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In the current issue of Popular Woodworking magazine (August 2008), Senior Editor Robert W. Lang used two jigs on the bookcase shelves to cut the dados and to create the twin mortises for shelves’ through tenons.
The first jig, shown in “Router Jigs Part 1,” walks through making a dado jig to accomodate any shelf thickness. Bob uses a straight router bit with a top-mount bearing to cut the dados. You can use the steps shown to produce a perfect fit for any dado joint, regardless of shelf thickness.
The second jig, shown in “Router Jigs Part 2,” is quite innovative in how it’s built. Bob uses several pieces of 1/2″-thick Baltic birch plywood and a pin nailer to construct this jig. From there, he’s just a drill and router away from a simple tenon-routing setup. This is a great technique!
Enjoy!
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Flash Video, really? Is Roy Underhill your webmaster?
Robert,
I cannot find that router bit anywhere!
I am looking for a 1/2" Top Bearing bit with a cutting length of maybe 1/2" (not over 1/2") 1/4" shank.
I will be using the same bit for cutting door-hinge mortises (~1/8" deep) as well as Dados (~1/4 – 3/8" deep).
Can you please provide a link(s) where I could get such a bit?
I noticed that you cut 3/16" deep dados… That seems to be very shallow to me… Could you elaborate why you use 3/16" instead of 1/4" or deeper?
Thank you very much,
Joe
Not for nothing, but when you routed with the flush bit, that flimsy clamp was really not really enough. Holdfast would seem like a better mouse trap in that case. Not to dis your springy clamp, it just seemed the work was moving around a bit.
This is a terrific feature that has been added to the website. Seeing "tricks of the trade": like this is very helpfull. You are a terrific craftsman and teacher. I can not wait to see more from you and (hopefully)the other editors of the magazine.
Robert,
That is one COOL way to use those jigs!
I will definitely put it to use!
Thank you Very Much!
Keep up the good work!
I am new to wood working and absolutely love reading your articles that are exceedingly informative and viewing your videos that are extremely educational. Thank you.
Will you be recording and posting how to setup and prepare the shelf to fit the tenons you prepared? Hint, hint *Smile*
Keep up the great work.
God bless.