Removing waste before using dovetail jig

Hey Tom,
There is no real need to cut out the waste prior to routing. A router
of the proper size and a sharp bit will do the job. If you are having
difficulty removing all of the waste during the router steps, I think
that your router is improperly sized for the job (too small of a motor
for example) or your bit is worn. I've been using my D4R for more
than a year (and before that, a 20 year old Craftsman template) and
have never felt the need to remove the excess material. I'm using
either a PC 690 or an equaivalent( can't recall the model numbers)
DeWalt fixed based routers. I think they are 1&3/4 hp. I have tried
another PC that was 2+hp but this was one of those older models that
had a "funky" speed controller and it bogged down in the heavier
sections.
No offense meant here, but I think your approach is a waste of time
and could lead to less than optimal joints when the project is done.
On the other hand, I often will make kerfs with a table saw and/or
straight bits when I am making sliding dovetails. I do this
regardless of making the sliders on my D4R, my table mounted router,
or if I am using a freehand, guided router.
=20
Marc



On Jan 16, 8:22=A0am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Posting again..
>
> I'm curious how you know where to remove the waste before using the
> jig. =A0I have Leigh D4- do you have to set the piece in the jig first,
> mark the areas to be cut by tracing the template fingers, or what?
> You'd have to make an allowance for the guide bushing, so how do you
> know where to cut on the bandsaw???
>
> Cheers
>
> On Jan 13, 10:57 pm, "Tom Dacon" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> - Hide quoted text -
> - Show quoted text -
>
>
>
> > One thing that's not stressed enough when people talk about using dovet=
ail
> > jigs is how much it helps to hog out the waste by other means before yo=
u
> > start cutting wood with the router. Sometimes I'll take a piece to the
> > bandsaw and rough out the cut to remove waste. Other times I'll take a
> > straight bit and clear out the middle of the area that the dovetail bit=
will
> > finish out. The more contemplative types might use a coping saw. A lot =
of
> > people don't know that it's the chips that carry the heat away from the=
bit,
> > and if you drive it right into hard wood the bits tend to burn or dull
> > quickly because the router's cutting wood in a confined space and the h=
eat
> > can't escape as easily. So make it easy for the router bits and the woo=
d
> > will appreciate it.
> > Tom Dacon- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -