My Two SECRETS to Perfect Splines!!!

[@johnisley4578]

Just come across your channel, it's great and your instructions are clear. You've got my subscription. Cheers

[@NewtonMakes]

Awesome to hear! This is a place where we can all make some cool stuff and we will never take ourselves too seriously. I hope you like some of the upcoming videos.

[@NewtonMakes]

I get asked how to make this spline jig all of the time. So I made this video to show how to make one. I tried to include measurements for the parts too so you can avoid having to buy woodworking plans if you want to make it at home. If you make it then let me know in the comments section how cool your splines turned out!

[@Dirtydetective]

So, I watch a lot of these shows from various carpenter content creators and I like the way you explain and show your methods better than anybody. Matter of fact it's mostly because of you that I'm turning out some of the most beautiful walnut, purple heart, red oak, etc boxes any of my friends or clients have ever seen. I've made a pretty good sled, using plastic veneer as the t part of my slots which gives it that super smooth motion, however the jig I made for making splines is way different than the one you just made, mostly because of the saw I built it for, (a 113. Craftsman, but now I'm using a delta 366023 and the jig, which I made using bearings as wheels that straddle my fence only partially works, so I'm off to the big box for some plywood since MDF is impossible to find in smaller sections so I can replicate what you just made, thank you for your ideas, advice and honesty. The way you handle the products people send you also shows you've got one of the most important ingredients when it comes to making a good person, integrity.

[@jeffw8611]

Great tip on adding the sacrificial wood for a zero clearance. I was getting tear-out and never thought to do that.

[@NewtonMakes]

It's a HUGE help. I do the same thing on my table saw sled all the time.

[@jimmy1dee]

Excellent instructions!! Thank you for taking the time to video your process.

[@SlowNLow713]

Dude you make these videos so easy and understandable!! Thank you!

[@NewtonMakes]

That's my goal!

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT project. I do like that you put the screws into the runners from the top. Even hardwood can expand when you put screws from the bottom and that creates more problems that it's worth. So, top it is! !! !!!

[@alansmith7086]

G'Day from AUSTRALIA!! Just found you on KZbin with your excellent spline jig!!! I've checked out the majority of the KZbin spline jig videos and yours is by far the best mate!!! The most versatile and safest, not to mention so easy to make!!!! I'll be making mine tomorrow!!! Got to put some splines in a special picture frame I just made for my son and Dau-in-Law! It will look soooooo special!!!! Cheers from Downunder!!!!

[@spamcan2284]

Whoa.. the straw trick to clean up clue seems genius. Definitely going to try that out!

[@cashmerecarpenter3621]

Great instructions, really awesome jig. Will be using it on a jewelry box for my daughter.

[@jeffw8611]

Great idea adding the scrap wood for a zero clearance, I was getting blow-out and never thought to do that.

[@kendavidson6755]

Brilliant video no frills and bells but effective,I have just made a jig and waiting for the glue to dry on a box I just made.thank you for your demonstration I was put off making one having seen ones with tracks and bevels all over the place.thank you

[@kreech68]

thank you - that's a nice, clean, simple, functional jig

[@joepearson9704]

I am going to make this jig. I made a spline jig before that was so bad. Solines turned out okay, but not because of the jig. That went directly to the scrap wood pile. Thanks for this. I could definitely use it all the time.

[@jameslockwood5113]

I built a spline box jig like the one you showed... works great!

[@NewtonMakes]

That's awesome!

[@Hotrod66149]

Seen a few on you tube yours is the best for my situation, thank you sir!

[@michaelbradford4444]

I made one identical to yours several months ago and it's amazing! I put splines in almost every box I build which is quite a few and this sled makes it so easy to make the cuts and make them uniformed . I've experimented and centered a1 inch spline on each corner and they came out really nice . In truth I had messed up and was trying to salvage the box and it worked!

[@boomerangfreak]

I'll probably be making me 1 of these jigs this weekend. Gonna have to make a few adaptations to make it work on my diy router table though. Looking forward to it!

[@NewtonMakes]

Best of luck!

[@boomerangfreak]

FInally got around to making my version last weekend. Works a treat on a router table with a 4mm bit. But I'd love to experiment with a dovetail spline at some point!

