The video “Box Joints: Learn How To Think Big” is by Woodworking With Wes. In this tutorial, Wes dives into the art of creating box joints, showcasing how to transform simple woodworking into decorative corners that can elevate any project.
Understanding Box Joints
A box joint is a fantastic way to join two pieces of wood, creating not only a strong connection but also a visually appealing design. Wes begins by explaining the setup of a simple box joint jig. This involves configuring a stack dado head with a backstop and a pin that matches the width of the dado set. By cutting a slot and moving it over the pin, woodworkers can create the distinctive fingers of the box joint.
Setting Up for a Big Box Joint
Next, Wes moves on to constructing a larger box joint. To start, he marks the board to determine where the fingers will be placed. For this project, he decides the fingers should be 1 and 3/8 inches wide. By marking these dimensions all along the end of the board and extending the lines with a square, he ensures precise cuts.
Preparing for Cutting
Wes emphasizes the importance of keeping track of the face side of the board. He mentions that he prefers his top finger to go all the way through, which means cutting out specific sections of the wood. Setting the height of the dado stack is crucial, as this will determine the depth of each cut. Using a piece of scrap poplar, he creates a backstop for the setup.
Making the Cuts
Wes explains that dado stacks don’t typically accommodate widths as large as 1 and 3/8 inches, so he sets it up for 1/2 inch instead. This requires multiple cuts to achieve the desired width of each finger. After ensuring everything is securely clamped down, Wes demonstrates the cutting process, making successive cuts until the edge of the board aligns with the pin.
Side Cuts and Final Assembly
Once the face cuts are complete, Wes shifts focus to the side cuts. He uses the end of the face piece as a stop block, ensuring accuracy in the cuts. After making these initial cuts, he moves the stop block to the other side of the pin to continue the process. This repetition solidifies the technique, allowing for a seamless fitting of the pieces.
Final Fit and Upcoming Projects
With the face and side pieces completed, Wes brings the parts together for a final fit. The result is a beautifully crafted decorative corner, showcasing the effectiveness of box joints. He teases an upcoming project where this corner will be utilized in a piece of furniture, encouraging viewers to stay tuned.
Wes’s clear instructions and hands-on demonstrations make learning about box joints accessible for woodworkers at any skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your techniques, this video is a valuable resource for enhancing woodworking skills.
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