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DavePowers · 10-05-2007, 09:18 AM

What would be the reason to go with different angles on dovetail bits? I am not talking about using different angles on the same joint.

Dave

**challagan** · 10-05-2007, 09:37 AM

Couple things I think, say for a 1/2 inch bit 14 degrees is kind of standard. I always thought the longer the cutting edge the angle changes. maybe I am wrong. Different size width bits say a 3/8 bit has a different angle then and cutter length makes a difference on the angle. Different manufacturers of dovetail machines have bits that are designed to be used for that particular jig and the length of the bit and size dictate the angles... I think. I suppose aesthetics play into it as well.

Corey

**bobj3** · 10-05-2007, 10:27 AM

Just my 2 cents

The deeper the slot the smaller the angle, is a good rule to use..

==========

garycurtis · 10-19-2007, 04:31 PM

Dave, if by "different angle" you are referring to the pin angle, it has to match the tail angle. And that is fixed, having been determined by the dovetail bit itself on the tail.

With the advent of carbide router bits, you are more or less caged in. They produce a clunky, ham-handed look compared to hand-cut dovetail joints.

The only way around the ugly 14degree bits is to buy some of the HSS dovetail bits from a WoodRat dealer. In America, the Craftsman Gallery is the main distributor ( www.chipsfly.com ) Lee Valley also sells the machine and the tooling.

HSS is ideal for dovetails. It takes a keener edge, though it needs to be honed more frequently than carbide. Bit it is stronger than carbide. It won't, however, stand up to abrasive materials like MDF or plywood. And because the smaller bits come in slopes as elegant as 6 degrees, you need slow feed rates in hard woods. They make a range of dovetails going from a tiny 4.7mm (5/32") to a beefy 28mm (1 1/8").

Gary Curtis

**bobj3** · 10-19-2007, 06:07 PM

Hi Gary

" HSS is ideal for dovetails "
HSS "Bit it is stronger than carbide."

I will need to disagree with you on the this one

"It's fine to disagree with other members as long as you respect their opinions."
MIKE
Senior Moderator

Here's a link that you may want to check out,, it's a chart for dovetail bits...

How to setup dovetails
http://www.leighjigs.com/cutters-d16.php#

Videos
http://www.leighjigs.com/vids.php

===========

DavePowers · 10-19-2007, 06:42 PM

I am asking about 8 deg, 14 deg or what other angles the bits come in.

**bobj3** · 10-19-2007, 06:48 PM

Hi Dave

18 deg., 8 deg., 10 deg., 12 deg., 14 deg., 6 deg., 28 deg.,many more.

======

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePowers

I am asking about 8 deg, 14 deg or what other angles the bits come in.

kp91 · 10-19-2007, 07:00 PM

bigger angles are for softwoods, smaller angles are for hardwoods. At least that's the traditional way...

DavePowers · 10-19-2007, 08:11 PM

Thanks everyone.

10-05-2007, 09:18 AM	#1
DavePowers Registered User Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 21 View DavePowers's Gallery	Dovetail angle What would be the reason to go with different angles on dovetail bits? I am not talking about using different angles on the same joint. Dave
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10-05-2007, 09:37 AM	#2
challagan Retired Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,954 View challagan's Gallery	Couple things I think, say for a 1/2 inch bit 14 degrees is kind of standard. I always thought the longer the cutting edge the angle changes. maybe I am wrong. Different size width bits say a 3/8 bit has a different angle then and cutter length makes a difference on the angle. Different manufacturers of dovetail machines have bits that are designed to be used for that particular jig and the length of the bit and size dictate the angles... I think. I suppose aesthetics play into it as well. Corey __________________ My Carving Website: The Iowa Woodcarver http://iowacarver.tripod.com/ My Shop Website - Woodshop 51503 http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/
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10-05-2007, 10:27 AM	#3
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 7,142 View bobj3's Gallery	Just my 2 cents The deeper the slot the smaller the angle, is a good rule to use.. ========== __________________ *Router Tables plans FREE, plus more* http://www.absolutelyfreeplans.com/W...p_projects.htm Router Tip Archive http://www.routerworkshop.com/router_tip_glossary.html Calculators http://www.routerforums.com/dynamic-calculators/
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10-19-2007, 04:31 PM	#4
garycurtis Registered User Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern California Posts: 50 View garycurtis's Gallery	Dave, if by "different angle" you are referring to the pin angle, it has to match the tail angle. And that is fixed, having been determined by the dovetail bit itself on the tail. With the advent of carbide router bits, you are more or less caged in. They produce a clunky, ham-handed look compared to hand-cut dovetail joints. The only way around the ugly 14degree bits is to buy some of the HSS dovetail bits from a WoodRat dealer. In America, the Craftsman Gallery is the main distributor ( www.chipsfly.com ) Lee Valley also sells the machine and the tooling. HSS is ideal for dovetails. It takes a keener edge, though it needs to be honed more frequently than carbide. Bit it is stronger than carbide. It won't, however, stand up to abrasive materials like MDF or plywood. And because the smaller bits come in slopes as elegant as 6 degrees, you need slow feed rates in hard woods. They make a range of dovetails going from a tiny 4.7mm (5/32") to a beefy 28mm (1 1/8"). Gary Curtis
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10-19-2007, 06:07 PM	#5
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 7,142 View bobj3's Gallery	Hi Gary " HSS is ideal for dovetails " HSS "Bit it is stronger than carbide." I will need to disagree with you on the this one "It's fine to disagree with other members as long as you respect their opinions." MIKE Senior Moderator Here's a link that you may want to check out,, it's a chart for dovetail bits... How to setup dovetails http://www.leighjigs.com/cutters-d16.php# Videos http://www.leighjigs.com/vids.php =========== __________________ *Router Tables plans FREE, plus more* http://www.absolutelyfreeplans.com/W...p_projects.htm Router Tip Archive http://www.routerworkshop.com/router_tip_glossary.html Calculators http://www.routerforums.com/dynamic-calculators/
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10-19-2007, 06:42 PM	#6
DavePowers Registered User Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 21 View DavePowers's Gallery	I am asking about 8 deg, 14 deg or what other angles the bits come in.
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10-19-2007, 07:00 PM	#8
kp91 Marine Engineer Forum King Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 873 View kp91's Gallery	bigger angles are for softwoods, smaller angles are for hardwoods. At least that's the traditional way... __________________ Doug 1 John 1:9
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10-19-2007, 08:11 PM	#9
DavePowers Registered User Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 21 View DavePowers's Gallery	Thanks everyone.
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