Any router people out there??

[yyyyyguy]

I bought a Porter-Cable dove-tail jig for myself for Christmas and it's finally warm enough to learn how to use it in my garage/shop. Admitting that I have an IQ well below genius I just found out that this jig takes only a 1/2" collet and of coarse mine is 1/4". Subtracting a few more digits from my IQ - I didn't save the receipt. Assuming there is no way out of my self dug hole - anyone want a real good deal on a dove-tail jig?? 

[Rapid Roger]

Don't throw out the baby with the bath water! You can get a 1/2 collet for the router more than likely (you didn't say what router you have) and Bob's your uncle.
Your real problem is yet to come....Learning to use the dove tail jig....I finally gave mine to my brother...never liked either one of them much.

Rog

[dgman]

Hey Pete, What model router do you have? Like Roger said, you may be able to get a 1/2" Collete for yours.

[BilltheDiver]

You can almost certainly get a 1/4" collet, but if all else fails there are reducing sleeves which let ou adapt your 1/2 collet to 1/4'" bits.

[yyyyyguy]

It's called a Sears Commercial, model 315.17380, it's 30 yrs. old but very few hrs. one of those things I thought I needed but rarely used. My research said I could get bits to fit my 1/4" collet but they would not hold up to the demands of the 1/2" bits, said they could break off.  Rodger...but-but-but, the instructions say it's so easy...

[dgman]

Pete, You have three choices. one, Replace the router to one that uses both size Collet's. Two, Get rid of the dovetail jig. Three, Try a 1/4" dovetail bit and see what happens! If it were me, I'd get a new router!

[cgswss]

Your problem is not the collect- I used ? inch cutters for years with dovetail templates.  The issue is weather your sears router will take the P/C bushings.  The bushing should have come with the template.  The important dimension is the outside dia for the bushing is what makes the tool work. I believe the P/C bushings fit the new sears routers, so I don't see why they wouldn't fit the old ones as well.

Using a dove tail template is all about test cuts.  You need to have a few cutoffs of the stock you are using so you can make test cuts.  A very small change in the cutting depth of the bit will make big changes in how your dovetails interlock.  Once you get the correct set up depth, they are a snap to use and you will love the end result

[tux_linux]

right - try it. But that's often done with routers, you always need to make some test cuts.

Advanced Manual for Dovetail Jig @ portercable.com (PDF)

They are writing on page 14 some about alternative router bits.

I'd also try another router bit. It doesn't matter if it's a 1/4" or a 1/2" it has to make the right cut, that's all. So try to find the matching 1/4" bit for the jig.

regards
Torsten

[yyyyyguy]

Thanks all, I will try getting a different bit and see if that works, this place is so great, it's like sitting around the workbench with everyone and having a cup of coffee!
Pete

[dgman]

Hey Pete, I don't drink coffee, but I'll have a beer later on with you!

[yyyyyguy]

dgman - I hope someday!!

[chief]

The size of the collet doesnt matter.  You can get router bits in 1/4 and 1/2 shank.  1/2 shank bits are better because they are beefier and will have less run out.  The important thing is the bushings that are required for the dovetail jig.  You can get a Craftsman router bushing set the correct size you need for the dove tail jig.  You do not have to use Porter Cable router bushings, just insure you use the right size bushing.