How to Make Box Joints with Only a Router | Woodworking Jig

How to make finger and box joints with only a router. No table saw necessary! Brought to you by Squarespace. For 10% off your first purchase, go to: squarespace.com/makesomething
Hardwood from Kencraft:
goo.gl/pCyB95
The red zebra wood box we made in the video is available on eBay: ebay.to/30vHUtI
How to make box joints (sometimes called finger joints) using only a router. Making box joints on the table saw requires a dado stack which isn’t available in all areas. The next best method is at the router table but not everyone has the space for a dedicated router table. This tutorial video shows a simple method on making a jig out of plywood for a hand held router that attaches to the base. Once you make this woodworking jig you’ll always be set up for box joints and finger joints. If you choose to change up your box joint finger width you’ll need to swap out the bit and make a dedicated fence for that bit.
Exact measurements can be found on my website: bit.ly/2zi8afb
★ TOOLS / SUPPLIES ★
Router Used: amzn.to/2Hkl0Oq
1/4" Router Bit: bit.ly/2zAcy9G
Trim Router Not Used: amzn.to/322bK9t
Shaper Origin Router Not Used: bit.ly/2P7bDbh
Table Saw: amzn.to/2k8ODcP
Miter Saw: amzn.to/2FDslZw
Drill Press (similar): shrsl.com/1lwfn
Yellow Glue: amzn.to/2zjRyUg
F-style Clamps (similar): amzn.to/2Zw9tGk
Drill: amzn.to/2Etcv2r
Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/2NqPcLD
Bench Vise: amzn.to/2ZmOcKI
Yellow Push Block: amzn.to/2WCsGR3
Hand Pull Saw: amzn.to/31VeJRh
Plywood Source: bit.ly/31wwOFH
★ WATCH MORE ★
Finger Joints on a Table Saw: • How to Make a Box Join...
Nintendo NES out of Wood!: • I Made a Nintendo NES ...
Motorized Drill Press Lift: • How to Make a Motorize...
★ ALL THE LINKS ★
Music by Me: goo.gl/fgyup2
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Making It Podcast: makingitpodcast.com
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David Picciuto
PO Box 2499
Toledo, OH 43606

[@robertovillanueva6198]

Thank you for this thorough and detailed presentation. I built my jig and powered through 10 drawers for some cabinets I built for my garage. The jig took some trial and error, but once set, worked like a charm. So excited to use this so other projects coming up. Much appreciated!!!

[@INNYAFACCE]

thank - you so much for this Life changing jig... considering that I am in a wheelchair - this small jig is perfect. !!!

[@BillBard]

I was going to build a sled for my table saw to do this but after seeing this jig, not any more! Not only would I avoid having to change my blade every time I want to build some hive boxes for my bees, I finally have a use for one of my old routers that literally only collects dust. Love it! Thanks!

[@clbtoo]

Watching this now. Cannot thank you enough for this video. I still consider myself a beginner at woodworking. I have seen other plans and videos about how to make a table for a router, but because my engineering skills are not the best, I can never quite figure out how to adapt them to my specific router. This video and explanation are perfect! Thanks again!

[@503dcccccccccccc]

Anyone else ever notice that KZbin wood workers plywood looks like plywood out of a fairy tale? Always so crisp and correct Thanks for the info! Great video, FTCF 5 stars!

[@jimboh5131]

INDEED! always plywood that looks like it's been through 40 grit where I am.

[@gregsharp8601]

Yup. I feel your pain Dennis. "YT grade" plywood is not available in my area either. 😭

[@jkowalski33]

I got some radiata pine plywood recently, best quality plywood I've used before. nicely smooth on both sides, good layers, flat with little to no warping. I'd highly recommending looking for it if you can, worth the $$ if you're wanting to actually make something nice. It was $38 for a 4'x8', 3/4inch slab, and I made several projects out of it. I think the 1/2inch option was something like $27.

[@1patfin]

I'm always amazed by the quality ply .used. Nothing but absolute rubbish here. No matter where you cut there are always open layers

[@ralphconnell8163]

@@1patfin Hell, we have to make our own plywood here! ;-)

[@adamfaris4224]

David this was perfect. I had been brainstorming how to build a box joint jig since I don’t currently table saw (I have a radial arm saw) or a real router table. This was what I needed to see and with a few mods will work perfectly for my setup.

