Replies

1. 
   Lataxe | Jul 18, 2007 10:54pm | #1

   Steven,

   Can't speak for a jigsaw as I never owned one.

   But DTs on a bandsaw are perfectly possible. However, you need a blade that leaves a fine kerf, which means one with more teeth and less set.  I have used a blade meant for metal in the past (I think it was 14tpi - OK as long as the stock you are cutting is not thick (eg it works fine with 10 - 12mm drawersides).

   These days I make DTs with a Woodrat or (even more recently) by hand with a Wenzloff saw and a Blue Spruce chisel, so the bandsawing of the DTs is but a memory.  One trick I read about but never tried is to use a fish blade in the bandsaw.  David Charlesworth, a British woodworker and author on woodworking, has often said that he uses such a blade and gets a very smooth, accurate cut with DTs.

   I have never seen one but I understand a fish blade is used on a bandsaw by fishmongers to cut frozen fishies.  As I understand it, it has more of a knife edge than a saw edge.  But perhaps Mr C is reading (he sometimes comes to Knots) and may comment/clarify?

   Lataxe

1. 
   stevenbolton | Jul 19, 2007 03:34am | #3

    

   Any idea where I could get such a blade?

   Thanks

   s bolton

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 19, 2007 04:20am | #4

   steven,

   These guys are just leading you astray.  Everyone knows that you cut dovetail tails with a chainsaw!  The trick is to file the teeth to the right angle so when you make the cut the bottoms are flat.

   In order to do that you need a foot turned 24" grinding wheel and a jig to angle the saw to a 17.4549202 degree angle and just start the chainsaw and press down on the very top of the wheel for 22.78967 seconds whilst running the chainsaw at full throttle.

   If the pins don't fit right just get a 20 lb sledge hammer and pound them in.  The wood isn't as strong as the hammer and will split to form into the tails.  Don't forget to provide a granite block for support!

   Just goofing here.

   A bandsaw works great for making the pins.  You can either tilt the table to match the angle or make a shim to match the angle of the tails (which may work better).  I use the tail board to align the table with the blade and stay shigh of my marks on the waste side and pair with a sharp chisel.  Partially fit the pieces together and when you meet resistance, carefully just pair a bit more until they fit nice and snug.

   No matter what way you choose, the best way, IMHO is to sneak up on the final fit.

   Hope this helps,

    Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   stevenbolton | Jul 19, 2007 04:41am | #5

   Thanks.  I will fire up the Jonserud.

   But where can I find good blades for a bandsaw to cut dovetails?

    

   Thanks

    

   sbolton

1. 
   dgreen | Jul 19, 2007 06:03am | #6

   Here is one source for the fish blade.

   http://www.sharptech.com/Content/ContentCT.asp?P=25 ------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

2. 
   forestgirl | Jul 19, 2007 06:53pm | #7

   You can get any blade you need, I'm sure, from Suffolk Machinery.  If you happen to be using a 14" band saw, their blades are especially good on them.  If you call them and let them know what you're doing, they'll help you find the best blade:(800) 234-7297

    forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   colebearanimals | Jul 18, 2007 11:12pm | #2

         Cutting dovetails with a bandsaw can yield very good results. I've seen several articles on the subject using simple jigs. A quick search should turn up something. Forget the jigsaw idea. Not nearly enough control. I tried it once . Anyway, it would be far simpler just to use a handsaw.

                                                      Paul