I have a Porter&Cable Omnijig model 7116. I am new to dovetailing. The cabinet I am building is 15/16 thick stock. The omnijig specs say it will handle stock up to one inch. I am doing a through dovetail. What size router bit should I use. The Porter Cable longest dovetail flute length is 29/32″ I have one with a flute length of 3/4″. Not sure what to do or which is correct size. Please help.
I need a new router and hope to do more dovetails in hardwoods. Which machine do you recommend. Size? Thank you.
Replies
Hi BigSur,
You definitely need to find a dovetail router bit that has a cutting depth equal to or greater than the thickness of your stock. I looked at Porter-Cable's Web site and they didn't have one. Lee Valley sells one with a 1-in. depth but they market it as a bit for the Leigh jig. I can't imagine it wouldn't work with the P-C jig but you should find out before you buy. Alternatively, I would search the Web for a dovetail bit with a 1-in depth.
As far as choosing a router goes, I suggest you read our router reviews. Here's a review of combo routers from 2005. Later this week, we're posting on our Web site the latest router review from the next issue of the magazine. We look at the new breed of routers that are designed to play well with router tables. I'll post a link when it is available.
Regards,
Matt Berger
Fine Woodworking
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled