Bird Mouth Joinery - Elegant Napkin Holders

[@shanesowell4124]

The detailed explanation of every step is so refreshing. Most YT videos are just flash and trying to sell things. Thank you Mr Henry!

[@JimMoss-OGOAB]

Hi David - I only recently came across your videos but after being inspired by your beautiful craftwork I purchased a set of birdsmouth router bits and after following your instructions I made my first 8 sided jewelry box and am really pleased with the result. Critical to producing accurate routed pieces, especially smallish corner ones, I made a new portable router table for my Triton 3HP router along with a coping sled to securely hold the pieces whilst cutting. I've been making traditional 4 sided boxes with a variety of joining techniques for a good while but am really excited to make more boxes and trays using these bits. Not only did I find my box easy and quick to produce the novelty aspect of making multiple sided articles rather than regular 4 sided ones makes them very appealing as gift items. Thanks for your very instructional and clear cut videos on this subject.

[@sparkydoodles4440]

I’ve seen a lot of woodworking videos and this is now one of my favorites!!! I was not bored for even a second. Thanks for the detailed explanation 😊👍

[@SiTengoTiempo]

It is obvious this guy is a real professional with a deep knowledge of the subject. Great to see someone take the time to explain things in a precise and measured way. Nice napkin holders, by the way. Looking forward to your other videos.

[@davidhenry32]

Many thanks for your kind comments, SiTengoTiempo!

[@jacksprat3009]

Hey Dave! Your work has inspired me to try my hand at bird mouth joinery. I'm beginning to get the hang of it. I work with redwood fence boards that I plane and some hard woods. Made napkin holders out of redwood and incense cedar that turned out nice enough for Christmas presents. I've also made a few bird mouth vases. Thank you for your detailed instruction and quality work to work up to.

[@davidhenry32]

+Jack Sprat Hi, Jack! Thanks for the kind words! And I hope that your gifts went over well. Any chance of seeing photos of your work, via my web site? It would be great to see what you've done. I've used redwood fencing as stock too; inexpensive and some great grain patterns can be found.

[@jacksprat3009]

+davidhenry32 Just over the holidays and a cold. I'm sending a a few photos of the napkin holders and a simple 8 sided vase - all using 8 sided bird mouth joinery. The hardest part, for me, was getting a clean cut in the thinner material with softer wood - very doable if done with smaller cuts carefully. Test runs!

[@martinholloway1586]

Martin Holloway I was fascinated by the possibilities after stumbling across your videos. Being in South Africa did not help as I found most suppliers around Cape Town looked blank when I inquired about the bits. Amazon etc could help but at huge delivery cost and bearing our exchange rate made it less attributive. However, we are visiting Australia and I so praised your presentations and the possibilities of the technique that the folks here traced a local supplier and I will be receiving my router bit here as gifts. Cannot wait to get back in my shop. Greeting for the season and thx.

[@davidhenry32]

Hi Martin! Thanks for the interesting message and kind words. Sorry for the delay in responding. I've heard from people in many parts of the world and bird mouth bits are hard to get in many places. I wish I knew what to do about it. I'm delighted that you found a good solution and I'm sure that you will enjoy the bits when you get back in your shop.

[@PatrickParsonWorkshop]

Very nice design! I just finished up a napkin holder project and started getting similar videos in my suggested videos and I'm so glad I did.

[@badcopp1970]

I really like your technique, I am in the early stages of learning how to use the birch mouth joinery. The napkin holders are very cool. Thank you.

[@davidhenry32]

james johnson Thanks, James! I'd be interested in seeing how your work proceeds.

[@Etheridge247]

Very nice! I see you take great pride in your work and its presentation. You are truly a craftsman. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@davidhenry32]

+Robert Etheridge Thanks for the kind words, Robert! And for looking at my video!

[@1234tric]

Great video, and craftsmanship. There's so much good stuff to learn about joinery, I don't know how to fit it in.

[@jimclack2214]

I realise this video is over 5 yrs old, but after making a few of these and fighting with the tape so the joints will fold together, I have found that butting the pieces right up against each other is the problem. By leaving a TINY gap between each piece, they all fold together quite nicely as the tape is not restricting the bends. Family loves their napkin holders.

[@davidhenry32]

Thanks for the useful tip, Jim! I have suspected for some time that the exact type of masking tape makes a difference in the folding process. Your suggestion does away with the problem. And thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@PPMOCRG]

Those came out great! I just ordered a set of router bits for bird mouth joinery. I can't wait to use them.

[@davidhenry32]

Glad you liked them, Janet. Thanks! Good luck with your new BMJ bits!

[@19jas43]

thanks for your response. when I glued up each half I put masking tape on like you did on each half & all joints were tight on each half , when I went to glue each half that is when I had gaps on each side even using a band clamp would not bring the joints together, i'll try another set & see if I get a better fit, john.

