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zxxer12 · 03-22-2005, 06:00 PM

Are there any good primers on the relationships between dovetail angle, diameter and depth of cut vs material thickness, etc.

I'm getting ready to cut some dovetails and want to learn some more about the basics of the joint.

TIA

Dewy · 03-22-2005, 10:50 PM

The reply depends on whether you intend making hand cut dovetails or use a router to produce them.
Hand cut dovetails usually have a 7° or 8° angle depending on the material.
Dovetail cutters are usually similar angles and the fit depends on the depth you set the cutter at.
Tight fit, lower the cutter slightly.
Loose fit, raise the cutter slightly.

zxxer12 · 03-22-2005, 10:57 PM

What is the relationship between material thickness and bit size, same different??

Does material 3/4" thickness require minimum 3/4" long cutting section on the bit??

Does the template determine the bit angle ??

I have a Stotts and his wbsite talks about an 8 Deg. bit but what about 7 or 9 deg.??

**Mike** · 03-23-2005, 03:43 AM

Zxxer, I dont think there is per say a standard for dovetails. Many of the jigs work off similar dimensions but I think that is mostly a copycat situation. Some of the nicest looking pieces have high angles or double dovetails, spacing set to all different patterns to create unique designs. Obviously a jig is designed to work in a certain set up, with a certain combination of rules. This does not mean it wont work when you change some of the parameters, just that you will need to confirm the results are what you are looking for.

Dewy · 03-23-2005, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zxxer12

What is the relationship between material thickness and bit size, same different??

Does material 3/4" thickness require minimum 3/4" long cutting section on the bit??

Does the template determine the bit angle ??

I have a Stotts and his wbsite talks about an 8 Deg. bit but what about 7 or 9 deg.??

It depends on whether you want through dovetails or half blind dovetails.
The angle is personal preverence when hand cutting dovetails.

jeff12002 · 03-23-2005, 10:56 PM

With regards to the stots jig, look closely at the jig. The taper on the tapered fingers is 8 degrees, just like the 8 degree bit you use with the other side of the template. A 7, or 9 degree bit with this jig, will not produce tight fitting joints.

Cummins92 · 03-24-2005, 05:40 PM

Zxxer12,
Router cut dovetails are determined by available cutter angles. So, I think this begs the question, are you going to custom grind dovetail cutters or have them custom gound? Or, are you looking for visual relationships? Perhaps a design manual that talks about proportions would help. Can't help you there. I have a Craftsman Dovetail Jig where all the spacing and angles are fixed. I precut one dovetail, measure the width and angle with a dial caliper, refer to trig tables, move dovetail jig with dial caliper measurements, move router depth with dial caliper measurements, finish cut. It's worked perfectly so far. Good Luck with your search and have fun.

03-22-2005, 06:00 PM	#1
zxxer12 Registered User New Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6 View zxxer12's Gallery	Report This Post! Dovetail geometry Are there any good primers on the relationships between dovetail angle, diameter and depth of cut vs material thickness, etc. I'm getting ready to cut some dovetails and want to learn some more about the basics of the joint. TIA
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03-22-2005, 10:50 PM	#2
Dewy Registered User Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 120 View Dewy's Gallery	Report This Post! The reply depends on whether you intend making hand cut dovetails or use a router to produce them. Hand cut dovetails usually have a 7° or 8° angle depending on the material. Dovetail cutters are usually similar angles and the fit depends on the depth you set the cutter at. Tight fit, lower the cutter slightly. Loose fit, raise the cutter slightly. __________________ Dewy support team at Paltalk voice chat program
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03-22-2005, 10:57 PM	#3
zxxer12 Registered User New Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6 View zxxer12's Gallery	Report This Post! What is the relationship between material thickness and bit size, same different?? Does material 3/4" thickness require minimum 3/4" long cutting section on the bit?? Does the template determine the bit angle ?? I have a Stotts and his wbsite talks about an 8 Deg. bit but what about 7 or 9 deg.??
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03-23-2005, 03:43 AM	#4
Mike Senior Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Detroit, Michigan USA Posts: 3,372 View Mike's Gallery	Report This Post! Zxxer, I dont think there is per say a standard for dovetails. Many of the jigs work off similar dimensions but I think that is mostly a copycat situation. Some of the nicest looking pieces have high angles or double dovetails, spacing set to all different patterns to create unique designs. Obviously a jig is designed to work in a certain set up, with a certain combination of rules. This does not mean it wont work when you change some of the parameters, just that you will need to confirm the results are what you are looking for. __________________ Mike Please edit your profile with a name and location so we can better assist you.
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03-23-2005, 10:56 PM	#6
jeff12002 Registered User Dedicated Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 36 View jeff12002's Gallery	Report This Post! With regards to the stots jig, look closely at the jig. The taper on the tapered fingers is 8 degrees, just like the 8 degree bit you use with the other side of the template. A 7, or 9 degree bit with this jig, will not produce tight fitting joints.
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03-24-2005, 05:40 PM	#7
Cummins92 Registered User New Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 7 View Cummins92's Gallery	Report This Post! Zxxer12, Router cut dovetails are determined by available cutter angles. So, I think this begs the question, are you going to custom grind dovetail cutters or have them custom gound? Or, are you looking for visual relationships? Perhaps a design manual that talks about proportions would help. Can't help you there. I have a Craftsman Dovetail Jig where all the spacing and angles are fixed. I precut one dovetail, measure the width and angle with a dial caliper, refer to trig tables, move dovetail jig with dial caliper measurements, move router depth with dial caliper measurements, finish cut. It's worked perfectly so far. Good Luck with your search and have fun.
	Top - Reply with Quote

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