New to dovetails - advice sought

[rebus1302]

Hello all

Next part of our 'new' bedroom with 2x (his n hers) walk-in wardrobes, is to build in some drawers & suchlike - for undies, socks, etc..

Never having used a dovetail router jig, I'm now looking for one, so recommendations would be welcome ....

Also, I need to know if I need a 1/2" router to do the routing (half blind dovetails). I already have a nice Freud 1/4" router, but don't know if d/tails "have" to be done with a 1/2" machine, or if the 1/4" will suffice

If I don't need another router, I can use the money instead to buy a nice planer/thicknesser, so I'm not tied to set standard lumber sizes

All advice & recommendations most welcome

Cheers

 

[chappers]

I would recommend a 1/2 " machine as you have to cut the slot in one go, you cant start do several passes as wth other cutters

 

[big-all]

just check the dovetail jig you choose will be wide enough for the jobs you plan
very large drawers or tool boxes for say routers or circular saws will need a longer jig

 

[anobium]

Do them by hand with a dovetail/tenon saw and chisel, just as quick if you are only doing a few.

 

[gregers]

Do them by hand with a dovetail/tenon saw and chisel, just as quick if you are only doing a few.

cor college days,

 

[big-all]

Do them by hand with a dovetail/tenon saw and chisel, just as quick if you are only doing a few.

cor college days,

yep we have all done it lol
still have my tool box with dovetails

 

[rebus1302]

Do them by hand with a dovetail/tenon saw and chisel, just as quick if you are only doing a few.

Nice thought, and I have thunk about it, but no ....

Bedroom needs about 16 drawers of various sizes doing

After that (as practice) comes the entire kitchen !


Happy to cut a few DT's by hand, but it gonna have to be a jig

Agree about the width of router, so I'm going for either a 400 or 600mm one

 

[gregers]

post some pics when youve done,been years since ive done a dovetail.

 

[Rokit]

Are the joints going to be visible? If not I wouldn't waste your time, and if you're doing it for the pleasure of being able to say you made a dovetail, do it by hand