Replies

1. 
   MBerger | May 23, 2006 10:20pm | #1

   Hi Lone Rider,

   Sorry for the delay answering your question. I'm going to direct you to some reading material where the process is described in more detail and give you the abridged instructions. Please write back with any questions:

   Wall shelf with sliding dovetails 
   Tilt-Top Table Read the instructions on page 75 of the PDF. This describes how to cut sliding dovetails on a round post but it is the same process for flat work.

   Abridged version:

   This task requires two router bits. One dovetail router bit (choose your size) and one straight bit with a diameter that is equal to the narrowest part of the dovetail bit.

   Cut the dovetail groove with a handheld router:

   1. Clamp a strip of plywood to your workpiece so that your router can be guided along the edge to make the following series of cuts.

   2. Rout a dado to the depth of your dovetail groove using a straight bit that has a diameter equal to the narrowest part of the dovetail. Cut this dado in steps, lowering the bit as you go.

   3. When the dado is complete and with the plywood fence still in place, switch to your dovetail bit and take a single pass completing your dovetail groove.

   TIPS:
   - keep the plywood guide secure through each step as it can be difficult to set it up in the same location twice.

   - If you are making shelf grooves, cut the dovetail grooves in both sides at the same time to be sure they line up.

   Cut the long dovetail on a router table:

   1. Install the dovetail bit in the router table so that the cutting part of the bit is exposed and the remainder is set into the fence. The idea here is to pass both sides of your workpiece across the bit, removing material equally on both sides.

   2. Make test cuts on a scrap of wood that has the exact same thickness as your final workpiece. Test the scrap in your dovetail groove to make sure it fits snuggly.

   3. When your set up is ready, run each side of the final workpieces through the router table. If the bit is coming up from the tabletop, your workpiece runs across the fence. If the router is installed horizontally in the router table, the workpiece will be flat on the table.

   4. Fit it and Glue it up!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/23/2006 3:26 pm ET by MBerger