Finger Joints a la Frank Klausz

We all know Frank Klausz is a master at dovetails, but the finger joint is new to him - yet he cuts it to perfection (of course). Watch how he does it, using a simple table saw jig for perfect spacing. For more joinery instruction (7+ hours!) from Frank Klausz, download his "Joinery Master Class" video: bit.ly/Franks_Master_Class

[@danaloidhamer-rivas9100]

I love this guy. The first video of his that I watched, he was demonstrates dovetail joinery and telling this story about the difference between the way his family taught him to do it and how furniture makers in the U.S. did it - very different approach according to Frank. So he decides to try and find someone who executes dovetail joinery the way Europeans do it and finds this one maker in Guatemala who did it the way his grandfather taught him. The way he describes the conversation between he and this Guatemalan furniture maker (limited communication) I found endearing. He reminds me of this wonderful Hungarian man who was once a customer of mine years ago.

[@jeffhreid]

Living legend. The amazing thing is he could cut dovetails by hand in the same or less time.

[@kapone3047]

Frank doing a video on box joints on the table saw feels like it should have been an April 1st release. Would happily watch a video of Frank teaching how to boil water though, that voice!

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Scott Jordan I think he would cut them faster by marking them up with a pencil and using hand saws.

[@danielgeng2306]

If it’s good enough for Frank it’s good enough for me. Amazing woodworker and a classy guy ! Thanks for the tutorial Frank !

[@BrianGerken]

Yes! New instruction from the master, great treat this morning.

[@MRMONKIBONES]

Frank, You are absolutely the best dovetail person I have ever seen. You make it look so simple. If you want to see a real good person at making box joints, also which would make your life easier check out William ng. He is excellent at box joints. I enjoy wood working myself, but my passion is in steel. I love watching craftsman do their thing!!. My name is Con and from Malta. I have been raised in the crafts and enjoy helping anyone I can. Even if they have no money. Thanks for all your videos

[@acerjuglans383]

William Ng is a pretty awesome guy.

[@danielmiller2977]

I know well of you and have read many of your articles but have never seen a video featuring you. I can honestly say that I find you very fun to watch.you remind me of my father. I enjoy , the way in which you explain your process. I have been a professional furniture maker for 30 yrs and have always enjoyed spending shop time with pros of your caliber. I look forward to watching your other videos. You are top notch Thank you for sharing your craft.

[@pecosimplu7070]

Allways a great pleasure to watch your videos. 👏👏👏 Thanks a lot / köszönöm klausz bácsi.

[@GrinfilledCelt]

Very good! That was clear, concise and easily repeatable. Too many people over-complicate these types of things. Anyone needing this video just needs the basics and that's what this is. If more is needed later the student can figure it out themselves when they have the basics down.

[@TheWoodStroker]

Several years ago I was lucky enough to stand next to Frank as he made a dovetail joint at a woodworking show in California. I was and still am astonished at how fast he did it without measuring anything. He just marked some lines, sawed, removed waste and was done with remarkable accuracy. Thanks for that Frank!

[@jgarciascr5]

Wow, really? I have always seen and thought that dovetail joints are far more difficult to make than any other ones.

[@ErikSnell]

Pleasure to watch. More with Frank!

[@steveiv9250]

Love the straight forward approach, no bs in between, the man is clearly a skilled tradesman who lets you know right off that he has never made box joints and he demonstrated how easily it can be accomplished with a simple dado blade and a table saw sled and a piece of wood of any desired size for a repetitive jig. A guy could easily make up a 1/2 dozen of these jigs of different sizes, label each one to his dado set up and be set up in no time. I for one will be all over this simple approach. Thanks for sharing sir.

[@hudsonriverlee]

Thrilled. Frank, now I can say the dovetail master is finally cutting finger joints. Well done Sir, well done.

[@zalt57]

It was a pleasure watching you work. Thank you.

[@ctenos45069]

I agree with previous comments. William Ng’s video makes adjustments easier, and honestly, much easier to understand.

[@SrMoreira1000]

Simple and functional. Thank you for teaching us!

[@davidhaworth7152]

Just a beautiful human. Have to stop by every now and then.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Fantastic video and no faffing about, straight to the job...100% Craftsman ( you are the captain) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@blakewerner4368]

Thank you very much. I could understand that procedure exactly, now I will try it.

