How to setup a Harbor Freight Dovetail Jig

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  • Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
  • Addendum to this video • Addendum to - How to s...
    See the Addendum to this video which contains an updated manual with the correct info for the Harbor Freight dovetail jig and the Woodstock D2796 dovetail jig.
    drive.google.c...
    This video will show you how to setup a Harbor Freight Dovetail jig and router quickly to make perfect dovetails each time.

Комментарии • 454

  • @aaron82435
    @aaron82435 Месяц назад

    I have had this jig for 7 years and didn't use it for all the issues. Found this video and now the dovetails are amazing. Works great on pine instead of me handcutting and busting them out

  • @rukadore
    @rukadore 4 года назад +2

    picked one of these up today. I bought Harbor Freight because I am low on funds and trying to get better at woodworking. I want to build some keep sake boxes for Christmas. Thanks for the instructions.

  • @WaterN2WineCreations
    @WaterN2WineCreations 5 лет назад +1

    Spacial perspective and patience my friend. Thanks for sharing. You are the guy that will sit at your jointer with a dial indicator making adjustments until every blade and table are within .001 tolerances.

  • @rocschmidt4863
    @rocschmidt4863 4 года назад +6

    You must have the patience of a saint. I would have taken a sledgehammer to it put the pieces back in the box and given it back to Harbor Freight and suggested they re-think this thing.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  4 года назад +1

      Oh trust me...I've done that with a few tools in my time.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 4 года назад

      It isn't their design. It is a knock off of a much older jig. It is a rite of passage of the machine tool woodworker to master this contraption. It is final boss level material.

  • @sincerelyyours7538
    @sincerelyyours7538 7 лет назад +1

    Unbelievably complex and finicky setup. I'm sure to have three failures for every successful joint I make. For my occasional use I think I'll stick to table saw dovetail jigs and chisels. Thanks for taking the time to show this.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  7 лет назад +2

      Set the jig up once for 3/4" stock and never need to set it up again unless you cut other size stock.

  • @nperson
    @nperson 6 лет назад +2

    Thank You! I purchased one of these jigs about eight years ago. I followed the Harbor Freight instructions but the results were not good at all. I worked with it at least six hours and gave up. I stumbled on your video and after reading the Woodstock manual, I realized what you found that the Harbor Freight instructions are simply wrong. I tried the Woodstock instructions and the very first try was a complete success. Thanks to you I now have a tool that is no longer gathering saw dust in the corner of my shop. Perhaps I should send you a list of the other gadgets I bought that have never lived up to their marketing.

  • @YourOldDog
    @YourOldDog 7 лет назад +1

    Thanks for the video. I just bought one and you saved me tons of time. After setup like you did mine works fine and I saved a fortune on this seldom used piece of tooling. I'll buy beer with the money I saved, lots of it. I also bought their pocket hole jig with a coupon for about the same price as the Kreg plastic one and I can find no fault with it, works perfect. I wrote Porter-Cable on it so shop visitors would think I'm a really classy woodworker ! LOL

  • @billfrantx
    @billfrantx Год назад +3

    After struggling for a week with this stubborn jig I discovered this video. A+! Thank you, MrDabrudda, for identifying and correcting the mistakes in the manual and providing more accurate measurements and methods. Your detailed instructions explained how to overcome many of the inherent flaws in the jig and enabled me to cut my first dovetail. Unfortunately, the bed of my jig had a bow to it instead of being flat and true, and the resulting joint was out-of-square. I also discovered the four phillips screws that attach the comb were not tight which added to the problem. No wonder I had such a hard time! I took my jig back to Harbor Freight and exchanged it for a new one, making certain the new jig was straight and true. This made a world of difference, creating a good square joint.
    As a beginner to making dovetail joints, I thought it would be wise to learn on an inexpensive model that matched my skill level. It turned out to be a major pain in the neck. Yes, HF jigs are cheap, but they are very unforgiving to novices and fight you every step of the way. I learned the hard way they can be poorly made, and that I also needed template guides (not included) to operate the jig. It took me a lot of time, effort, research and patience to get one to work, including downloading the Woodstock D2796 operating manual (essential!) and modifying its design. IMHO, you'd be much better off in the long run buying a used Porter Cable kit that includes bits, template guides and an assortment of other combs. I found one on Craig's List for fifty bucks. It is much easier to use, far more accurate and user-friendly, and has the flexibility to make many other types of joints as well.
    UPDATE:
    If the HF jig is right for you, I do believe with careful attention and patience you can coax good joints out of it. The key is having a good knowledge and understanding of the process. I highly recommend you download the ((Porter Cable 12" Dovetail Jig Instruction Manual 4210/4212/4216)) and the ((Porter Cable Supplemantary Instruction Manual Dovetail Jig Models 4210 & 4212)), both available for free at www.portercable.com. Together they will clearly provide almost everything you need to know and will be a valuable reference guide for your library. Good luck and lots of success!!

