help with restoring a dovetailed drawer

[blame]

i have never done any type of dovetailed joints and was wondering if there are any good how-to pages on doing them with a router

blame

[Black wallnut]

http://blackwalnutjigs.com/dovetail.asp

Just one of many pages that might help.

[blame]

hey thanks for the link black wallnut i guess i better look into a jig wonder if i could just make one from ply wood

blame

[Daryl]

Harbor Freight has a cheap jig. I think it would be pretty frustrating to build one in the shop.

[ironhat]

Hey blame, have you looked in the search engine for old threads on dovetail jibs? There have been a few lengthy ones with pros and cons as well as specifics on osme of them. Lots of good info. I, unfortunately, am not the guy to offer any useful advice. I'm still in the market. One of those decisions that I can't seem to make because of all the choices. I don't know about you but when I spend over a hundred bucks I don't want to end up disappointed!

[atgcpaul]

i have never done any type of dovetailed joints and was wondering if there are any good how-to pages on doing them with a router

blame

I used the HF jig a few years ago when I made about 15 drawers at once. It
went well but setup was not too fun.

I haven't tried this technique but the next time I want half-blind DTs, I will try
it. I like that you can vary the spacing of the pins so you don't get such a
"factory look".

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/ar...splay?id=11179

Paul

[blame]

I don't know about you but when I spend over a hundred bucks I don't want to end up disappointed!

i know the feeling well

my money is hard earned so i want to get every dollars worth i can and not have to worry about it breaking the first time i use it

blame

[blame]

I used the HF jig a few years ago when I made about 15 drawers at once. It
went well but setup was not too fun.

I haven't tried this technique but the next time I want half-blind DTs, I will try
it. I like that you can vary the spacing of the pins so you don't get such a
"factory look".

Paul

i really like the idea but i dont have a bandsaw anymore

i've been thinking of just hand cutting them because even if i buy the HF DT jig i'm going to lose 30 to 40 bucks and i'll most likly only use it once

but i'm still wondering about trying to cut it out of a scrap piece of ply and use my plunge router too. the set up may be very time consuming and i would hate to waste $9 /BF walnut if the ply where to break or something else happen while cutting them

i just havent found the right way for me yet

thanks for the link Paul

[cabinetman]

i really like the idea but i dont have a bandsaw anymore

i've been thinking of just hand cutting them because even if i buy the HF DT jig i'm going to lose 30 to 40 bucks and i'll most likly only use it once

but i'm still wondering about trying to cut it out of a scrap piece of ply and use my plunge router too. the set up may be very time consuming and i would hate to waste $9 /BF walnut if the ply where to break or something else happen while cutting them

i just havent found the right way for me yet

thanks for the link Paul

The HF jig works well if used properly. You'll need the correct bushings and collars for your router. As for dovetailing plywood, it can be done, but you might get some splintering and tearing. It works best in solid wood. Get some scraps to practice on. Hand cut dovetails takes practice, and patience. You can do it by following the steps it takes. Sharpen up your chisels and have some fun. Oh, a good dovetail saw would help too.
.

[JimD]

I use the HF jig after trying several others. The instructions are terrible but you can get pretty decent ones on-line. The HF jig is a little crude in its finish but not functionally different from anything short of the new PC. I built a separate base for it and keep it set up so I can avoid most of the setup time when I need to do a few drawers.

I also use baltic birch plywood for the drawer sides and back, sometimes the front if there will be a separate overlay front for the drawer. You need a backer piece between the clamp arm and the drawer side, I screw one to the clamp arm. Back-cutting a pass with the router helps too. Poplar or even softwood is easier on the router bit and easier to route but baltic birch plywood is inexpensive and makes a nice drawer, at least to me.

Once you know what you are doing, doing half blind dovetails doesn't take any more time than anything other than simple nail and glue butt joints. I do the back as well as the front - the effort is almost all setup so you might as well.

Jim

[ironhat]

Hey blame, Here's a homebrewed jig but I have a hard time understanding written instructions. Maybe you can do better without many pics.
http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/re...fm?ArticleID=7

Then, there's this one that helps you build your own jigs with their templates. Beautifully simple and only about $84. www.stots.com

And the last one is the most versatile and possible the most bang for the buck at $152. It's a strong contender for me. http://www.woodline.com/v2/pc-1825-1...ry-system.aspx

I hope that this is of some use to you. I've got to make a decision soon for an upcoming project and the end of that sale price (reg. $179) on the last one.

[blame]

Hey blame, Here's a homebrewed jig but I have a hard time understanding written instructions. Maybe you can do better without many pics.
http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/re...fm?ArticleID=7

Then, there's this one that helps you build your own jigs with their templates. Beautifully simple and only about $84. www.stots.com

And the last one is the most versatile and possible the most bang for the buck at $152. It's a strong contender for me. http://www.woodline.com/v2/pc-1825-1...ry-system.aspx

I hope that this is of some use to you. I've got to make a decision soon for an upcoming project and the end of that sale price (reg. $179) on the last one.

ironhat thank you these are what i was lookin for i tried to cut some dove tails using my homemade miter gauge for my router table but couldn't get them to line up right

i cant wait i must go to the shop with the plans lol its only 12:24 am o well its the weekend

thanks again
blame