Recently (well, maybe a few years ago) FWW had a article on table saw
cut dovetails that bridged the gap between machine and hand cut
dovetails.

The techinque revolved on putting a 7 - 9 degree bevel on a dedicated
blade, such that when tilted to the same angle, would cut a flat
bottom. This blade was used to establish the sides of the tails, by
sawing with the tail board clamped vertically.

Has anyone here tried this, and what blade did you use? I imagine you
would have to have a rip blade reground, as you would need flat topped
teeth to start with.

Recently (well, maybe a few years ago) FWW had a article on table saw
cut dovetails that bridged the gap between machine and hand cut
dovetails.

Can't answer your question; but it raises a bigger one.
Why would anyone want to do it?

I can understand the craftsman pleasure of hand cutting dovetails. (I don't
do it, but can still understand it.) And for those in a hurry and/or
without sufficient skill (such as myself) there are router jigs.

Why does there need to be bridge? TS cut lack the craft of handcut and the
efficiency of jig cut. They seem to combine the worst of each; so why do
it? (except perhaps to avoid the expense of a jig?)

wrote:
Recently (well, maybe a few years ago) FWW had a article on table saw
cut dovetails that bridged the gap between machine and hand cut
dovetails.

The techinque revolved on putting a 7 - 9 degree bevel on a dedicated
blade, such that when tilted to the same angle, would cut a flat
bottom. This blade was used to establish the sides of the tails, by
sawing with the tail board clamped vertically.

Yes mean vertical or horizontal cuts. And why not? And it is actually
closer to 9.5 deg. as I recall( if you want to be picky...)

I have used a tablesaw, a bandsaw, a handsaw, and a scroll saw to make
the initial cuts -- depended on the wood and the accuracy desired. (And
bragging needs...)

If you look at the items on this page...
http://woodwork.pmccl.com/Business/p...uctsother.html

You will see a tool box that had bandsaw cut dovetails -- cleaned up
with a chisel.

For the legs on the lathe bench, I used a table saw with a 9.5 deg.
angle on the SMT -- but those were _big_ dovetails. :-) For the table
frame, I did them with a bandsaw and by tilting the table... I hand held
a piece of wood to get the angle on some, on others I used a taper gauge.

Formality is for those who feel they have to wear a tuxedo while
woodworking... LOL

--
Will
Occasional Techno-geek
http://woodwork.pmccl.com

On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 16:10:14 GMT, "toller" wrote:

Why does there need to be bridge? TS cut lack the craft of handcut and the
efficiency of jig cut.

You can cut tails on a table saw with narrow pins. You can't do this
with a router. If you're in the "passing off as handwork" repro
market, this can be enough reason to do it.

Mine's a cheap 60 tooth crosscut, reground by the local saw doctor. He
thought I was crazy, but had no problem doing it.

toller wrote:

Recently (well, maybe a few years ago) FWW had a article on table saw
cut dovetails that bridged the gap between machine and hand cut
dovetails.

Can't answer your question; but it raises a bigger one.
Why would anyone want to do it?

I can understand the craftsman pleasure of hand cutting dovetails. (I don't
do it, but can still understand it.) And for those in a hurry and/or
without sufficient skill (such as myself) there are router jigs.

Why does there need to be bridge? TS cut lack the craft of handcut and the
efficiency of jig cut. They seem to combine the worst of each; so why do
it? (except perhaps to avoid the expense of a jig?)

As I recollect the article, the author used the technique in conjunction
w/ a jig for custom spacing, etc. As for why, it's another case of
"another way to skin a cat"--what can it hurt to have alternate
techniques?

Can't say as I've tried it, but thought it a looked a useful trick for
significant numbers.

"toller" wrote in message
...

Recently (well, maybe a few years ago) FWW had a article on table saw
cut dovetails that bridged the gap between machine and hand cut
dovetails.

Can't answer your question; but it raises a bigger one.
Why would anyone want to do it?

I can understand the craftsman pleasure of hand cutting dovetails. (I
don't do it, but can still understand it.) And for those in a hurry
and/or without sufficient skill (such as myself) there are router jigs.

Why does there need to be bridge? TS cut lack the craft of handcut and
the efficiency of jig cut. They seem to combine the worst of each; so why
do it? (except perhaps to avoid the expense of a jig?)


Also, the hand cut dovetails are quicker unless you have a lot to do, like
may drawers.