Tapered sliding dovetails

[pcwart]

Hi, I have just registered, so don't know whether this topic may have been mentioned somewhere previously, but I would greatly appreciate any direction or advice.
I want to run multiple tapered sliding dovetails for the construction of a bookshelf.  I have read a number of suggested techniques using  home-made router jigs,  but I wondered whether anyone knows of an established method using the Festool guide rail system.
I would be grateful for any suggestions.
Regards,
Peter

 

[Michael Kellough]

Read this thread and search for the referenced documents.

 

[pcwart]

Thanks very much for your message.  I have looked at the link that was suggested, and the associated information is indeed comprehensive.  However, it seems that the method described involves an array of extra Festool equipment, which I do not have, and would not be affordable in my situation.  My extras are limited to three Festool guide rails of different lengths, along with the usual attachments with my 1400 router.
I wonder if anyone has any other suggestions based on those  resources?
Regards,
Peter

 

[bkharman]

Hi, I have just registered, so don't know whether this topic may have been mentioned somewhere previously, but I would greatly appreciate any direction or advice.
I want to run multiple tapered sliding dovetails for the construction of a bookshelf.  I have read a number of suggested techniques using  home-made router jigs,  but I wondered whether anyone knows of an established method using the Festool guide rail system.
I would be grateful for any suggestions.
Regards,
Peter

If you have a router and a dovetail bit and the rail with the attachment for the router it should be quite simple. You would need to clamp the rail down and also use a stop block or similar if you don't have one.  Make pencil marks on the rail so you can set it up each time if you want to.

Hope this helps.

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pcwart]

Thanks for your message Bryan.  I have the gear to achieve what you suggest.  It was more the issue of creating the taper on the dovetail that I was pondering about.  I'm not sure if it would be accurate enough to make one pass with the router using the guide rail at right angles to the work in the normal way, then (say) realign one end of the rail slightly by shimming against a batten and make a second pass.
Perhaps it would be easier to just make a simple plywood jig and use with a collar on the router?
Regards,
Peter

 

[bkharman]

Thanks for your message Bryan.  I have the gear to achieve what you suggest.  It was more the issue of creating the taper on the dovetail that I was pondering about.  I'm not sure if it would be accurate enough to make one pass with the router using the guide rail at right angles to the work in the normal way, then (say) realign one end of the rail slightly by shimming against a batten and make a second pass.
Perhaps it would be easier to just make a simple plywood jig and use with a collar on the router?
Regards,
Peter

Peter,

Is there a reason for the taper?  I am asking because a regular slide would be simple, repeatable and very strong.

I have never made a tapered one and can't think of a reason for it... on to do a bit of Googling!!

10 minutes later...

Ok, I get it now. I have never had a need to make one like that but I get the locking that occurs as a result.  I think without a router table this might be difficult (at least on your brain!). If you have access to one, great. If you don't, really all you need is a few pieces of MDF to do a makeshift one. Would be well suited for this project.

Again, I have never had a need for one and have made a few sliding shelfs over the years. All are solid and didn't require a lot of glue to keep them that way.

Let us know how you get on with this project!

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk