To join two pieces of wood together at a right angle, you can use something called a miter spline. This involves cutting a slot in both pieces and gluing in a small piece of wood to hold them together. It might sound easy, but it requires being careful and following some steps.
Splines are useful and can also make your project look cool. You’ll need them for lots of woodworking projects. So, let’s learn how to cut splines on a table saw!
Interested? Then let’s jump right into the process!
Step 1: Safety First.
When cutting splines on a table saw, safety is crucial. Follow these safety measures to minimize the risk of injury:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as eye and ear protection, and avoid loose clothing or jewelry.
- Keep your hands at a safe distance from the saw blade.
- Use a push stick or block to guide the wood through the blade.
- Ensure that the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls are in place.
- Never stand in the line of the blade.
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the saw and the spline-cutting jig.
- Please turn off the saw and unplug it when adjusting or changing the blade.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safe and successful spline-cutting operation on your table saw.
Step 2: Set up.
To cut splines on a table saw, you’ll need a few things:
- A special jig that fits on the table saw
- A blade with a flat top and a thin edge
- Safety goggles and ear protection
- Something to push the wood through the saw safely
You’ll also need the wood you’re cutting the spline on, and some wood to make the spline itself. And finally, you might need sandpaper to smooth everything out.
Once you’ve gathered what you need, begin the process by attaching a spline-cutting jig to your table saw’s miter gauge. Adjust the saw blade height to the desired depth of cut and set the fence to the proper distance from the blade.
Step 3: Prepare the wood.
Cut a slot in the wood piece to which you want to add a spline. This slot should be the same width as your spline material.
Step 4: Cut the spline material.
To make the spline, start by measuring and marking the length and width you need on a piece of wood. Then, adjust the height of the saw blade to match the desired height of your cut.
Next, set the fence on the table saw to the width of the spline material. Place the material against the fence and push it through the blade. After the cut is complete, turn off the saw and wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before removing the cut piece. Repeat for however many splines you need.
Step 5: Align the spline.
Insert the spline into the slot you cut in the wood piece. Make sure it is flush with the surface of the wood.
Step 6: Cut Splines on a Table Saw.
With the wood piece pressed against the jig and the spline in place, slowly push the wood and spline through the saw blade. Repeat this process for each spline you want to add.
Step 7: Sand and finish.
Sand the splines flush with the surface of the wood and finish the wood as desired, and voila! You now know how to cut splines on a table saw. You can use these joints for various projects, such as cabinet doors and box sides.
FAQs
Why are miter slots important joints?
Spline joints are important in woodworking as they add strength and stability to a joint, prevent warping or twisting, and enhance the visual appeal of a project.
Other joints are equally important in different kinds of tasks, however, and if you’re looking for guides for other joints, we have compiled ones on Dado Joints, Rabbet Joints, and Box Joints for you.
What are a few different kinds of spline joints?
Since you already know about splines (and if you don’t, check out this link), it’s time to consider the different kinds of spline joints. Several types can be used in woodworking, and they each serve a specific purpose:
- Straight splines are the most common type and reinforce joints, such as a mitered joint, to prevent them from opening up.
- Curved splines add strength and stability to curved joints, such as a bent lamination or a circular tabletop.
- Angled splines are used in joints where the angle is not a perfect 90 degrees, such as a frame or box joint, to add strength.
- Keyed splines are decorative and are used to enhance the visual appeal of a project. They are often used in furniture making.
- A tongued-spline case miter joint is used to reinforce the mitered corners of a box or case and prevent them from opening up over time.
Overall, splines are a versatile joinery technique that can add strength and beauty to a woodworking project.
What blade do I use to cut splines on a table saw?
For cutting splines, a table saw blade with a flat top grind and a thin kerf is recommended. A blade with 24 to 40 teeth is suitable for most spline-cutting applications.
Learn more about how thick a table saw blade should be here.
Can you cut a spline without a jig?
Cutting a spline without a jig can be difficult to get a straight and accurate cut. Using a spline-cutting jig helps guide the wood through the blade, making sure the cut is straight and even every time.
However, if you do not have any access to a spline-cutting jig, don’t worry! There are always methods you can follow. We recommend checking out a video for maximum aid:
The Bottom Line
Cutting splines on a table saw can help make strong joints in woodworking projects. By being careful and taking safety precautions. Ater all, cutting splines on a table saw can be helpful for many woodworking projects.
Now that you know how to cut splines on a table saw, you can feel confident in trying more complicated projects. You can also learn about other table saw joint techniques, like rabbet joints, as you continue on your woodworking journey!
Learn more table saw knowledge with “How much should a table saw weigh?”