Plywood and dovetails

well i have seen norm dovetail plywood once in a while but i don’t recommend it. also the fact that there is all that dried glue in the plywood is probably what is wreaking havoc on you bit. i stick with solid wood when cutting dovetails.

What grade or type plywood are you using, I have dovetailed plywood with no more that some minor tear our many time but I was using cabinet grade plywood, oh course hardwoods are the best way to go. but plywood is totally doable it sounds like there might been something the plywood that you hit with your bit. I have noticed lately that the plywood at home depot looks pretty bad I don’t buy any there for anymore, except OSB, or for rough construction, and lately I have been going to smaller yards and paying more just to get flat sheets of 1/2 cdx or 3/4 T & G sheeting. good luck and keep us posted

-- Joey~~Sabina, Ohio http://sleepydogwoodworking.blogspot.com/

This happened on $48 birch plywood from Home Depot. Just looking and the wood and I see all these gaps all over the place. Unfortunately, here in Orlando there are not many lumber yards except for Woodcraft, and they are in BFE.

-- There are three kinds of people... those who can count, and those who can't

The best way to learn is by first hand expiences and you just had one, we’ve all been their at one time or another. If you want to try again using plywood you’ll have to upgrade to baltic plywood a little more expensive but it can be accomplished. If you decide to try use a scrap backer board on all cuts this will give you alittle more support and will prevent blow-out in your work piece…hope this help good luck…Blkcherry