4212 dovetail jig

[Aaron Kline]

I got a PC 4212 dt jig recently and have used it a couple times so far. Other than the supplied bits being absolute crap, the joints seem loose and I have no idea what to do. If you raise the bit height, it doesnt change anything. Anybody got suggestions?

[Steve Clardy]

Read tha manual again.

It just takes some time.
Got mine whipped in 4-5 tries with scrap.

Whats wrong with the bits?

No their not the best, and I have a pair of whitesides ready to replace them when they get dull.

I've done about 50 half blind drawers so far, and the original bits are still going.:)

[Aaron Kline]

thanks steve. I figured out last night that moving the template is what tightens up the joint. The bits are mediocre. Lots of tear out and chip out.

[Steve Clardy]

Hardwood, softwood, plywood?

If plywood, tape your side piece. [ Can't remember who told me that]
Really helps on tearout.

[Jay Knoll]

Aaron

I've only used mine one time and had a little bit of trouble, but I remembered from a wood show demo that PC said to take a light cut across the entire face before going into the template to cut the tails/sockets. It eliminated tearout for me.

Now I'm going to have to make something with that and not just practice!

http://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=37706


I still think it is a great jig for the money,

Jay

[Aaron Kline]

so far its been pine and sassafras. and splintering and splitting has been a problem. im doing through dovetails only at the moment.