[@oldscout2514]

Best explanation of how to do a box joint. I need to do a box joint for a project, I looked a 5 or 6 videos before I found yours. I stopped looking after watching yours. Thank you for taking time to do this.

[@OpekiskaWood]

I love this guy. And boy, does he know his stuff!

[@CeeJayThe13th]

Just seeing his face on the thumbnail, I knew he knew what was up

[@evandrouniao]

Frank, Thank you for given me the inspiration to make my first finger box joint . God Bless you. Regards from Brazil.

[@claytonrealist8868]

Nice job sir. I saw a video where they cut front and back first then after the last cut they just turned the board around and used it for a guide. I tried it once and it worked perfectly. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@maryjocookson7156]

Awesome, great for first time finger joints, well done Frank!

[@guiterry]

Excellent video! Excellent demonstration! FIVE STARS!!!!!!

[@charlesfazio2015]

Frank im a 67 year old carpenter still working a short day... When i was young i used to build kitchen cabinets and bath vanities. But i never did dovetails or box joints...thank you so much ...with a bit more than 53 yrs in the trade you gave me great joy... Thank you and God Bless.

[@Klwood99]

This is a fantastic video. Very informational. I like the details like putting a spacer in the blade. Thank you.

[@jeffmansfield914]

I've seen quite a few tutorials in this method online, and have wanted to try it. This one is by far the most clear and concise. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@AlipashaSadri]

Steve Ramsey also have a very good one on this method.

[@Recipro1]

Remember ,when doing the dovetails , something I missed first time around , you have to stay on the inside of the pencil line cuts.

[@timberbucketsphil6818]

Thank you MR Klausz keep up the videos please you are a good teacher an a MASTER

[@hanialsalman1797]

love you Mr frank from the first time i sow you you are relay a good teacher to learn from you thanks for the wonderful way of explanation

[@nicholasricchiuto8454]

Excellent! I couldn't figure out why my box joints were tough to fit up. You have to always skew towards one side, in his case the right. If you wiggle a little bit left on one cut then wiggle right, the joints will be all misaligned. The spacer on the dado blade too is an excellent tip. Beautiful joints you made! For a first time, incredible. Thanks!

[@rico1319]

Never too old to learn! Congratulations!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[@drflfonseca]

Great teacher!! Thank you so much!

[@juanrusso2423]

Excelente trabajo y explicación. Mil gracias por compartir tu experiencia y prolijidad de tu tarea. Un Saludo fraternal desde Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@Recipro1]

Frank is an old school teacher capable of new learning. He teaches basics with his tiny Austrian accent (I think) and is great for me. I've mastered the box joint already but watching his handmade dovetail teachings it took me 17 joints to get it going and now I'm a Frank Klaus apprentice. THANKS FRANK😁😁😁😁

[@mm9773]

Hungarian.

[@davidhaworth7152]

His smile at the end! Love it 😊

[@lostlatinlover]

Oh My God! I learned something from this video! The idea of using a very thin shim is perfect! Many Thanks Frank!

[@ardvarkkkkk1]

Daniel Rather than make the dado set bigger to loosen the joint, just move the index pin closer to the blade.

[@aleklysikov8791]

Good work! Thank for showing video! I did same stail

[@FoScoJo]

After seeing Frank Klausz eyeball a complete dovetail joint in about 8 minutes with hand tools, I fully expected he was going to do the same with a box joint in 10. He is amazing.

[@lucasduarte773]

Beautiful job!!!

Really nice job!, thank you!

[@MultiTom1956]

Hi Sir, greetings from India , great tutorial from a authority on woodworking . Thank u so very much.

[@soferugica]

Multumesc pentru video incarcat, salutari din Romania!

[@alext9067]

Congratulations, Frank!

[@rubensanchez1797]

good job & you do so professional....

[@briantaylor9266]

Adding shims to the dado stack is certainly one way to adjust the fit. My preference is to micro-adjust the fence. If the joint is too tight, the fingers need to be thinner, so the peg needs to be adjusted a few thou closer to the blade. Conversely, if the joint is too loose the fingers need to be fatter so the peg needs to be adjusted a few thou away from the blade.

[@walterwinnipeg7350]

Doing the fence micro-adjustment is basically the method that William Ng uses, to make the fingers ever-so-slightly smaller than the slots. Lots of different ways to achieve a joint fit that slips together by hand, but is still snug.

