Project Information
For those who were waiting, sorry this took so long. Had a slight detour in the middle that required my attention. Also lost a few of the pics that I took while in progress.
This is the Woodsmith Dovetail Jig Workcenter they published several years ago. It was designed specifically for the Porter Cable 4212 which is what I have so it was perfect. It can be easily modified for any other jig from what I can see.
When I finished my Kreg Jig Workcenter a few weeks ago I jumped right into this. After spending an evening in the shop cutting out all the pieces, I received a Shopnotes mag in the mail with an addendum to this Jig. It added a second drawer. Since I had already modified the Kreg Jig, I figured why not. So back out to the shop. All I had to recut was three pieces, i.e. two sides and one back. I was able to use those to build the second drawer with a little waste left over.
It is at the perfect height for me to work dovetails. It is also great storage for the dovetail jig when not in use. Everything fits inside. With the addition of the second drawer it added great space for the small doodads or whatever you want to call them.
For those who havent seen this jig before the two wings that fold down are dual purpose. 1 for a place to clamp to your bench and 2 and landing zone on either side for your router that won't ding up the bit.
I finished the project with three coats of Waterlox and then rubbed out with steel wool with paste wax. I know, maybe an overkill but I had some that was getting old and might as well protect the project. If you have the plans for the original and want to add a second drawer, just increas the height by 2 1/2" and make the drawer accordingly.
When all is said and done I have to admit that when the jig and attachments are stored inside it is quite heavy. I never would have thought that since I was using 1/2" baltic birch ply. If you have a problem picking things up you may want to reconsider the second drawer. Good luck if you decide to build.
Ken
P.S. Oh I forgot to say that I did modify everything to use pocket screws instead of the original rabbits and dadoes it called for. Sorry I'm just a Kreg screw fanatic.
This is the Woodsmith Dovetail Jig Workcenter they published several years ago. It was designed specifically for the Porter Cable 4212 which is what I have so it was perfect. It can be easily modified for any other jig from what I can see.
When I finished my Kreg Jig Workcenter a few weeks ago I jumped right into this. After spending an evening in the shop cutting out all the pieces, I received a Shopnotes mag in the mail with an addendum to this Jig. It added a second drawer. Since I had already modified the Kreg Jig, I figured why not. So back out to the shop. All I had to recut was three pieces, i.e. two sides and one back. I was able to use those to build the second drawer with a little waste left over.
It is at the perfect height for me to work dovetails. It is also great storage for the dovetail jig when not in use. Everything fits inside. With the addition of the second drawer it added great space for the small doodads or whatever you want to call them.
For those who havent seen this jig before the two wings that fold down are dual purpose. 1 for a place to clamp to your bench and 2 and landing zone on either side for your router that won't ding up the bit.
I finished the project with three coats of Waterlox and then rubbed out with steel wool with paste wax. I know, maybe an overkill but I had some that was getting old and might as well protect the project. If you have the plans for the original and want to add a second drawer, just increas the height by 2 1/2" and make the drawer accordingly.
When all is said and done I have to admit that when the jig and attachments are stored inside it is quite heavy. I never would have thought that since I was using 1/2" baltic birch ply. If you have a problem picking things up you may want to reconsider the second drawer. Good luck if you decide to build.
Ken
P.S. Oh I forgot to say that I did modify everything to use pocket screws instead of the original rabbits and dadoes it called for. Sorry I'm just a Kreg screw fanatic.