What Bit Should I Use When I Am Doing a Dove Tail in Wood Working?

Dovetail Features

• As the name suggests, a dovetail connection in woodworking resembles a bird's tail, or the larger side of a trapezoid. The dovetail shape, or pin, on one piece of wood fits into a mirror image slot on another wood piece. Typically, this connection is made at a 90-degree angle for creating a cabinetry corner. This specifically shaped connection creates a durable joint between wood pieces for strong structural support.

Bit Choice

• Dovetail woodworking creation requires a dovetail bit. The bit resembles the final wood cut of a bird's tail or trapezoid. These dovetail bits vary in diameter, cut height and cut angle. The chosen size typically depends upon the wood's thickness. Woodworkers commonly use a machine router with the installed dovetail bit for a steady cut. Verify that the chosen dovetail bit fits within the router's jig before purchasing.

Bit Use

• Although a woodworker may have the correct bit chosen for dovetailing, setting the bit's height, or cutting depth, correctly is imperative for a successful wood joint. The bit's height should be set for approximately 3/8ths of an inch. Make sure that the height is not altered between creating the pins and slots. Both heights must match for the connection to fit snugly in the end. A bit that is installed at a shorter height will produce a loose joint. In contrast, a deeper cutting bit will generate an extremely tight joint that may not allow the correct structural joining. Many woodworkers must minutely adjust the bit's height multiple times until the correct measurement is achieved.

Bit Adjustment Within Router

• The dovetail bit must be centered within the router's jig. Bits that enter the wood at odd angles produce incorrectly shaped dovetails. The trapezoid cut will resemble a square cut, on one side, if the bit is not centered precisely. Verify that the bit is centered correctly for both the pin and slot creations for the best wood cut.

Wood Amount

• Confirm that there is enough wood available for a proper dovetail cut. The cut will not have the correct shape if there is not enough wood around the cutting area. The lack of wood can generate square dovetail corners or even spaces, compromising the dovetail's joining capabilities.