Porter Cable Dovetail Jig Problems

[Kevin Lauck]

I'm using the Porter Cable dovetail jig to cut rabbeted half blind dovetail joints for inset drawers. Has anyone ever had a problem with the tails not fitting? My first piece I had a slight gap so I lowered the bit but both times the tails would be "frayed" once fully connected. I've used the jig before and never had a problem. It's still fairly new and I'm using the bit that came with the kit.
Any thoughts? Is the bit already worn out? I've tried to make a few adjustments but nothing has worked yet.

Kevin

[Al Launier]

What does the cutting edge of the bit look like?

[Kevin Lauck]

This is the bit still in my router.

[Doug Hepler]

Kevin,

Al is on the right track -- look to the router bit rather than the jig itself. No, it would not likely to be worn out but perhaps there is a burr on one of the cutters. Sharp cutters should cut clean, but some wood tends to be stringy. I can't really see the fuzziness that you write about. Can you clean up the tails by hand?

Doug

[johnny means]

The exit side on your tails is almost never going to cut cleanly. Small diameter bits and exit angles make it difficult to achieve. My technique is to tap the right side of the cut just enough to make a small relief cut before making my regular left to right cut. The relief cut should prevent splintering.