  • @davidjudd221
    @davidjudd221 5 лет назад

    Thank you very much. My wife picked that exact jig for me this past week. I was going to use to make a new kitchen silverware drawer. Without your video, I would have been lost, and I'm a technician that is very good with my hands.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  5 лет назад

      Watch the addendum to this video with the updated settings

  • @gixer750boy
    @gixer750boy 7 лет назад

    By far one of the better videos showing how to set up the guide. Ultimately as you say, practice pieces to establish the setup is essential. I've some silicone grease also. Nice tip.

  • @philcannon3068
    @philcannon3068 7 лет назад +1

    Thanks for your video. I have bought a similar jig here in the U.K. To help with my dovetails as I'm not good at freehanding them. Your video helped me to decide to purchase this jig knowing I would be able set it up correctly. Cheers phil

  • @1pcfred
    @1pcfred 8 лет назад

    Thank you for a most thorough explanation. Someday I will have to give my dovetail jig over here another try. I've gotten it to work only after fooling around with it way too long.

  • @theologyNworship
    @theologyNworship 7 лет назад +1

    thank you I watched your video over and over... becuase I myself when through so much pain.. and your guidance has been a lighthouse in peach dark whaling ocean....!!! once again... thank you for your video and pdf.. you are very helpful.. hope that you post more guidance in wood machineries....

  • @jayandreas3947
    @jayandreas3947 5 лет назад +3

    Wow, thank you so much. My Father bought one years ago and could never figure it out. I received it after his passing and was ready to throw it out. I saw your video and now and it works great. You should be teaching at a trade school.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 4 года назад

      I got mine to work once. Every other time I tried to use it I never managed to figure it out. I'm about to give it another go though. After lunch I'm picking up a piece of wood just to practice on. A long piece of wood.

  • @douglingle1600
    @douglingle1600 7 лет назад +1

    man! you get what you pay for, I salute your effort. I would have thrown it in the dumpster before I spent that much time on it.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  7 лет назад +2

      It took so long to set up the jig because the HF instructions are messed up. After I found the D2796 jig which is a clone of this jig it took me only a few minutes to setup and get a successful test cut.

  • @simonrourke9817
    @simonrourke9817 4 года назад +1

    Many thanks for this video. I have the Lumberjack tools version which I had the same issues setting up. After watching your video, I found that I don't have the problems anymore. 👍

  • @spadog63
    @spadog63 5 лет назад +1

    Thank you for this video. You saved me a lot of time and trouble. Your adjustments are spot on and after a few trial and error attempts I was able to create a dovetail box that I was pleased with. Anyone who follows your instructions carefully should be able to have thew same results.
    For those who would post who would harshly criticize this video, if you think you can do better go for it, or just shut up.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  5 лет назад +1

      Thank you. If they can't take the time to get a jig setup...and not just HF jig...any jig, then wood working is not for them.

  • @donscotten9294
    @donscotten9294 6 лет назад +2

    Got mine for Christmas two years ago and have never used it. Took it out of storage today and watched 3 setup videos. It's going back into storage. Hours of setup time, manual with incorrect instructions, for half-blind dovetails. No thanks. Thank you, however, for taking the time to put this video together. You did a good job.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  6 лет назад

      You will get the same setup results with a Porter jig too. It take several trial cuts to get any jig dialed in.

    • @senator558
      @senator558 6 лет назад

      Welcome to dovetailing. Setup always takes about 20x the amount of time as the actual work.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  6 лет назад

      Yep, and people think they are going to get results without tuning the jig.