[@mikegrier2829]

I realize this video was posted a good while ago, but I’m relatively new to woodworking and somehow stumbled upon it. I bought the router bit and made the jig/sled with some slight mods for my situation. Works great. Many thanks for posting such helpful videos.

[@ecaff9515]

David thank you for simplifying a complicated decision for me. I needed a accurate, simple to build, and a minimum amount of tools for building my Finger Joint Router Jig. Excellent video and process. Thank you for sharing

[@maxturner4260]

Where did you find bits long enough?

[@G33v3s]

I’ve had this idea in my head for ages now, awesome to see that a) it will work and b) how to deal with some of the details I wasn’t sure of. Looks like my excuse for not making it has evaporated! Great job as always!

[@ellobow]

Wow, this is such a great alternative to tablesaw finger joints! No need for a dado stack or multiple cuts! I would go as far as to say the maker movement owe you for sharing this. It just passed all the way to the top of my shop improvements to-do-list :D

[@Shadesod10]

Thank you! You just saved me a ton of money! I am working on a prototype and I wanted to do finger joints but don't have a router table or a dado stack and I didn't want thin fingers. I was thinking there has to be a way you can make a mini router "table" just for finger joints. There you were doing what I was thinking but I had no idea how to figure it out. So thank you so much!! So glad I found your channel!

[@water2color61]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!! Just subscribed. I love woodworking and was just thinking of how I might use my router without a router table to make box joints, great instruction! Looking forward to making your jig and expanding my skills. Glad I found your channel.

[@zzgarden]

The spiral bit is definitely the way to go for cutting finger joints with the router. I use a similar jig clamped to the top of my ancient Craftsman router table to make 1/8" finger joints. I use 1/8" keyway stock for the pin. No messing around trying to match the exact size of the router bit.

[@FormerlyKnownAsAndrew]

Honestly man...I appreciate this. This is a really great design. No gears to turn. The key thing is genius.

[@wolfgollnitz899]

Thanks. One of the much more simple box joint jigs I have seen. Will definitely build this, when needed.

[@antonioperez1624]

I’m getting ready to make some boxes and was looking at the single blade jigs. This is way simpler, faster, and better. Thanks!

[@dougmandell5660]

Thanks for this. I was able to get perfect fitting joints the first time with NO adjustments. You’re awesome!

[@MakeSomething]

right on!!

[@karlpopewoodcraft]

Thanks for this especially for us in GB 🇬🇧🇺🇸 I will be making this for sure, you made it look extremely simple let's see if I can 🙂😉👍

[@joemcgraw6288]

I'm 61 and just getting started. I've watched a lot of video's to help me get the inspiration and I haven't seen any the adds up to yours. Wish I wouldn't have wasted my time with them but oh well. I bought a table saw and jig saw and brought home some old pallets, took them apart and spent a lot of time shaving and ripping. I have a lot of really nice looking pieces of wood and here I sit. I appreciate your jig videos, I guess that's what I really need to get started. I'll keep watching.Thank you for your knowledge.

[@MakeSomething]

Wow, thank you Joe! I appreciate the kind words. Reading this makes me want to make more videos!

[@joemcgraw6288]

Your welcome and I will continue to watch.

[@gajjarravindra]

I have gone through many video of router table Making for hand held router, this is what I was looking for. Thanking you ... so simple way of making jig.

[@OliWarner]

Step 1. Turn router into mini router table. But seriously, that's a slick jig.

[@alanmooney3120]

Literally the perfect video for me to see right now. I'm working on a project and was stumped, as I have the same problem you did. But making that quick router table makes all the sense in the World now :)

[@bernjackson8568]

Made this weekend, utilised my Makita DRT50. Wanted to make a box using 9mm ply, have found that using another sacrificial fence on the front of the finish piece prevents tear outs, thanks for the video, a great help for part timers like myself

[@lesblack413]

Best demonstration and explanation of this style of jig. Best part was the running commentary, and clarity and simplicity of the design. Well done Sir!! Thoroughly enjoyed watching the video.

[@jeffreycanfora1091]

I agree. I had an ah-ha moment watching this to use the top portion of the jig across my router table. Even though I’ve been watching several finger joint jig videos over the last few days, this brought clarity I needed due to simple, clear, and yet straightforward explanation. Thank you.

