Esteemed Colleagues,
Have just completed building several drawers using the Keller Dovetail
Jig. I'm quite pleased with the simplicity of the process and quality
of the dovetails and pins.
Because I cut the dovetails and pins about 1/32" longer than necessary
(per the Keller instructions), once I assemble and glue the drawers,
I'll need to remove the 1/32" excess by some means prior to finishing
the exterior of the drawers.
I've read various recommendations for accomplishing this, such as:
1. Plane
2. Router (straight bit)
3. Scraper
Has anyone used a belt sander with some 100 grit sandpaper? Then final
sand with orbital sander and 150 grit? Any issues using this method?
Your expertise, stories and tales are appreciated.
Thank you!
-Albert
San Jose, CA
Hey Albert: I too have a Keller jig and love it. Yes a belt sander
will work fine to clean up the corners on your drawers. I don't know
what your skill level is with a belt sander is but a fresh 100 grit belt
might be a bit aggressive. A used 120 might be a better choice. In the
interest of confusing you I also agree with JBB that a block plane will
do the job, but it better be sharp. For me, I can clean up a drawer
with a belt sander in a minute and it looks perfect.
Dean
> Have just completed building several drawers using the Keller Dovetail
> Jig. I'm quite pleased with the simplicity of the process and quality
> of the dovetails and pins.
>
> Because I cut the dovetails and pins about 1/32" longer than necessary
> (per the Keller instructions), once I assemble and glue the drawers,
> I'll need to remove the 1/32" excess by some means prior to finishing
> the exterior of the drawers.
>
> I've read various recommendations for accomplishing this, such as:
>
> 1. Plane
> 2. Router (straight bit)
> 3. Scraper
>
> Has anyone used a belt sander with some 100 grit sandpaper? Then final
> sand with orbital sander and 150 grit? Any issues using this method?
> Your expertise, stories and tales are appreciated.
>
> Thank you!
>
> -Albert
> San Jose, CA
A plane is by far the best choice, for both end results and time efficiency.
I use a low-angle block plane. Be careful to plane into the joint so you
don't chip or tear out the exposed end grain. Also, use a good bench vise
to hold the piece securely so only an inch or two of the piece sits above
the vice; it makes all the difference in the world
I've found that sanding rounds the edges of the piece and blurs the crisp
joint lines of the dovetails.
-JBB
"Albert" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Esteemed Colleagues,
>
> Have just completed building several drawers using the Keller Dovetail
> Jig. I'm quite pleased with the simplicity of the process and quality
> of the dovetails and pins.
>
> Because I cut the dovetails and pins about 1/32" longer than necessary
> (per the Keller instructions), once I assemble and glue the drawers,
> I'll need to remove the 1/32" excess by some means prior to finishing
> the exterior of the drawers.
>
> I've read various recommendations for accomplishing this, such as:
>
> 1. Plane
> 2. Router (straight bit)
> 3. Scraper
>
> Has anyone used a belt sander with some 100 grit sandpaper? Then final
> sand with orbital sander and 150 grit? Any issues using this method?
> Your expertise, stories and tales are appreciated.
>
> Thank you!
>
> -Albert
> San Jose, CA