[@jddodge3425]

I’ve watched a lot of these jig videos, hands down I really like yours the best. The easiest to make and most versitile for different size boxes! Thanks

[@NewtonMakes]

Awesome to hear!

[@talal919]

Great job

[@Tumaniguitars]

Very nicely done!

[@JB-tb1rq]

Awesome video, and great recommendations when it comes to the type of blade. The tray is beautiful, well done!

[@NewtonMakes]

Thank you very much. A lot of people use the wrong blade for this and can't get those crisp cuts. Hopefully this helps out. 👍👊

[@VinceEspositoJr]

Thanks. Wish I saw this before I made a different jig this past weekend.

[@NewtonMakes]

Make it again! Every woodworker needs two spline jigs, right? 🤷‍♂️

[@koalafan1576]

I’ll be making this jig next month. I use a local community woodshop and their spline jig is the kind that goes on the table saw fence and it jacked up my splines on the box I built last week. I plan on building more boxes and need something for accurate splines.

[@NewtonMakes]

There's something nice about using your own jigs. You know how they behave.

[@Murderous5]

that straw tech was badass

[@coolinken]

Great video!

[@elizabethhappiestwhengarde2938]

Beautiful work and detailing! I enjoyed your video making the spline jig. I'm interested in making a narrow sofa table and would love to add splines. But I'm having a hard time finding a video showing how to make a portable jig for large pieces. Do you have such a video?

[@wayneblythe5713]

“Some gorgeous figured walnut ohhh!” I think you and that walnut should get a room. Nice video 👏🏻👍🏻

[@NewtonMakes]

Don't you judge our love!!

[@wayneblythe5713]

@@NewtonMakes 😂🤣😂

[@richardjones8236]

Good stuff!

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks! Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@mikedisimile2478]

Great job explaining everything thank you very much

[@jacktrotter5357]

Great , thanks from jack in Idaho , what did you use to cut splines ?

[@williamshaffer2562]

Nice job. Like the brass splines. What is the name of the saw you used to cut the brass.

[@NewtonMakes]

It's a Drill Master saw I picked up at Harbor Freight for dirt cheap. I tried to find a link to put it in the description but didn't see it.

[@williamshaffer2562]

@@NewtonMakes Thanks for response.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. 🙏

[@MKWHD]

Did you fin a good way to cut off the excess brass? And to sand it down?

[@808zhu]

100th comment. This is useful to me, even after watching multiple videos on how to build a spline jig. Clever trick with the straw, by the way.

[@catherinechute2834]

I wish you spent more time on how you cut the keys. I have a jig for cutting kerfs but would love more info on the saw you used to cut the brass and what you were doing with the dremmel. Also how did you match the width of the brass to the kerf accutatly?

[@koalafan1576]

Have you thought of adding t tracks in the wings for adding clamps to hold the box you are cutting splines into?

[@NewtonMakes]

There's nothing wrong with that idea. People can customize how they like. 👍

[@Nissan300zxshowcar]

Just started building this, thank you! BTW, where do you recommend getting the brass splines? Thanks!

[@scottpowell5583]

At 3:02 of this video, what is the song that is playing? I gotta have it! Oh ya, nice spline jig too! I've already got my scraps eyed up for it. I too have a bunch of mdf kicking about. Thanks!

[@NewtonMakes]

Martin Carlberg and Oomie Cross My Heart. You can feel that song in your soul.

[@justinbanks2380]

Late to this video, but definitely going to make one of these jigs. Also, never saw the straw glue clean up trick, that is definitely gonna get lots of use. (As long as I can remember next time, lol) Loving your videos!

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks. This is one of those jigs that you'll happy you have. It may sit there for a while but once you need it it's ready to go.

[@Bogie3855]

Yeah guess I will have to make one of these.

[@brianjordison2910]

As I watch you go through the process of making runners I wonder if this jig can connect to the large sled. Those runners are already accurate. This eliminates the need for individual runners on each different design. You’ve become a favourite! Great videos

[@elliotdance7790]

Yes

[@jraglob5924]

Thanks, right video at the right time. Great Channel, you in Macomb? I used to live there.

[@jakeholmes1343]

Great video and great tips. What type of blade did you use? Looked like a Diablo but when i called them they didn't have a flat tooth blade. They did however recommend a Freud which i think is the parent company. Thanks!

[@NewtonMakes]

I typically put links in the descriptions of all my videos. Let me know if I missed it.

[@jakeholmes1343]

I skimmed through it again and didn't see a link.@@NewtonMakes

[@hologramcamo9175]

What kind of tool did you use for cutting the brass ? I really like that you used a metal for the spline!

[@NewtonMakes]

Look for a metal cut off saw and you'll probably find a lot of versions.

[@Bob.Silverstein]

Great video - planning to make this - I had one question about the zero clearance plate tip that you gave. Are you saying that one should drop in a thin "waste" board on each side (e.g. 1/4" plywood) to create the zero clearance, that you then remove and replace (since obviously, once it's used, it too will no longer be zero clearance). Or did you mean something else? Thanks!

[@myleshamilton6605]

How about making this so it fits into the sled and can be dual purpose as a bevel jig and a spline jug if you turn it.

[@NewtonMakes]

That would be sweet! I wouldn't think it would take too much modification. I like it. 👍👊

[@myleshamilton6605]

@@NewtonMakes no I don't think it would either

[@peterfiek8033]

I didn't see what saw you used to cut the brass in the list above, can you specify? Thanks, great vid!

[@NewtonMakes]

It was a super cheap metal cutting saw from Harbor Freight.

[@peterfiek8033]

@@NewtonMakes Thanks! Think I found it. Meant to also ask what the thickness of the brass strip you use is?

[@NewtonMakes]

1/8" thick brass from a local place.

[@nicholaszefeldt9719]

What kind of glue did you use to bond the brass to the walnut? How long did you let it cure before trimming/sanding? Thanks in advance!

[@jameslockwood5113]

So, I can just sand the brass, just like wood? It doesn’t scratch the brass?

[@NewtonMakes]

If you sand it with a rock it'll scratch it. If you sand it with 150 grit not as much. If you sand it with 600 even less so. You get the point. The higher you go the more it polishes it.

[@tcbridges]

I see you using a 16-32 drum sander do you wish you bought the 18-32 since its only $200 more. I am undecided on not needing the 18 but 16 is more that enough for a DIY. Ty

[@WasimBarri]

Thanks for a great video and the ZCI tip. Just one question. You didn't appear to use clamps to secure your wedges. Were those joints strong enough? Is it OK to just press them in by hand and wait for them to dry?

[@NewtonMakes]

Thats what I did, hand pressure until tacky enough to stay in place. They're super strong, especially for a shop jig.

[@WasimBarri]

@@NewtonMakes OK thanks. I'll give that a try

[@wiln2lrn]

food for thought When I was a Mold Maker we used to put grease groove in any slide in the mold, now that being said. if you put screws for the attachment of the runner in the runner the counter sink of the screw and the type of screw )flat, Phillips, sq.) will act like a grease groove only with wax.

[@NewtonMakes]

It's great when we can apply our past experiences to new, unrelated processes. That's how we grow. 👍

[@icemen63]

Молодец!👍👏

[@trentyoung1135]

I assume your shop is in your basement. I am planning on setting up a shop on the unfinished side our basement. What are using for dust collection and air filtration? I am new to woodworking, mainly small boxes and cell phone holders for friends.

[@NewtonMakes]

I have an Oneida dust collector going to most tools. I use a shop vac for those that are not connected. I also have a Jet air filter that I run every night after I'm done for the day. I started woodworking by only using my shop vac and I moved it tool to tool. A bit of a hassle but it worked, especially when I was just starting out and on a budget.

[@trentyoung1135]

@@NewtonMakes thanks for the response. Do you find that combination removes the dust adequately? I am looking at Jet dust collector attached to tools with Jet air cleaner for airborne dust.

[@NewtonMakes]

I think so. But dust collection is sort of personal in regards to what everyone's standards are. Know what I mean? My tolerance may be different than yours. But millions of people do woodworking in their basements so I'm confident you can find a solution that's perfect for you.

[@tjkoker]

Absolutely friggin' awesome look. Think if I make 4 of these boxes with the splines I can make $250? Cheers.

[@NewtonMakes]

Why set your goals so low? Add at least three more zeros to the end of it. 😉

[@The_Conqueeftador]

@@NewtonMakes Maybe if he uses gold instead of brass. But if he does that then good luck getting the grinding marks out of the gold.