[@bw1532]

I'm totally going to make this! Perfect boxes forever!

[@viniciocruz]

Dude you ended up making a mini router table :), nice work!

[@bethanjenkins2257]

I thought the exact thing lol

[@gritnix]

Yeah. Is cool, but at the beginning says “no router table”, then proceeds to make a router table. :)

[@fishingforparis]

This is exactly what I need. Thank you very much. Very clear and doable. Well done!

[@bevanstuart9013]

Thank you for sharing this. I have been thinking about making something like it but now I will use your very sensible design. Much appreciated.

[@Technicallywoodworking]

Nice work. Especially like how easy you made it to remember the adjustment directions. Too Tight? Towards The Tooth... in this case the bit is the tooth but also works of table saw blade.

[@garrysmythe]

Great alternative to using the table saw, great little build, thanks for posting from Garry in Barnsley UK

[@flashant]

and the same big thanks from me Tony also from Barnsley, Small world init :-)

[@justinstraight6177]

My favorite types of videos you make are these kind. I have gone back to some of the other videos of jigs you have made to copy them for myself. Great work.

[@stevejenqpnelson9770]

That’s friggn awesome David, thanks for your generous mind and spirit! 👍

[@Jumpman67]

Very new woodworker here. I found this video to be very helpful and you explained everything amazingly. Thanks!

[@stephenforde7140]

I became an instant subscriber after seeing how easy this was.

[@enidkapelsen3694]

I watched the table saw version a couple of days ago and it got me thinking how to do exactly this! Thanks. I’m going to make my own.

[@johnmclain6535]

Finally made this! After some trial and error it worked like a charm. Going to make some different sizes sleds for different buts next. Thanks man!!

[@callenmcmanus19]

I love the pace of this 👍. Straight to the point. The pause button is always there if I need it. More how to videos should be this way

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Great video. Love this jig. Simple to make and use. I can't wait for the walnut toolbox!

[@erastomagno]

I've seen many videos that show us how to make box joints, but yours is very special! Perfect work! Congratulations!!!

[@MakeSomething]

I appreciate it! Thanks!

[@asd67lkj]

Love going through these older videos, and picking up a few tips. I will use your fence design on my Oak Park router table. Thanks.

[@mikededmon]

You could also make the base of the sliding tray out of thinner 1/4” hardboard and gain some length on the router bit. Cool jig.

[@Jevandtieriel]

You could get a bit more length by recessing the router into the base underneath as well. As you say, nice jig, I also liked the clear instructions and editing.

[@jbourgeois5092]

i used a piece of 3/16 underlayment to make a similar sled, but there was too much flex in mine

[@walleyeye]

OMG I always wondered how thats done!!! Gonna make one of those this weekend!!! WOOHOO!!!

[@tommccurnin524]

Thank you for the time and effort it took to make this video. Good job. I have a great table saw finger jig but ...one has to install a dado blade, do repeated test cuts with shims to get the fingers just right and it monopolizes the table saw, the most important tool in the shop. I may get a cheap router and install that rascal permanently to this set up. Thanks!

[@jonwills1957]

So glad you built this! I need this in my life!!

[@xiggywiggs]

"you know what else is easy?" I laughed out loud, thank you for that.

[@twisterwiper]

Yeah, that was smooth... 😄

[@louiesworkshop2023]

Brilliant work buddy, here in the UK dado stacks are frowned on by government and the health and safety brigade, so using the router is a perfect way to get that wider cut for box joints, thankyou for your excellent video, very helpful, regards Louie Ulster Workshop.

[@firebladex8586]

why on earth would the gov't give a s**t about dado stacks?

[@louiesworkshop2023]

@@firebladex8586 hi pal, they deem them unsafe, they declare that if the two blade touch then there is the very real possibility of a fragment of steel hurtling through the air possibly towards the saws operator.

[@firebladex8586]

@@louiesworkshop2023 interesting .. Never use dado stacks myself so I guess I'm safe :)

[@louiesworkshop2023]

@@firebladex8586 They are perfectly safe if used correctly!

