BoxJoints

BoxJoints makes the G-code for finger joints (box joints) for boxes and drawers, without a CAM program.

Make a joint

1. Open the Plugins tab in the console area and press Box Joints.
2. Fill in Dimensions and Machine Settings (below).
3. Check Calculated Dimensions. It shows the finger and slot widths and how to set up the board.
4. Press Generate. The program loads.

Turn on Save to File Manager to also keep the program in the File Manager.

Dimensions

• Board Thickness: the thickness of your boards. This is how deep the slots are.
• Board Width: the width of the board edge being cut.
• Finger Count: how many fingers. The finger width is worked out for you.
• Fit Tolerance: extra room so the joint goes together. 0.1 to 0.2 mm is typical.
• Piece Type:
  • A (pins): one board.
  • B (tails): the matching board.
  • Both (pins & tails): both in one program.
• Orientation: X (horizontal) or Y (vertical), the direction the board edge runs on the table.
• Depth Per Pass: how deep each pass cuts.

Machine Settings

• Bit Diameter, Feed Rate, Spindle RPM.
• Spindle Delay (s): how long to wait for the spindle to get up to speed.
• Mist Coolant and Flood Coolant.

Tips

• Clamp the board firmly, with the edge to cut lined up along the direction you chose in Orientation.
• Cut piece A, then piece B, with the same settings so they match.
• Test on scrap first and adjust Fit Tolerance if the joint is too tight or too loose.

Troubleshooting

"Slot width is smaller than bit diameter": the slots are too narrow for your bit. Use fewer fingers or a smaller bit.