  • @brandonjohnson7559
    @brandonjohnson7559 Год назад +2

    The people saying this video was confusing are full of it. This video helped me tremendously. If these people spent 10 minutes going over the jig before watching this they would understand this video completely. You helped me set it up very quickly and now I’m cutting beautiful dovetails. Thankyou sir 🫡

  • @mikejohnson5737
    @mikejohnson5737 Год назад

    Thanks for the video. I bought my dovetail jig about 10 years ago and used it to make drawer boxes for some kitchen cabinets. It worked very well for that. I didn't touch it again until this week and I found that I had forgotten everything I knew about it. :) Your video was very helpful and probably saved me at least an hour or two. By the way, I got very good results again with the jig. It is not fair to compare it with a high dollar jig, but for occasional use, it does the trick.

  • @Doorkicker505
    @Doorkicker505 5 лет назад +1

    Ive had one of these for over a year. I didnt know how to use it. Now I think I can do it. Thanks for the video.

  • @lyndelbeckwith1706
    @lyndelbeckwith1706 4 года назад +4

    You are awesome! Much appreciated!! Loved the addendum with the PDF! I subbed in hopes you put out more harbor freight review/usage videos! They should sponsor your youtube channel in my strong opinion!

  • @erickelley1937
    @erickelley1937 5 лет назад +1

    I just bought a used Eagle Tool Co. Jig at the Restore, it is virtually the same machine. I've been hoping to find some set-up info on it. I'm glad I clicked on your video, Thanks!!

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  5 лет назад

      Watch the Adendum video.

    • @erickelley1937
      @erickelley1937 5 лет назад +1

      @@MrDabrudda yes, I watched that also. I downloaded the WOODSTOCK manual. Thanks

  • @louislouis1726
    @louislouis1726 7 лет назад +1

    Both of your videos are very informative and I personally found them to be very useful; keep on keepin on!

  • @davidjudd221
    @davidjudd221 5 лет назад +1

    Thanks again. Lowe's does carry the longer bit. I picked one up for about $19.00. It was a 14 degree that manual says to use. Also, your tip for the 19/32" bit depth, instead of 9 /16", was very helpful for getting the tighter fit. And thanks a million for the link to the Woodstock manual. It's a much better manual than the one that comes with the Harbor Freight jig.

  • @rushlimbaughrules
    @rushlimbaughrules 8 лет назад

    MrDabrudda, you are a competent individual sir.

  • @darrengow-brown171
    @darrengow-brown171 4 года назад

    Wow you the man
    7/16 and longer than 1.15 inches
    Truly appreciate your time and support

  • @TheDosty100
    @TheDosty100 5 лет назад +1

    Saved my life! Thank you very much, it was hard to find a video explaining the fence adjustment.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 4 года назад

      As I understand it fence adjustment depends on the base of the router you're using. Different routers have different diameter bases so that puts the bit from the edge of the base at different dimensions. Being as not all radii are equal. Which is why the fence is adjustable in the first place.

  • @TheGoldsholl
    @TheGoldsholl 5 лет назад +1

    Your reveiw is amazing . I don't think i c9uld have figured this out if not for your skills think you so so much!!

  • @allanmclean6659
    @allanmclean6659 7 лет назад +1

    Thank You!! I just got one of these, and the instructions made little sense- You made it much more clear, Wow, a life saver! Thank you very much. (I'll probably need to rerun this a few times to get those measurements, but I feel much more confident.

  • @justinweier4099
    @justinweier4099 5 лет назад

    I don't have a HB dovetail jig, but I did pick up a very similar one from the HFH Restore a while back. You answered pretty much every question I could think of about how to set it up and use it. Really appreciate your taking the time to make this video. Thanks.

  • @ldwithrow08
    @ldwithrow08 7 лет назад

    I've got one and once you get used to it you can get really good dovetails. When I have a lot of drawers to make, I dovetail four pieces of 1x12 lumber, fit it up, then slice it into layers. You can get 4 drawers a little under 3" deep, 3 at about 4" and two at 6". Saves a lot of time. If you watch the sales at HF you can get them for $70 or so. I got mine even cheaper because they had a bunch that came in without the board clamp levers. I used some 3/8 all thread and a couple of knobs I had laying around. Got the jig for $50. For that price I can put up with a lot of hassle. After a year or so I replaced the eccentric cams on the board clamps. Took a piece of 1 1/4 bar stock, drilled a hole offset from center through about 4" of it and sliced off pieces wide enough to make new cams.

