Replies

1. 
   Steinmetz | Dec 12, 2003 03:01am | #1

   Todd,yes, (In a manner of speaking)  First you have to plunge cut with a straight bit at least as wide as the dovetail bit and as deep as the dovetail goes. To make a circular dovetail cut, you must make a template with a hole positioned concentricaly with the plunge cut ( allowing the dovetail bit to rotate around it's own axis to form the 'Undercut') 

   If your router has a 6" base, rout out the template circle's diameter to about 6-1/4"

   If you're planing to make a horizontal or vertical slot, use a rectangular template

   Or, buy a keyhole bit . Stein. 

   
   

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   Edited 12/11/2003 7:04:33 PM ET by steinmetz

2. 
   BobSmalser | Dec 12, 2003 09:48pm | #2

   Why?

   Make one of these...an hour's work or so and will last a couple lifetimes...the tool companies sell the blades:

   Keyhole Saw

   Oops...you're talking about grooves, eh?  Then like above, use the router bit...and for a short dovetail groove like drawer backs I don't bother with the straight bit first.

   “When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think...that a time is to come when those (heirlooms) will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, ‘See! This our father did for us.’ “ --John Ruskin.

   
   

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   Edited 12/12/2003 1:50:47 PM ET by Bob Smalser

3. 
   jazzdogg | Dec 12, 2003 11:01pm | #3

   Todd,

   Although you can, I'm not sure you really want to - a dovetail bit will remove more material than a keyhole bit, resulting in a weak spot precisely where strength is desirable, and you won't have as good a surface for the screw head to rest against.

   Good luck,
   Paul

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
1. 
   Sphere | Dec 13, 2003 07:13am | #4

   Roger that. and for the jig post....think I'd free hand it.

2. 
   toddhunter | Dec 14, 2003 03:02am | #5

   I went with a metal keyhole inserted in a routed groove.  Worked out great.  I'll use the dovetail bit for something else and buy a keyhole bit some other time.  Thanks for steering me away from the dovetail.  Todd