[@emyevaristo1052]

Thank you so much. I've learned a lot.

[@dohjryt]

A nice project Dave! I just finished the construction of my first attempt and it turned out very well. I’ll be looking for more projects using BMJ. THANKS!

[@davidhenry32]

Thanks Dan! Good luck with your new projects!

[@katherynlamarche7308]

Dave hope your still doing this i love it learning a lot . Julien Lamarche

[@19tig60]

had you alternated the walnut sides ie one side with the pattern pointing up and the other pointing down then when sawn in half the two would have been almost identical. nice presentation and very informative along with real nice products on completion

[@davidhenry32]

Hi 19tig60! Good idea; I hadn't thought of it! Maybe next time. Thanks for the kind words!

[@lorenalagos6264]

En verdad , muy elegante!!!, muchas gracias por las clases sobre todo de Bird Mouth Joinery, lo empiezo a hacer ya!

[@davidhenry32]

Gracias de nuevo, Lorena, por tus amables comentarios y por tomarte el tiempo de mirar mis videos. Buena suerte con tu trabajo con Bird Mouth Joinery; ¡Estoy seguro de que lo disfrutarás!

[@adrianjoseph2517]

Veronica really did me a favor when she recommended I google Hyezmar’s Woodworking Bible. I was one of the (lucky?) ones who got a chance to get a draft copy, it looks great!

[@benzampino5248]

I'm not sure and it wasn't explained but it looks to me like the sides and ends are the only pieces run through the router on both sides is that correct? Love the idea thanks because I recently purchased from MCLS the set of 3 bits to do some flower pots. Just another idea for those bits.

[@davidhenry32]

Hi Ben! That is correct. For projects with an even number of sides, you always have the option of two router cuts on every other stave or one router cut on each stave. When making projects with tapered staves (e.g. bowls; check out some of my other videos) the two-cuts-on-alternate-staves has some serious advantages. Thanks for your kind comments and have fun with your new MCLS bird mouth bits!

[@arteogr]

Such a kind woodworker!!!

[@davidhenry32]

Thanks, arteogr!

[@louturcotte5415]

Enjoyed your video and given me ideas for future projects. Thank you, for sharing.

[@davidhenry32]

Lou Turcotte Glad you enjoyed it, Lou!

[@bm3823]

Very nice project. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidhenry32]

+bm3823 Thanks for the kind comment and for watching the video!

[@MRrwmac]

Thanks for sharing your technique. Informative and well made videography.

[@davidhenry32]

MRrwmac Kind comments indeed! I'm finding that the videography is a very intriguing part of making these videos. Fun!

[@LouAdzima]

Pretty Cool Dave. Nice idea and great work.

[@davidhenry32]

Thanks, Lou!

[@19jas43]

i have watched your videos using the birdsmouth bits, i just had to try, i have a set of bits from lee valley but did not know how to set them up , after watching i have a better idea thankyou, i ran into a problem & maybe you could give me some advice, i glued each 4 sides up & when i went to glue the 2 halfs together i had gaps on each side? was bit too high or too low? i was using 3/4 stock, john

[@davidhenry32]

Hi John! Glad to hear you tried BMJ but sorry to hear about the glue-up problem. If I understand correctly, you did the glue-up of an 8-sided project in two steps. Ordinarily this should not be a problem unless you glued each set of four staves independently, without having them clamped together with the other four, as in the dry assembly step. If the whole 8-side project is not clamped together, even though not every joint is being glued at that step, small errors in the angle of each glue joint accumulate, resulting in a poor fit of the final two joints. Without all 8 pieces being clamped together, it is hard to make each joint glue up exactly at the right angle and tiny errors can add up to visible ones. I used this 2-step technique in my tool box video. If everything fit well in the original dry assembly step, they should fit well when glued. If I've missed the point, try me again!

[@JohnBare747]

Well done, thanks for sharing your knowledge, some very useful information. Now I have to go raid the scrap bin and make a couple of these.

[@davidhenry32]

John Bare Comments much appreciated, John! Hope the project turns out well; let me know.

[@AtifHasanReflections]

Excellent Work!!!

[@austinolson143]

well very nice done. really liked the nail board at the end never thought of that.you have just gave me an idea ive just made a cutting board , serving board and a flower vase utensil holder .so now I will add a napkin holder to it going to sell it as a set I used purple heart, jatoba walnut, maple,oak, and palouck they have turned out really nice the napkin holder will be a plus to this set . and as I have noticed damn nephew forgets to log out of youtube so im on his ill look you up on mine . you remind me of my dad .