  • @pappaclutch3266
    @pappaclutch3266 3 года назад +3

    Not sure why anyone would struggle with this.. it’s so easy..

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  3 года назад +1

      Yep, they just need to RTFM

  • @stevehaire6324
    @stevehaire6324 7 лет назад +2

    I bought one of these jigs a few years back and found it very awkward and confusing, so I carried on cutting dovetails by hand..
    Now I've watched this, it reminded me of how awkward and confusing it was...
    I shall carry on cutting them by hand..
    (Not knocking the video though - very clear and great detail - it's just way too much effort for me)..

  • @goingbonzo5923
    @goingbonzo5923 Год назад +1

    I purchased one the other day. I did buy the template guides/bushings from Lowes for about 23 bucks and they fit my DeWalt router like a glove. They are made from steel. Also bought a piece of pine to practice with before I use the oak boards. Your instructions are really good, although I do recommend attaching the jig to some 2x6s with a enough overhang to the sides to clamp it down to a work table. Thanks and don't let the man get you down.

  • @richardbessette3069
    @richardbessette3069 5 лет назад

    Thanks for posting this video. It was confusing while watching but when I actually started to set up and referred back to the video it started to make sense. Also the Woodstock manual was a great help.

    • @ralphswanger4335
      @ralphswanger4335 5 лет назад

      I’ve never tried a dove tail before, then I watched your video. Since I had never trie dove tailing I decided to go with the Harbor Freight Jig. Referred back to your video and, Bam!! Cut my first dove tail! People who throw off on Harbor Freight tools are the same people who never put effort into anything, they buy cheap tools expecting perfect outcomes without any effort, then bash them when they can’t get them to work correctly. You have an excellent video and easy to follow. Great job and thank you!

  • @gergemall
    @gergemall 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for sharing; I've had one for some time but never got around to using it. Recently I'm building some drawers. Great tutorial. Nice watch btw!

  • @Miniscapes515
    @Miniscapes515 4 года назад +11

    God damn I could have chiseled out the dovetails by now.

    • @Hedgehodge-
      @Hedgehodge- 4 года назад +2

      Lol but doing 30 drawers he will catch up and pass you

    • @dcr1978a
      @dcr1978a Год назад

      Well….. he IS explaining this in detail as he is setting it up

  • @tobedetermined4180
    @tobedetermined4180 6 лет назад +3

    Very good video, i am a beginner woodworker, this jig will be too much for me to deal with, i will keep on looking for a easier one to learn from

  • @jimbaranski4687
    @jimbaranski4687 4 года назад +4

    If the clamp handle seem to be oriented backwards, it not necessary to reverse it. Simply unscrew the handle and put it into the other side of the shaft.

    • @mgenbarracuda2374
      @mgenbarracuda2374 3 года назад +1

      I picked up this jig the other day.. on sale plus 20% off .... Total was 32 bucks. I'm not even going to bother bringing it back. I'll unload on some Einstein.

  • @Uts9000
    @Uts9000 5 лет назад +1

    i learned a lot and your tutorial is short and to the point, thank you

  • @old_guard2431
    @old_guard2431 4 года назад +2

    Caught this on the Harbor Freight web site, and tracked down your channel. Well done, excellent example of how to make their stuff actually work.
    Thing about "Hazard Fraught" - the stuff usually works (although not to the level & durability you might want in an industrial environment) and is fairly inexpensive. But there can be a fair amount of figuring out and even re-engineering involved, as you have shown here. It comes with the territory. Personally, coming from a mechanical engineering (marine engineer, actually) background I kind of enjoy it, so I buy their stuff.
    If you don't want the aggravation or don't have the time, that is perfectly understandable: there may be a Festool dealer near you.
    Points to Harbor Freight for throwing this up on their website. You hold their feet to the fire from time to time in this video.
    Points to you for turning off the sound for the part where you are running the router. Surprising how many folks don't realize we don't need to listen to a machine cutting wood.

    • @richochett404
      @richochett404 4 года назад

      harbor freight doesnt include directions.ithink i willspend the money andgeta good one

  • @walther9161
    @walther9161 7 месяцев назад

    The best explanation of any I’ve seen. Thanks for posting

  • @furnitureguyrm4418
    @furnitureguyrm4418 7 лет назад +2

    I admire your determination.

