CNC cutting finger-joints

[makinrose]

I'm writing to give you little perspective on how box joints are cut by the bigger cabinet makers. I've worked with several cabinet makers over the years and also have my own experience making box joints in my shop. None of those makers use a CNC machine to cut box joints them although they use a CNC router for many of the panel cuts. For smaller widths most makers use a hauncher which is a machine that can cut box joints into several panels at once. However, when the width of the board exceeds the hauncher capabilities the panels are routed with a hand router and a jig. Pretty much all of them use 1/4" box joints or rarely 1/2 inch joints. If you are using solid wood for any of the material being able to compensate for slight cupping can be done on the fly with a jig and router. This is essential if you plan on working with pine. I'm not saying doing it with a CNC isn't possible only that there are probably complications that make doing it as described earlier more practical. I hope that is helpful!