1.
Setting-up the Jig
Ensure that the jig is assembled and
secured to a work surface as shown
in the instruction manual. Before
continuing check that the correct
edge guides are fitted to suit the
template being used. There are 4 sets
of guides, each set consisting of a lefthand and right-hand plate to suit each
template. Extra guides are provided
should rebated drawer fronts be
required.
Clamp the gauge in position with
the setting line aligned with the
inside edge of the first slot in the
template. Remove the template
and slide the edge guide along
until it is against the gauge.
Tighten the locking screw and
repeat this procedure at the
other end of the jig. Remove the
setting gauge and retain it for
future use.
Carry out the following steps for 1/2
inch dovetails; steps one to three are
carried out only once on initial set-up:
Clamping the timber
Following the sequence marked
on each piece, position the first
drawer side beneath the front
bar on the left hand side of the
jig and tighten the clamp.
Position the drawer front under
the top bar, butting it against the
drawer side and the edge guide,
and clamp it firmly. Slacken the
drawer side and raise it until
flush with the top surface of the
drawer front and re-clamp.
4.
3.
Ideal Timber Widths
For the 1/2 inch dovetail template the finger
‘pitch’ is 21.5mm therefore the timber widths
should ideally be multiples of 21.5mm (e.g. 3
tails = 64.5mm, 4 tails = 86mm etc). For the
1/4 inch template the pitch is 11.3mm
therefore the material widths are 3 tails =
44mm and 4 tails = 45mm etc. A simple lookup
table is provided in the instruction manual.
Fit the guide bush to the base of the router
and the dovetail cutter in the collet. (Use the
large guide bush ref. GB157 for 1/2 inch
dovetails, and the small diameter guide bush
ref. GB774 for 1/4 inch dovetails). The height
of the 1/2 inch dovetail cutter should be set
approximately 17mm above the router base
and the 1/4 inch dovetail cutter approximately
11mm. The exact height can be obtained by
making a test joint and adjusting it to suit the
tightness of joint required.
Autumn 1999
Marking out the Components
Having cut the timber to size, it is essential to set out
and mark the order of assembly so that each piece
is fitted into the jig in the correct order and the
right way up. When joining the drawer front
to the sides, the dovetail joint on one
side of the drawer is cut on the lefthand side of the jig and the other
is cut on the right. Remember
that the joints are cut with the
Front
inside faces of the drawer facing
up (drawer front) and outwards
(drawer side).
Right
side
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