Replies

1. 
   BG | Oct 24, 2004 02:14pm | #1

   Art,

   I'm confused.  Why does MCLS make different degree dovetails for the Leigh verses the Incra jigs?....and maybe they mixed up the bits in your case?  Also, if you use the same bit for cutting tails and pins why would a gap appear? 
1. 
   jim | Oct 24, 2004 04:27pm | #3

   BG;

   Through dovetail bits for the Leigh jig are all 7 degrees because that is the taper on the fingers.  The angle on half blind dovetails would not matter for the reason you have referred too.

1. 
   artnumber1 | Oct 24, 2004 09:19pm | #6

   Jim. I haven't measured the angle on the jig fingers, so can't comment on that. Wen I completed the joint, there was a definite angle difference between the pins and tails. I did measure the angle of the cut on the tail side of the joint, and it appears to be right on 8 degrees. I will contact Leigh to get thier input on this.

   Art

2. 
   artnumber1 | Oct 24, 2004 09:14pm | #5

   Hi, BG. Well, you don't use the same bit for tails and pins. You use the same finger assembly for both, but you use a straight bit for the tails.

   Art

2. 
   jim | Oct 24, 2004 04:22pm | #2

   Art;

   I use bits from Jesada tools [now gone] mine leave no gap.  Suggest you send them back.  My experience with MCLS is nice price, not so nice quality.  Good luck.

1. 
   artnumber1 | Oct 24, 2004 09:22pm | #7

   Jim. I had bought bits from Jesada befor. They were among the stuff stolen. The dovetail bits that I had came from Leigh, and I don't remember any discrepancy in those joints.

   Art

1. 
   jc21 | Oct 25, 2004 12:37am | #8

   Fwiw, I went to the Woodworking Show in Minneapolis 9 days ago and there were Jesada bits for sale. Guy said they were still making bits and were going to market them through dealers instead of direct marketing them. Time will tell. Excellent bits imho.

2. 
   BArnold | Oct 25, 2004 01:30am | #9

   For what it's worth, I've purchased a carload of bits from MLCS and have never had a problem with any of them.  I agree with one of the posts that there may have been a mix-up on the bit package.  I've only had a couple of problems with items from MLCS and each time they've handled it promptly and professionally.

   Regards,Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

1. 
   artnumber1 | Oct 27, 2004 12:40am | #13

   Thanks to all. I just received a replacement bit from MLCS, and it is not the correct angle. The thought that there had been a mistake in shipping won't fly, because the angle on all of the bits are not just incorrect, but have varying angles.The 1/4" and the 13/16" are 6 degrees, the 11/16" is 5.5 degrees, the 3/8" and 5/16" are 6 1/2 degrees. It doesn't matter that the Half blind bits are incorrect, because they are used for both the pins and tails. I have to keep in mind that the angles I measured were made on the resulting cut in oak, so it isn't 100% accurate, but close enough to show the differences.

   Art

   Edited 10/26/2004 5:42 pm ET by Art

3. 
   jhausch | Oct 24, 2004 05:04pm | #4

   It is my understanding that you don't switch bits for the pins and tails.  If you need wider tails you make multiple passes in the pin areas.

1. 
   Fingrs | Oct 25, 2004 02:44am | #10

   Jim, it is a reality that you switch bits for cutting pins and tails with the Leigh jig.

1. 
   jim | Oct 25, 2004 04:51am | #11

   You need to qualify your statement to read when cutting through dovetails you change bits between pins [straight bit] and tails[7 degree bit], when cutting sliding or half blind dovetails you use the same bit [larger angle increases glue area.]

1. 
   Fingrs | Oct 25, 2004 01:28pm | #12

   Gotcha.  Thanks.