Basically all my problems with dovetal jigs seem to be in getting (and
keeping) the dovetail bit centered in the bushing. I got to thinking
that Keller and others are right - use a bearing. I have spent
countless hours on the internet looking for 7/16 OD for 1/4 bits.
Seems it is a size totally skipped by everyone.
So, this brings me to several questions:
1.) Does anyone know a source for 7/16 bearings?
2.) Is there a reaon not to use a bearing on a bushing designed
guide? The manual warns against it like it would cause the end of
life as we know it if you do. I accept the fact that it might wear
the fingers slightly more and would be willing to accept that.
3.) If I can't get a bearing and am stuck with a bushing, does anyone
have suggestions on routers/bearings that would be most friendly? I
see Leigh has a bearing that allows you to micro-adjust the size of
the bearing. Seems there should be a router or bushing that somehow
allows you to click in a perfectly centered bit. I use a a centering
bit on the bushing but it doesn't take too much use before it is
slightly off center. Tightening it usually only worsens the problem.
I've tried it on 3 different routers with two different bushing sets.
They have all been Porter Cable type bushings.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Caveat, I do sell a center-able subbase.
Now, in my view, bearings center the cutter better than anything but
for a price.
They spin (decelerate) like hell and when they hit the templet the
templet can transfer some material to the bearing. Now then, a bearing
with aluminum stuck on it will abrade the next tine, collect more
metal etc. and gall the templet over time. Not so serious on phenolics
but can be on thermo-plastics. Moreover, as the roller bounces along
the templet tines it transfers these undulations to the work. As such,
the fit of the joinery can be sloppy or tight.
Study the link. http://patwarner.com/precision_subbase_kit.html
The plate will get you within a few .001"s of center. Secondary
advantage: The ring won't spin and spoil your templet and your tool
(cutters & collars) selection latitude is far greater than bearings
and cutters to go with those bearings.
***************************************************************************=
****
On Oct 17, 1:06=A0am, [email protected] wrote:
> Basically all my problems with dovetal jigs seem to be in getting (and
> keeping) =A0the dovetail bit centered in the bushing. =A0I got to thinkin=
g
> that Keller and others are right - use a bearing. =A0I have spent
> countless hours on the internet looking for 7/16 OD for 1/4 bits.
> Seems it is a size totally skipped by everyone.
>
> So, this brings me to several questions:
>
> 1.) =A0Does anyone know a source for 7/16 bearings?
> 2.) =A0Is there a reaon not to use a bearing on a bushing designed
> guide? =A0The manual warns against it like it would cause the end of
> life as we know it if you do. =A0I accept the fact that it might wear
> the fingers slightly more and would be willing to accept that.
> 3.) =A0If I can't get a bearing and am stuck with a bushing, does anyone
> have suggestions on routers/bearings that would be most friendly? =A0I
> see Leigh has a bearing that allows you to micro-adjust the size of
> the bearing. =A0Seems there should be a router or bushing that somehow
> allows you to click in a perfectly centered bit. =A0I use a a centering
> bit on the bushing but it doesn't take too much use before it is
> slightly off center. =A0Tightening it usually only worsens the problem.
> I've tried it on 3 different routers with two different bushing sets.
> They have all been Porter Cable type bushings.
>
> Thanks for any suggestions.
On Oct 17, 4:06=A0am, [email protected] wrote:
> Basically all my problems with dovetal jigs seem to be in getting (and
> keeping) =A0the dovetail bit centered in the bushing. =A0I got to thinkin=
g
> that Keller and others are right - use a bearing. =A0I have spent
> countless hours on the internet looking for 7/16 OD for 1/4 bits.
> Seems it is a size totally skipped by everyone.
>
> So, this brings me to several questions:
>
> 1.) =A0Does anyone know a source for 7/16 bearings?
> 2.) =A0Is there a reaon not to use a bearing on a bushing designed
> guide? =A0The manual warns against it like it would cause the end of
> life as we know it if you do. =A0I accept the fact that it might wear
> the fingers slightly more and would be willing to accept that.
> 3.) =A0If I can't get a bearing and am stuck with a bushing, does anyone
> have suggestions on routers/bearings that would be most friendly? =A0I
> see Leigh has a bearing that allows you to micro-adjust the size of
> the bearing. =A0Seems there should be a router or bushing that somehow
> allows you to click in a perfectly centered bit. =A0I use a a centering
> bit on the bushing but it doesn't take too much use before it is
> slightly off center. =A0Tightening it usually only worsens the problem.
> I've tried it on 3 different routers with two different bushing sets.
> They have all been Porter Cable type bushings.