[@michaellovetere8033]

Nice job, Frank

[@BDM_PT]

Hi there from portugal, Nice :D Obrigado(Thanks)

[@bryanproskiw5554]

The best I’ve seen yet. Thanks Franks. BW

[@joemassanova7184]

Frank, I always enjoy your lessons. I would suggest watching William Ng way of doing box joints he has a very methodical way of making the joints. Not that you are incorrect in your process he just has a different way of approaching the method. Just a recommendation. Thanks as always.

[@thebrokenbone]

THE MASTER!! thank you for sharing pw. pete

[@diowk]

how can you not love this guy?

[@johnabraham228]

I am trying to fix it on a speaker and it’s nice work.

[@jamespolucha8790]

Man your first box with those joints, great job, I couldn’t even make the jig, something went wrong I’ll try it again, thanks

[@calebbrazeau4597]

Hello and thank you again you commented the pine box was in reference to lumber grade " notty pine " not grade "A" #1 select.

[@woodsniffer]

Nicely done. and good English as well.

[@DavidBishopinc]

Perfect.

[@ginosmovies]

A sign is at the entry door , it says: "Do not disturb, Greatness at work!"... thank you Frank.

[@bobvb]

You make it look so easy I want to try it.

[@bortiz1951]

Impecable. Gracias.

[@antonioalmeida9581]

Very, very good! My Friends!

[@bonenfant96]

Perfect joints.

[@gregchoma7693]

Instead of shimming the dado blade half way through the process, the finger thickness can be controlled by exact position of the finger jig. William Ng has good video of setting it up using calipers and feeler guages. I enjoy something about watching the master trying something new though. Thank you Mr. Klausz!

[@jimbeaver27]

Yes, I didn't have to shim anything in mine. I made the jig so the joints fit perfectly.

[@Leadvest]

You don't need a Dado in the first place. You can clamp the work to a template of the joint, and slide it back and forth on the blade width pin between multiple cuts per joint finger. Dado saves a lot of time and effort though.

[@billqqq]

William Ng method is far more precise and accurate, and also includes a box bottom. What I do fine interesting more than the content of this video, is the fact that even a journeyman cabinetmaker can learn something new.

[@g.v.harvey7425]

I think that should read "master cabinetmaker."

[@AmerijamAcres]

greg choma I was thinking the same thing. Positioning the cut properly will eliminate the need for shimming between cuts.

[@jeffhreid]

The funny thing is that he was in a time life VHS in 1994 showing how to hand cut dovetails. with Jan Eakes showing how to cut finger joints. I guess all things come around

[@leehaelters6182]

But Frank, to make the pins thinner for a more forgiving fit, isn't it just a matter of shifting the index pin a trifle? Thanks for handing down your knowledge, experience, technique and wit over the years!

[@1habicher]

Well done but I believe that You have had good experiences in all Your life jobs! Excellent result but what was the fine wood You used. Now I believe I can do better and get confidence in Dado wheels. I have seen them but they always looked a bit dangerous to me. Now I will get over it! I have to watch many more programs from You Sir!

Muito bom 👍 parabéns

[@vint7054]

Absolutely awesome

[@joaobastistafereira45]

um mestre

[@carlosmenendezbehety3223]

Hace muchos años que soy aficionado a la carpinteria y he aprendido mucho de los libraos de Franck. Creo que en lugar de agregar un espesor en el dado blade puede reposicionarse el inserto corriendola table en el ancho de un papel.

[@jgarciascr5]

Muy buena su apreciación. Desplazar la tabla del inserto es la técnica más común para hacer este tipo de ensambles o juntas. Agregar un espaciador al juego de discos toma más tiempo y es mucho más tedioso.

[@terrybrockert5965]

Frank, Is your index pin on the same side as the arbor nut? I've read that it makes a difference in the shim adjustment for the second set of cuts. My business cards are about 10 to 15 thousand wide. Is this the correct amount for the change in the width of the dado stack? Thanks!!!

[@bobbyjrkerry]

How would make the top and bottom for the box

[@Deoclecio01]

And the cap in this same socket?

[@buxtra]

What?! He needs more time to make fingerjoints then dovetails! 😂

[@okmaster8127]

Dear Master Klaus, Thanks for your kind sharing Your knowledge, but from me one small question : Why you are going to reduce thikness of dado set instead of simplyfied microcut of spicer? In that case you will have opportunity to use fixed thikness cutters as it in avalaible for very many hobby shoppers , Please to make redaction of your good video up to next level of perfections as we are used to watch. Thanks in advance and best regards

[@haroldbrown1389]

How can u guys build a box with no bottom, I have watched a bunch of guys making box joints BUT no bottoms,what's the deal?

