This tip comes from Jodee at Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a straightforward method for cutting splined miters using a table saw—no fancy jig required.
Splined miters offer both strength and style, especially in frames, boxes, and decorative joinery. Jodee’s technique is simple, effective, and suitable for woodworkers at any level.
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Why Use Splined Miters?
A standard miter joint, cut at 45 degrees, can look great but often lacks strength. That’s because there’s limited surface area for glue, making the joint vulnerable to splitting or separation over time.
Adding a spline—a thin piece of wood inserted into a groove cut across the joint—greatly improves the integrity of the connection. It also offers a nice decorative touch, especially when contrasting wood species are used.
Tools and Materials Needed
This approach keeps things simple. You’ll need:
- A table saw
- A square (a combination square works well)
- A pencil
- Glue
- Spline material (usually thin hardwood)
No need for a spline-cutting jig, router table, or special fixtures—just careful setup and clean cuts.
Marking the Spline Groove
The first step is to mark where the spline groove will go. Jodee suggests using a combination square to draw a centered line across the mitered edge.
You can also set the piece upright against your table saw fence and mark the line based on the blade height and placement. Accuracy here will determine how clean the final joint looks, so take your time.
Setting Up the Table Saw
Adjust the blade height on your table saw so it cuts deep enough into the miter joint to allow for a solid spline, but not so deep that it weakens the corner. Ideally, the blade should enter and exit the miter evenly.
To help control the cut length, Jodee recommends using painter’s tape or a thin spline offcut attached with double-sided tape on the fence as a reference stop. This allows you to push the piece through the blade consistently without overcutting.
Making the Cut
With the blade height set and reference stop in place, carefully line up your piece. The edge of the mitered corner should ride along the fence while the saw blade cuts the groove directly across the joint.
Push the piece through slowly, stopping at the tape or stop block. This ensures the groove is even and centered. Repeat this process for each miter joint in your project.
This method avoids the need to balance the workpiece on a jig or angle sled. Instead, you’re using the natural fence of the saw and some simple visual aids to keep everything consistent.
Preparing and Inserting the Spline
After all the grooves are cut, it’s time to size the spline. Use a hardwood strip that matches or contrasts with your main material. The spline should fit snugly in the groove—tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that it forces the joint open.
Cut each spline to the proper length, dry fit it to make sure it seats properly, and then add wood glue to the groove. Insert the spline and press it flush or slightly proud of the surface.
Once the glue is dry, trim the ends of the spline with a flush-cut saw or sand them down with a sander. This leaves a smooth surface that can be further shaped or finished.
Final Sanding and Finish
After trimming the splines, a quick sanding pass over the corners helps clean up any residue and blends the spline into the miter joint. You can either leave the spline slightly visible for a decorative look or sand it flush for a more seamless result.
This technique works well for picture frames, keepsake boxes, and any corner assembly where strength and style matter.
Why This Method Works
What makes this approach so useful is that it doesn’t require a dedicated jig or complicated setup. As long as you can align the mitered corner to your table saw blade and maintain a consistent cut, you can add splines quickly and accurately.
It’s especially helpful for woodworkers who may not have a full sled system or want to avoid the hassle of making jigs for one-off projects. With just a square and a steady hand, strong splined miters are totally achievable.
A Simple Technique with Lasting Benefits
Whether you’re reinforcing a picture frame or adding detail to a decorative box, splined miters bring both strength and style to your woodworking. And with this jig-free table saw method, there’s no barrier to getting started.
Jodee’s tip shows that with the right setup and a little care, even tricky joinery can be made simple.
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