Secure the Jig
Two holes in the bottom of the jig allow permanent attachment to a work-
bench or similar stable base. Where work space is limited, the same holes
allow mounting to a shop-built movable base (Fig. 2) that can be secured in
the jaws of a vise. The jig can then be stored elsewhere when not in use.
The base is just two pieces of sheet stock (plywood, MDF, melamine, etc.)
screwed together at 90°. An optional glued dado strengthens the joint and
provides extra stability.
Set Up the Router
Included with your jig are a 1/2"-14º dovetail bit for half blind dovetails,
1/2"- 8º dovetail bit and 5/16" straight bit for full through dovetail joints. Also
included is a 1/2"-8mm reducer for your 1/2" router collet. The 8mm shank
size will significantly reduce the amount of chatter and offer a cleaner cut.
Also included is a 7/16" guide bushing assembly. The bushing is universal:
it fits most popular brands of routers and after-market bases. (In the remote
chance that you have difficulty attaining a perfect fit, consult your router’s
manufacturer; they usually offer a guide bushing as an option.)
HALF-BLIND INSTRUCTIONS
Drawer Layout
It is recommended that you keep track of the parts of each drawer by
numbering and labeling them, then milling them in the same order every
time you build a drawer or box. This repetition will virtually eliminate
mistakes, with practice.
Refer to the drawing above to see how this is done. The parts of the drawer
are laid out in their proper orientation, then each piece is labeled on the
inside face (FRONT, BACK, LEFT SIDE, RIGHT SIDE). You can write
directly on the part with a soft pencil, or use masking tape.
Mark the faces next: each face should have a notation that says which way
is up. Finally, mark the corners with designated number, 1 through 4. For
example, the left side of the drawer in the illustration meets the front at
corner #1, so each part is so labeled. If you can develop a habit of marking
the drawers in exactly the same fashion every time, errors will be few and
far between.
Install the bushing in the router base and secure it with the included
threaded ring. Tighten the ring securely, then slide the base toward the
motor housing and install the bit.
For half blind dovetail joints you will be using the 1/2" x 14º dovetail bit.
Depth of cut will be 9/16" from the base of your router. Included on the half
blind template is a gauge for setting this height (Fig. 3). Adjusting for joint
tightness will be covered later in these instructions.
A shop-built base
allows for quick setup
in the workbench vise,
and easy storage.
Figure 2
1
3
3
1
2 2
4 4
FRONT
BACK
LEFT
RIGHT
1
4
Left side up
2
Figure 3
