. Thank You!
We love teaching the world to do woodworking.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Join our KFW Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Also share advice and get project ideas. Free tips & insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools. facebook.com/groups/KingsFineWoodworkingCommunity/

[@nathanielnesbitt4510]

Hi it by in my in

[@terryquarton2523]

A quick squirt of kero helps when cutting aluminum. The Air force guys use to saw slabs of aluminum, sent one wood chips bersk in horror.

[@thomasboard2836]

Plans

[@billfleming1409]

I am very pleased to see your daughter helping! My daughter used to do the same thing with me . She now remodels bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Ocassionally she will call asking my advice but mostly she calls telling me what her latest job was! Love it!

[@jasonpiper1177]

You and your family are awesome James...just straight up talented, down to earth people unselfishly sharing their amazing bank of knowledge to build their brand name...I wish I'd come across your channel ages ago....the world is a richer place with people like you in it.

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT jig. I'm glad you left in the "short" splines and then rounded the corners to make the project work. We all make those little mistakes and this goes to show that most of the time thee are solutions. Thanks

[@KSFWG]

A nice, versatile jig, James & company! Well done!

[@stevengents6825]

Best spline jig video on utube

[@mikeshoops]

Thank you. 2 things when I built mine. The forty-five was set with a drafting square and during test fit on the second side, it was noticeably off…not much-0.4 degrees. Able to zero with my table saw Incra HD miter gauge. Second, made sacrificial zero clearance plates to cover both saw and router table cuts using 1/4” hardboard top on the back side with a 30 degree dovetailed slot. I kept the two sides of the slot 1/4 inch off the bottom for dust clearance. But the 3 1/2 inch sacrificial plate bottoms out on the opposite side. Works very well. Thank you for the best instructions I found. PS: I also used a knob to hold a Rockler miter gauge bar on the back side. Use it all the time.

[@lauramarshall6376]

This looks like an incredibly useful jig. Thank you. I love seeing your daughter helping you. Love her hair!

[@donsullivan8389]

I love the fact you don’t try and hide your mistakes. It make me trust you and want to watch and learn more. Awesome channel

[@garyhome7101]

I made one of these 3 or 4 years ago and used the life out of it. I just built another one! This is one of the most handy (only) jigs in my shop for dealing with miter joints!

[@michaelbedell6523]

Proud of your daughter assisting and learning, great presentation

[@silvergrizzly316]

One thing I don't get James watching your videos is, Bored!! LOL!!! Your perfection cuts with your projects is mind boggling to me. I know it's just a jig and you say anybody can make but it would probably take me a year to make just that. 😂😂😂,, once again GREAT VIDEO my friend and I just love seeing the family helping you out with everything you do, take care and God Bless!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheFiddlinRy]

I just made this jig for myself and I am very happy with the out come I’m getting. I appreciate the way you take time to elaborate on small details. As a beginner woodworker it really helps.

[@Mike-ou5ps]

Dude!!!!! I know this video is years old and I haven't found any recent videos (yet) but I had to chime in anyways. DUDE!!!! You cant possibly know how much I appreciate your videos. The Sketchup video tutorials and these jig videos are going to save me so soooo much time. I LOVE how you teach, its perfectly done from the perspective of someone knew to learning that particular method/skill. Though I have 30 years of woodworking experience, Im not ashamed to admit that there is ALWAYS something knew to learn. If I could reach through this screen and shake your hand, I would. Hell, Id give you a hug. Damn FINE job!!!!!

[@johningle8439]

Love the fact that you are including your daughter in your woodworking. Also nice that she has a keen interest. You go girl.

[@ahmadismail2754]

Great work as always! I particularly enjoy watching the interactions with your daughters, what a wonderful way to spend quality time with them, God bless.

[@TankGunner84]

I love that your daughter is in the shop with you! My 9 year old son is finally starting to show an interest and I’m loving it!

[@bpccmath251calculusiihitch4]

The Pacific coast maple box with mahogany spines is absolutely gorgeous!

[@TheFlyingKiwiNZ]

Even your jigs are articles of beauty, let alone the boxes and frames you make with them!

[@sselidor]

Okay, I have been watching this guy for about three months now and I have to say ; this guy has the best daughter in the world. Man, I wish when I have a daughter she would be beside me all the time working with me. Most daughters would be hangout with friends not working with their Dad. Man, this guy is lucky!!!!!

[@alanwojcik2213]

It's great your daughter does woodworking with you. :)

[@HarlyGuy13]

I’ll be making one this weekend. Thanks James!

[@kmac6248]

James, just rediscovered your projects. Really must say, I am very, very impressed. You, and your apprentice make the whole procedure look so easy. You are a really gifted woodworker. But, what makes the whole thing work for me is the way you describe every stage of the task you are carrying out so fluidly and politely. it's as if nothing fazes you or is too much trouble. My friend, you could be a successful teacher. Please keep them projects coming

[@GeeksWoodShop]

You are rocking it James & co. Love seeing the growth on your channel and as always, another incredibly valuable video.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you so much Tyson.

