Replies

1. 
   SeaTrader | Nov 14, 2003 03:16am | #1

   Try http://www.dovetailspline.com they have a product called Kehoe Jig for making short tapered dovetails for corner joints.

2. 
   hammer1 | Nov 14, 2003 08:21am | #2

   I think you are talking about a french dovetail or dovetail dado. For the female cut you can use a dovetail bit in a router with a template guide. Make a template with a slot to match your taper. I figure you must know how to use templates and guides. I have some guides that I have cut down so I can use 1/4" material for the template. Cutting the male tenon requires making a T-fence or table that can clamp to your work piece and support the router for cutting the end. Something along the lines of those tenon plates you see in the catalogs. Set it up to match the taper. I generally use some culls to strap the sides of wide pieces straight. Again I use the template guide to ride on the table edge. I would use 3/4" for the table so you have to adjust the bit depth accordingly. You will need a left and a right male tenon jig. I seldom use the tapered version. A straight dado usually works fine. These are great joints and under used. I had better say that this joint can be cut by hand but you need some special tools not to mention skill and patience.

1. 
   da50e | Nov 14, 2003 05:37pm | #3

   thank you.  I have used straight sliding dovetails for drawers in the past, and used the set up is almost identical to what is shown in FW this month.  And I have seen a demo by F. Klauz cutting them by hand and using a dovetail plane. I have a couple routers so why buy the plane.

   Using a Pat Warner type top jig I have figured out how to put the left and right matching tapers for cutting the tenon. Finding center is a pain, and I have to adjust my fence for left and right.   Making two adjustments to fit the joint. If I'm understanding you are dong the same thing on the table, and setting the fences once would be easier.

   I'm not getting how you are cutting the female part of the joint.   How are matching the front size of the socket without making the back of the joint too narrow.

1. 
   hammer1 | Nov 16, 2003 10:38am | #5

   Tried to send you a sketch but it is lost in cyberspace. I haven't figured out how to attach a file in this forum. In the posts under "woodworking tools" there is a question about using the shaper for sliding dovetails. JWNYC's reply has a link that shows some jigs that are similar to mine. There are some other aproaches and good info in the replies.

3. 
   BobSmalser | Nov 15, 2003 01:18am | #4

   Depends on how many you have to cut, I guess...I've never had to do more than two for the occasional antique drawing board reproduction.

   And I just use straight boards for fences for both female piece clamped to a table and male piece done on the router table.....the angles simply transferred with a bevel.