randyrls
Member
Sometimes when cutting the inserts for knot pens it is difficult to cut the small inserts to exactly the correct kerf size. The secret is to make a spacer piece that fits in the jig and is exactly one kerf width too short.
Here is the concept:
I am assuming that you are using an angled jig of some sort to do the cuts.
1. Cut the blank so it is exactly square. Cut a piece of scrap wood just smaller than the blank. Not critical, but must be twice the length of the blank.
2. Cut the insert material so it is 1/16" to 1/8" smaller than the blank. The reason will be clear later. Just make sure the insert is large enough to create the pen you have in mind.
3. Take the scrap piece and cut all the way thru it using the angled jig. Now take the off-cut piece, reverse it and cut it again. You now have two identical pieces. Put one piece on the jig and butt the other piece against it. Run the saw thru the piece. You now have a piece that is shorter by exactly the kerf width. Use this piece in the jig and slice the insert pieces.
4. On a table saw (referred) or band saw cut most of the way thru the blank. Leave a 1/16" to 1/8" portion uncut. Now glue the insert pieces into the slot. Do this four times for the blank.
Make sure you keep your fingers safely out of harm's way. I use clamps while cutting and glue to hold the jig pieces together.
Here is the concept:
I am assuming that you are using an angled jig of some sort to do the cuts.
1. Cut the blank so it is exactly square. Cut a piece of scrap wood just smaller than the blank. Not critical, but must be twice the length of the blank.
2. Cut the insert material so it is 1/16" to 1/8" smaller than the blank. The reason will be clear later. Just make sure the insert is large enough to create the pen you have in mind.
3. Take the scrap piece and cut all the way thru it using the angled jig. Now take the off-cut piece, reverse it and cut it again. You now have two identical pieces. Put one piece on the jig and butt the other piece against it. Run the saw thru the piece. You now have a piece that is shorter by exactly the kerf width. Use this piece in the jig and slice the insert pieces.
4. On a table saw (referred) or band saw cut most of the way thru the blank. Leave a 1/16" to 1/8" portion uncut. Now glue the insert pieces into the slot. Do this four times for the blank.
Make sure you keep your fingers safely out of harm's way. I use clamps while cutting and glue to hold the jig pieces together.