Spline cutting jig

thingiverse

The usual way to cut decorative or functional slots in mitered corners of a box is to build a jig to hold the box on a table saw or router table to cut the slots. But what if your "box" is a TV stand measuring 40"x20"x20" -- not so practical. So I designed a jig to attach to the corner of the box and guide a router to make the cuts. And it works well! Print two 3D printed side pieces, with a joining piece of wood to connect, cut to make a channel exactly the width of the base of the router. Make sure it's a snug fit so the slot cut is the width of the bit, any slop will result in a too-large slot in your workpiece. I used 1/4" plywood, but similar hardboard would work as well. Plunge cut the router bit through (I used a 1/4" straight cut bit), and bought a small piece of 1/4" thickness contrasting color wood from WoodCraft. If used near the edge of the "box" direct clamping is possible, else just run a dowel through the jig and clamp it on the ends (see photo) 12/14/21. Thingiverse is messed up. Hopefully the right jig shows up soon.