  • @bluebluebluebird
    @bluebluebluebird 8 лет назад

    Good information you're sharing here, but this is why I am glad I went with the Original Incra Jig for making joints over other dovetail or box joint jigs. Setup is simple and repeatability is simple, and it doesn't require any of the inserts. Looks like you got your setup working good for you.

  • @MrHoopler
    @MrHoopler 7 лет назад

    Good video and explanation. I gave up on these machines and cut dovetails by hand now. It is enjoyable and an easy process if you keep things oriented right.

  • @1LegintheGrave
    @1LegintheGrave 3 года назад +1

    "You think they'd sell parts that are completely compatible....."
    Haha! I Love this joke! Welcome to Harbor Freight...... Btw, thank you for this video, seriously, thank you for taking the time to show us how to setup this junk. Haven't even opened the box yet but yes, I'm returning it. Isn't worth the trouble.

    • @jakelehotsky5051
      @jakelehotsky5051 3 года назад

      He got too "You think they'd sell parts that are completely..." before I glanced down at the comment section to see the first comment...

  • @akaredcrossbow
    @akaredcrossbow 4 года назад

    Thank you for the video! I will definitely pass on this jig and spend the extra money on the Porter Cable jig! More money, but less headache. 👍🏻👍🏻

  • @philipshemilt5447
    @philipshemilt5447 7 лет назад

    Good guide, appreciate you taking the time to pass on your experiences

  • @kathleenmurdoch2452
    @kathleenmurdoch2452 4 года назад +1

    This is an excellent tutorial. explaining so well how to set up the dovetailer.,if only the USA could use metrics I would be ecstatic

  • @preacher1775
    @preacher1775 Год назад

    Tank you, Sir for naming the various parts as you went along! Too often, those making "how to" videos use terms such as, " Move this right here till it butts uo with that right there." Very difficult to follow without backing up the video and watching again, rather than watch once all the way through.

  • @monotonemaestero
    @monotonemaestero 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for taking the time to put this together

  • @crusaderb.1901
    @crusaderb.1901 5 лет назад

    Thanks for the video. I've been looking at the dovetail jigs but have never used one. I like to educate myself a little before making purchases so I have a better idea of the capabilities, plus, and minuses of equipment. Regardless of the negatives for set up it does look like a jig I may get. Thanks again for the demo.

  • @blyles1000
    @blyles1000 7 лет назад

    Looks similar to my Jet 12" master dovetail jig. I am working through the adjustments to make it work. I appreciate your video

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  7 лет назад

      Yep, looks exactly like the HF dovetail jig, Woodstock D2796 jig, Busy Bee Craftex CT052N jig. I'm sure there are many other jigs that are off shoots of this jig.

    • @blyles1000
      @blyles1000 7 лет назад

      The instructions are not that great. first set-up with the bit at 7/8" produced a non working joint. should have been obvious to me before I finished but i wanted to try it per the manual first. I may look at the Porter cable 12" dovetail jig if I can't get this one to work

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  7 лет назад

      Updated manual with the correct info for the Harbor Freight dovetail jig and the Woodstock D2796 dovetail jig.
      drive.google.com/file/d/0B7nDu4dJR2PnY2Fmc3lkTnRnTE0/view?usp=sharing

  • @perryfisher5601
    @perryfisher5601 4 года назад +1

    Thanks for the detailed video as any thoughts of buying a Harbor Freight dovetail jig and a two month effort to make a drawer had me go ahead and buy a Porter Cable.

  • @davidadams60
    @davidadams60 6 лет назад

    One would really WANT to have dovetail joints... Good video none-the-less!

  • @ldwithrow08
    @ldwithrow08 7 лет назад +1

    My HF jig does a good job, but you need three hands to set it up. And plan on having a lot of scraps on hand to cut up getting it just right. And, you don't have to take the cam locks out and turn them around. Just unscrew the handles, rotate the cams 180 degrees and screw the handles back in.

  • @earlofstafford
    @earlofstafford 7 лет назад

    Thank you for this video. I just got this jig and this is extremely helpful.

  • @charleshall9261
    @charleshall9261 4 года назад +6

    After watching this and reading comments I will be returning mine. Nothing should require this much set-up and engineering by the end user. My advice would be to go on and pay the money for a good one.

