Router jig for cutting dovetail and box joints

[starkw1]

This is a router table-top jig that can be used to cut either box joints or the slots and tails for dovetail joints

In the slides below, I use a straight 1/4" router bit to cut box joints and the pins for dovetail joints; a 5/16" 8 degree dovetail bit is used to cut.
the dovetail slots.

The DRO makes it easy to accurately cut box and dovetail joints. Box joints don't have to be symmetrical; see examples in Fig. 14.

The main limitation for dovetail joints is the diameter of the dovetail router bit. 5/16" is the smallest I have found that can cut 3/8" thick material, which is what I typically use.




Bottom of guide bar is shown on the left of slide 3.

[Christophe Mineau]

Nice ! it recalls me something

[HerbW]

This is a router table-top jig that can be used to cut either box joints or the slots and tails for dovetail joints

In the slides below, I use a straight 1/4" router bit to cut box joints and the pins for dovetail joints; a 5/16" 8 degree dovetail bit is used to cut.
the dovetail slots.

The DRO makes it easy to accurately cut box and dovetail joints. Box joints don't have to be symmetrical; see examples in Fig. 14.

The main limitation for dovetail joints is the diameter of the dovetail router bit. 5/16" is the smallest I have found that can cut 3/8" thick material, which is what I typically use.




Bottom of guide bar is shown on the left of slide 3.

Nice, would you have any plans for the jig or a website?

[starkw1]

Nice, would you have any plans for the jig or a website?

Sorry, I do not have any plans if you are thinking CAD files. I did the layout of the carriage plate in PowerPoint (don't laugh). I am struggling to learn Fusion 360, but I am not there yet.

Thanks for looking.

Warren

[HerbW]

No, I don't no have a CAD and would not know how to operate it. I just like your jig and would like to build one some day.

[starkw1]

Here are some slides that might be helpful if you want to make this jig. Additionally, I bought the Vbearings on eBay (I think like these https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-4pcs-RM...Q6LN:rk:1:pf:0) , and the 12" iGaging DRO from Amazon

One could probably make this from hardwood (maple), though you would need to make the carriage plate thicker since it is actually part of the workpiece clamping system and sees pretty high forces with the screws as it is configured now. There could be a different way to do that part of the jig.


Good luck.

[rossbotics]

Nice work, great write up, thanks for sharing

Doug

[DIYer]

Thanks starkw1! We've added your Router Jig to our Routing category, as well as to your builder page: starkw1's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Router Jig by starkw1

tags: jig, router