Ok   I'm looking to buy 2 or 3 dovetail bits and from the different available size / and degree angles I'm lost as a goose.  Question for those that use them What the basic, common, or popular size that is used the most in your shop.  In case anyone wondering,  I'm looking to build mostly drawers, some keepsake boxes.  I would appreciates all thought on this

Thanks

Wayne E

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Wayne E

Here's a site for the ones I use. http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/katana_bits9.htm You also will need a 1/2 straight bit if you do through dove tails. 

Have you got the jig yet? Depending on which one you get, they'll tell you what bits you need. 

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Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

Hey Wayne, I guess I have the same question as Gene, have you a jig? That is going to depend allot on which style bit you purchase.

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker

Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

Wayne this is one of the jigs I use to cut dovetails with.

It comes with a 7 degree dovetail and a 5/8" straight bit. They have a set that is a different size to cut smaller ones. These are recommended for 1/2" to 3/4" wood. The jig is 15" long, but you can buy additional 15" long pieces and put them together to make a jig as long as you want.

I find the setup is quick and fast and works very well. To keep from making a lot of setups, I do have the dovetail bit in one router and the straight bit in another and had just dedicated them to that job.

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John Moody
Site Administrator


John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

John, 

I use the same jig (different brand) and would recommend it to anyone who needs a through D/T jig. 

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Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

I got this kit of bots

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=30225&cat=1,46168,46179&ap=1

 I've used 'em and can't complain. I got the set exactly because I wanted more than one size and taper.

Wayne this is a set I bought from Rockler for my INCRA jig. The set normally sells for $90.00 but was on sale for $22.00. I'm not sure if they are still available but I couldn't pass it up.

I originally saw the set on sale at Rockler and had it in my hand but a gentleman standing next to me when I pulled it from the cabinet said "I was just about to grab that set but you beat me to it" He was in the middle of a project and needed these specifically for a project he was in the middle of. I handed him the set because I was only buying them because of the sale and wasn't quite finished with my router cabinet and didn't need them yet. After walking out I felt good about giving them up but didn't know if I'd ever see that deal again but 3 months later I saw 1 set at Rockler on sale and grabed them and would't let them out of my site this time. 

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

OK  I'll just reply to all.  I do have a jig and no it not one of your better name/brand one.  I bought the one that HF has for about $ 29 bucks.           At the time I bought it was to just practice making dove tails and if for some reason I screwed up and damage the jig it would be of no great loss at least money wise.  Maybe just my old pride.

I have dragged it out half a dozen or more times over the years and just played with it.  As far as dovetail bit, I have one that is 1/2 " in dia  14 degree with 1/4" shank from a set I bought from MLCS years ago.   It has a few nicks from practicing on the jig.   Still I have not master this thing yet but getting there.  Now I'm getting caught up on some of woodworking from the list  of things my son wanted and needs to go marching on to other woodworking list.  My list is rather long and getting longer.  Once I master the dovetails I'm looking to toss this jig out the door mostly it sort of funky in setting up and I'll most likely buy the one that MLCS  has.   Model # #8706 1/2" shank bits. then buy the each different templates later over time.

Wayne E

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Wayne E