[@vince6056]

Lol. Because I do wanna try. What am I doing

[@sammas8103]

Gratzi Paisano

[@romilsonsoares1199]

Top

[@mrk1075]

can you make finger joints without a table saw?

[@popularwoodworking]

You can, with a jig and a router. I'm not sure which I'd call easier, but both are possible. Most router dovetail jigs offer set-up instructions for finger joints as well.

[@hugoperez9762]

Maistro!

[@cuttysark1983]

He’s the best rich I like him too

[@Siyokoy]

Fast forward!

[@petemclinc]

I'm astounded Frank never made Finger Joints before. I'm also a firm believer dovetail joints are far superior for strength but Finger Joints do have their place and can be attractive.

[@minseokkim2554]

👍👍👍

[@funnyguy19792009]

As a traditional furniture maker or better known as a cabinet maker which was the original name, please know I am telling you this with the highest respect for you and your experience, you are demonstrating a box joint here, not a finger joint. A finger joint is a joint type normally used to lengthen trim such as crown molding and is mostly only for the paint grade stock. It is junk and you are right about that however a box joint is a very solid and can be a very decorative type of joint in which I use quite a bit. I also like dovetail joints but I'll only do them by hand, I feel the routed dovetails take away from the creativity of the joint. Nevertheless please know I mean no disrespect in telling you the difference.

[@danaloidhamer-rivas9100]

You were so nice about communicating that. First time in a long time I haven't regretted reading replies:)

[@Gwynbuck]

Dado blade? Illegal in the UK, so I can't use this technique.

[@acutabove5885]

You do not need to use a dado blade to make this joint. In fact, I prefer to use a single blade. You can make small boxes this way, you just have more fingers. Just set it up accurately and cut both haves at the same time.

[@williambell7763]

Gwyn Buckley Wait, they're illegal? How stupid are the laws there, or is there a legit reason?

[@andrewcady9443]

Or you could use a router table.

[@rivergate]

William Bell They're not illegal. It's a misconception. However dear old EU rules say that the blade should be fully guarded all the time... which being almost impossible means all manufacturers bastardise their machines for the uk market to prevent dado blade use. And yes this pisses me off!

[@williambell7763]

Andrew Cartlidge I'd probably end up having to rig my own saw setup of that happened in the states, dado blades are so useful!

[@mm9773]

Naughty pine.

[@B0M0A0K]

Stopped at 1:55 "Dado Blade" - not legal where I live.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

You can modify the method to be used with a single blade. So, perhaps you should not have been so impatient.

[@taint_misbehavin]

If Frank says finger joints are good, I make finger joints. So I tried to make a finger jointed box... and I kept screwing it up. Your spacer piece has to be exactly the same size as the blade, and spaced exactly one spacer width away from where the cuts happen, and the blade height has to be high enough, or it won't work. I couldn't get it right! Meanwhile.... I got dovetails on my first try. 🤷

[@onetakeonlycom]

Hi Frank, I think you give yourself too much trouble by shimming the dado blade, all you need is to shim your stock set-up, the cut will always be the same width but the shim will make the space between the cuts smaller or larger, making the joint tighter or looser

[@elefanny1106]

Is Klausz dead?

[@leewalerzak]

meh its look good an all but too much agg for me. nothing wrong with a good old mitre joint

[@sethwarner2540]

So, Frank, Who talked you into doing this video? I can tell there's no conviction in your manner. You did well, even so!

[@goranhikl1180]

Frank you are much better with hand tools. Leave the table saw to the kids

[@acerjuglans383]

Kids? You think a tablesaw is an amateur tool?

[@silverfox8801]

Fuck he looks old!! Last time I saw him was on a set of dvds I bought on wood finishing!? Must have been from the 80s!?? Legend though!!👍👍

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Bit of respect, This guy is the captain and 100% craftsman...

[@haroldschultz5864]

This is as unnatural as watching Mozart play a synthesizer . Frank and power tool joinery ??? Disappointed

[@acerjuglans383]

I'm a journeyman cabinetmaker, I'm well aware of this man's reputation. But if an expert woodworker has just learned a technique, he's not an expert at it yet. There's plenty of KZbin videos showing much better adjustments and explanations on box joints. Sorry Frank.