How It Works: Dress Up Box Joints With Decorative Splines
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Strength and durability are important in a box joint but a decorative spline can add visual appeal to projects. 

The Large Box Spline Jig from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware allows the user to cut slots with a hand-held router and add a decorative spline. This particularly helpful for large boxes that are difficult to handle and position on a router table.

Here's how it works: First, the jig is clamped to the box corner. The jig face supports and guides the router as slots are cut. Next, cut to size splines and add adhesive to each side. Place them in the slots, then trim and sand.

How It Works: Dress Up Box Joints With Decorative Splines

How It Works: Dress Up Box Joints With Decorative Splines

How It Works: Dress Up Box Joints With Decorative Splines

"The Large Box Spline Jig brings the routing to the box joint without the need to bring the box to a router table," says Steve Krohmer, Rockler's Vice President of Product Marketing. "This jig simply clamps onto the box joint and guides the router for perfect spline cuts. The addition of splines transforms ordinary box joints into a piece of art that is fit for display."


More on Router Jigs and Guides 
 
 The Perfect Dado Jig is a router guide that helps create dadoes from 1/2" to 1" wide. A pine toolbox design circa 1750, with plans adapted by teacher Neil Scher, features routers, jig saw and clamps.

 


Features of the Large Box Spline Jig include durable plastic surfaces and an adjustable edge guide. The jig can be used with a variety of router models and the user can create a variety of spline patterns, depending on the style of the router bit.

 

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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.