Miter Jack Saw

  • Aug 25, 2024

Miter Jack Saw

  • Norman Pirollo

In my last blog post, I referred to creating precision tenons using the Miter Jack Vise. I will explain further. This magic is performed in conjunction with a Miter Jack Saw. The Miter Jack Saw creates uniform shoulders around the joint, either 2 or 4 shoulders. The Miter Jack Vise jaws create a precision reference surface where the Miter Jack Saw rides along at a predetermined height. The tenon cheeks are first accurately sawn. Then, with the tenon stock securely clamped in the vise, the Miter Jack Saw is rotated along the joint, creating a uniform shoulder all around.

In my last blog post, I referred to creating precision tenons using the Miter Jack Vise. I will explain further. This magic is performed in conjunction with a Miter Jack Saw. The Miter Jack Saw creates uniform shoulders around the joint, either 2 or 4 shoulders. The Miter Jack Vise jaws create a precision reference surface where the Miter Jack Saw rides along at a predetermined height. The tenon cheeks are first accurately sawn. Then, with the tenon stock securely clamped in the vise, the Miter Jack Saw is rotated along the joint, creating a uniform shoulder all around. The height or spacer of the blade is arbitrary but I settled on 7/16 in. I also use a spacer block to set the cut before sawing. The premise of the saw is to create a uniform horizontal saw cut, parallel to the sides and end of the tenon stock.

Crosscutting shoulders. I rotate the Miter Jack Saw around the tenon stock to delineate shoulders of tenon.

Miter Jack Saw

The design of my Miter Jack Saw is derivative of the original version. Miter Jack saws were developed in France in the 19th century to work with the Miter Jack Vise. The shop-made version I use incorporates a Japanese Ryoba Saw blade which can be pivoted and flipped. This allows both crosscut and rip teeth to be used and also allows for left or right-hand operation. This is performed by loosening some bolts and either pivoting or flipping the blade in its wood handle. The wood handle is held together with 1/4-20 bolts.

Miter Jack Saw

Sawing tenon cheeks. The setup using a flat workbench surface guarantees a straight cut parallel to sides.

Miter Jack Saw

Crosscutting tenon shoulders with Miter Jack Saw. Shoulders are uniform since saw is moved, not component

Creating Angled Tenon

Completed tenon, no need to tune with a hand plane. It appears to come off a table saw.

Author, Copyright: Norman Pirollo (WoodSkills)

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