>
> Thanks for any suggestions.
the dewalt 621 router I use has a removable base insert. (for large
bits). The insert takes a bushing, and it's dead - on. I've checked
the best I can, and it seems that all I have to do is put the bushing
on, and go - I've never had to use the centering pin that comes with
the bushing set
shelly
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Basically all my problems with dovetal jigs seem to be in getting (and
> keeping) the dovetail bit centered in the bushing. I got to thinking
> that Keller and others are right - use a bearing. I have spent
> countless hours on the internet looking for 7/16 OD for 1/4 bits.
> Seems it is a size totally skipped by everyone.
>
> So, this brings me to several questions:
>
> 1.) Does anyone know a source for 7/16 bearings?
> 2.) Is there a reaon not to use a bearing on a bushing designed
> guide? The manual warns against it like it would cause the end of
> life as we know it if you do. I accept the fact that it might wear
> the fingers slightly more and would be willing to accept that.
Most bearings have a shorter life than the bit, especially if you have the
bit resharpened. If the bearing starts to wear, it no longer holds its
tolerances. IOW it may allow the bit to cut deeper than when new, this
would result in inconsistant spacing cuts. Also if the bit ever locks up it
will begin to chew into you template guide immediately and then that
particular location will forever from that point forward telegraph the
damaged shape of the template to you work.
As far as being willing to accept template finger wear, that is going to
cause you more problems that a guide bushing that may be off center a slight
bit. Again with fingers that are worn, they are not going to wear
consistantly and unevenly so your tails and pins are no longer going to be
cut so that they mate properly. You may not be able to get the tails and
pins to fit together.
> 3.) If I can't get a bearing and am stuck with a bushing, does anyone
> have suggestions on routers/bearings that would be most friendly? I
> see Leigh has a bearing that allows you to micro-adjust the size of
> the bearing. Seems there should be a router or bushing that somehow
> allows you to click in a perfectly centered bit. I use a a centering
> bit on the bushing but it doesn't take too much use before it is
> slightly off center. Tightening it usually only worsens the problem.
> I've tried it on 3 different routers with two different bushing sets.
> They have all been Porter Cable type bushings.
The better routers have a base that can be centered to the bit. There are
aftermarket bases that will allow this to be done with routers that do come
with adjustable bases.
What you need is a centering point, basically a pointed bit like tool to
mount in the collet and adjust inside the bushing while the base is loose.
This will center the base. Then you tighten the base adjustment screws.
Adjustable bases typically use pan head screws in over sized holes in the
base. This allows movement of the base for centering. The pan head screws
do not try to center the screw in the holes as flat head counter head screws
do.
Now having said that, proper router technique can lessen the problems
associated with a guide bushing that is not centered with the bit. If the
bushing is off center the bit will tend to cut off center and more so to one
side or the other between the template fingers. This will not be a big
problem as long as you make all of the cuts with the same off center off
set. Proper router technique will require you to "always" hold the router
in the same orientation at all times when making cuts. Basically if the
handles on the router point at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock when you begin
cutting the material, keep the router handles in this position for all
cutting. DO NOT let the router rotate during any of the cutting. I and
many others for years successfully cut tails and pins with off centered
guide bushings.
A perfectly center bushing typically only affords you the ability to hold
the handles in different positions.
On 10/17/2009 02:06 AM, [email protected] wrote:
> So, this brings me to several questions:
>
> 1.) Does anyone know a source for 7/16 bearings?
A bearing supply house. Look in the yellow pages.
Chris
On Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:06:48 -0500, [email protected] wrote:
>Basically all my problems with dovetal jigs seem to be in getting (and
>keeping) the dovetail bit centered in the bushing.
>3.) If I can't get a bearing and am stuck with a bushing, does anyone
>have suggestions on routers/bearings that would be most friendly? I
>see Leigh has a bearing that allows you to micro-adjust the size of
>the bearing. Seems there should be a router or bushing that somehow
>allows you to click in a perfectly centered bit. I use a a centering
>bit on the bushing but it doesn't take too much use before it is
>slightly off center. Tightening it usually only worsens the problem.
>I've tried it on 3 different routers with two different bushing sets.
>They have all been Porter Cable type bushings.
Often the subbase has been overtightened at the factory and the screws
have left a slight indent in the subbase. This results in the subbase
always working its way back to where it was originally. You might try
a aftermarket subbase .
Another thing that might help is to wax the underside of the subbase
periodically. This lets the router glide around on the jig a lot
easier, so you aren't slamming it around into the guides. I was
shocked at the difference it made to the whole experience. The
downside is when you let go of the router to flip the stock around it
starts moving around by itself.
-Kevin