software

Anyone here know how difficult it is to dovetail a joint when making a cab?

I know they make a gizmo that you use with your router. Is it hard to do? I've never used a router.

Thanks.

there is a machine that does dovetail joints, but all I know about it is that there is one, so I guess I was very little help on this one.

It's pretty simple but time consuming.
The biggest thing is to have it planned and dimensioned ahead.
Two moveable guides on your router table would be best,one for cut depth and one for spacing.
The biggest thing to remember with a router is that even though it is a hand tool it's also one of the more powerful hand tools.think of a router as a bullet with an attitude problem if you don't use it right.
Also research the dovetail bit to make sure that you have the right size and have compensated for any possiable tear out.

I've done mortise and tenion joints on a table saw w't a daddo blade. I just
set the stop gate around 3/4quot; and measured real carefully. you could probally
make up a jig if you plan on doin' a bunch.

A good dovetail gig is not cheap. Also, they take a while to set up. Definitely better if you're doing a batch of cabs; if you make them one-at-a-time, you'll be spending a lot of time on setup.

Finger joints are easier, and just as strong for amp cab purposes. The dovetail's only advantage is it looks nice - great if you're making finished wood cabs, but a waste of effort if you're covering them with tweed or tolex.

Scott, check this site out for your woodworking needs, sign up for the catalog while you're there.

from : localhost/have a dovetail jig on sale until today, but they usually have good deals all the time. I've used them a lot.

Jeff

I have done them before... it isn't hard but it will take some $$ in tools and requires some practice.

First, i'd recommend some kind of dust collection system b/c using a dovetail jig tends to blow all of the garbage right into your grill which sucks...

It isn't very hard once you blow though a few pieces of wood practicing. My router is a Porter Cable which is pretty nice. Most serious woodworkers I know will use either Porter Cable or Bosch. I have a Porter Cable kit which comes with a fixed and plunge base. Bosch makes the same kind of kit.. Don't buy an economy router or cheap bits. The router can be one of the most dangerous tools IMO and I always want a high-end model. Delayed start is mandatory. I haven't actually done dovetails in several years so I am a little rusty.

Scott really stuff your mind and do a mitre dovetail, YOU know it's PERFECT but nobody can see it. But keep it simple, any tongue in groove is better than no tongue in groove and that applies JUST to woodwork!


Originally Posted by Rich_SA good dovetail gig is not cheap. Also, they take a while to set up. Definitely better if you're doing a batch of cabs; if you make them one-at-a-time, you'll be spending a lot of time on setup.

Finger joints are easier, and just as strong for amp cab purposes. The dovetail's only advantage is it looks nice - great if you're making finished wood cabs, but a waste of effort if you're covering them with tweed or tolex.

1

I bought a jig from Home Depot (home of the $100.00 minimum!!!) amp; practiced on a bunch of scrap til I got it right.

I made my cab amp; it took me forever (mainly due to kids/not having time...playing here!), but I got it done amp; it looked great.

THEN I tolexed it amp; thought, quot;WTF....I just covered up all the nice looking joints!!!quot;

Finger joints are quicker, easier amp; just as strong.....then when you cover it, you won't be mad about all the wasted time!!!

If you do go with Dovetails, like everything....PRACTICE!!!

Time is important,so I'm going to outsource that stuff. And, screw tolex! Let's go natural, stain some nice wood. It's not that much more.

oh yeah

The next one I make is gonna be wood with stain....looks super, esp. transparent colors, like a Mary Kaye White w/Oxblood cloth!!!!

Carve the cab out of solid pieces of wood to avoid joints. While it'd be a hell of alot of work, I bet you could market it very well.

Before we all know it, Scott will be in the world of plunge routers and square drill bits. (Yes, they really make them and Sear carries them in their Craftsmen tool line)

Give me a call, Scott