1973vw

Hey Everyone!

It could be that I'm just a moron, but I spent some time yesterday trying to set up my new JET dovetail jig to make some drawers for a project I'm working on...
Long story short, there's a calculation you're supposed to use in order to figure the distance the fence should be from the tips of the fingers on the template. I'm attempting to use a Freud 2200VCE plunge router, and it's base is 6 3/4" wide. The figure that I end up with, even after checking my math a bunch of times, is a considerably longer distance than the fence can move back. What gives? Anyone else encounter this?
Secondly, the instructions only mention how to calculate this distance using stock that is the same dimensional thickness. For my project, I'm using 5/8" sides, and 7/8" fronts (for the drawers). How do you do that? I called the company that manufacturers the JET jig, but they didn't know how to do it, and said they'd call back
Finally, I had to buy an adapter plate from Woodcraft, made by Leigh, in order to use Porter Cable-style template guide bushings with the Freud router. The JET jig instructions specify using a 1/4" dovetail bit (1/2" profile). However, the only way I can even reach the collet of the router with this bit is to plunge the router ALL THE WAY DOWN, and align the depth stop so that it doesn't contact any of the 3 settings on the turret. I'm really new at router stuff, so any insight you might have is greatly appreciated. I sure was bummed about all this stuff. Just for grins, using some scrap wood, I attempted to route some dovetails using the fence as far back as it would go, and it was a disaster. In fact, it felt like something was keeping me from directing the router to go all the way back in the fingers of the template.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your help!

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1973vw

I gather nobody has encountered any of these problems...?

bobj3

Hi 1973vw

Well to start with you are using to big of a router for the job, 3 1/4 HP is over kill
Plus you should not use a plunge router ,it will work but you will run into errors..

If the Jet jig you are using is a 12" one it'a a easy one to setup...
http://www.amazon.com/Jet-709060-12-.../dp/B00006S7CG
It's this most common jig on the market today..

here's a link to a user manual that should help...check both links out..
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...Manual%20c.pdf
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http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...4999/34102.PDF


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Bj

1973vw

Thanks for the input. Are you saying the router is too big simply because of it's power, that it's unnecessary, or too big physically for the jig? I have a manual, and it doesn't address the stock thickness question at all. I'll check the links you provided, and see if they offer anything different. Thanks!

bobj3

Hi 1973vw

"it's power,too big physically and it's plunge router" = yes
A 1 HP router can do the job, plus you will have control over the router that's only 3lbs. unlike the 3 1/4HP that's 15lbs.

"stock thickness question" It's not a big deal because you are putting in blind dovetails...the easy way to set it up, drop in some of the same stock you are going to use, set the stock in place and make a test pass,then mark the stock with a pencil then use it to reset the jig for the right cut...the real key is the stop block on the jig, the templates will do what you want them to do..


http://www.routerforums.com/general-...etail-jig.html



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Bj