New @ routing dovetails.

[Robert foster]

Im new at routing and am having tearout on dovetails. Is it likely the bit or something else like the techniqe(s)?

Bob

[Alex Shanku]

If you are not using a backer board, you should give it a try and this may eliminate your problem.

[Al Navas]

Bob,

Could you describe HOW you are doing it?

When first starting out, I was climb-cutting without knowing it. The ONLY time you want to do a climb cut on a dovetail jig, that is, going right-to-left, is on your first pass, which MUST be a VERY light pass, barely touching the wood. After that, always go left-to-right, until you are all the way through the board.

Try this, and let us know how you make out.

[Joe Chritz]

Tear out on the front of back? What material are you using?

A shallow, careful climb cut will normally get rid of tear out along the front and a backer board will take care of the back.

Sharp bits are necessary, but you can cut a lot of dovetails with one bit.

Joe

[Lee Schierer]

You need to provide more information. What router jig/template are you using? Some cut the pieces separately and some cut the front and sides at the same time.