Guide bushing for Dovetail Jig?

[RJD2]

I have a Bosch 1617EVSPK along with the Bosch RA1125 7-Piece Router Template Guide Set. I purchased a Harbor Freight Dovetail Machine that requires a guide bushing that protrudes 1/8” to 3/16” below the base of the router and has a 7/16” outside diameter. The required bit is a 1/4" shank, 1/2", and 14 degree. Would the RA1105 bushing work? RA1105 dimensions: 9/64" distance guide tip extends from the bottom of the base, 7/16" outside diameter of template guide tip, 3/8" inside diameter of template guide tip. First link gives template guide dimensions in other views. Also, I was going to order the 5405 in the second link. Is that the correct bit? Thanks.

http://www.1cooltool.com/Bosch-22825...Guide_Set.html
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops..._dovetail.html

Ron

[LCHIEN]

1/8=8/64"
3/16=12/64"
so 9/64" bushing length should work OK

The 5405 is the more or less standard dovetailing bit for those fixtures, it has to be 1/4" shank since 1/2" shank won't fit thru the bushing. Note there's a weak spot in the bit at the base of the dovetail where its thinner than the shank! Don't push too aggresively or you can break this bit, not a nice experience. Take multiple passes taking off a bit each time, don't try to press too hard against the template... you can't go too far and multiple passes is the way to go. You can take quick finishing passes (don't go real slow on the finishing passes or you'll burn it!). Remember, you don't need fine control for the in-between passes, the template will always provide a limit to keep you from going too far.
Use a router speed near the top end since the bit diameter is smallish.

[JimD]

I broke an inexpensive dovetail bit using my HF jig but have good luck with a CMT bit. The HF template guide is cast and a bit rough. I switched to a Grizzly. I also wanted 7/8 drawer spacing since I often use Woodsmith plans and their drawers are sized this way. It's a good fixed spacing half blind dovetail jig.

Jim

[vaking]

I like freud dovetail bits. Practically all dovetail jigs are designed around 1/4" shank bit and 7/16" template guide. The only exception I saw was MLCS jig which requires 5/8" size template. With this template I believe you can use 1/2" shank dovetail bit.