  • @natalyv84
    @natalyv84 5 лет назад +4

    First silly advice is taking off the top clamp and turning it around so the handle tightens to the rear. Much simpler just to screw the handle in the same hole but on the other side. Like....DUH! Another thing is that settings for the front and back are entirely different when the front is rabbeted and not a false front. Just buy two of these, then adjust one for the front and the other for the rear. It takes way too long to adjust back and forth.

  • @kg7287
    @kg7287 3 года назад +4

    First, and most important, thank you for your service to our country! Secondly, I really appreciate your detailed videos (addendum included) on this jig. I just bought one a few days ago and found that the rear clamping bar was installed backwards out of the box on mine, also! After reversing it, I found the jig pretty easy to install. I just finished getting my two practice boards clamped, and I'm anxious to get started, following your examples. Take care, and hope you have a pleasant Veterans Day.
    P.S. These two videos by MrDabrudda make setting up and using this jig about as simple as can be, so if you're unable to understand and follow along, then instead of leaving commentary that betray your obviously low intellect, just move along to the candle making vids. Surely you'll get much more out of them.

  • @rickduncan2929
    @rickduncan2929 5 лет назад +10

    That was a quarter of a inch from being rocket science..

  • @ericrickert3045
    @ericrickert3045 2 года назад

    THis was really helpful! I am getting ready to buy this jig and you just saved me hours. Thanks!!!

  • @1990notch
    @1990notch 5 лет назад

    I bought one of these yesterday and tried it out. One thing I noticed is that when I clamp down the horizontal board, the aluminum comb raises up about 1/16" above the board, not laying on top of the board like you would want. I think the base may be flexing a bit, causing the comb to raise up. I'll look into what's causing it when I get more time. I bought the brass pilot set at HF too. The 7/16" pilot was longer than the thickness of the comb, causing it to protrude below the comb. I removed about 1/16" off the length of the brass pilot. All in all, not a bad deal if you can work with its imperfections.

  • @LBCAndrew
    @LBCAndrew 5 лет назад +2

    The reason people have a hard time is because this is more than likely their first dovetail jig, and without having the frame of reference of how a high quality one functions, it can be a bit difficult. I managed to get mine working but not without some cursing.

  • @greginfla_1
    @greginfla_1 4 года назад +4

    Almost 400,000 people have watch this video that’s insane!

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  4 года назад

      Not many how to videos on this jig...and the HF manual sucks.

  • @TheBorisChu
    @TheBorisChu 4 года назад

    Wow that is a lot of setting up. It takes a really technical and experience to get this thing working right. Takes patience 👍

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 4 года назад

      That is the nature of these jigs. Once you have it setup it is dead easy to make loads of joints though.

  • @ldwithrow08
    @ldwithrow08 6 лет назад +2

    Tedious and tricky to set up, but once you get it right it does a fine job. I got mine half price because it was missing one bolt. I have buckets of bolts and don't use a dovetailer that much so I have never been sorry I bought it.

  • @rantnrave3114
    @rantnrave3114 7 лет назад

    Thanks for the tips. I needed a cheap solution... $34 bucks, and if not for your video, i would have thrown the damn thing away.
    BUT!!! Your video makes it work.
    I appreciate you taking the time to show us how to handle this beast.
    After your video and my trial, I have to say... not a bad buy for $34 bucks... unless you don't have this video ;-)
    Note: I can't stand the say the nuts on left and right adjustments for the side rails are... in the damn way.
    Once again sir, thanks for showing us how to handle this to "task and standard."
    OUTSTANDING Video.

  • @fuckingoddamnjustwan
    @fuckingoddamnjustwan 8 лет назад +1

    The instructions in the manual for this thing should just be a link to this video.

    • @jester65jn
      @jester65jn 8 лет назад

      lol I agree they were useless better for a drop cloth

  • @bigandy1982
    @bigandy1982 7 лет назад +1

    I was like... "that bloke is ex military." then i saw your profile pic.
    Nice vid. thanks.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  7 лет назад

      Sure am. 22 years of fun and joy.

  • @rockanthems
    @rockanthems 4 года назад +1

    Nice! Great lots of info! I have a similar jig not Harbor Freight ...but this video helped me a bunch

  • @dtdavie01
    @dtdavie01 3 года назад +1

    Bloody brilliant video well explained and some great tips and advice. It shouldn't be that hard to be honest I do wonder how you know where to set your stops for different sized boards may be slightly thinner or thicker without going to all the trouble of having to run tests. Thanks again.