[@jonathanbuzzard1376]

@@louiesworkshop2023 the real reason is the health and safety legislation says the saw blade must stop within a specified time period after the power is cut. If you stopped a table saw with a dado stack in that time frame the stack would come loose due to stopping that extra mass of the stack.

[@sandymclea]

Thanks for making simple setups, and explaining so well. Will give this a try some time.

[@BruceAUlrich]

Love it! Simple jig and beautiful results! It's little things like the mixed up sounds at 3:51 that's part of what makes these videos so great!

[@MakeSomething]

Ha! Good ear!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

This is great, i've got an old router I could dedicate to a box joint station like this. Thanks!

[@jonathanolson4553]

My first thought: "Come on, you just made a mini router table"... My second thought "Man, I can use a mini router table"... so.. there's that...

[@TheBurg229]

My thoughts exactly

[@AdventureUwe]

Ditto! Great jig, easy and does what you need! Really cool video, really helpful!

[@shaneduran2186]

Dude that's what said

[@bejardani]

Simple and yet freaking ingenious!!! Nicely done. I'm glad I know this trick now .

[@martinmeasures829]

Best jig for a router I've seen, great video, thankyou so much, can you do dovetails in a similar fashion. Martin in the UK 🇬🇧

[@lastingbuild1373]

Using a spiral upcut router bit with the jig will help minimize tear out!

[@mildyproductive9726]

It looks like that's what he is using.

[@zacprunty]

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” - Leonardo Davinci

[@gileshodgskins2061]

Thank you! this has covered 2 of my big projects in one go. I had subscribed before I was even 2 minutes into the vid. Love the teaching style as it really follows the KISS principle. thank you again.

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!

[@_J.F_]

I made myself a prototype of your jig yesterday and even if I did not have a suitable router bit (just used a straight bit) it worked out really well. I have ordered a spiral upcut router bit and cannot wait to finally be able to make some good quality but also quick and easily produced box joints. Thanks for sharing this great and very simple jig mate.

[@MakeSomething]

Right on! That's awesome!

[@robbcurtice5423]

Tremendous. Dig the new music too. New intro graphic as well or have I missed that before?

[@ClevesBackyardWoodworking]

Genius! Great video, tool box is awesome can't wait for video. So I need some plywood to make this, I don't have a vise however hmm...

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Clamp it to the edge of your table. 👍🏻

[@ClevesBackyardWoodworking]

@@robthewaywardwoodworker9956 yeah great idea

[@gregorylondos534]

Cleve's Backyard Woodworking... You can always screw or clamp the longer leg to the side of your work bench...? Greg

[@MakeSomething]

Brilliant!

[@davidattias4166]

What a well made video, great content and delivery, I didn't even skip through the sqarespace plug. Good job!

[@jdogsbad]

Love it. Just finished today making a Box joint with a Dado. What a pain in the ass. I will make one of these. Thanks for the idea.

[@justinrippetoe466]

Incra isn't gonna be happy about this one, me neither, having spent the $150+ for the I-box. Great build...as always.

[@gregsharp8601]

I agree Justin. And it's now $189 on amazon as of 10/20/19. That's why I was searching for an alternative. I've found it! 👍

[@karl_alan]

Wait...red zebrawood? Never heard of such a thing. It looked like blood wood or padauk. Never would have guessed otherwise.

[@dwainlambrigger3769]

Agreed. I believe it is Padauk.

[@sapelesteve]

Nicely done David. Looks simple to make & obvioulsy gets the job done. Thanks..............

[@jeff_reginio]

This is really cool! Very useful for wood working. You’re the man dude! Thanks for the idea 💪

[@shtolcers]

- "I'll show you how to make joints using only a router" - makes router table using table saw, stationary drill, cordless drill and clamps..

[@TinyBasementWorkshop]

😂 had the same thoughts 🤷🏼‍♂️😁

[@michaelblacktree]

So if you don't have a table saw, you're still SOL. 😝

[@dennisgoesfishing]

michael blacktree use a hand saw! They are fun

[@HTMLguruLady2]

You beat me to it. I was going to say the exact same thing! 😂

[@shogun678]

Was more about not having a dado stack

[@iggyandangus]

“Doesn’t need to be that long” That’s what she said.

[@MakeSomething]

She never said that.

[@teedawg2112]

Tomorrow's shop project, Thanks David, have a great weekend!

