2
Tool Safety Rules
1. Keep your work area clean and
well lighted.
2. Do not use a router with this jig
when tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or
medication.
3. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry.
4. Unplug the router to make any
adjustments.
5. Remove the wrench(es) before
starting the router.
6. Always wear eye, dust, and
hearing protection.
7. NEVER lift the router off the jig
while the bit is still spinning.
8. Secure the jig to a solid base
(such as a heavy workbench)
before using.
9. Keep children and other
distractions away.
10. Always replace damaged parts
before using the jig.
Secure the Jig
Two bolt holes in the bottom of the
jig allow permanent attachment to
a workbench or similar stable base.
Where workspace is limited, the
same holes allow mounting to a
shop-built mobile base (see Figure
1)
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 14°
1/2" dovetail bit (with a 1/4"
shank) and a 7/16" guide bushing,
both of which are shown in fig.2.
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.)
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. Set the bit height at
9/16" (from the router base, not
the bushing).
Locate the Stops
The jig is equipped with two stops
that locate the drawer parts and
allow repetitive milling: once they
are set, you can build as many
drawers as you need.
The first step is to to ensure that
the dovetails are evenly spaced on
your workpiece (that is, there is the
same amount of pin or tail top and
bottom). With the correct template
installed – to begin with, use the
1/2" one – slide a piece of scrap the
same width as your drawer stock
into the jig. Center the board (left
and right) on the template fingers,
as shown in figure 3. The idea is to
have the same amount of finger or
gap showing at each side of the
board. Make sure the board lies at
90° to the front of the jig, then
loosen the four screws in the
adjustable stop (the left one, Part
11, see figure 4), and slide it snug
against the board. Tighten the four
screws.
Insert the Drawer Parts
During initial set-up adjustment
always use test pieces the same
thickness and width as your drawer
sides that you will be milling. Only
install the actual drawer sides after
you've produced a satisfactory joint
in the test pieces. Figures 5, 6
and 7 illustrate the process
A shop-built base
allows for quick
setup in the
workbench vise, and
easy storage.
© 2002 Copyright Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Equal distance
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 4
Figure 3
11
