Replies

1. 
   Alan | May 26, 2002 09:08pm | #1

   Charlie,

   IMHO hand cut dovetails are one of those things that machines just cannot duplicate.  This is especially true on smaller drawers where there isn't need for really beefy dovetails.

   As you know, one of the marks of a hand cut dovetail is the narrow "neck" between the tops of the tails.  When cutting them by hand you can make tails with about as narrow a neck as you want.  As a minimum a router can make the neck only as narrow as the shaft of the bit; so there is already a theoretical limit of 1/4" or 1/2", depending on the bit.  But in practice, on small drawers especially, because you cannot use the full depth of the bit, the necks on the tail board will necessarily be wider.

   Sorry this isn't much help.

   Alan

2. 
   Cornishmaid | May 26, 2002 09:36pm | #2

   Hi Charlie,

   I think the closest you can get would be with the Woodrat. They do especially fine cutters for drawer fronts (they're there somewhere on that page).

   Hope this may help, Alf

1. 
   charlescates | May 28, 2002 06:01am | #5

   Thanks to all for the wonderful input. I had no knowledge of the woodrat system;also thank you for including the clickable website.It is a little scary not having seen the unit ,but I ordered the video and I am thinking very seriously about odering the woodrat or the little rat.What a great group of experienced woodworkers to talk to. thanks charlie

3. 
   patternmaker | May 26, 2002 11:24pm | #3

   Charlie: If I understand your problem correctly,the small pins can be cut using most any of the commercial jigs. You may need to shift the template guide a time or two to get the narrow pins you desire.The sockets for the small pins are a horse of a different color. The only way that I know is to cut the sockets,between the tails,with a saw and chisel. Make the pins first and then scribe the pins onto the tail boards. The near vertical cuts with the dovetail saw ,then chop out the waste with the small chisel.This process is fully described in most articles on hand cut dovetails. FWIW ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬PAT¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

4. 
   Azeddie | May 27, 2002 03:17am | #4

   Charlie, If you have a bandsaw I have seen some jigs for cutting dovetials. And it does have that Hand done look.