Shopsmith Forums

I built a spline jig the other day, after seeing a couple of YouTube videos.
I like the way a spline looks in the corner of a box.
I have never done this type of work, so I have a few questions.

1, does putting a spline in the joint add any strength to the joint
2, can a spline be used with a rabbet joint, or is it only for miter joints.
3, do I cut all the way through to joint so you will see the spline inside the box.

I am asking because like I said I have never used this before. I am making a gun case for my oldest son I am making it from cherry wood, with a band inlay either around the box length wise or inlays around the ends.
I think the splines would add too the looks of the box. and I am planning on using either purple heart or Osage orange.

which brings me to something else I have never done. I will be resawing the wood I use for the inlays and splines.

I will be using scrap wood to learn how to do the splines and the resawing.
first with pine, then with hardwood scraps. so I don't waist my good wood.

TIA
Chris

CWD
1. the spline will add a lot of strength to a mitered joint
2. I don't see any reason a spline can not be used on a rabbet joint
3. That would be your choice. Remember that you will have to clean up the inside of the corner. Personally I would not do it that way.

You did not mention if you are using a Shopsmith but I assume that you are. Anyway the picture is the fixture that I use with a model 520 but could be adapted to any table saw fence. Bill V

Mitered and splined joints are a nice decorative joint that is very strong. Using a contrasting wood for the spline also adds a nice touch.
Paul

A little reminder. Extend the follower all the way to the table to support the kerf edges to prevent blowout.
Paul

While we are pretty lax here we do have some rules. No picture then it didn't happen.........

OK so I'm pulling you chain a bit but we do love photos and seeing your jig will help us understand your questions better.

Splines can be cut along the joint or perpendicular to it. They can be designed for both extra holding strength and for decorative accents.

Spines can help align the joint as well as adding strength. They can be cut before assembly or after like when making a frame and cutting splines in the corners.

I've made small boxes where the spline was used exposed on the inside to hold a tray..... the tray sits on the spline that is exposed.

I guess when you get to a joint where a rabbet is used then it can be a spline or it can be an insert/accent strip depending on its function and how you define it.

Just in case others here are not familiar with the cuts made for decorative uses it is a good idea to use a rip blade for the cuts as it has a square bottom so the spline will set in it without gaps. If the spine is hidden then it doesn't really matter.

When cutting the material for stronger joints the spline grain becomes very important, the strength of the joint is dependent on that. If it is purely decorative then anything goes.

Ed

reible wrote:While we are pretty lax here we do have some rules. No picture then it didn't happen.........

OK so I'm pulling you chain a bit but we do love photos and seeing your jig will help us understand your questions better.

Splines can be cut along the joint or perpendicular to it. They can be designed for both extra holding strength and for decorative accents.

Spines can help align the joint as well as adding strength. They can be cut before assembly or after like when making a frame and cutting splines in the corners.

I've made small boxes where the spline was used exposed on the inside to hold a tray..... the tray sits on the spline that is exposed.

I guess when you get to a joint where a rabbet is used then it can be a spline or it can be an insert/accent strip depending on its function and how you define it.

Just in case others here are not familiar with the cuts made for decorative uses it is a good idea to use a rip blade for the cuts as it has a square bottom so the spline will set in it without gaps. If the spine is hidden then it doesn't really matter.

When cutting the material for stronger joints the spline grain becomes very important, the strength of the joint is dependent on that. If it is purely decorative then anything goes.

Ed

Cool idea Ed. I have not thought of that. It is now filed away for future use.

Or a dado blade.

I agree with every thing said above/

Yes I am going to be using my SS 520
It looks likes I will be using a miter joint, I made a jig to help cut 45 degree miter cuts.
I have not posted any pictures of my projects because I can not post the pictures from my phone. I have tried and so has my son, but no luck so far.
as soon as I figure out how to do this I will have several pictures to post.

Thank you all for your advise I really enjoy the posts.

CWD wrote:Yes I am going to be using my SS 520
It looks likes I will be using a miter joint, I made a jig to help cut 45 degree miter cuts.
I have not posted any pictures of my projects because I can not post the pictures from my phone. I have tried and so has my son, but no luck so far.
as soon as I figure out how to do this I will have several pictures to post.

Thank you all for your advise I really enjoy the posts.

Can you attach those phone pix to an e-mail?