Extending Table Legs. A CNC Cut End Grain Finger Joint

 I've got a short Parson's table with 2" square solid wood legs.  The table would be more useful if it was 6" taller, but that would require stretching or replacing the legs. Or would it?

The is a rendering of a CNC cut finger joint I came up with. As fancy as it looks the assembled appearance would look like interlocking 1/2" square fingers.   I need to make a trip to a nearby hardwood lumber source before I can actually cut this joint and extend my table legs.  

One Side

The Other Side

I was asked in a router forum if this could be done without using a CNC.  Perhaps with templates and a hand held router the top image could be duplicated.  To make the bottom image half the template would be more complex and need a separate center to allow cutting around the center tenon.  I came up with a version that would produce the same final look but could be made easier using a router table or the table saw and a jig to hold up the parts with a 45 degree twist. 

 

Slides together,

Both versions would need a small allowance between halves, perhaps .003" on one side. Room for glue and a slip fit rather than needing to be pressed together with no clearance between halves. 

Possibilities include using a contrasting wood for the feet.  The table is made from Cherry, and Walnut socks might be more interesting than matching the wood with cherry feet. 

When I get around to making these leg extensions I'll add a photo or two to this post. 

5/4/2024 Update:

I accidently cut one of the legs on my TV tray table too short.  The cutoff piece was about 1/2" longer than I needed it to be.  This joint was my salvation. Cut using a 1/8" diameter upcut spiral end mill. 

7/8" x 7/8" 

My TV Tray Table

Here is the table leg repaired using this joint:

Right leg in this photo.

 Questions and comments appreciated.

4D