[@urusvati7777]

Geeks Wood Shop ili

[@jessjulian9458]

You guy's are great. I also love that your daughter works in the shop with you. That's as good as it gets. Thanks for sharing your talents and experience.

[@Papa_D]

Another great video James but who would expect anything less. Always enjoy every minute of your video's and I never fast forward or jump ahead because I enjoy your teaching that much ! You are a phenomenal woodworker and your family is following a great teacher. They are very lucky to have a father like you James ! I really mean what I say. :-)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you so much. That is very kind!

[@joerecio7647]

James, shouldn’t your beautiful daughter have those bracelets on the left wrist off? Looked like they came very close to the saw blade. Just a concerned great grand & grandfather that loves all his grandkids. I do like your videos. Good job.

[@toolsconsumables7055]

Dear James, Upon witnessing your work yet again; I am at a loss for words. It seems I've said it all before. What I can possibly add perhaps is seeing your daughters taking an active role in the process must be a delight for any parent. Although this is only meant to be a jig, it's manufactured wit the same dedication & care as if it were the boxes themselves. Well mon ami, congratulation once again. Kind regards.

[@piratepoppy5548]

Great video. I love the way you show what went right and also what didn’t go according to plan.

[@samuelroberts334]

Pretty cool!!! Love that maple!!!

[@JgHaverty]

That dovetail jig is INCREDIBLE. Very very nice.

[@BeerCityWoodworks]

Great video! Not only will I be making a variant of this jig, but I'll have to put a miter slot in my homemade router table. Thanks for the video.

[@henryrossouw930]

You should surely turn that into a box, because that wood looks very beautiful.You are surely blessed to have your daughters helping you.Greetings from cold and wet South Africa.

[@user-ti5df1jg7t]

Вы просто замечательная семья столяров!👍.молодцы! Удачи Вам всем. С удовольствием смотрю все Ваши видео. Спасибо Вам за Ваш канал

[@jeffmeyers6837]

Love the dovetail splines looks amazing. Also I love the music at the end of your videos!

[@garyhorton6652]

This was a very enjoyable watch. Thank you!

[@coolinken]

That was a great, very informative video. Thanks!

[@howardtrott1289]

lovely bright green nail polish my friend

[@LiloUkulele]

Its wonderful that your daughter is in the shop helping...(I'm gonna send you a box of disposable glove for glue ups!)...Great video, great jig...from an aesthetic perspective this looks much better than a half blind dovetail hidden in the cabinet.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Michael! Thank you!!

[@josechavez5950]

Awesome jig, and Awesome helpers! Love the simplicity of dove key making with this jig.

[@davidharvey5672]

I really like the dovetail idea. Thank you for a really interesting tutorial

[@loisrozak8583]

Astounding Love the Maple with Dovetails

[@latenightwoodworker3283]

Loving multi use jig. Must build. Added to my to do list. Thanks for the plans

[@TreeOfLifeWoodworking]

holy crap those dovetail key splines are BEAUTIFUL

[@mountainviews5025]

Now I see dovetail nicely done girls and dad lol James thumbs up my friends

[@richm.1583]

HATE math! I ordered the plans and am in middle of build. I have a project coming up with triple splines and this is going to make my life a whole lot easier. Thank You!

[@timmax4817]

I like how you take lots of care setting up your shots and their in Focus! Very professionally done! Great Projects! THANKS!

[@tnChampagne]

Those dovetail splines are really pretty. Great video. I love that the jig can function on the table saw or router table.

[@mayvalauzon5060]

Fantastic,great way to accent any box

[@gregmelang6853]

Thanks James, really enjoy your videos.

[@howardtrott1289]

dovetail keys look easy to make and are very effective against the birch ply! Well done to you and your daughter!

[@AnthonyScolaro1]

Nice jig, I like the way you used the stop blocks as a clamp. Great idea.

[@smithsoncreationshandcraft5770]

Definitely going to have to get the plans from you when I start trying boxes. Great product and video James 👍

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks Shaun!

[@RyanQuintanapolymath]

Love the project. Got you over here flexing using fancy purple heart for a miter bar.

[@syedsayeedurrahmanzaini4221]

Very versatile and very simple jig indeed. Thanks for sharing.

[@jasonrobinson9524]

I can't thank you guys enough for awesome and informative videos like this. We are all thankful for the significant time you must spend to provide us with such great content!

[@bmwz4magic]

What a coincidence ! I made this jig this afternoon 😁 great job James i love your work 👍🏻

[@johndiego3105]

I really like the chamfering on the corners. It add a nice touch to an excellent end product.

[@koalafan1576]

I built one do these and it works marvelously. Thanks so much.

[@sfcmmacro]

One good tip is to make sure your table saw blade cuts a true flat slot. Most blades have teeth that are angled, and alternate orientation on the blade. The result is a high-point in the middle of the cut slot. Look for a blade marked “flat top” or labeled for “box joints.”

