Author Topic: Dado Blades to make finger joints?  (Read 3160 times)

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Offline Onebowonder

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Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« on: March 01, 2017, 01:49:34 pm »
Obviously, I'm asking about using this type of joint for putting a pair of billets together.  I just don't know if anyone has done such before.  I can be something of a Klutz with my Japanese Pull Saw, so sometimes I have difficulty getting the Z or W splice cut out just right.  I'm thinking, (aka hoping) my machinery might be a bit more accurate with such precise cutting than the owner.   :o ;D ;)

OneBow

Offline Springbuck

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2017, 01:57:49 pm »
Why not?

As long as the fingers are long enough and the joint stays in a relatively stiff unbending handle section, I see no problems with it.  Say, 3" of overlap and some good glue?  Maybe an overlay on the front? Maybe leave even extra mass in the handle?

   I wouldn't do it with, say, a finger-jointer bit and a router.   But, I bet even with a careful hand, a jig, and a tablesaw, you'd be ok.

Although, I do tend to wrap anything I have questions about.   You know, say, a little serving of thin polyester stitching cord under the leather grip.........

Offline PatM

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2017, 02:12:59 pm »
You're just exchanging one problem for another. Practice your cutting ability.

Offline DC

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2017, 02:24:26 pm »
I got an 8" piece of 1x2 and cut it into 8" pieces. Then basically spliced it all back together. I was pretty good by the last one. I was using a band saw but it's a pretty poor excuse for a band saw.

Offline justsomedude

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2017, 03:29:04 pm »
In my experience, you will just fail faster :)

Offline justsomedude

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #5 on: March 01, 2017, 03:30:01 pm »
Gary Davis has a good tip about leaving the points square when you cut.

Offline Hawkdancer

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2017, 11:28:08 am »
There's a secret to getting the fingers to match up - I'm still trying to find it😀👹😂! 
Hawkdancer
Life is far too serious to be taken that way!
Jerry

Offline Pat B

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2017, 11:48:01 am »
Once you get your splices cut steam then, push the joint together, clamp it and let it cool. By steaming and clamping both sides of the splice will mate up perfectly for the glue-up.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline PatM

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2017, 12:27:39 pm »
You can modify your tapers after cutting if they don't fit well. Clean up the inside cuts with some sandpaper stuck to a thin card scraper etc.

Offline Onebowonder

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2017, 05:58:40 pm »
Thanx guys.  Good advice all around.  -OneBow

Offline bjrogg

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #10 on: March 02, 2017, 06:08:57 pm »
Haven't attempted spliced bow yet , but I'm gonna remember that trick Pat B.😏
Bjrogg
A hot cup of coffee and a beautiful sunrise

Offline Dances with squirrels

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #11 on: March 02, 2017, 06:41:03 pm »
No need to steam if you do an accurate job of cutting. Takes 2-3 minutes with a bandsaw. No secrets. If you can be more specific with your issues, we can be more specific with solutions.
Straight wood may make a better bow, but crooked wood makes a better bowyer

Offline Stick Bender

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #12 on: March 02, 2017, 06:41:20 pm »
Never did it but I would imagine if you made a jig to hold the limbs vertical across the blades it would work, strength wise would be strong joint !
If you fear failure you will never Try !

Offline Eric Krewson

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #13 on: March 02, 2017, 06:53:04 pm »
I have steamed a few bad splice fits but use dry heat most of the time, quick and easy.

Offline DC

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Re: Dado Blades to make finger joints?
« Reply #14 on: March 02, 2017, 07:22:20 pm »
If you're like me and can't saw a straight line even with a band saw the steaming trick was a Godsend :D :D