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**challagan** · 12-03-2006, 10:39 PM

What do you guys think of blind dovetails in a box? Do you think they are pleasing to the eye or should be used for drawers. I was thinking on getting the MLCS set up for 59.00 but not sure I like the looks for a box. What you say?

Corey

**bobj3** · 12-04-2006, 12:20 AM

HI Corey

Well you know what I would say

, I love the dovetails out of all the joints you can use in making any box or drawer the dovetail is the most Elegant/Elegance, it tells any one that looks at your work you took the extra step to make it strong and pleasing to the eye

it's been a standard for the higher end furniture for a look time.

Out of all the dovetail jigs the MLCS is one of the better one, because it is using 5/8" guide unlike most of the other ones that use a 7/16"-1/2" brass guide with a 1/2" 14deg. dovetail bit.
One pass of the bit is always better than two in this case.

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...lfblind_anchor

But this is just my 2 cents

Bj

**challagan** · 12-05-2006, 09:25 AM

I likes the looks too. I really screwed up when I could have gotten a good deal on Bob Noles Porter Cable set up. I will probably wait until spring and get the whole jig including the mini templates. I like the looks of the blind dovetail when using 2 different woods but when making with all one type of wood I think thru doves look the best. Thanks again buddy!

Corey

**bobj3** · 12-05-2006, 10:53 AM

You're Welcome Corey

I also like the thru doves look the best. b/4 you get your card out take a hard look at the MLCS template for thru dovetails....

that you can use to make dovetails on the router table that's quick and easy and what's best of all about the thru dove tails if you want the box 10" x 12" that's how you cut the blanks. ( 10 x 12)

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...vetailjig.html

The dovetail machines can be a bit tricky to cut the blanks for the box but I'm sure you will make some fire wood getting the hang of it.
But what's nice about the blind dovetail machine you can make the front and the sides at one time, (with one dovetail bit) but it will take time to get the jig set up just right so all the parts come out true on the corners and on the top and bottom of the stock.

The biggest error with the dovetail machine is the stock must be all the same size (thick) and that takes a planer job most of the time b/4 you start and the machine needs to be reset for each size.
That's why I use the router table for dovetail joints (thru type)

It's norm for most to recut the stock or sand all the parts to a true fit.(top and bottom of the parts)

Bj

**challagan** · 12-05-2006, 11:49 AM

Bob, I see your jig there but I don't understand how you use that on the router table? I liked the blind dove tail jig, looks pretty nice, quick and easy but was thinking since it can only do blind dovetails it would be better to get one that can do it all. Can you show me a photo or two on how you use the thru template on the router table? I buy all my stock dimensioned anyway so I dont think that thickness will be a problem. Anyway, thanks for the info Bob as always!

Corey

**bobj3** · 12-05-2006, 12:18 PM

Hi Corey

The way you would use the jig on the table, 1st put in a 5/8" brass guide in the router top base plate then the 3/4" dove tail bit ,(both bits and guide comes with the jig from MLCS) (you can also put on a 5/8" OD bearing on the dovetail bit if you don't want to use the brass guide setup or your router table doesn't have that setup)
Then put the stock in the jig, then use some scrap stock (cut off from the same one you are going to use to make the box with) move the dovetail bit up or down in the table ,set it and lock it at the top of the stock.
Once it's locked fire up the router and push the jig into the bit,this will put in the dovetails ,then pop in the 3/8" bit and cut the other part of the box with the same jig.
I put both parts in the at the same time and use the blocks on top of the jig to line up both parts at the same time, then I just flip it around and install a 1/2" bit with a 5/8" OD bearing on it and do the other side.
I put in the dovetails in both parts 1st. and then just turn the jig around and put in the pockets on the other two parts.
In that way all the parts line up true and sq.quick and easy

I will post a picture today what they look like after you have them made.

More snapshots of the jig ▼
http://www.routerforums.com/jigs-fix...ter-table.html

Bj

**challagan** · 12-05-2006, 12:33 PM

Thanks bob, Yeah, I don't have a router plate that would allow for that set up. I didn't think that far down the road. My router table is a Benchdog Protop contractor and they have kind of goofy set ups now that I figured it out. I would have to spend another 99.00 on a new plate and another 40.00 in hearings etc. to use the template guides. Live an learn. Almost be cheaper to put another router and table in the right side of my table saw.

Corey

**bobj3** · 12-05-2006, 02:24 PM

Hi Corey

Here's a snapshot or TWO

You don't need to use the bass guides, the 5/8" O.D. bearing works great, it fact it works better than the guide guide setup.

