As soon as you join it's your forum too. Welcome!
question 1) I personal have never seen dovetails cut with at router done on 2 x 4's I guess I'd have to see what your are building and how to say if that is something that makes sense. Joints are done for strength and looks so you end up with a lot of options in doing them.... antique stores are a good place to look at tables or chairs or what ever to see how they were made and how well they held up the last hundred years or so..... also good books on joint making at the library or book stores will give you somemore ideas.
2) Don't use metal..... plywood, hardboard, masonite all make good things that are easy to cut with woodworking tools and will work for jigs.
3) As long as they fit the router you have most of the bushings work about as well as anyone elses. I like brass ones and the ones but have had good luck with the better "plastic" ones as well.
Now you should see several more people posting ideas for you too so take what you like from them and get out and give them a try.... we always like to see pictures of projects too.
Ed |