HF Dovetail Jig and Bits

[TB Roye]

I am building a new computer desk. Was planning on using my HF Dovetail Jig for the drawers. According to the downloaded manual I printed out, I need a template guide with an OD of 7/16" and a 1/4" shank 1/2" dovetail bit. I have a 1/2" shank bit so I will have to buy 1/4" shank bit. My question is where do I get the 7/16" guide, I have a set but none of mine are 7/16". What are you using? The manual sounds like you put the guide in the base and then put the bit in through the guide into the router. To me something sounds funny a 7/16" OD guide and a 1/2" bit, I was taught the 1/2" is bigger than 7/16". Any help would be appriciated.

Tom

[LCHIEN]

yeah the dovetail bit is 1/2 at the bottom tapered to the top.
That's why it has to be a 1/4" shank!
Anyway the narrw part of the bit is inside the template, the part wider than 7/16" hangs below the template.

When you cut the dovetail slot it will be wider at the bottom than at the top.

Good luck.

[jarhead]

Tom,
I am not sure if you're aware of this, but you can use this manual instead:
http://www.woodstockinternational.com/dovetail.cfm

[TB Roye]

Jarhead:

Thats the one I am using. It is great I just need to get a 7/16" OD guide that is short. Thanks for you reply

Tom

[tfischer]

quote:Originally posted by TB Roye

Jarhead:

Thats the one I am using. It is great I just need to get a 7/16" OD guide that is short. Thanks for you reply

Tom

I'm using the universal router base and bushing set from mlcswoodworking.com. It's supposed to be universal, but my old Ryobi router is so nonstandard, I had to modify even it to make it work (but it does work now...

Ryobi has a set of bushings for my router, but they're more expensive -- and PLASTIC. Like I want plastic that close to something going 10,000 RPM [:0].

-Tim

[wassaw998]

Tom,

I have the same HF jig, and I also have a Porter Cable and a Makita Router, both use same size guide bushing, here are the extra pieces I had to order to get the jig going:

( got this from Rockler as they are close to me):

The guide and nut are both Porter Cable Brand also:
1) part # 42027 "Template Guide, 11/32" ID, 7/16" OD"
2) part # 42237, " Template Guide Lock Nut"
3) 1/2", 8 degree Dovetail Bit (1/4" shank), part # 80014 (Rockler Bit).

I had no problem finding this stuff, but, if you don't havea PC or PC size base plate, maybe it is harder as most stuff references the PC size plate opening. (The sell adapters for most base plates).

[TB Roye]

Thank for all your replies:

Went to my local Woodcrafters store this morning and found the 7/16" guide and the 14 deg. x 1/2 dovetail bit. Put universal base on the 1/4" router (Craftsman) borrowed from by Brother Inlaw. and made some joints. It took a few times but manage to get a couple of nice looking and fitting joints. I used scrap plywood and other than the chipping they fit good. Now to get some good wood and make the drawers. I have a M12V but that thing is too heavy. Will be getting a PC next week end for hand held work.

Thanks again

Tom

[jarhead]

quote:Originally posted by wassaw998

Tom,

I have the same HF jig, and I also have a Porter Cable and a Makita Router, both use same size guide bushing, here are the extra pieces I had to order to get the jig going:

( got this from Rockler as they are close to me):

The guide and nut are both Porter Cable Brand also:
1) part # 42027 "Template Guide, 11/32" ID, 7/16" OD"
2) part # 42237, " Template Guide Lock Nut"
3) 1/2", 8 degree Dovetail Bit (1/4" shank), part # 80014 (Rockler Bit).

I had no problem finding this stuff, but, if you don't havea PC or PC size base plate, maybe it is harder as most stuff references the PC size plate opening. (The sell adapters for most base plates).

I also have an HF dovetail jig which I haven't attempted to use yet. If I have a Bosch 1617 router, how do I know which guides to buy? This may sound silly, but I assume the dovetail bit will work no matter what the router is (hmmm...come to think of it, I don't have a 1/4" collet).

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by jarhead
I also have an HF dovetail jig which I haven't attempted to use yet. If I have a Bosch 1617 router, how do I know which guides to buy? This may sound silly, but I assume the dovetail bit will work no matter what the router is (hmmm...come to think of it, I don't have a 1/4" collet).

If you have a Bosch 1617 it comes with a 1/4" collet.
There are three good ways to get template guides on a 1617 router.