[@elizabethmorton3998]

Loved this! You made it look so easy. I especially LOVE your daughter learning from and working with you ❤️❤️

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Elizabeth, Thank you!

[@billedis5482]

WOW James, another awesome video. I will definitely be making one of these soon. Bill

[@bobcoleman9845]

Best spline jig video i’ve Seen so far

[@kbbb4227]

Man, you have allllll the tools, great stuff, thank you.

[@smithsoncreationshandcraft5770]

Haha I think after watching this video 40 plus times and have all the materials to make it i way excited to make it. Thank you James for such a cool jig!! I can’t wait to build it and start making some awesome looking boxes.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

You are ready buddy!

[@benjaminh5243]

James, you are a true talent and inspiration. I love these videos and appreciate that you take the time to do them. Will buy plans and get to work

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

You are very kind. Thank you!

[@garytucker6485]

One of my favorite channels on KZbin. Always takes the time to explain the details. Another great video. Thx for sharing

[@supercheekykiwi]

Best video I've seen of this type of job. Will be making it.

[@NZErehwon]

Very nice tutorial James & family

[@datadev1]

you sir are a master woodworker and a great teacher. Your daughter is getting an apprenticeship from the best. I am looking forward to seeing her projects soon.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! That is very kind.

[@melissas7570]

Your videos are so helpful! I wish I had found them earlier as I start my woodworking education journey! And I just LOVE that you have taught your girls and get they are so involved!

[@Gebsy4]

As always a great video. thankyou!

[@albertshilton5336]

Great video. Beautifully narrated.

[@68shiloh]

James another great video.

[@barstad-9591]

WOW! That maple is really beautiful! Nice jig. I’ll be getting the plans hopefully this month. Thanks King Family. (I can tell which daughter is helping you, based upon nail polish and watches😉)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That’s how I tell the apart too. Haha.

[@BenNawrath]

Great video, and kudos for getting your daughter involved! I batched out a bunch of frames a while back (I just used a delta tenon jig with a 45 deg block), but the wood I was using was super splintery. So since I used the blue tape clamp method, I just left the tape on when I cut the spline slots. Then it occurred to me to leave it on when I glued in the splines. I pulled the tape off after the glue started to set but wasn't solid. Virtually ZERO cleanup... The nice thing about the factory tenon jig is the adjustability, but it really doesn't work for the router table. So I think I'll make one like yours next time I want to do boxes!

[@user-ti5df1jg7t]

Интересно смотреть Ваши видео,с удовольствием наблюдаю ,как Вы дружно что то делаете!👍 Удачи Вам,а главное здоровья.✊

[@Bobbyg2018]

Very nice jig and beautiful work. It's awesome you get to work with your daughter. How can anyone dislike this video? While I'm typing this, there are over 6k thumbs up and 100+ thumbs down.

[@johngunning2123]

Great job! I'm going to have a go at one of these jigs for sure.

[@johnvanderhoof1248]

James I've watched many of your videos and enjoyed them all. I bought the download plans as well as purchased the T track through your Amazon link. I know this will come in handy for the boxes and picture frames I plan to make.

[@stingk5295]

Great Video!

[@richardwiley5933]

Excellent instructional video! Thanks for posting.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@tonyb6194]

Excellent work as per usual.

[@JoseLuis-ie2tk]

Excellent your explanation, a miter guide like yours, I was looking for ... I think I already found it, I see that you have a lovely helper by your side. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. GOD bless you in each of your projects and works, receive a cordial greeting from Cochabamba, Republic of Bolivia.

[@mattmeyers1288]

Awesome! Definitely building this!

[@mountainviews5025]

Again thanks James thumbs up

[@weston0614]

Janes you are an excellent teacher. You and your girls make woodworking look easy and fun. Thank you for the excellent videos!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@robertjames-life4768]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@smithsoncreationshandcraft5770]

Lol I can’t stop watching this video!! I can’t wait to build this jig!!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

We need to make you one Shaun!

[@jimanderson4495]

Thanks James 😊

[@timothyball3144]

Thank you for cutting the splines into triangles. So many people waste do much wood using rectangle pieces.

[@TankGunner84]

It’s also neat to set your saw blade and various angles say 22.5 and cut the splines. It looks good to have the top spline pointing down and the bottom pointing up. Just a thought happy building

[@befmx31]

I really like this jig. There are a lot of these out there but I really like this one.

[@GrahamOrm]

Lovely job my friend.Glad you pointed out about your daughter at the chop saw (with the green nails).

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@erosandrei2002]

Great jig! Thanks!

[@WoodWorkTherapy]

I am building this. This is an awsome jig concept! I have plans to do some boxes and picture frames for Christmas, and this jig will help immensely! Thank you for the awsome build idea! :)

[@keithhaycraft3765]

Thank you for this instructional video. It is simply & thoroughly explained & looks very useful.

[@albertlombus3918]

Very nice Jig

[@johnmav8309]

Really thank you! I just needed that knowledge.

[@jimsmith4374]

Great video sir! Appreciate it.

[@marioeastwood8228]

Good job and you have a great family