jihhwood

Most of my efforts thus far to make finger joints (for the small boxes I make) leave me frustrated. I made a jig that works just fine. The problem is chip-out -- whether I use a 1/4 inch or a 3/8 inch bit (both bits are in reasonably good condition so far as I can tell; I share a shop). I make some boxes from cherry, others from pine; the pine is more troublesome. The jig I use has a masonite (expendable) backing at the point of the cut, so the workpiece is supported there. I've tried using tape on the workpiece. and I've tried making my cut in several shallow passes. What am I doing wrong? Does anyone have techniques that I've not tried? Thanks.