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Breaking In the Sommerfeld Jig

1320 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Bstrom, 
Bstrom
Finally got around to tackling the Sommerfeld Dovetail Jig and am happy to report early and easy success. This tool is a no-brained if you follow Marc’s clear instructions on YT videos. Through and blind dovetails are pretty cut and dried if you setup the jig (I didn’t the first time) mechanics and label your parts at the outset. By my third trial Pine box it was second nature - a fourth using minimum dimension 1/2” stock (not shown) worked well too.

PS: Marc Sommerfeld has come down with ALS and is deteriorating quickly according to his technical support person - a pity considering all Marc has contributed to this industry.

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Bstrom
And here they are all painted up in color and poly...

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M
Nice job Brian
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sreilly
Very nice work Brian. Learning the box making technique, of which there are a ton of, is both rewarding and practical as it is the basis for some many projects. I know I'm having a ton of fun with my system.
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TenGees
Very nice, Brian. The different size of pins adds interest.
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Bstrom
TenGees said:
Very nice, Brian. The different size of pins adds interest.
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Thank you - these are the trial boxes made to learn the process.

FYI1: The bits chipped out a few places in the pine which I filled with Rock Hard. Once sanded down well, that filler blends well with water-based polyurethane but sticks out visibly with oil based poly.

FYI2: The pin size only changes with material thickness - gets smaller as you move from 3/4", the thickest, to 1/2" stock, which is the thinnest it will cut. Being able to set custom spaced dovetails will make for some more interesting designs.

FYI3: My default results created a very tight fitting joint. To 'loosen' the joint fit, you slip a piece of sand paper or card stock behind one of the backer boards. according to Marc Sommerfeld.
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