Replies

1. 
   jmc | Jun 02, 2003 08:42pm | #1

   Tim - I bought one about 3 months ago and it works as advertised.  If you were going to get a dovetail jig (like the Leigh) the cost winds up about the same but with more flexibility. You can use any dovetail bit, not just the 7 (or 8?) degree that the leigh uses.  They sell a 9 degree for small drawers and a VERY large dovetail bit, maybe 2 inches deep, but you could use any off the shelf bit.  The mortises also come out perfect though I have only done a few of them.  Anyway, very ingenius invention,when you see how it adjusts you will think the inventor is a genius.  Hope this helps.

   Thanks

   John

1. 
   DougF | Jun 03, 2003 12:22am | #2

   Based on your comments I visited their web site and sent for the brochure and CD.  The indexing system for dovetails looks quiote simple but I am unclear what happens if you want more than 4 pins or tails.  Maybe the brief look I had was inadequate to fully explain the process.  Are there limits to board width for dovetails?  If you had it to do over, would you.

   Thanks - Doug

1. 
   jmc | Jun 03, 2003 12:49am | #3

   Doug - The dovetails are spaced by putting the other half of the joint in the clamp next to the router.  You put a reference mark on the aluminum top and then can space at any distance you want.  They have a paralalagram (sp?) so you can mark even spacings or us a ruler to put at different spacings.  Then you use the crank on the top to move each mark on the board to the refenence mark and cut a new socket.  When they are all cut you swap boards and use the actual sockets to line up and cut the tails.  I may not explain it very well but when you see it a light bulb goes on and there's the "A-ha" moment.  I have cut boards up to about 10" but they say you can work boards up to 30" with a jig.   You can see a better explanantion at woodshopdemos.com, and yes I would buy it again.

   Thanks

   John

1. 
   DonaldCBrown | Jun 03, 2003 01:11am | #4

   Just to add a detail to jmc's explanation: By the method he describes--using a completed tail board as a template for cutting pins--the Woodrat is limited to stock widths of about 12". That's because both pieces have to be in the jig at the same time. But using a paper pattern to indicate where you want the components of the joint to be, you can use stock up to about 30" wide.

2. 
   DougF | Jun 03, 2003 04:06pm | #5

   All

   Thanks for your info. 

   Doug

1. 
   RevTed | Jun 04, 2003 03:08am | #6

   Here is a link to an in-depth review

   http://www.woodshopdemos.com/wr-1.htm

   T

2. 
   DougF | Jun 04, 2003 04:20pm | #7

   Rev Ted,

   Thanks so much for the post.  His step-by-step is real service to woodworkers. 

   Doug

3. 
   RevTed | Jun 04, 2003 05:57pm | #8

   D--

   You are indeed welcome. His site has some great info on a lot of other tools also. I noticed the link at the bottom only goes to the index; if you go to http://www.woodshopdemos.com/  you can get the overall idea. I like the methodical approach he takes and detailed pics.

   T