How to Use a Dovetail Jig? [Step by Step Guide For Beginners]

 

Dovetail joints are the results of one of the oldest joinery techniques that emerged from the Egyptian era. Hand-cut joints used to be the only means until the introduction of modern jigs that are more productive and oriented toward precision which is always critical to the flawless dovetail fitting. But these modern machines aren’t without the demand that users have the technical know-how to operate a dovetail jig.

 

According to experts, success in this task is as much associated with the user’s expertise to handle the machine as with its capability. So, having the best dovetail jig may not essentially abate your concerns for perfection but will only pave the way to richer craftsmanship.

 

Using a dovetail jig goes well with experienced people. Beginners may try their luck too but with great attention and safety measures. Depending on the difficulty of the dovetail cuts intended, you may need 3-4 hours for a project and sometimes two-thirds of the day.

 

Step by Step Guide to Use a Dovetail Jig

Since dovetailing requires accuracy as one of the core principles, woodworkers have to maintain focus on each step of the method. It starts with the collection of required materials and tools. Then comes the setup process in which you’ll be doing all the mounting and adjustments. You’ll proceed to the actual operation once you have the tools and machine ready.  

Step: 1 Collect Necessary Items

You need to gather two kinds of items such as some tools and materials.

·         The tools include a dovetail jig, a dovetail router bit, router, template guide for router, and pencil.

·         The materials include wood glue, some scrap pieces of wood, and workpieces (boards). Make sure the width and thickness of both the scrap pieces and actual workpieces are the same.

 

Step: 2 The Setup Procedure

If you’re new to it, you’re about to undergo a little bit of a short learning curve that consists of six different steps as in the following.

·         Put all the parts in place that didn’t come assembled. For most jig models, the hand levers are usually the components you’ll be dealing with.

·         Mount the machine. Check every bolt or clamping point to ensure it is mounted securely.

·         Adjust the clamping pressure so that you can slide your workpiece without a problem.

·         Now, you must set the side stops up correctly since they’re responsible for some things critical to your dovetailing project.

·         Finally, adjust the template and then the fence to prepare yourself for the next steps.

 

Step: 3 Mark the Pieces of Wood

Put all pieces of wood in a way that they stay lined up in the ultimate assembly. Mark each of them so that the bottom, the top, the back, and the front are clearly visible so that you can avoid getting confused while fitting those wood pieces together.

 

Take a Scrap Test (It’s Optional!)

This step isn’t mandatory for people who know their job. But for those who lack confidence in their success, it’s helpful.

 

You can insert a few scrap pieces to test your jig. Do the cuts to see how you and the machine get along with each other. If the test cuts make you confident, you can install your original boards.

 

Step: 4 Place the Drawer Stock Underneath Your Template

Put the very first piece of stock underneath your dovetail machine making sure that the front of the piece stays up. If you’ve placed it properly, the wood must protrude beyond the jig’s crevices approximately 1/16 inch. Now, pull the hand lever (which you already have assembled) to secure the workpiece.

 

Step: 5 Accept the Template as Your Guide and Do the Cuts

The dovetail bit has to be attached to the router, and then, a template guide needs to be attached to the router base, so it surrounds that dovetail bit.

 

Put your hands on the router to use it to cut inside the dovetail jig’s crevices. You need to get the templates on your jig in contact with the template guide.

 

Step: 6 Repeat Some Steps and Attach All the Pieces

You’ll be doing the same for a second piece of wood. So, follow the fourth and fifth steps feeding the piece into your jig keeping the bottom side up.

 

Now is the time to make the joints and see if they go well in terms of fitting. Sometimes, either the machine or the workmanship of the operator is the reason the joint may not be okay.

 

Too loose a joint necessitates that the depth of the cut has to be increased, and too tight a joint means you should decrease the depth. This particular adjustment is critical for the integrity and strength of every dovetail joint you make.

 

If you don’t get the fit right after adjusting the depth of cuts, you can use a piece of sandpaper or a small chisel to clear the cervices off the debris.

 

Only after being sure that each joint has the perfect fitting, you should take the glue and apply a small amount inside those joints to join every two pieces of dovetailed wood for the last time.

 

Now that you’re aware of the steps to follow, you surely want to take your understanding to the next level by learning the specific rules of usage while dovetailing with added versatility.

 

Here’re the quick tips to use as you need to cut half-blinds. The following instruction is meant for 1/2-inch material.

·     Set the depth of your (1/2"-14°) router bit to 9/16 inch using the guide on your half-blind template.

·         Adjust the side stops to ensure that the dovetails are equally spaced.

·         Install both horizontal and vertical workpieces tight up against those side stops.

·         Set the back of your template to the “A” on scale and the stop bar to the “C”.

·         Rout the joint.

·         Then, adjust the settings as required.

You can also document each of the settings on scale, so you need not face difficulty remembering them in the future.

 

Here’s the guide to cut through joints on the same ½-inch material.

·         Set the depth of your (1/2"-8°) router to the thickness of the material and template.

·         Adjust the side stops to ensure that the dovetails are equally spaced.

·         Install a tail workpiece vertically into your jig and clamp it securely.

·         Set the back of the tail template to the “B” on scale.

·         Route the two tailboards and install 5/16-inch straight bit.

·         Make sure the depth is equal to that of the dovetail bit.

·         Install a pin workpiece vertically into your jig and clamp it securely.

·         Set the back of the pin template to the “F” on scale.

·         Rout the pins and remove them from your jig.

·         Check how they fit with the tailpieces and make adjustments if required.

You can document each step of the settings for future use.

 

You’re never done until you know how to keep yourself and others around you safe while using a dovetail jig. So, follow the suggestions below.

 

Safety Rules

·         Keep the work area free of debris and get proper lighting arrangements.

·         Use all kinds of protective items like glasses, hearing protection, and dust repellant.

·         Avoid playing with a router and the jig if you’re sick or drunk or not in the best of your mood.

·         Get rid of jewelry and other accessories while working.

·         Do the adjustments after unplugging the router.

·         Try to keep wrenches (if you use any) away right before starting your router.

·         Don’t lift your router off a dovetail jig with the bit spinning.

·         Don’t allow your kids to draw near the work area.

·         Check all parts before starting to see if any part needs to be replaced.

Final Words

The beauty of dovetails has always fascinated both DIY woodworkers and professional carpenters who often seek more possibilities with their jigs looking beyond the half-blinds and through cuts.

 

Different variations like full through, offset, rabbeted, or sliding dovetails demand variable efforts, and any jig isn’t good for all these cuts. So, the concept of the best dovetail jig applies mostly to a machine that offers great efficiency and versatility for multiple dovetail joints while allowing users with different skill levels to master the use and become comfortable with the operation.