[@herbsu4330]

How do you locate the kerf? How do you set the depth of the kerf? I also see you have a 16-32 sander. If iot is one the newer ones I would like see your technique for replacing the paper. I have a hard time holding the clips and inserting the tips of the paper. I called Jet technical support and they didn't have a clue.

[@NewtonMakes]

Raise your blade up and cut through your jig. Then you'll see your kerf location. Set your box in your jig where you want it to be cut. It's a visual thing. You'll have to decide where you want your splines. If you want larger splines then raise your blade up. If you want tiny splines lower it. You ask good questions but they are subjective to your design. I can't tell you how deep to cut your splines other than I recommend not cutting them so high that you cut through the inside of the box. I'll see about filming the paper change process. Next time I do it.

[@herbsu4330]

@@NewtonMakes Thanks for your response. My question for the depth was in regard to max depth without cutting all the way thru and my question to location was in regard settin the box edge to the kerf, Do you set some kind of stop block or pencil mark on the jig to get them in the same place as you rotate the box?

[@NewtonMakes]

If you set the box in your jig next to the blade you'll see how far is too far. Yes, you can see in the video that I have a stop block clamped.

[@sibelianboy]

Can anyone recommend me a table saw blade 8 1/4 with FTG teeth?

[@koalafan1576]

I wish I had a shop. Once I start woodworking again I’ll use a local shop I have to pay for and that means I can’t change blades on the table saw and am stuck with what ever they have. I’m not even sure if making hogs like this would help as I would have to bring them home and I live in a tiny 1 bedroom apartment.

[@MacDa-yy8xn]

If your clever you can do those type if splines without a jig on the table saw. The flat bottom saw blade is a must to do this. If you use a “ ATB ‘ you end up with cat ears at the end of the splines.

[@koalafan1576]

I made a jig like that but with a T track. I made it for the table saw at the shop I use, then they got rid of the table saw and bought a new one so my jig won’t work any more. 😡😭

[@leojames7331]

Hi. I'm inexperienced in woodwork but learning. I have two questions on this. 1) how do you judge the depth of the depth into the corner? 2) do you match the saw blade to the brass flat bar or just mark up the wood to the brass bar and keep cutting until you get a tight fit? Thank you

[@NewtonMakes]

1) I cut as deep as possible without cutting through the inside of the box. I set my box next to the blade to make sure it's not too deep before I start cutting. 2) Both. I use a 1/8" blade so I use a 1/8" thick piece of brass. One cut should work. But that's not how things always work. If the fit is still too tight, I nudge the box over just slightly and make a second cut to widen the groove.

[@leojames7331]

@@NewtonMakes Got ya, thanks for the reply, I appreciate it :)

[@koalafan1576]

I made a jig like that but with a T track. I made it for the table saw at the shop I use, then they got rid of the table saw and bought a new one so my jig won’t work any more. 😡😭 I never got to actually use the jig. It was just a waste of money.

[@The_Conqueeftador]

The hardest part of this video is finding a flat bottom blade. FTG's Are an endangered species apparently and a few easily cost as much as a plunge router.

[@rl8631]

ever though about taking your blade to a sharpener and have the tips ground flat? just a suggestion, definitely far cheaper than a specialty thin kerf flat top blade.

[@rodpotts2666]

"That wood suck"

[@NewtonMakes]

WOOD suck. 🤣

[@vigilantezack]

Too bad a walnut board at Home Depot is about $17,479 bucks. 2x4 pine for me!

[@NewtonMakes]

Oh my, please don't buy walnut from HD! You are better off buying it mail order than from them. There are some good online sources if a lumber dealer isn't available to you.

[@abdolalighalavand240]

🔩♥️ .🙏

[@oneaztexan6125]

I like your channel but just wanna say, "H" is for height, lol (thanks for the videos)

[@michaelrafa100]

I like making splined boxes as well. To make thinks a little more interesting, I use a slot cutter bit and bearing on the router table with a miter gauge set at 45°. The advantage is by choosing different cutters and bearings, I can make different thickness spline cuts.

[@22busy43]

I’ve been using this same technique. I have the cMT set that I can put three different thicknesses at one time to stagger the sizes and make the cut one time