Before buying a dovetail jig, you need to consider some factors.
Capacity
While buying a dovetail jig you need to consider what type of work you are going to do with it. If you are planning to make small pieces then you don’t have to think much because most of the dovetail jigs can deal with 12 inches wood piece.
Most importantly:
Just make sure the jig is large enough for your work.
Weight and portability
You also need to consider the weight and portability of your jig. Aluminium is lighter than steel so choose the former one if you want to carry it easily.
Durability
You also need to think about the durability of your dovetail jig. As lighter things are less durable, you can choose the Aluminium one as it somehow balances the ratio od portability to durability.
But wait a minute…..
But if you want something more durable and don’t want to think about its weight, choose steel instead of other material.
Accuracy
Accuracy of your product is really important as you have to joint parts, each of the design and their role will make your work flawless.
While buying a dovetail jig, choose the reputed models.
Type of joints:
There are different types of dovetail joints; you need to make sure that the product you want to buy is offering your desired things.
The following are the various types of dovetail joints:
1. Half-blind dovetail
2. Through dovetail
3. Sliding dovetail
4. Secret mitred dovetail
5. Full-blind dovetail
How to Use a Dovetail Jig?
As dovetail joints are quite tricky, using a dovetail jig to create joints are quite easy compared to hand –curve joints. A dovetail jig works quickly and accurately to create these intricate joints.
At first, you need these following materials to use a dovetail jig.
1. Wood pieces with same thickness and width
2. Pencil or marker
3. Wood glue
4. Template guide
5. Router bit
6. A dovetail jig
Steps to using a dovetail jig.
· Step1: Set up the jig following the user manual. You should check out every part of the jig whether it's screwed well or not.
· Step 2: Now you have to pick up the right template for your work. Choose the appropriate template according to the type of dovetail joint you want. Then set the depth of the cut as 9/16. Remember that the depth is counted from the router base.
· Step 3: Now adjust the holes of both sides of the jig and attach the machine to a work table or base. Then set up the selected template and firmly adjust the nuts.
· Step-4: Now set up the wood pieces by marking the inner and outer sides of the woods and selecting the tailboard and pinboard. You also need to mark by numbering each side and corners of the woods that would join together so that there wouldn’t be any confusion.
· You need to remember that the tailboards thickness would determine the cut of the pinboard.
· Step 5: Now place the tailboard at the centre of the template and use the router to cut the joints. Remember to flip template when you are doing the pinboard.
· Step 6: Join the tailboard and pinboard with wood glue.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Question: How do you use a dovetail jig?
Answer: Using a dovetail jig is not an easy task if you haven’t tried it before. How you will use a dovetail jig is explained step by step in the 4th section.
2. Question: How do you cut dovetails with a router?
Answer: Well at first you put the piece of wood in the dovetail jig and lay the template on it. Then you use the router to cut the edge of the wood by following the template. The router would create cuts like a dovetail.
3. Question: What is a dovetail machine?
Answer: A dovetail machine or dovetail jig is a tool to make dovetail joints in various kinds of woodwork like drawers, cabinets, etc.
4. Question: What is the most common dovetail angle?
Answer: Well, Dovetail angles are commonly notably described in degrees and are often explained as a ratio; it’s either 1:8 or 1:6.
5. Question: What angle should a dovetail be?
Answer: when it comes to angle, Lower (7° to 9°) angles are usually advised for joining hardwoods. On the other hand, higher (10° to 14°) angles are suggested for softwoods and higher (14° to 18°) angles for half-blind dovetails.
Wrapping up
As you can see, Dovetail jigs are great value for money. And the best part, rarely it will you need to invest over $450 to get a jig that may change your work experience.
And you know what?
This ridiculously handy tool will save your hell amount of time. Out of these entire 9 best dovetail jigs, which one did we recommend as the top performer?
Let’s narrow it down:
· Best Overall: PORTER-CABLE DovetailJig 4216
“A rare combination of accuracy and superior performance”
· Runner up, Best value: Keller dovetailsystem 135-1500 journeyman dovetail jig
“A versatile tool that took woodworker’s breathe away.”
· Best Budget: Porter cable dovetail jig
“A superbly handy tool that won’t break your bank”
Trust me. They’ll all be worth it.
Good luck, y’all!
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