, just one less thing to to do.
The 5/8" OD bearings are cheap about 6 bucks and they will fit just about any 1/4" shank router bit.
They come in handy for many router jobs, I also put a rubber oil ring under the lock ring that should be used with a bit that has a bearing on it, the little set screws (2-56 x 1/8") that hold the lock ring in place,they have a way of coming out when the bit spins at 20,000 rpm. and the oil ring is just a way to keep the bearing from dropping down,I use a 1/8" oil rings hard to to get on but they don't slide down or come off easy.

Bearings from Grizzly below ▼
http://www.grizzly.com/products/g3854
Sommerfeldtools below ▼
http://www.mailwareweb.com/sommerfel...r4zz&d=131&b=1

and I'm sure you have a 1/4" lock ring on one of your bits or on a drill bit for stop coller.
NOTE*** in the picture below of the dovetail slot I used a 1/2" 8 deg.
dovetail bit for that one.

One more NOTE*** Corey .... the black plate you see in the snapshot is a base plate off a PC Router that I made fit the mounting base plate I have in this router table,They are cheap from Rockler or you can get one of the clear ones then use some double sided carpet tape and stick it the one you have
and let the router with a flush trim bit make it the right size to fit your table, a quick and easy fix for not having one that will fit you base plate

Bj

**challagan** · 12-05-2006, 05:48 PM

That is a sweet set up Bob! Thanks for the pics, I really appreciate it. I was looking around and saved this today that I found. I see your jig and realize it is basically the same thing!

Corey

**bobj3** · 12-05-2006, 06:13 PM

Hi
Yep sure is, who makes this one ?, I have not seen this one b/4 and the price for it ?.
All I can make out is the DOV????? JIG ( Dovetail Jig)
It almost looks like a Katie, they did at one time use that type of clamp setup.

Bj

12-03-2006, 10:39 PM	#1
challagan Retired Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,002 View challagan's Gallery	Report This Post! Blind Dovetails What do you guys think of blind dovetails in a box? Do you think they are pleasing to the eye or should be used for drawers. I was thinking on getting the MLCS set up for 59.00 but not sure I like the looks for a box. What you say? Corey
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12-04-2006, 12:20 AM	#2
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 8,298 View bobj3's Gallery	Report This Post! HI Corey Well you know what I would say , I love the dovetails out of all the joints you can use in making any box or drawer the dovetail is the most Elegant/Elegance, it tells any one that looks at your work you took the extra step to make it strong and pleasing to the eye it's been a standard for the higher end furniture for a look time. Out of all the dovetail jigs the MLCS is one of the better one, because it is using 5/8" guide unlike most of the other ones that use a 7/16"-1/2" brass guide with a 1/2" 14deg. dovetail bit. One pass of the bit is always better than two in this case. http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...lfblind_anchor But this is just my 2 cents Bj __________________ PodCast videos RWS on YouTube http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail Machine Cut ▼ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/ http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm Bob J.
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12-05-2006, 09:25 AM	#3
challagan Retired Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,002 View challagan's Gallery	Report This Post! I likes the looks too. I really screwed up when I could have gotten a good deal on Bob Noles Porter Cable set up. I will probably wait until spring and get the whole jig including the mini templates. I like the looks of the blind dovetail when using 2 different woods but when making with all one type of wood I think thru doves look the best. Thanks again buddy! Corey
	Top - Reply with Quote

