About Us
My name is Dan Locaputo, and I invented the "Automatic Flute Spacing Jig". I am proud to say my jigs are made in the USA. My patent number is (6901680). I am a retired engineer who enjoys woodworking. One day I needed to make some flutes and had a heck of a time aligning them. I tried several different ways of getting evenly spaced flutes until I accidently stumbled on this idea. Now flutes are as easy as 1-2-3 and measuring is no longer required!
It turns ordinary projects into extraordinary projects.
Company History
I live in Cincinnati Ohio, where I started my company in my basement woodshop, where it still is. To me, woodworking is a very rewarding pastime and stress relieving get away. I really enjoy making furniture, but I must tell you, like most woodworkers...I hate to put a finish on it.
Proudly, for over 25 years I have been making furniture for my wife, 4 children and their families. Due to some health issues, I have not done any woodworking or promotions on my jig for the past 2 years. But now, I'm back!
My Mission Statement:
When making furniture, large or small, I always strive for perfection.
"If it's not perfect, no one gets to see it"
The Automatic Flute Spacing Jig.
The Jig is 20 inches long and 1-1/2 inches wide. It has (7) seven evenly spaced holes, drilled with a CNC milling machine for accuracy. The aluminum jig is anodized to eliminate oxidation. The (3) three steel bushings are zinc plated to eliminate rust. This jig is made to last a lifetime.
How Does It Work
Decide on how many flutes you want. The formulas are on the jig.
Example: For
3 flutes, use holes 1, and 5
4 flutes, use holes 3 and 7
5 flutes, use holes 1, 4, and 7
6 flutes, use holes 2, 4, and 6
7 flutes, use holes 1, 3, 5, and 7
Sizing And Cutting Flutes
The jig will automatically position the distance from the fence to the router bit without measuring.
Select the bushing to match the diameter of the router bit your are using.
Slip the bushing into one of the selected holes in the jig and over the router bit in the table.
Place your board on top of the jig and slide the router table fence up to the edge of the board and sandwich it between the fence and the locator pin on the jig. The fence must also contact the left end of the jig. Secure the fence by tightening the knobs. Before removing the jig, and you should be able to slide your work piece, side to side with very little friction. Remove the jig and rout you first flute. Reposition the bushing to the next selected hole in the jig and repeat the procedure. A 1/4 " thick leveler (not furnished) under the wood can be used while sizing, to stabilize the wood from tipping.
SAFETY FIRST:
THE POWER TO THE ROUTER MUST BE TURNED OFF AND THE FLUTING JIG REMOVED BEFORE ANY MILLING OPERATIONS. USE SAFETY GLASSES.
NOTE:
For ease of handling, it's always best to use a small sample piece of wood of the same size (as shown on the left picture below) to size your work. After the fence is set to the correct position, remove the jig and run the longer board to be used across the router table. Repeat for the rest of the flutes.
With the jig removed (right picture below), slide your board across the router table and cut your flute using a push pad. Then turn the board, end for end, and slide the board to cut another flute. Change holes and repeat. Always use a push pad for safety. (See PHOTO page for further instructions).
NOTE:
Check out the Photos Site and Helpful Tips Site, for some great router table tips.