| Project by russv | posted 1310 days ago | 3074 views | 8 times favorited | 6 comments |  |
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I decided to try my hand at handcut dovetails. This marking jig has a 1:7 ration. I made it out of 1/4” hardboard that is smooth on both sids. I cut 2 pieces into 2.5” squares. I then cut my angles on one piece and cut a dadao in the other. Then I glued together making sure they were at 90 degrees. If you look at the youtube of Rob Cosman’s version ($24.95 on his web sight) you can see how to use it. Laying out for the cuts is sooooo easy with this jig.
-- yknotwood.com: where to go because you don't want no stinking plastic!
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6 comments so far
a1Jim
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87175 posts in 1746 days
#1 posted 1310 days ago
good idea well done.
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
dustyal
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#2 posted 1310 days ago
I have a similar hand made jig for marking dovetails… made by LJ Ed… He made up a bunch for our hand cut dovetail workshop in 6, 7, 8 ratios. You’re right, they make quick accurate work of it.
Nice work on yours… good job… simple yet very useful.
-- Al H. - small shop, small projects...
James
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3 posts in 1248 days
#3 posted 1245 days ago
Ok guys. What does the 6,7,8 ratios mean ?
russv
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#4 posted 1242 days ago
that is the angle of the dovetail. 1:6 ratio means over 1” and up 6 ” to determine your angle. to calculate an angle, from the corner of the board measure up 6”, and make a mark on the edge. from the same corner, measure over 1” and make another mark. draw a line between these two marks and you have an angle. most dovetails use a angle based on a 6,7, or 8 to 1 ratio. softwoods should be a 1:6 and hard woods can be 1:8 ratio.
russv
-- yknotwood.com: where to go because you don't want no stinking plastic!
James
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3 posts in 1248 days
#5 posted 1227 days ago
Ok. Thanks. Now I know.
skone
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#6 posted 963 days ago
the explanation for calculating the ratios is much appreciated. thank you! i’m just starting on my hand cut dovetail journey and am about to make a couple jigs.
-- "Take extra care not to lose what you feel" (Winwood/Capaldi/Wood)
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