Proy Wood

Sliding Dovetail Setup

Im about to have to make a few drawers and decided that Id try to make doing the sliding dovetails EZer. I have drawn this up, done a prototype, tested the concept, and have started building the parts needed. This is what I came up with.

The setup has four parts; a 25" section of EZ Smart Guide rail, a vertical 36" SME (Sliding Module Extrusion) with clamps to hold the work piece that will get the sliding dovetail (pin), a vertical 24" SME to hold a horizontal platform for the work piece to receive the sliding dovetail slot, and a top platform with a large slot for the bit that the SRK (Smart Router Kit) base to ride on. It is set up on one end of my custom PBB (Power Bench with Bridge).


Both work pieces are mounted flush to the bottom of the top platform that supports the SRK base. The piece receiving the slot is easy, the horizontal platform is raised, with the work piece in place, until the work piece is against the bottom of the top platform. The vertical piece is butted against an insert that is placed in the large slot of the top platform. It is essential to the functionality of the setup that the two top surfaces of the two work pieces be in the same plane. To do multiple pieces of the same length, Ill have a stop in the edge of the SME to hold the piece at the proper height.


Once the test pieces are in place, you lower the dovetail bit until it just touches the vertical piece. Then you center the bit on the piece and make a pass along the full length of the piece. This will make a mark in the top of the piece. This mark is what you will use to align the bit for the passes along the sides of the piece.








Next you lower the bit to the depth you want the slot to be. Then align the bit with the location you want the slot on the other piece and make the cut (either through or stopped).



You then move the router toward the inside of the vertical piece and align the edge of the cutter at the top of the piece with the inside mark on the top of the piece. Make a pass to cut that side of the dovetail. Set the SRK limit stop closest to the piece.



Move the router out and line up the edge of the cutter with the outside mark on the top of the piece, set the other limit stop, and make the cut.



It is best if you start with the cuts a little too far out from the piece so you can sneak up on the final setting. Test the fit and adjust as necessary.

Your passes are in the counter clockwise direction (not the usual direction) to get a cleaner cut.



Im still playing with the setup, making adjustments, and getting the process down pat. I hope to start making drawers soon.

Pictures of the final setup to follow...