TENONMAKER

Router Woodworking

The jig (author's model with notes, wear and dings) on its side. Sample cut tenon under the toggle. If the jig/fixture is screwed to the workbench (holes pre-drilled and hardware supplied) the entire surface is uncluttered for safe & easy routings.


A shot from underneath. The 1/2 moon window next to the work is access for a C-clamp, a requirement to keep the work from squirming during the rout.


I let the cutter bearing stray from face of the work. It should be clear, that for every depth of cut the bearing must roll on the work to complete the cut.

Few things in Routerdom are as natural and easy as tenoning with a router. When the cutting results are excellent, the process fast, and safety is automatic; you know it's right too. The MDF platform jig supports the router and holds the work. The jig is clamped or screwed (screws included for this) to your bench.

With the work indexed on-end, the plunge router rabbets the end of the stock leaving uniform crisp shoulders, all in the same, unbroken plane. The length of tenon is controlled by the plunge stroke. The shoulder width is controlled by the cutter and its bearings just like a rabbet bit on flat long grain. (Shoulder widths from 1/8" to 9/16" in 1/16" increments are possible).

Expect to locate, clamp (500 pound toggle clamp supplied), and rout the work in less than a minute. There are no setup hassles or adjustments. Very little skill is required for near perfect cuttings. No work piece length limitations, accepts bed rails for example! The fence swings ~ 30 degrees for angled 2-faced tenons. Email for simple purchase instructions or questions.

Price: 149$, includes the jig, 1 DeStaCo (500 lb.) toggle clamp, all hardware, freight, packaging, fence calibration (90.00 degree), and testing (sample included). 2 minute assembly required. (Cutters extra).

Optional Ski-Subbase: 47$, 17-1/2" x 6-1/2" x 1/2" Acrylic, custom drilled and bored (most routers). Note: A ski to prevent the router from dipping into the platform window is required for safe use.

Router bits, arbor and bearings: 99$. Includes 4.25" x 1/2 arbor, 1/4" & 3/8" rabbet bits, and 4 bearings for shoulders of 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 and 7/16.

Capacity of jig: Accepts round, square and rectangular stock from 0 x 0 to 1-3/4" x 6" x any length. Shoulders: 1, 2, 3, or 4 equal. Edge guide and straight bits can be used for any custom width shoulder(s).

Assembly & Instruction.