Design Tool for Finger Joints

• Default – All the middle fingers are the width of bit diameter minus fit leniency. The two end fingers are minimum width plus ½ of any unused board width.
• Advanced Options – The end fingers are minimum width, the board A fingers are a variable width depending on the number of fingers chosen, the board B fingers are the width of bit diameter minus fit leniency (Smaller leniency = tighter fit).
• 1st Finger Indent – The input value overrides first end finger width.

Create virtual finger joint templates with this online design tool

This tool creates a cut pattern that, when affixed to Router Boss's rulers, controls the cutting of a finger joint. Unlike with hardware templates, the design tool imposes few limitations. Choose any board width and bit, plus with the advanced option you can choose number of fingers with variable finger spacing. You can even adjust for tightness of fit.

Create and Affix Template
After you enter your board width and select desired options then click the Ruler Template button to print your cut pattern on self adhesive label stock. Cut out the pattern (template) and affix it to a Router Boss ruler or story board. For help in selecting the different options click on the Help button.


Zero Cursor and DRO
Clamp board to sliding bar. Position laser crosshair or centering bit at edge of board then position a cursor at the zero mark on the template and press the zero button on the digital readout (DRO). Turn the crank to move the cursor to the first cut line. Note that a DRO reading is printed on the template at each cut line. Use the DRO to confirm cursor positioning and adjust if necessary.


Use the Printed Template to Position Each Cut
Use the top BLUE lines to position cuts in the A board. Then use the bottom RED lines to position cuts in the mating B Board. Climb cut the end fingers to stop breakout. You can cut two boards at the same time. If both the A and B boards have the same number of fingers and you do not choose an advanced option then you can cut both an A and mating B board at the same time using only the A board cut positions. After the cuts, flip the B board to mate with the A board.


Micro-Adjuster
Using the cursor and DRO it is possible to repeat the same cuts again and again with extreme accuracy resulting in tight fitting joints. The crank provides mechanical advantage and rapid positioning of the sliding bar and work piece. For fine adjustments we offer a micro-adjuster (see right picture above) that also locks the sliding bar during cuts.

A Sample Finished Finger Joint