First finger joint cabinet: a few questions

[JuneauMike]

To point #3, asking an amateur woodworker to make an adjustment on the scale of 0.00-anything is asking a lot. I am pretty sure I could't pull it off with my tools. I guess you could do it on the dado with an appropriate spacer. Maybe a couple of sheet of paper?

But I recall that I hit my fingers with a file and that seemed to be an acceptable and dependable substitute. You correctly pointed out an issue that hasn't been mentioned; glue introduces moisture and does cause a little wood expansion. So if its super tight during dry fit its going to be even worse in final glue up. Good point.

 

[Michael A.]

You know, for a first attempt, that looks pretty doggone good. Well done!

Thanks very kindly!

Thanks also for the detailed points in the subsequent posting. I'm totally convinced that I need to improve my materials and my finger-jointing sled, and now see the need for a crosscut sled, having witnessed the low accuracy of my $100 Hitachi 10CFR job site saw in this regard.

I have to agree with Juneau Mike that making the fingers narrower than the cuts is going to be a bit too daunting. I think next time, I'll try filing the cuts a bit wider. Will get a quality file for just this job.

I did set my dado depth intentionally to have cuts sufficiently deep to have overhang of the fingers that I could sand or trim off. However, my saw blade doesn't have a depth lock, and I was unaware it could vibrate out of position. This was my first use of the saw as well as first finger-jointing. Next time, I'll revisit the depth a couple of times in the process to ensure no movement.

Definitely will use a backer board next time, and possibly even use tape as well.

Thanks again for the good suggestions.

 

[dunehunter]

To point #3, asking an amateur woodworker to make an adjustment on the scale of 0.00-anything is asking a lot. I am pretty sure I could't pull it off with my tools. I guess you could do it on the dado with an appropriate spacer. Maybe a couple of sheet of paper?


"But I recall that I hit my fingers with a file and that seemed to be an acceptable and dependable substitute. You correctly pointed out an issue that hasn't been mentioned; glue introduces moisture and does cause a little wood expansion. So if its super tight during dry fit its going to be even worse in final glue up. Good point.

Totally true and two months ago I'd have said "really?" as a reply to #3. But since, I've started using feeler gauges (just cheap automotive gauges) and a good (repeat "good") dial caliper. Frankly, I wonder how I got along so long without one. But, again, your'e right on: not a tool most would have in their toolbox.

And, yeah, I had actually taken my own advice (re:#3) but didn't shave off enough. Without glue, nice fit and just went together easily. With glue...get out the "persuader".

 

[dunehunter]

Any time! Fun, isn't it? I'm having a blast making these things.

 

[dunehunter]

So, sorry to all that I don't seem to know how to use the texting on this site. I'll have to do some research...

 

[jimgchord]

Invest in a real dado set. Clamp the pieces together and cut two at a time. Outside face to outside face.use a piece of sacrificial 1/4" mdf against the sled face to help that one inside face from blowing out too bad.