12-05-2006, 10:53 AM	#4
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 8,298 View bobj3's Gallery	Report This Post! You're Welcome Corey I also like the thru doves look the best. b/4 you get your card out take a hard look at the MLCS template for thru dovetails.... that you can use to make dovetails on the router table that's quick and easy and what's best of all about the thru dove tails if you want the box 10" x 12" that's how you cut the blanks. ( 10 x 12) http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...vetailjig.html The dovetail machines can be a bit tricky to cut the blanks for the box but I'm sure you will make some fire wood getting the hang of it. But what's nice about the blind dovetail machine you can make the front and the sides at one time, (with one dovetail bit) but it will take time to get the jig set up just right so all the parts come out true on the corners and on the top and bottom of the stock. The biggest error with the dovetail machine is the stock must be all the same size (thick) and that takes a planer job most of the time b/4 you start and the machine needs to be reset for each size. That's why I use the router table for dovetail joints (thru type) It's norm for most to recut the stock or sand all the parts to a true fit.(top and bottom of the parts) Bj Attached Thumbnails __________________ PodCast videos RWS on YouTube http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail Machine Cut ▼ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/ http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm Bob J. Last edited by bobj3; 12-05-2006 at 11:36 AM.
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12-05-2006, 11:49 AM	#5
challagan Retired Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,002 View challagan's Gallery	Report This Post! Bob, I see your jig there but I don't understand how you use that on the router table? I liked the blind dove tail jig, looks pretty nice, quick and easy but was thinking since it can only do blind dovetails it would be better to get one that can do it all. Can you show me a photo or two on how you use the thru template on the router table? I buy all my stock dimensioned anyway so I dont think that thickness will be a problem. Anyway, thanks for the info Bob as always! Corey
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12-05-2006, 12:18 PM	#6
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 8,298 View bobj3's Gallery	Report This Post! Hi Corey The way you would use the jig on the table, 1st put in a 5/8" brass guide in the router top base plate then the 3/4" dove tail bit ,(both bits and guide comes with the jig from MLCS) (you can also put on a 5/8" OD bearing on the dovetail bit if you don't want to use the brass guide setup or your router table doesn't have that setup) Then put the stock in the jig, then use some scrap stock (cut off from the same one you are going to use to make the box with) move the dovetail bit up or down in the table ,set it and lock it at the top of the stock. Once it's locked fire up the router and push the jig into the bit,this will put in the dovetails ,then pop in the 3/8" bit and cut the other part of the box with the same jig. I put both parts in the at the same time and use the blocks on top of the jig to line up both parts at the same time, then I just flip it around and install a 1/2" bit with a 5/8" OD bearing on it and do the other side. I put in the dovetails in both parts 1st. and then just turn the jig around and put in the pockets on the other two parts. In that way all the parts line up true and sq.quick and easy I will post a picture today what they look like after you have them made. More snapshots of the jig ▼ http://www.routerforums.com/jigs-fix...ter-table.html Bj __________________ PodCast videos RWS on YouTube http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail Machine Cut ▼ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/ http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm Bob J. Last edited by bobj3; 12-05-2006 at 12:34 PM.
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12-05-2006, 12:33 PM	#7
challagan Retired Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,002 View challagan's Gallery	Report This Post! Thanks bob, Yeah, I don't have a router plate that would allow for that set up. I didn't think that far down the road. My router table is a Benchdog Protop contractor and they have kind of goofy set ups now that I figured it out. I would have to spend another 99.00 on a new plate and another 40.00 in hearings etc. to use the template guides. Live an learn. Almost be cheaper to put another router and table in the right side of my table saw. Corey
	Top - Reply with Quote

12-05-2006, 02:24 PM	#8
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 8,298 View bobj3's Gallery	Report This Post! Hi Corey Here's a snapshot or TWO You don't need to use the bass guides, the 5/8" O.D. bearing works great, it fact it works better than the guide guide setup. , just one less thing to to do. The 5/8" OD bearings are cheap about 6 bucks and they will fit just about any 1/4" shank router bit. They come in handy for many router jobs, I also put a rubber oil ring under the lock ring that should be used with a bit that has a bearing on it, the little set screws (2-56 x 1/8") that hold the lock ring in place,they have a way of coming out when the bit spins at 20,000 rpm. and the oil ring is just a way to keep the bearing from dropping down,I use a 1/8" oil rings hard to to get on but they don't slide down or come off easy. Bearings from Grizzly below ▼ http://www.grizzly.com/products/g3854 Sommerfeldtools below ▼ http://www.mailwareweb.com/sommerfel...r4zz&d=131&b=1 and I'm sure you have a 1/4" lock ring on one of your bits or on a drill bit for stop coller. NOTE* in the picture below of the dovetail slot I used a 1/2" 8 deg. dovetail bit for that one. One more NOTE* Corey .... the black plate you see in the snapshot is a base plate off a PC Router that I made fit the mounting base plate I have in this router table,They are cheap from Rockler or you can get one of the clear ones then use some double sided carpet tape and stick it the one you have and let the router with a flush trim bit make it the right size to fit your table, a quick and easy fix for not having one that will fit you base plate Bj Attached Thumbnails __________________ PodCast videos RWS on YouTube http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail Machine Cut ▼ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/ http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm Bob J. Last edited by bobj3; 12-05-2006 at 07:14 PM.
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12-05-2006, 05:48 PM	#9
challagan Retired Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,002 View challagan's Gallery	Report This Post! That is a sweet set up Bob! Thanks for the pics, I really appreciate it. I was looking around and saved this today that I found. I see your jig and realize it is basically the same thing! Corey
	Top - Reply with Quote

12-05-2006, 06:13 PM	#10
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 8,298 View bobj3's Gallery	Report This Post! Hi Yep sure is, who makes this one ?, I have not seen this one b/4 and the price for it ?. All I can make out is the DOV????? JIG ( Dovetail Jig) It almost looks like a Katie, they did at one time use that type of clamp setup. Bj __________________ PodCast videos RWS on YouTube http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail Machine Cut ▼ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/ http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm Bob J.
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