Tom Bain
01-25-2024, 2:53 PM
I'm in the process of building a new Roubo-style workbench and wanted to incorporate the popular houndstooth dovetail joint for attaching the end cap. There are some great videos from Frank Strazza and others on cutting the joint entirely with hand tools. I came up with a hybrid method that builds on Jameel Abraham's 'Condor Tails' approach published in Popular Woodworking a long time ago and is referenced on the Benchcrafted web site:
https://benchcrafted.com/cdn/shop/files/file-tail_vise_condor_tails-instructions.pdf?v=2472086157539324313
The key is a miniature template bit for routing the pins on the end cap. I used this one from Amana:
https://www.amanatool.com/47224-miniature-flush-trim-plunge-template-1-4-dia-x-3-4-x-1-4-inch-shank-carbide-tipped-router-bit-with-mini-1-4-dia-upper-ball-bearing.html
I made a condensed video showing the process which I posted on YT, if anyone is interested ... or just really bored! You'll see in the video the absolutely horrible dovetails I cut in my current workbench almost 20 years ago. The houndstooth turned out much better!
https://youtu.be/zKYMPHTf5JQ
Hope it's helpful.
-Tom
https://benchcrafted.com/cdn/shop/files/file-tail_vise_condor_tails-instructions.pdf?v=2472086157539324313
The key is a miniature template bit for routing the pins on the end cap. I used this one from Amana:
https://www.amanatool.com/47224-miniature-flush-trim-plunge-template-1-4-dia-x-3-4-x-1-4-inch-shank-carbide-tipped-router-bit-with-mini-1-4-dia-upper-ball-bearing.html
I made a condensed video showing the process which I posted on YT, if anyone is interested ... or just really bored! You'll see in the video the absolutely horrible dovetails I cut in my current workbench almost 20 years ago. The houndstooth turned out much better!
https://youtu.be/zKYMPHTf5JQ
Hope it's helpful.
-Tom