[@davidhenry32]

Hey, Austin! Glad you enjoyed the video. I would really like to see a photo of the gift set you are making - sounds cool, a great variety of woods! I picked up that idea of the nail board for finishing/drying pieces years ago; I don't see it used much anymore but I find it very handy for smaller craft works.

[@woodstoney]

Beautiful work, David. Perhaps you could use the same wood for some matching trivets for the table. Thanks for sharing!

[@davidhenry32]

woodstoney Thanks for the comments and suggestion! I hadn't thought of trivets.

[@woodstoney]

davidhenry32 OK...here's one more suggestion for a possible project / video. Matching Salt & Pepper shakers! Might make for a nice challenge. BTW, nice site of yours!!

[@davidhenry32]

woodstoney Thanks again!

[@PhilReynolds]

I think this would make a great box too. Cut it in half long ways and use a piano hinge. Great job.

[@davidhenry32]

Phil Reynolds Thanks Phil! I never thought of that way of cutting the box in half; very useful idea! If you don't try it, I 'm sure I will! let me know?

[@NearbyCactus]

Lovely work, definitely something I want to try!

[@davidhenry32]

Tim Elley Thanks, Tim! If you have questions, please ask.

[@ahsanman4008]

Thank you, uncle You are a genius

[@davidhenry32]

Ahsan Man Thanks, Ahsan!

[@sandrinecros4440]

Very good job mr DH

[@davidhenry32]

+sandrine cros Thanks, Sandrine!

[@ericcabrera8947]

Excelente trabajo

[@boatbuilder110]

Greetings David.Thank you for taking the time to do such an informative video.I just mail ordered a birds mouth bit and am wondering what the name of the bit you used to make the groove for the bottoms is.Thanks in advance.

[@davidhenry32]

+boatbuilder110 Hi boatbuilder! The grooves were done with an ordinary carbide, 2-flute, 1/4" straight bit. Good luck with the project!

[@broadsideguy967]

Really nice work sir .

[@davidhenry32]

broadsideguy Thanks!

[@Q..J..]

You mentioned that your bits might be getting dull. Are you able to sharpen them yourself or do you need to buy new bits? I don't have a router yet (still purchasing my workshop gear..so this is a newbie question). But I want to give this a try when I get my tools. Thank you!!

[@davidhenry32]

QuincieJMc Hi Quincie! I have never tried to resharpen my BMJ router bits but I suppose it could be done. My fear is that sharpening would change the dimensions or angles unless done professionally. Carbide bits last quite a long time; I've been working in this area for more than five years and have only replaced my 8-side bits once. I hope that you give BMJ a try; you'll enjoy it!

[@davidlaraia2924]

How do you know how high to set the router bit?

[@spiderone3454]

David, I do not think you mentioned the depth of cut you use for the 3/8-inch stock for the napkin holders. Do you need to "sneak up on those cuts near the end or just the 2 passes at the same distance from the bit?

[@davidhenry32]

+spider one A rule of thumb for setting the height of the 8=side bit is one-fourth of the thickness of the stock; that is, for 3/8" thick stock start with a height setting of 3/32". For stock this thin, or thinner, not much wood is being removed so the cut can be done in a single pass for most woods. However, as always, check your height and depth settings with scrap stock before making the final cuts in your project wood. The second trim pass with the unchanged final settings isn't always needed but assures clean and level gluing surfaces.

[@jerrygreatinfomartin4539]

How to make.drill press table

[@blackemmons]

David, Nice work.......again. I like the wood choices and the top variations. The finish looks great. I have a bunch of these start and I did get some good ideas for the next bunch(if there is such a thing). Is there a reason why you elected to sand most of the top contour as oppose to using the bandsaw to get it closer and then sanding? Looking forward to the next chapter. JimE

[@whitewolf8758]

My guess with david using the sanding method instead of the bandsaw was due to the fact there would be blowouts or severe chipping on the inside of these napkin holders ?

[@davidhenry32]

blackemmons/JimE - Thanks for the great comments! Nothing wrong at all with your shaping approach; it is probably the most logical. However, I chose to go as I did for several reasons: First, as whitewolf8758 (below) points out, chipping on the inside edge can be a problem, especially with a coarse blade, such as a resaw blade, as I usually have mounted. I tend to resist changing bandsaw blades whenever possible. Second, I am shaping on the fly and sanding gives greater control of curves. Third, I have owned and used sanding drums for many years and am very comfortable with them. They can be used for delicate shaping tasks or for very aggressive wood removal.

[@blackemmons]

davidhenry32 Thanks David. I roughed out a half dozen of them on the bandsaw this morning with no issues with a 14 tpi blade cutting about 1/8" form the line. I then do the stationary belt and/or drum sanding I keep my other bandsaw for resawing only. Wharever the method, they sure are purrrrty. Keep the videos coming. JimE

[@davidhenry32]

blackemmons Thanks for the info, JimE! You're making me jealous, having two bandsaws, but that sounds like the ideal solution for the problem!

