How to cut Tray fingers ? Router or ??

[Intex]

I am trying to cut a row of "fingers" approx 3.5mm wide x 3.5-4" long (as shown in the attached picture)

I do not think I can use the normal method on the tables of cutting them vertical, since the blade won't reach that high, and I don't think it would be safe either.

Any ideas how to do this with Festool equipment or other??

Thanks

 

[Michael Kellough]

Strongly recommend reducing the length to what you can cut on a table saw.

Also suggest making the fingers a little wider to make stiffer and reduce the likelihood of moving when cut loose from the neighbor and getting tapered by the blade (or router bit).

If the key in the photo is 1” wide then the length of the finger is only about 2-5/8”.

 

[Birdhunter]

Would it work to lay the board flat on the table saw with the blade totally retracted and carefully raise the blade. The blade would then be retracted fully and the board indexed for the next cut. It would be critical to clamp the board down against the saw's bed for each cut.

I'd then flip the board over and repeat the process. You would have to do a little clean up to square the ends of the cut, but a narrow rasp should work.

 

[Svar]

The fingers are not very long. What's the problem of cutting it on a table saw sled? Same way finger joints are cut.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I do not think I can use the normal method on the tables of cutting them vertical, since the blade won't reach that high, and I don't think it would be safe either.

Can be done with a table saw, no problem. The depth of the gaps look like 3 inch max and there are plenty of table saws that can do that. There are also plenty that can do more, you just have to find a place where you can use one.

Just make a support structure so the board you're cutting will stay stable when it's upright. I'd clamp the piece you're cutting between two other boards, make them all oversize so you can screw in the top and the sides. Screw the 3 boards together and then add legs on each side so you end up with a nice tent shaped piece.

Then cut a bunch of spacers the size of a tooth + gap, lay them against the fence of the table saw and add one for each tooth. Then turn the thing around and repeat from the other side to end up with the 3,5 mm wide gaps. Clean them up with a vile.

 

[lerabotperche]

I am trying to cut a row of "fingers" approx 3.5mm wide x 3.5-4" long (as shown in the attached picture)

I do not think I can use the normal method on the tables of cutting them vertical, since the blade won't reach that high, and I don't think it would be safe either.

Any ideas how to do this with Festool equipment or other??

Thanks

Hi intex,
You must follow the tutorials about making a joining box on a table saw or feather board on table saw too.

It is kind of easy but need to be accurate and SAFE.

 

[Intex]

My main problem is that I no longer have a table saw. I’ve be3n waiting for the new Festool table saw. I sold my huge sawstop saw due to downsizing, and looking for a safe “as much n I want to keep my fingers” compact saw

Do I need to find a saw blade with a 3.5mm kerf, if not I need to make multiple passes

 

[Svar]

My main problem is that I no longer have a table saw.

In that case, first of all, what do you have? Track saw? TS 55 or 75?
You could still clamp the piece vertically to the side of the bench and cut it with TS. Or do it flat, stopped cut, full depth.
You could cut thin strips and reglue them alternating long and short pieces.

 

[Roseland]

Could you rout the slots with the wood flat on an MFT, and the router guided by rail?

Here in the UK Wealden sell a 3.5mm diameter cutter.

The bottom of the slots would be rounded, but does that matter?

Andrew

 

[waho6o9]

View attachment 1
https://microfence.com/customer-solutions/micro-stop-in-use/

"Any ideas how to do this with Festool equipment or other??"

Sharp chisels and a file will work for some Zen time.

Best of luck.

 

[Cheese]

I'm not exactly sure of what your needs are. Does the trough have to be flat or can it have a radius?

These were done with a MFS and a 1010 router.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Intex]

Waho:
I am looking at the Micro Fence with my router table, but am not sure how I would index every 3.5mm finger with this jig?

Cheese:
Did you use a jig with the MFS?? I thought the MFS was discontinued

 

[Cheese]

Cheese:
Did you use a jig with the MFS?? I thought the MFS was discontinued

I just reconfigured the MFS so that the top & bottom rails are screwed down while the side rails are moveable. And then I used ply spacers for positioning.

The MFS has been discontinued in the USA.  [sad]  I thought I read somewhere that it's still available in Europe.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Michael Kellough]

I am trying to cut a row of "fingers" approx 3.5mm wide x 3.5-4" long (as shown in the attached picture)

I do not think I can use the normal method on the tables of cutting them vertical, since the blade won't reach that high, and I don't think it would be safe either.

Any ideas how to do this with Festool equipment or other??

Thanks

Buy a Kapex and use the trenching feature.