EDGE JOINTING (FIG. 22)
1. In order to join two pieces of wood using a Dovetail-Joint the
round-over created by the dovetail jig must be avoided. (FIG. 18)
2. Insert the first board into the “TAILS” section of the Dovetail Jig
along with a thin piece of scrap at least 1/4" thick to offset the
first board and the jig. (FIG. 19)
3. Align one edge of the board to be cut with the outside edge of
the jig. (FIG. 20)
4. Tighten the thumbscrews, (CAUTION: DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN),
and make all cuts.
5. Insert the second board into the jig along with the same scrap
wood and offset one edge of the board 1/2" from the outside
edge of the jig. (Fig. 21) This spacing will offset the “TAILS” of
the second board so that they align with the slots cut into the
first board.
CUTTING A BOX JOINT (FIG. 23)
For box jointing, use a 1/2" diameter straight bit with either a 1/2"
O.D. top guide bearing or a 1/2" O.D. guide sleeve insert in your router.
Set the depth of the cutter to equal, or slightly greater than the
thickness of the stock you’re joining.
Tip: Always make sure that the guide bearing or the guide sleeve
tracks in the guide slot.
To avoid the “round-over” part of the guide finger of the jig, use a
1/4" thick piece of scrap as a shim between the wood and the inner
surface of the jig to offset the board from the “round-over”. (FIG. 19)
Tip: If you’re doing more than one joint, you can use a piece of
double-face tape to hold the shim in place.
Cut the slots in the first board with the board edge set flush with the
right hand edge of the jig. (FIG. 20) Make the entry and exit cuts using
the left side of the guide slot only.
For the joining board, clamp it in the jig with its edge offset 3/8" in
from the right hand edge of the jig (FIG. 21), except use 3/8" offset
instead of 1/2". Make entry and exit cuts using the right side of the
guide slot only.
Dry fit the joint before gluing to be sure it is tight. If necessary, use a
wood mallet to bring the two parts together.
FIG. 17
FIG. 18
FIG. 19
ROUND-OVER
SCRAP
FIG. 21
FIG. 20
5
FIG. 22
FIG. 23
3/8" offset for Box Joint
1/2" offset for Edge Joint
