I'd like to start doing dovetail joints, but don't have a jig, and I
don't have the knack (or time) to hand cut. I have 2 routers, a PC 3HP,
and a 15yr old Craftsman 3/4hp (1/4 shaft). What is a good kit that
contains "everything" (including the bits I'll need). 10" max or around
there is fine, and this is not for production, just hobby/garage time
things. If there is no kit that has everything, could someone pick an
example kit and explain what else I need.
I've seen kits in stores, but it doesn't list what else you need to do
it, nor do they sell "dovetail bits". (Osh).
Thanks in advance for any time you spend explaining this. (I've done
some web seaches, but haven't found the complete reference yet...)
C
V.E. Dorn wrote:
>Phisherman <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>
>
>>Still, the most versatility is with handcut dovetails and a quality
>>dovetail saw. I've cut perfect angled and decorative dovetails after
>>just 30 hours of practice. You really should consider gaining this
>>basic skill.
>>
>>
>>
>The problem is that hand cutting seems to be a perishable skill. I took the
>time to learn and then didn't do it for awhile - took along time to get it
>even close. I'm sticking with a jig. To me, it's like an ax and a
>chainsaw, I feel confident that the pioneers would have used a Homelight if
>they had one.
>
>Don
>
>
>
>
BUT
For the same price of that jig that will only do one thing, I can buy
the tools I need to handcut DT and they will do many other things.
Kevin
Greetings:
Phisherman <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Still, the most versatility is with handcut dovetails and a quality
> dovetail saw. I've cut perfect angled and decorative dovetails after
> just 30 hours of practice. You really should consider gaining this
> basic skill.
I'd just like to express my agreement with this statement. Given the
right tools, hand cut dovetails are easy to learn. I've seen
dovetails for a drawer cut in a couple of minutes. I sure can't do it
that fast (but I'm a putterer in the shop), but it's something I'm
working toward.
You do need a good workbench, well-squared workpieces, a sharp chisel,
and a well-tuned hand plane.
Mark
"V.E. Dorn" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> The problem is that hand cutting seems to be a perishable skill.
You say that like it's a *bad* thing. Handtool skills are acquired
and honed (no pun intended) through practice. Rather than simply
firing up a machine and having it do the work for you, you actually
develop the motor skills that go into sawing, chopping, planing, etc.
Personally, I think that is something any woodworker would be
well-served to learn. And I expect that my hobbies will require some
effort on my part to achieve a certain level of proficiency. Whether
it's woodworking, playing a musical instrument or flyfishing, *all* of
the above involve "perishable" skills.
> I took the
> time to learn and then didn't do it for awhile - took along time to get it
> even close. I'm sticking with a jig. To me, it's like an ax and a
> chainsaw, I feel confident that the pioneers would have used a Homelight if
> they had one.
No doubt they would have for survival purposes or to put a roof
over their heads. However, I expect there would still be some
craftsmen who would recognize the unique nature of a handcut dovetail,
and would choose to carry on that tradition.
So I guess it comes down to what you expect from your hobby. If
you simply want to get something that holds together, machine-cut are
certainly as good. If you think of woodworking as being about the
process, then handcut would be the way to go.
And I firmly believe that *every* woodworker would be well-served
to acquire some basic handtool skills. If nothing else, when the
power goes out you can keep working by candlelight. :-)
Chuck Vance
I have a Porter Cable model 4112. It does stock up to 12" wide, comes with
guide bushing and bit. Does a good job and everything you need comes with it
(though the bit is HSS. Cuts well but won't last as long as carbide).
"C Wood" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> I'd like to start doing dovetail joints, but don't have a jig, and I
> don't have the knack (or time) to hand cut. I have 2 routers, a PC 3HP,
> and a 15yr old Craftsman 3/4hp (1/4 shaft). What is a good kit that
> contains "everything" (including the bits I'll need). 10" max or around
> there is fine, and this is not for production, just hobby/garage time
> things. If there is no kit that has everything, could someone pick an
> example kit and explain what else I need.
>
> I've seen kits in stores, but it doesn't list what else you need to do
> it, nor do they sell "dovetail bits". (Osh).
>
> Thanks in advance for any time you spend explaining this. (I've done
> some web seaches, but haven't found the complete reference yet...)
>
> C
>
>
C Wood wrote:
> I've seen kits in stores, but it doesn't list what else you need to do
> it, nor do they sell "dovetail bits". (Osh).
Do you have a "woodworking" store locally? If so, they should be
able to point out everything you need...even if it doesn't come
all in one box. You're better off with a carbide bit, anyway.