[@chm1701]

Definitely saving this one to my woodworking folder! Nice one David 👍

[@rodfav2656]

Love the idea and design; going to make one for myself. Thank you!

[@BricPic]

This is possibly the best tutorial for making a router box joint jig, it took me a very long time to find this video, it deserves a lot more praise so people like me can find it, thanks bro for this amazing video tutorial

[@coreygrua3271]

Brilliant. When I had a concern, you addressed it well. Just got a new Bosch router. This video gives me some nice options.

[@e.dbogan6266]

Thanks for this idea! I have a very workshop and I don’t have room for a dedicated router table. This idea is just what I need. Thank you sir!

[@riaanwielle]

So I just finished my own Mini Router Box today. I'm so excited about it. Thanks for the great idea.

[@MakeSomething]

Right on!

[@andyiliff7793]

I really dig your new opening sequence!👍 Great shop project. Ever since you mentioned this on the Making It podcast I've been excited about this video. I had something just slightly different in my mind. Very excellent!👍

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks Andy! Appreciate you listening and watching!

[@joshicune]

Hey man, you didn't make only jig, you made jig + router table :-) this jig is known device, but your spirit is worth sharing :-)

[@michaelhager4270]

love it, make a box joint with only a router! Steps to the table saw, drill press, radial arm saw etc. hahaha

[@random_reveal9812]

It's really helpful to use router as a mortising machine. Amazing! Thanks

[@bustersbashers2280]

I was looking for this for my mini router/trimmer , , awesome job… Thanks 🙏🏻

[@grumpywoodiam]

Just made this, it's brill. Thanks for posting.

[@ChaunceySir]

Man, that jig is slick as hell, thanks for the awesome idea!

[@mantsa87]

Awesome, might just make this for my router! Thank you David!

[@zippyboy111]

Just made this. I'm in love now - thanks for the great video!!

[@korekapik]

the thing that i ever imagine a year ago. Thanks for your amazing work sir.👍👍👍

[@leapinglemurcraftworks6426]

This has some great potential - nice job. Don't stop here - play with it and update us. It would be fun to watch as it progresses

[@rubenchopin5265]

My brother gracias por tu enseñanza, excelente video, saludos desde Acapulco México

[@xsbxsbxsb]

Heard the podcast. Yes, it is different. It's the first one I will build. Thank you!

[@TomMakeHere]

Love it! Really great setup I think an amateur woodworker like myself could make this work. Thank you

[@supermario200]

That is just BRILLIANT !!! Thanks for the video!

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

You remind me so much of DiResta with the beard, glasses, and hat except smaller. You're like the travel size DiResta! 😁

[@daveweigle1623]

The very best video about making box joint jig. I'll probably have to watch it several more times before I get it done but thanks for the video.

[@augustoabarquez3722]

Been researching for a box joint method with router (dont have dados here also) for an upcoming project. Your video is a life saver sir! Good job! DIYer from Philippines

[@MakeSomething]

Awesome! Thanks Augusto!

[@mariusarhire7463]

Great video! I wish I would have founded a week earlier, but it’s always nice to learn something good. Thank you

[@paulonara6846]

simple and efficient, my next project....Tks David !!!

[@invictu4488]

Thanks so much for this! 😊 This is one of those videos you know you need! Two thumbs up! 🤩

[@fve1352]

It’s a very easy and stable construction compared to other KZbin made ones... I would even say the best I saw so far.

[@lionelsync6904]

I like your energy, and thoroughly enjoy this video

[@mikesmith2102]

I like the mini router table. Best yet was you slowed down enough to show how to match the sides together when cutting the long sides and the short sides so the match. Always love your videos, don't stop any time soon.

[@michaelbradford4444]

This is one of those videos that is so interesting and entertaining that I can almost compare it to a really good suspence movie that you think you know what's coming up next but your always one or two steps behind but in the end you don't mind because it had a happy ending and the moral to it left you wondering if you should or should not . Very good video !!

[@glasfish]

I bought a big ass router years ago, used it twice. Now I get to repurpose an old tool and watch more of your videos, Subscribed 😎

[@MakeSomething]

Right on, thanks!

[@guitarmarwin]

That's great, I'm making one tomorrow. I love this site!