dovetail jig

[Noel V]

Now, I need to make a bunch of boxes and I need to do it moderately quickly with dovetail joints.

However I've not much experience when it comes to woodwork and so I have no idea what to look for in a dovetail jig.

Also is the dovetail jig all I would need? I imagine I would need some kind of drill too.

Could someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks : -)

~noel

[NashBeek]

Now, I need to make a bunch of boxes and I need to do it moderately quickly with dovetail joints.

However I've not much experience when it comes to woodwork and so I have no idea what to look for in a dovetail jig.

Also is the dovetail jig all I would need? I imagine I would need some kind of drill too.

Could someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks : -)

~noel
You're going to need a Router, a Dovetail jig, dovetail bits or are you talking about a box joint jig for use with a table saw?

[drobbins]

I assume you mean box joint not dovetail joint
dovetails are much harder to do
if you have a tablesaw and a dado blade you can built your own jig for box joints
I built mine from pictures someone posted here
I can't find that link but here's one I found with google

http://www.newwoodworker.com/bxjntjig.html

look around, you'll find many instructions
no need to buy something you can build

Dave

[Barry]

http://beesource.com/plans/boxjoint/index1.htm

[drobbins]

Barry

I don't see that link on the plans page
how does one get to it?
nice plans:thumbsup:

Dave

[Ravenseye]

Hi Dave,

Here's the direct link to the PDF. Does that help?

http://beesource.com/plans/boxjoint/boxjoint.pdf

[drobbins]

Ravenseye,

I was just wondering why there is no link to these plans on the "plans" page
looks like some updates are under way:thumbsup:
I've already built a jig for myself

Thanks
Dave

[Ross]

He'll need the router plans since the UK banned dado blades.

[drobbins]

>>banned dado blades

umm, explanation please
why would a country "ban dado blades"??
I don't doubt you, I'm just amazed

Dave

[Noel V]

Yeah, I think I need something like this?

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/17062/Hand-Tools/Carpenters-Jigs/12-Dovetail-Jig?cm_mmc=GoogleBase-_-Datafeed-_-Hand%20Tools-_-12%22%20Dovetail%20Jig

I can't see how it would work, unless I need some kind of drill to use with that?

[magnet-man]

You need a router to use that jig. A drill will not work.

Here is a link on how to use one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKWzoAReWRs

[BEES4U]

:thumbsup:
Here are some very good videos:
Expert Village
http://www.expertvillage.com/video/120140_making-box-joints.htm
Regards,
Ernie

[BEES4U]

:thumbsup:Here is an excellent posting about using a router.
Excellent photos and explanations
http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=166565

Regards,
Ernie

[BEES4U]

Dado blades are prohibited in EU [even though, I know that some guys (amateurs) with old TS's are still using them] and the reason is....

There is a Safety regulation that states: "The blade must stop within 10 seconds" (on my TS it stops in 6 seconds) but, the inertia forces involved, can cause the opening of the arbor nut and blades bigger than 10", has a hole that fits into the arbor pin to "lock" the blade.
Naturally, dado blade has bigger mass and can cause the opening of the arbor nut so they prohibited it's use all over the EU.

Ernie

[Alex Cantacuzene]

Hello Noel et al, most of our boxes have half blind dovetails, done with a dove tail jig as shown. You do need a router, peferable with about a 1/2 to 1 hp motor. You will also need a dove tail router bit that come in various angle grinds. Mine are 17 degrees if I remember correctly. The set-up is critical, that is the distance from the router plate to the end of the bit. You will also need a router plate insert that fits the slots on the jig. Once you are cutting the boards that have been cut to the right length (remember the dove tails take up some dimension so adjust the length accordingly) mount two boards at a time, one vertically, one horizontally. Also, lay out the boards on the floor or a table and mark them on their insides and something like "A,B,C,D" etc. The jig should give the proper instructions. once you are set up, the operation should go quickly. I like the fact that it is a strong joint with no nails or screws. Also, I don't have to do any trimming to align the sides. Lately I have been using a "Mitre-Lok" router bit and like that even better. If you are so inclined, look at Router-Forum.com They have some films of the various operations, including the "Mitr-Lok". I have no other interest in this method except enthusiasm for a good idea. Take care and have fun

[Ross]

It is far simpler to cut box joints on the router table than to setup and cut dovetails with a jig. The bits are cheaper too. However, the simplest would be to cut simple rabbetted corners on the tablesaw, single blade. Run the edge up right first, then flat for the second cut to make a 3/4" x 3/8" on 3 sides of each end. Glue and screw or nail. Done. Do batches so you only change your setup once, moving the fence from 3/8" to 3/4". Each end takes about 30 seconds.

[HVH]

Dado blades are prohibited in EU [even though, I know that some guys (amateurs) with old TS's are still using them] and the reason is....

There is a Safety regulation that states: "The blade must stop within 10 seconds" (on my TS it stops in 6 seconds) but, the inertia forces involved, can cause the opening of the arbor nut and blades bigger than 10", has a hole that fits into the arbor pin to "lock" the blade.
Naturally, dado blade has bigger mass and can cause the opening of the arbor nut so they prohibited it's use all over the EU.

Ernie

You've got to be kidding. This kind of government control scares me to death. Can't you just purchase a dado outside of the EU?

[magnet-man]

The EU tends to be more safety conscious than the US. The pesticide that many people blamed for CCD is banned in Europe now. Grecian Formula ,get rid of that gray hair, had to be reformulated for sale in Europe because the active ingredient is lead acetate. Read the back of the bottle and it is down right scary. Check this web site. http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/courses/geog100/MielkeHairLead5.htm

Sometimes a little government regulation is good. If this theme is to be continued it needs to be done in tailgater and not here.

[Ross]

The blades aren't really banned, just the saws that will use them. The longest saw arbor allowed in the UK these days is about 5/8". And by the way, they are now banning knives.

[HVH]

The blades aren't really banned, just the saws that will use them. The longest saw arbor allowed in the UK these days is about 5/8". And by the way, they are now banning knives.

I just replaced the arbor on my Powermatic 66. Can't the EU people get an after market arbor that is longer? I can't imagine working wood without a dado set.