[@rogeriolaureanodacosta6224]

Beautiful work. Which store (link) did you buy the tupia cutters? Watching from Brazil.

[@davidhenry32]

Hi Rogerio! Thanks for the nice comment! I'm couldn't figure out how 'tupia' translates exactly into english but if you are asking about the router bits, I have purchased them from a variety of tool stores. Lee Valley Tools (www.leevalley.com/us/home/Search.aspx?action=n) is a reliable source. Searching for "bird mouth router bits" on Amazon will lead to a lot of useful resources also.

[@rogeriolaureanodacosta6224]

I am very grateful for your response, it will help me a lot. I found the link from the store you indicated. I discovered that you call the "router" what we call "tupia". It is a machine that provides beautiful finishes, but a little dangerous. Hugs and success for you.

[@palito29]

very nice work

[@davidhenry32]

Thanks, Pablo!

[@87000727]

BUENISIMO, ME ENCANTO, SALUDOS DESDE CHILE

[@davidhenry32]

+Israel rojas Muchas gracias, Israel! Aprecio mucho su comentario, especialmente de Chile!

[@user-pp5ri9dq4y]

how did you learn all this Mr. Henry?? Is there any books you can suggest?

[@davidhenry32]

Hi Tim! Thanks for the question. I'm not aware of any books on the subject of bird mouth joinery. There are one or two magazine articles, but nothing comprehensive. The longest document I've seen is the tapered stave information sheet that Lee Valley Tools provides on their online catalog page describing their birds mouth router bits. (www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=45160&cat=1,33084,46168,69435,46174). Mostly, I've just worked out methods on my own, once I realized what a wonderful potential bird mouth joinery had. I continue to be surprised at how little known the technique is.

[@clemclemens3965]

David couple of questions are all birds mouth bits the same height at the point as I have whiteside bits could you give height for 1/2 and 3/4 lumber or is it trial and error great looking project clem

[@davidhenry32]

clem clemens Thanks for the question and comment, Clem! Regarding height settings, my rule of thumb for any 8-side bit is this: The height of the bit point above the router table should be approximately 1/4 of the thickness of the stock to be routed. In other words, 1/8" for 1/2" stock, and 3/16" for 3/4" stock. I say approximate because variations in stock thickness, slight warping, users technique, different woods, etc can make small differences. I always recommend testing any height setting (by the results it gives) using extra identical stock before committing my final project wood.

[@rhihodag9873]

Beautiful product! Great techniques! Thanks for sharing! What specific router bit did you use for the side pieces? I'd sure like to try this. Thank you!

[@davidhenry32]

Thanks RHI! I used the Lee Valley 8-side birds mouth router bit. Good luck!

[@rhihodag9873]

Thanks Dave! I'm going to order one.

[@leopoldodias271]

Very good.

[@davidhenry32]

Thanks, Leopoldo!

[@koalafan1576]

What is the router bit called you are using?

[@davidhenry32]

Hi Martin! There are several names used for these types of bits. I use "bird mouth router bits" and that term will always work in a search and is probably the most recognized name.. Also used is "multi-sided glue joint bits" and a variety of plurals, e.g. "bird's mouth bits." The specific bit used for the napkin holders is an 8-side bird mouth bit.

[@godsmwc65]

great !

[@davidhenry32]

Thanks, godsmwc65!

[@luizantunes3850]

MUINTO BONITO.

[@lamiallegerald3341]

Nice

[@davidhenry32]

Thanks, Lamialle!

[@benzampino5248]

Sorry MLCS

[@benzampino5248]

Through trail & error the bit will be raised or lowered for a proper fit. I know it's the purpose for a non routed piece to fit inside the routed piece but how do you determine position of fence. Can I do a project with ¼" stock?

[@benzampino5248]

I'm having a hard time with set-up any suggestions?

[@goldas2]

kolejny super pomysl i super wykonanie piatka z plusem ale za to gadanie wielki minus gadasz i gadasz by w ciagu pieciu minut pokazac najwazniejsez wykonanie a tak trzeba pol godziny sluchac tego strasznego gadania ktorego nikt i tak nie rozumie

[@davidhenry32]

Cześć Janusz! Dziękuję za miłe słowa! Niestety, ostatnie pół mojego tłumaczenia komentarz z polskiego na angielski było mylące, a ja tego nie rozumiem. Doceniam twój przeglądać mój film, a nie krępuj się ponownie skomentować. Hi Janusz! Thank you for the kind words! Unfortunately, the last half of my translation of your comment from Polish to English was confusing, and I didn't understand it. I greatly appreciate your viewing my video, and feel free to comment again.