Through dovetail cross grain cuts?

I finally had a chance to work on my writing desk and felt inspired to make the drawer’s face frame joints a through dovetails. I’ll post a pic or two when I get a chance, kinda hard to explain. But, I’m cutting the joint in two places, feeding a piece padauk 1 1/4×3/4 lengthwise through it on my router table. My tennons were already cut into either end of it, and it is/was the top face frame piece that runs the full length of the desk. When I cut them splinters went flying and it chipped out like crazy. I have one more piece of padouk to make it and am looking for pointers. Any at all would be much appreciated, Thanks.

-- Jeremy Hill