I work in a production frame shop where my boss wants to start incorporating splined corners into our frames. The catch is, we're tight on space and can't fit in a table saw or a router table. Does anyone have ideas for jigs that would let us use either a palm router or a track saw instead?
6 Answers
If safety's a concern with larger frames, maybe a benchtop router table could fit? It can be quite compact and still very effective for spline work.
A router jig could be your best bet here! Just make a flat board with a slot in the middle, add a 45-degree triangle clamp on the side, and you’re ready to use it with a trim router and straight bit. It’s compact and should work well for those spline cuts.
You might want to check out YouTube for "splined miter circular saw jig"; there are a bunch of tutorials out there that could help. There's this one here: [Watch this](https://youtu.be/srXdanAMhdQ?si=2xf7KoeKU-3Ikcpz) that could give you a great starting point! Also, look for channels that focus on jigs—there’s a creator with lots of clever designs for small power tools that might be useful, though I can't recall the exact channel name.
What about using an angle grinder with a wood-cutting blade? I know it sounds wild, but if you're dealing with larger frames, it might just get the job done! Just be safe with it!
Using a Domino or a biscuit jointer could work too. Just remember, if you're not looking to showcase the spline, those tools could make it easier to get the job done.
Honestly, I’m surprised you guys manage without a table saw or router in a production setup. What’s the usual process? Do you just cut and glue pre-formed strips? I mean, how are you handling the corners without those tools?
That's not too shabby! But we're really focusing on the aesthetics of the spline here.