Set Up and Use a Dovetail Jig
George Vondriska- In-depth Instruction; over 88 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Want a great dovetail? Start by making sure your material has been machined correctly, and your jig is correctly set up. A handful of great tips and tricks will be the start of you cutting excellent dovetails. We’ll also identify the router bits and other accessories used for cutting dovetails, how to lubricate your jig and router base, best practices for material prep, and jargon related to dovetails.
Great half blind dovetails start with proper labeling of the box parts. With that complete we’ll look at setting up the jig so the joint is properly centered on the board, how to accurately position parts in the jig, and what we learn about depth of the router bit from doing test cuts. You’ll also learn how to use a set up gauge to more easily set the depth of the router bit the next time you use the jig.
Once again we’ll start with labeling our boards, and then look at positioning the material in the jig for through dovetails. The fit of a through dovetail depends on the size of the sockets, and you’ll learn how to correct the fit as needed. You’ll also see how to use climb cutting to prevent chipping of the boards.
Rabbeted dovetails work great for partially inset drawers, but can be a little tricky to produce. We don’t need any special jig accessories to make them, we just need the right set up. A shop-made spacer is the answer, making it easy to correctly position your material for this joint. Everyone makes mistakes, and George has seen lots of them made on dovetails jigs. He’ll take you through a number of preemptive steps you can take to avoid making those mistakes.
Dovetail jigs significantly shorten the learning curve for cutting great quality dovetails but, like any tool, a dovetail jig has to be set up and used correctly in order for you to get your best work out of it. This class provides you with everything you need to know to cut excellent through, half blind, and rabbeted dovetails on your jig.
Start to finish
A good dovetail begins with material that has been correctly prepared. We’ll take you through the material requirements, and then move on to tweaking your dovetail jig to make sure it’s performing optimally. We’ll also look at:
- Router bits required for through and half blind dovetails
- Using a guide bushing with the jig
- Parts of a dovetail joint
- Identifying a drawer front versus drawer side
- Handling the router safely and accurately
- Getting chip-free cuts
Half Blind, Through, and Rabbeted
Each type of dovetail requires a slightly different set up, but you’ll be able to apply much of what you learn to all three dovetail types. One of the trickiest aspects of using a dovetail jig is correctly setting the depth of the dovetail bit. You’ll leave this class with techniques for diagnosing router bit depth, and how to correct it if necessary, plus easy to use shortcuts for setting depth.
When dovetails go bad
Thanks to George’s many years of watching his students use dovetail jigs, he has seen almost every possible error that can be committed on a dovetail jig. This class takes you, in detail, through steps and procedures that will help prevent you from making those same mistakes, and help you get to great dovetails faster.
In addition to the detailed video help you’ll receive, this class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to print and keep, including a detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class instruction.
MORE THAN VIDEO
In addition to the hands-on video instruction you’ll receive, this class provides you with some downloadable and helpful resources to print and keep, including a detailed Class Guide as a recap of the key points of the class instruction – you’ll find this very helpful as you decide which finishes to use, and create your finish shopping list. Also, you’ll get a Class Resources document that will give you information on the products you’ll see in the Class.
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George Vondriska
George Vondriska is the Editor in Chief here at Woodworkers Guild of America and has been sharing his woodworking expertise since 1986. Apart from conducting classes at his renowned Vondriska Woodworks School, George's passion for teaching has taken him to woodworking shows nationwide and has led him to teach woodworking for prestigious organizations such as Peace Corps/Swaziland, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines, and the Pentagon. With a wealth of published magazine articles under his belt, encompassing tool reviews and shop improvement projects, George's knowledge and skills continue to inspire woodworkers every day. To discover more about him and his school, visit georgevondriska.com.
Bonus materials available after purchase
