6
5. Set the cutting height of your router bit so that the
top extends above the Platform surface just a hair
more than the thickness of your material. (This will
make the fingers of the joint stand a little proud
when assembled so that you can sand them flush
for a perfect joint.)
Fig. 3.
6. Place the Sled (3), with Indexing Key attached, on the
Platform (1) so that its runners slide in the slots in
the Platform (1).
7. With the Sled (3) slid back away from the bit, install
the MDF Sacrificial Fence (7). Fit the notch in the
MDF Sacrificial Fence (7) over the Indexing Key and
align the Fence with the sides of the Sled (3). Before
attaching, place a few thicknesses of paper or another
thin spacer under the MDF Sacrificial Fence (7) to
raise it off the surface of the Platform (1) slightly
to ensure that the Sled (3) will slide freely. Attach
the MDF Sacrificial Fence (7) with the included
1" Panhead Screws (9) through the mounting holes
in the Sled (3). Test to be sure the Sled (3) will slide
smoothly.
Fig. 4.
8. Slide the Sled (3) forward in its slots until the Indexing
Key is even with the bit.
9. Adjust the Platform (1) side to side until the space
between the bit and Indexing Key is equal to the
diameter of the bit (and width of Indexing Key).
For example, box joints with 1/4" fingers require
a 1/4" gap between the two. We recommend
Precision Brass Setup Bars (36918 or 51936, sold
separately) for easy, accurate setup.
Fig. 5.
10. Once the precise spacing has been achieved, lock the
Platform (1) in position by securely tightening the
five-star knobs of the Miter Slot Hardware. Test to
be sure the Platform cannot shift.
11. Plug in the router and, using test pieces that are the
same thickness as your final workpieces, make test
cuts to verify that the spacing is correct and the joints
will fit snugly together. After each pass, fit the area
just cut over the Indexing Key for the next cut.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
If you have a router lift on your table, you
might need to drill a hole in the Platform (1) to be able to
access the adjustment mechanism. Drill a hole that’s large
enough to allow adjustment of the Platform location for
differing box joint finger widths.
To avoid risk of serious injury and damage
to the jig, never set the bit cutting height more than 1" above
the surface of the jig Platform (1).
The Five-star Knobs (2) MUST be securely
tightened to avoid the chance of the Platform shifting,
potentially causing serious injury.
