The Easiest Thin Strip Jig for the Table Saw

by david.levantaci in Workshop > Woodworking

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The Easiest Thin Strip Jig for the Table Saw

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DIY - The easiest Thin Strip Jig ever! (for the table saw)

Thin Strip Jig for the table saw - Probably the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to make one.

Sounds like click-bait but -trust me- it really isn't.

I needed a whole lot of thin strips to make my own veneer. And so I decided to make a little jig to help me with just that!

This little jig will take you 10-15 minutes max to make, but it wil safe you a ton of time when you want to make repetitive and accurate cuts.

Supplies

  1. Small piece of hard wood that will serve as a runner for the table saw.
  2. A bigger piece of wood that will be our hard stop and reference point.
  3. 1 wing nut
  4. 1 threaded insert
  5. 1 bolt
    • These last 3 items have to fit together but the size doesn't really matter.
  6. 2 screws or nails to attach the runner to the bigger block.

Prepare the Runner

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  1. Measure the width of the slot on your table saw with calipers or tape measure
  2. Adjust the fence so you cut a piece that's just a little bit wider
    • Keep adjusting the fence little by little so you have a pĂ©rfect fit on your newly made runner
  3. Cut the runner to size. (It doesn't need to be too long, you just want a nice and snug reference in the slot of your table saw)

Prepare the Reference - the Bigger Block

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  1. Get a bigger piece of wood that we can use as a reference. Size doesn't really matter you just want it to be able to 'close' the gap between the slot and your saw blade.
  2. Mark out the center of the block to drill the holes for the threaded insert and bolt.
    • I marked it around 18mm from the bottom because most of my stock is 18mm or higher
  3. First drill the hole for the threaded insert
  4. Next step is to drill the hole for the bolt
    • Make sure this is deep enough to accept the length of the bolt.
  5. Put the threaded insert in to place with a hammer and you're good to go for the final step

Assembly

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  1. After all the hardware is installed we can attach the runner to the bigger block.
  2. Drill and countersink 2 holes in the runner to avoid splitting or expanding the runner.
  3. Put the first screw into place
  4. Once the first screw is in, we can use our square to position the second screw. This little trick makes for a perpendicular connection and that's exactly what we want.
  5. Last step is optional: wax the entire jig to make it run smoothly.

How Does It Work?!

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  1. With the help of feeler gauges or a material that serves as a reference we can lock in the jig for the exact thickness.
  2. Put the feeler gauges or the reference material in between the blade and the bolt. Adjust the bolt so it makes for a snug fit.
  3. Tighten the wingnut so everything stays exactly where you want it.
  4. Place the stock in between the fence and the bolt and lock the fence down.
  5. Cut a testpiece to make sure everything is alright.
  6. If everything is OK, repeat step 4 until you have enough thin strips.