  • @pat.traynor
    @pat.traynor 5 лет назад +1

    First and foremost, thanks for a well done video. This is definitely a must-watch if you buy a HB jig, That said...
    I think what your video did for me was to convince me that my screwed & glued joints are just fine, Joints that I made 20 year ago are doing well. My work isn't heirloom quality and I don't expect it to be cherished 100 years from now. I'd like to be able to do dovetails, but this just seems like more trouble than it's worth.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  5 лет назад +1

      Set it up once of 3/4" stock and that is all you have need to do.

    • @pat.traynor
      @pat.traynor 5 лет назад

      I find that not all 3/4 stock is created equally. Pure wood like pine or oak boards are one thickness, oak/birch/maple plywood can all be different. This doesn't mean that I'll never try this. For only $35, it'd be an interesting experiment. Also, if I could dovetail joints, I might consider 1/2" stock. Lighter drawers with larger interiors.

    • @davidjudd221
      @davidjudd221 5 лет назад +1

      It's like anything else. Some guys change their own oil, others don't. If you have mechanical inclinations, it becomes second nature. Also, a love of woodworking helps.I ruined several pieces of cheap wood before obtaining a good fit. Once you get it right, it's very cool.

  • @scottowen5914
    @scottowen5914 5 лет назад +1

    If you find that the front of the board is lifting when you tighten the top clamp it is most likely because of poor quality control from the manufacturer. I had that problem and discovered that the top of the unit was not flat. So, when you clamp down the rear of the board the front lifts, like a teeter-totter. If you remove the top clamp and put a straight edge across the top of the unit you will know right away if that is the problem. There are two fixes that I know of; returning the unit may be the easiest. I went to a friend's machine shop and pressed the top flat with a hydraulic press. In fact, I made it a little concave, which is not a problem as the jig works perfectly now.

  • @Badkitty24
    @Badkitty24 4 года назад +2

    WEll i just bought mine and i'm messing with it. My 1\2 collar DOES fit between the combs, but it doesn't matter. it's making my tails too wide. I switched to the 7\16 collar. 18/32 (9/16) depth from base. Fence 1 1\16'' to back of combs for my .75'' boards. Cuts well..fits nice. Took forever to understand how to use this..even with this video. be patient..it does work.

  • @dixieloucarter3302
    @dixieloucarter3302 6 лет назад +28

    Good Lord! You could dovetail an entire drawer by hand before you even get this thing set up.

    • @davidmuller1958
      @davidmuller1958 Год назад +2

      Lmao foreal

    • @lonewolftech
      @lonewolftech 2 месяца назад +1

      It’s really not that god damned complicated. Every machine requires setup. Grow up.

  • @tooljunkie555
    @tooljunkie555 7 лет назад

    so I went out and purchased this after using the 20% off coupon it came to $30.45 just to give it a try to see if I even like making dovetails using a jig before I go out and spend a bunch of money on a different brand one I never had any luck with Harbor Freight Tools even their clamps break on me LOL and I forgot to get the bearing guide even after watching your video..HAHA! I'm a dummy lol! oh well ill have to go back there in the morning just want to let you know that I got this and I'm giving it a shot because I watched your video and got inspired. hopefully it works out setting it up was a breeze pretty cut and dry.

    • @tooljunkie555
      @tooljunkie555 7 лет назад

      ***** no it did not I kept it for 2 days the knobs were so close to each other that I could not turn them and the amount of time it took to set the thing up was Unreal the instruction manual was not good at all and everything was a blurry black and white image very poorly made I could have lived with the set-up time I get that it takes time to set these things up but the knobs I could not turn to tighten or loosen anything down they were too close to each other so I bought another one same problem so I just returned it and ordered the Porter-Cable 4212 I'll do a review and test on that once I get it

  • @davidmcgrath6507
    @davidmcgrath6507 5 лет назад +3

    The setting of the fence distance is dependent on the size of the router base.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  5 лет назад +3

      Yes, the Addendum to this video has a link to better instructions with a table of distances.

    • @davidmcgrath6507
      @davidmcgrath6507 5 лет назад

      @@MrDabrudda thank you

  • @mereskimade
    @mereskimade 7 лет назад

    Hey, thanks for the video. A few points helped me figure out my problems.

