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Sliding Dovetails

7K views 30 replies 10 participants last post by  Ray Bazil 
#1 ·
I've recently been directed with this link Router Workshop: boxjoints to answer questions I had about the box joint jigs from Oak Park.

At that site they give detailed instructions on how to make sliding dovetails.

Where and how would you use them.... I think they are grand and I have the jigs but I don't know enough about my new world (hobby) to apply things I really like.

Can anyone please give me suggestions on their usage?

Thanks in advance, all. :)
 
#4 · (Edited)
Hi Barb

Your imagination is the key word for the dovetail joint,,any time you don't want to see the joint and want a strong joint the dovetail is the one,,drawers,brackets,shelfs for cabinets,,etc.

I will say you need a jig the norm to put in the dovetail joint :) you know me and jigs..:)

I made one that will do many jobs on the router table, if you want to see it just ask.. :)

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#5 ·
"BTW, Harry, have you ever been to Wave Rock?"

No, I haven't been there, it's a long way from here and VERY hot and my sweetheart hates the heat, bless her, I've spoiled her with air-conditioning!
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#8 ·
Up until about 3 years ago, I made secret wooden money boxes that looked like a book, these I sold a'plenty at craft fairs coming up to christmas. The whole thing was made with a series of sliding dovetails, in that you had to know the sequence before accessing the cash, I'll try to look out something on this and post.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Hi Deb

You're welcome :)
It's not only for the lap joints,, it's for dovetail,dado slots, just about any time you need to put in a slot :)

The table saw is great for cutting the stock down but not so great milling stock like the router table can do it so much better :) at one time I use the table saw and the RAS with a dado blade to do lap joints but it's like day and night with the router ..

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#14 ·
book ends

Hi Bab,

Sliding dovetails are also used by Bob & rick to make sliding book ends.

James
 

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#17 ·
James, thanks for the pic. I'm making a sliding end bookholder like that in concept with a gazillion pieces including spacers and rails, etc. How much easier it would have been with the sliding dovetail.

Deb, you're right about the ta-do list... they have some fabulous ideas.... it drives my nuts trying to keep up with just the simple things... even only on paper. Sometimes my ideas list gets really lost then I can start a new one with new projects :)

Hi Bab,

Sliding dovetails are also used by Bob & rick to make sliding book ends.

James
 
#23 ·
Money box, no sliding dovetails.

I;m sorry but I can't lay my hands on anything to do with the money boxes made from sliding dovetails, but I will do my best.
Here is another model that was much simpler and just as popular.
 

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#25 ·
I used sliding dovetails to make a removable zero clearance insert, for a table saw blade insert I made.
Now when it gets chewed up, I just replace the dovetailed insert, in the insert.
A good practice for sliding dovetails.
What are sliding dovetail joints called, where the joint is very slightlly tapered, so it locks tight when put together?
Tapered sliding dovetails???
 
#29 · (Edited)
Hi Pirate

Nice but I don't know why,,you can make a complete new insert easy on the router table in about 2 mins.or less :)

They get wipe out very easy and all the time not to say anything about switching them out for a diff.saw blades.:)

You may say but where do I get the stock for the inserts Laminate flooring from HD/LOWES cheap...:) you can make 4 or 5 out of one piece of flooring..

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