This is just about perfect. No it is perfect. The MDF base board has been trimmed
by the router bit. I can then clamp any board I need edged to this jig with just a small
edge over the base, and I will have a perfect new edge.
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I am edging my first
trial board. I clamp it by feel — I want the very smallest amount to be over
the base board. I also don't want to over task the router bit. I have set roller stands at
both ends — the jig literally floats along its entire length.
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To give the jig a
much harder test, I have two pieces of firewood that I resawed to 5/16". Both edges
are rough, but the outside is very rough. It is easy for me to handle here. I simply place
the piece where a small overhang is present for each pass. Several passes later (about 5),
the board was edged and I could try the same on its mate.
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That is as good as it gets
— plus it is easy and safe. It makes me want to start re-sawing some more wood.
I think the jig will work well next week when using the Akeda 16 dovetail jig
to make wide (22") dovetailed boards for a blanket chest.
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Well, I said
Beth would be joining me and here she is. In the next couple of weeks, we will be making a
blanket chest that is 22" tall. And we will be using the Akeda 16 Dovetail Jig. They
say you can't get a 22" wide board into a 16" wide jig. I love a challenge.
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I get Beth started by
having her cut the 1 X 8 pine boards into two lengths. The sides will be 42" as a
finished width and the ends will be 16". I have her cut the pieces 1" longer so
that we can trim the ends after glueup.
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With everything cut, Beth
double checks the length. The end boards are 16" wide, so we are doubling up those so
we can glue up and joint a 33" board rather than the narrow ends.
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As she lays out the boards
prior to glue up, she can see some gaps that need to be closed (see insert). Actually
these pine boards are about as straight a board as you can expect to find, but they
all still need a better edge.
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She has never used a router
table before so I walk her through the steps. She is now setting up the Jessem router
table to edge joint the pine boards.
She starts by installing a 1/2" pattern bearing trim bit.
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She installs one of the zero
clearance inserts making sure that it is locked in place and level with the rest of the
table.
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