Stots Dovetail Template Master

[Shawn DuGay (Guest)]

I bought one of these and assembled the jigs for use on the router table. They work great for making a nicely fitting joint but I do have one question. The first try was on MDF. Big mistake. Lots of tearout, but I just wanted to get my feet wet with the process. The next set of joints was milled from poplar and I still got way too much tearout. Any suggestions? I am using the PC 690 mounted in the Rockler Router Table and Whiteside bits that I bought from Stots with the jig.

Shawn

[WoodMangler]

Not familiar with this jig, but a basic truism with this type of operation is "use a backer board". Most jigs cut both pieces at the same time so one board acts as a backer board for the cut.
Can you use a backer board with this jig?
Marc

[Limey (Guest)]

Assuming you built the jigs as described.
This is what I do to get beautiful chip free wonderful,etc. etc.
I love this jig but realise that it isn't top of the line and you have to make allowances.BUT it does make top of the line joints.
Firstly make sure your workpiece is clamped tightly against the backer board. (if using the T shaped jig I find openening my portable work bench and clamping the jig and the workpiece along its entire length gets it in close contact with the backing board. If using the smaller holder type jig make sure you are supporting wood (workpiece + spacers) along it's entire length otherwise you could be bowing the clamping bar thereby inadvertently not clamping tightly the centre of the board.
Take the bit in gently and realise that the right side of the bit will be pulling the wood out rather than cutting in. Incidentally this will be true on the most expensive jigs as well.
Last and maybe most beneficial is to apply a strip of paper gummed tape or even very well pressed down self adhesive plastic tape "scotch tape"? to the face side of the workpiece. Downside with latter is you need to carefully remove what remains of any adhesive (bearing in mind that you really pressed it down)with solvent. It works for me I hope it does for you. the flexibility of this system is well worth experimenting. Look at the REALLY expensive jigs and they still suffer all the same potential problems. Be gentle with the router; if it takes a tad longer to take gentle bites it is inconsequential in terms of the whole project. I hope this works for you. I'd be interested to know.