The bits in those kits are frequently HSS :(
--
************************************
Chris Merrill
[email protected]
(remove the ZZZ to contact me)
************************************
Never hurts to have another router. That is, of course, the best solution
but if at some time you do need a base for something odd, talk to Pat. He
either has it or will make it, though it may not be listed on his site.
"C Wood" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "CW" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:aSu2b.257770$YN5.176020@sccrnsc01...
> : If the template guide does not fit, do a Google search on Pat Warner. He
> : makes sub bases for most any router that will take PC sandart template
> : guides. The jig works great but take your time setting it up. It has to
be
> : right.
>
> The simpliest kind of google search.
>
> www.patwarner.com
>
> Anyways, doesn't say he stocks those (Craftsman), so for a mere c &
> change I just got another router (PC). 1 3/4 horsey
>
> Bonus is I can get the plunge base later on, and more routers = less
bit
> changes
>
>
>
>
If the template guide does not fit, do a Google search on Pat Warner. He
makes sub bases for most any router that will take PC sandart template
guides. The jig works great but take your time setting it up. It has to be
right.
"C Wood" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "CW" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> : I have a Porter Cable model 4112. It does stock up to 12" wide, comes
with
> : guide bushing and bit. Does a good job and everything you need comes
with
> it
> : (though the bit is HSS. Cuts well but won't last as long as carbide).
>
> Thanks, I just bought that model, and got the extra carbide tip. I'll
> let ya know how it goes this evening.
>
> When I asked someone about it in the store, they knew nothing about
it.
> They just sell stuff... Go figure.
>
> Only snag is if that bit will (guide) will fit my router, if not I'll
get
> another just for that.
>
>
>
>
>
Kellerman Journeyman inckudes bits for through DTs. Snap to setup and
use. Only requires clamps and vise and method of cleanup. Ten
minutes setup for guide for clamping and away you go!
On Mon, 25 Aug 2003 16:49:47 GMT, "C Wood"
<[email protected]> wrote:
> I'd like to start doing dovetail joints, but don't have a jig, and I
>don't have the knack (or time) to hand cut.
You'll need an insert for your router that fastens to your router
plate, straight-cut and dovetail bits. There are different sizes
depending on the kind of joints you want. "Leigh" is the Cadillac of
dovetail templates and the one to get. I'd avoid anything less. The
Leigh directions will explain this and you will need to spend the time
to learn this jig and spend some time setting it up properly.
Still, the most versatility is with handcut dovetails and a quality
dovetail saw. I've cut perfect angled and decorative dovetails after
just 30 hours of practice. You really should consider gaining this
basic skill.
On Mon, 25 Aug 2003 16:49:47 GMT, "C Wood"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
> I'd like to start doing dovetail joints, but don't have a jig, and I
>don't have the knack (or time) to hand cut. I have 2 routers, a PC 3HP,
>and a 15yr old Craftsman 3/4hp (1/4 shaft). What is a good kit that
>contains "everything" (including the bits I'll need). 10" max or around
>there is fine, and this is not for production, just hobby/garage time
>things. If there is no kit that has everything, could someone pick an
>example kit and explain what else I need.
>
> I've seen kits in stores, but it doesn't list what else you need to do
>it, nor do they sell "dovetail bits". (Osh).
>
> Thanks in advance for any time you spend explaining this. (I've done
>some web seaches, but haven't found the complete reference yet...)
>
> C
>
"CW" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:XuM2b.267516$Ho3.34986@sccrnsc03...
: Never hurts to have another router. That is, of course, the best solution
: but if at some time you do need a base for something odd, talk to Pat. He
: either has it or will make it, though it may not be listed on his site.
Of course, an unbudgeted tool is going to cost 20 days of no beer.
That's the only consequence.
Phisherman <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Still, the most versatility is with handcut dovetails and a quality
> dovetail saw. I've cut perfect angled and decorative dovetails after
> just 30 hours of practice. You really should consider gaining this
> basic skill.
>
The problem is that hand cutting seems to be a perishable skill. I took the
time to learn and then didn't do it for awhile - took along time to get it
even close. I'm sticking with a jig. To me, it's like an ax and a
chainsaw, I feel confident that the pioneers would have used a Homelight if
they had one.
Don
"CW" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
: I have a Porter Cable model 4112. It does stock up to 12" wide, comes with
: guide bushing and bit. Does a good job and everything you need comes with
it
: (though the bit is HSS. Cuts well but won't last as long as carbide).
Thanks, I just bought that model, and got the extra carbide tip. I'll
let ya know how it goes this evening.
When I asked someone about it in the store, they knew nothing about it.
They just sell stuff... Go figure.
Only snag is if that bit will (guide) will fit my router, if not I'll get
another just for that.