1. Your router should have come with a quick-release template guide holder

that attaches with two screws to the baseplate. Buy the Bosch quick release bushing set (RA1125) for around $24 (I think That's what I paid at the last woodworking show in Houston). The bushings work great and attach and detach quickly with the adapter. The individual bushings are also available - I'd guess you could get the 7/16" one for around $7-10.

2. get the RA1100 bushing guide adapter. This is threaded to accept a PC guide bushing (no ring required) and will quick mount to the quick guide bushing adapter above. (the RA1125 kit not required, altho the RA1125 kit has an RA1100 in it).

3. You can buy a jesada adapter that fits the Bosch quick guide holder and the Jesada adapter will hold standard porter cable bushings with a bushing ring. Then buy a PC bushing of the 7/16" size and a ring, or buy a whole PC-style bushing kit.

4. Buy a universal base from Vermont American - the base has holes to mount the base as a replacement for the Bosch black base (and just about every other router) and the VA base will accept the plastic bushings that come with the base.

[jarhead]

quote:Originally posted by LCHIEN
If you have a Bosch 1617 it comes with a 1/4" collet.

Loring,
i bought my router used and it was "missing" some parts including the 1/4" collet.

[JimD]

To avoid chipping when making drawers out of 1/2 inch plywood, try clamping a piece of scrap to the drawer side (the piece vertical in the jig) that is about the same width as the drawer side - preferably the same width or wider. You do not need the scrap piece to go all the way up to the same height as the drawer slide, it just needs to go up to where the bottom of the joint will be. For me this totally eliminates chipping and I use the same scrap piece for a lot of drawers since I only lose an 1/8th or so on each joint.


Jim

[dt5874]

Hi all,
I've been reading the previous posts, and I'm confused as to what is needed for the jig.

I bought the Bosch 1617EVSPK router kit from amazon which I haven't received yet:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...=UTF8&v=glance

Supposedly, it comes with 7/16 template guide.

I know I need a 1/4" shank dovetail bit. What else do I need for this jig to work? Do I need a universal base?

I want to get the HP dovetail jig asap before the sale ends, but I don't want to get it if I still have to buy a ton of accessories to ge t it to work.

thanks for your help
David

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by dt5874

Hi all,
I've been reading the previous posts, and I'm confused as to what is needed for the jig.

I bought the Bosch 1617EVSPK router kit from amazon which I haven't received yet:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...=UTF8&v=glance

Supposedly, it comes with 7/16 template guide.

I know I need a 1/4" shank dovetail bit. What else do I need for this jig to work? Do I need a universal base?

I want to get the HP dovetail jig asap before the sale ends, but I don't want to get it if I still have to buy a ton of accessories to ge t it to work.

thanks for your help
David

Based upon update info...
Since your router package comes with a 7/16 template guide -
You're basically set.
Most routers don't come with guides.
You're lucky and the Bosch quick release templates are nice. I bought a set of 6 or so sizes for about $25.

If you have the Bosch 1617 are not as lucky to have the correct template guide in hand, then You'll have to
A) buy the individual Bosch quick mating 7/16" guide bushing to attach to the guide bushing adapter that comes with the router
or
B) buy the bosch set and use the adapter
or
C) but a porter cable bushing or bushing set and buy a universal base plate that accepts the PC bushings.

Yes, the bottom of the bit will be wide than the bushing. That's why you have to put the bit on last. It'll hang down so it won't interfere.

[Kristofor]

quote:Originally posted by LCHIEN

I don't think it comes with a 7/16 template guide - I don't know of any routers that come with guides.

The Bosch 1617EVSPK I bought (for more money) didn't come with them, but the URL he posted was for that deal they have going at Amazon now that has the following:

Bonus: Includes a free deluxe edge guide, a $39.99 value, plus a $100 accessory package featuring a centering cone, 5/8-, 7/16-, and 5/16-inch template guides, plunge base, dust hood, and fine adjustment extension knob, when you purchase this Bosch router combination pack from Amazon.com.

I would assume that as it includes the template guides it also includes the parts needed to attach them. Of course everyone knows the saying about assuming things

Kristofor.

[RickLab]

I bought the same 1617EVSPK package from Amazon and it DOES come with a 7/16 inch template guide (as well as the other 2) and the quick-release template guide holder in Loring's picture to attach it to the base plate. It's a pretty decent setup.