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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    Gillingham Kent ENGLAND
    Posts
    1

    Question Dovetail Jointing.

    Just returned to woodwork, new to Table Routing.
    I am stuck on true Dovetailing on one of these.
    Can't stretch to an expensive jig that will seldomly be used.
    I've watched a few videos on YouTube etc. but still puzzled.

    Can anyone advise me about:

    • The need for different Pin and Tail bits? I've seen videos where this is the case but my bit sets only have one dovetail bit of each size.
    • A home made Jig/Sled that I can construct from scratch?
    • I don't mind cutting Pins/Tails one by one and am happy to make it project specific if need be.


    Any help gratefully anticipated.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Albury
    Posts
    3,019

    Default

    Cut the dovetails on the router table and cut the pins by hand. There are relatively cheap dovetail jigs along the lines of a Gifkins, but, like the Gifkins, you can only cut through dovetails and a single spacing with each template. I've never seen a homemade dovetail jig for the router table. This is probably due to the level of precision required to get an acceptable result.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Location
    Canberra
    Age
    67
    Posts
    162

    Default

    I quite like this one YouTube

  5. #4
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Location
    Plymouth, MN
    Posts
    2

    Default

    "I've never seen a homemade dovetail jig for the router table. This is probably due to the level of precision required to get an acceptable result."

    Here is one.

    YouTube


    Warren

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    1,166

    Default

    thanks for posting your work Warren. Looks interesting. Hopefully you'll get a few new watches and subscribers out of the post as well.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Bundaberg
    Age
    54
    Posts
    3,402

    Default

    Regarding seperate tail and pin bits; these are only needed on through dovetails. Most router bit sets come with a dovetail bit, but they are only suitable for half-blind dovetails. This is because they have a very steep 14 degree angle which lends itself to being used to cut both the pin and the tail. Through dovetails are cut at a much shallower angle and look MUCH better.

    Homemade dovetail jigs have been around for donkeys years, keep an eye out for a Stots Dovetail Template Master. This was a jig for making jigs!
    Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    geelong
    Posts
    359

    Default

    I came across a proper dovetail machine (not a gig) years ago at the auctions for $80. Does the basic -even dovetails. However proper hand cut dovetails look far better and should be that little bit stronger. Decent marking gauge and maybe band-saw followed by fine chisels or simply a GOOD small handsaw (I have used a Gents saw - little tenon saw & a Japanese style pull saw) with care, works well for good projects. Suggest cutting one part of the joint and then marking the other (with a knife -pencil won't do )
    By the way -only used the machine for 2 paying jobs -they were impressed - chipboard furniture people. Still will use it, but not for boxes or other visible joins - leave it for the draws.
    Must work out the size required to use this for Box joints. The machine is similar to the jigs for routers, but once set up will cut both joints from the same setting. Sort of swing arm with a 1 hp motor and the sort of dovetail jig you except for a router, but gan do both cuts from the same setting. Literally could do hundreds of drawers etc. without touching it. BUT they are obviously machine cut.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    5,124

    Default

    The absolute ultimate in jigs is the Leigh. It does my head in though.

    I've resorted to using the Incra setup. Easy peasy and super dooper accurate. Bit exxy on the price though.

    There is this accurate home made setup by William Ng YouTube

    For hand made, this video is illuminating YouTube

    Over the next year Ill be doing a LOT of handmade dovetails for the boxes. Looking forward to it.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Kew, Vic
    Posts
    1,064

    Default

    Aeolus,

    Have a look at eBay UK. They currently have quite a few jigs available. Trend, Leigh etc. Prices from 30 pounds up. Search for “dovetail jig”.

    Brian

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    5,124

    Default Leight D4R will be up for sale soon

    Might not be relevant, but I've decided to sell my Leigh Dovetail jig - Its the D4R with all now cutters and accessories. It will include the holder for the Festool 1400 router.

    It is unused.

    I'll put it up by Monday 9 Oct.

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    Tura Beach
    Posts
    5

    Default

    Are you still going to sell your D4R, If so I would be interested.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    5,124

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ratso View Post
    Are you still going to sell your D4R, If so I would be interested.
    I am. I'll send you an message. Im pretty straight forward.

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