bit question on PC dovetail jig
Just got my Porter Cable dovetail Jig in the mail today and I was checking it out. Of the two routers that I have, they are both 1/4 inch collets. The bits that come with the jig are 1/2 inch.
Any reason that I couldnt use a 1/4 inch shank bit that would be identical in all other aspects?
Now a more involved question:
I have a dovetail bit that is 1/2 inch; the one that comes with the jig is 17/32. If I use the 1/2 inch dovetail bit, do I use a staright cutting bit that is also 1/32 smaller than the one in the kit to ensure the tails and pins will fit properly? Or would I use a 1/32 larger bit?
Any help would be appreciated. I might also contact Porter Cable and ask them if they sell 1/4 inch shank bits that match the ones in the kit that are 1/2 inch shank.
Bill Giblin
Lancaster, PA
Replies
OK, I found some info so I thought I would reply to myself and give others the info too.
In the advanced dovetail guide that you can download as a pdf from porter cable's website, they tell you that you can use any combination of dovetail and straight bits in which the diameter of the bits add up to 15/16. Also you need to use a 7 degree dovetail bit so that the angle cut by the straight bit will match.
I am off to Lowe's to look at some bits. Later.
was at the woodworking show in colombus oh today and saw the pc jig presented. seemed very well thought out and user friendly. i was going to get one there but held off, spent to much... anyways i looked at amazon and every reviewer complained of not being able to find replacement bits so curious to see how that works out because it will affect my decision on getting one as well.
the bits that I mentioned are a perfect match. I think ordered the dovetail bit from razortools.com. Very reasonable price too. Let me know if you want more info.
BTW: The setup takes a little time and maybe a touch of fine tuning to get the pins and tails to stick a little proud for sanding, but routing them is completely effortless. The jig wont let you mess up.
I'm not sure what routers you have but most brands/models offer optional 1/2 collets. With a 1/2 collet you can use a 1/4 insert providing you options without changing the collets.
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