[Ivo]

So after getting the LS positioner set up I began doing some test cuts today and am having trouble getting the depth set for the dovetails to line up. When I set the bit low I have a gap of course but once I raise it so the ends of the tails line up(boards end to end) with no gap, the dovetails don't fit. They(the tails) look like they are too wide at the top and almost like the spacing is slightly off.

Here is what I am using:

1/2" 14* dovetail bit
Incra DOVN template
1/2" Baltic Birch(measures out to around 7/16")

I wish I knew someone here in Calgary that could show me what the issue is. I bought the Incra system at Lee Valley but there isn't anyone there that uses this system.

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.

 

[Jerry Bowen]

So after getting the LS positioner set up I began doing some test cuts today and am having trouble getting the depth set for the dovetails to line up. When I set the bit low I have a gap of course but once I raise it so the ends of the tails line up(boards end to end) with no gap, the dovetails don't fit. They(the tails) look like they are too wide at the top and almost like the spacing is slightly off.

Here is what I am using:

1/2" 14* dovetail bit
Incra DOVN template
1/2" Baltic Birch(measures out to around 7/16")

I wish I knew someone here in Calgary that could show me what the issue is. I bought the Incra system at Lee Valley but there isn't anyone there that uses this system.

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.

Call Mark at 888 806 6272, I think that is the correct number for tech support. If not check Incra's web site for tech support.

Jerry

 

[al m]

Hi
I believe the incra is fine.Problem is with the differance in the thickness of the material and the diameter of the cutter.You stated that the wood measered about 7/16.It would help if you could measure the material and the cutter with calipers.End result would help to determine how much you need to compensate to make things work.I am rusty as it has been awhile but am thinking you should get the height as close as you can,then after each cut dial over several thousands,recut,reset to your original position on the dial,move to the next position and repeat

 

[Jerry Bowen]

I've cut a lot of dovetails with the LS system. I first cut the thickness of the workpieces to approximately the suggested thinknes shown for the selected bit and template. Then I adjust the height of the bit to match as closely as I can the thickness of the workpieces.

Next I make the first cut for the tail cuts and then move the fence to the second tail cut mark and cut that second cut, and after doing that I check the fit and tweak the height of the bit as needed to get the proper fit. All of this of course is done after going throught centering drill.

Once the height of the bit has been adjusted so that the fit is right I do one other thing when cutting the pins if the workpieces are very hard.

I widen each cut just slightly by doing the following. After making the first pass on each of the pin cuts, I advance the fence by five clicks and make a second pass, then back the fence back by ten clicks, make the third pass and before moving on to the next cut return the fence to it's original position by moving the fence forward five clicks. This is a little extra effort, but it often makes the assembly much easier for me. Hope this helps.

Jerry

 

[graycat]

Five things to check: (1) table spotlessly clean (no chips no "sawdust" offsetting the workpiece from the fence or creating an angle with the table top; (2) parallax error in reading the scale; (3) the faces of the workpiece parallel (no cupping); (4) the router solidly locked (to eliminate movement of the cutter in up-down and/or side-to-side planes); does the workpiece move sideways (at right angles to the direction of the cut) when the it passes over the cutter. Whatever is happening its is not the INCRA fence - unless the fence locking mechanism is faulty which is highly unlikely given the nature of the locking mechanism. Please let us know when you find the solution.

 

[mark0319]

I came across this problem with my first test cuts too. Finally, I figured out that it was due to the suggested depth of cut. For some reason, I thought it was 1/2" but when I looked again it was supposed to be 1/4". Once I made this adjustment everything worked as it should.

 

[jw2170]

G'day @mark0319 , welcome to the forum.

 

[old55]

Welcome to the forum @mark0319