  • @billhess6647
    @billhess6647 6 лет назад

    I had the same guide problem, I went to Sears, they had a kit which provides about five end plates which attached to the bottom of my router. The kit was reasonably priced. When I opened my Harbor Freight Jig, I saw that it had broken knobs on it that were broken while shipping. By the time I opened the jig for use, the warranty had expired. I rigged up an unbreakable repair and the jig has worked fine.

  • @jebediahstewart6526
    @jebediahstewart6526 7 лет назад +1

    nicely done. thanks for taking the time.

  • @djoew221
    @djoew221 5 лет назад +1

    Great tutorial. Made setup quick. Thanks.

  • @secondsmith8648
    @secondsmith8648 8 лет назад

    You said in the video that the shank for the dovetail bit from HF is 1.15 inch, which can be chucked in the router, but not deeply enough to be secure.
    The online descriptions of router bits, both HF and other online retailers that I have seen does not include the length of the shank.
    The dovetail bit that another online retailer recommends for use with the Woodstock D2796 12-inch Dovetail Jig with Aluminum Template has a 1-7/8 total length.
    What is the total length of the bit that you got that was long enough to be chucked securely?
    The dovetail bit that a famous online retailer recommends for use with
    the Woodstock D2796 12-inch Dovetail Jig with Aluminum Template has a
    1-7/8 total length. Is that enough?
    My nearest HF store is an hour away, so I don't want to go there with my caliper to measure the shank, but I guess I could go to the blue store.
    Thanks for the great video

  • @jmddoran8817
    @jmddoran8817 3 года назад

    Thank you for your very detailed and easy to understand video much appreciated many thanks

  • @timplympton4653
    @timplympton4653 5 лет назад +4

    I think I'll stick with the frustration of learning how to hand cut dovetails rather than add the extra frustration of setting up this convoluted contraption. That's not a negative comment on your video, it's very instructional for the person who wants to go through the equivalent of water boarding to get dovetails.

    • @1990notch
      @1990notch 5 лет назад

      Setup is always the most time consuming and critical part of any machining operation. It pays off in efficiency later though.

  • @clevelandexplorer2221
    @clevelandexplorer2221 2 года назад +4

    This is by far one of the more simple explanations to the jig so thanks a lot pal. But, why can't the bearing work instead of the router spacer thing? Also why does everyone maneuver the front before the horizontal? Surely the horizontal already being there removes a step :s lastly, I can't fathom why a few use a more spikey sort of comb guide with a more square edge bit-what happens to the rounded edges? I have the same jig and guessing the wood is 18mm thick (25mm/inch, make what you will), the guide stops dead on the edge unable to move further forward :s

  • @stephenpenlington1043
    @stephenpenlington1043 5 лет назад +1

    Nice bro- Just picked one up you saved me a lot of time

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  5 лет назад

      See the Addendum to this video with updated instructions and a user manual that accurate. Link to the user manual is in the description of the video.

  • @JustAboutAnything66
    @JustAboutAnything66 3 года назад +2

    The 1/2 inch guide fit between the fingers for me but you CAN NOT get a joint that works.
    I struggled for longer than I care to admit, until I sought help. Thanks for the video.

  • @chrisjones9115
    @chrisjones9115 4 года назад +2

    Taking the time to explain how to use this was awesome! Thank you! However, is this the norm when working with dovetail jigs? Seems to be WAY TOO MUCH that has to be done to make this work properly!!

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  4 года назад +2

      Not always the norm. If you are cutting the same size of wood stock then many of the adjustments are the same.

  • @paulnelson648
    @paulnelson648 3 года назад

    I’ve been using this jig to make speaker cabinets for a couple years now. I think it’s more than worth the money, and the setup is not that bad at all. This video’s recommendation of setting your bit depth to 19/32” instead of the manual’s 23/32” is right on. I had to do quite a bit of work with a file at 23/32 because the joints were way too tight. Great recommendation!

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  3 года назад +1

      The depth of cut can also adjust the tightness of the joints.

  • @joettaherrick9004
    @joettaherrick9004 7 лет назад +2

    looks like a joke to me? Everything is screwed up the sizes, lot of guess work. Parts don't fit, manual wrong I think I will buy a better Quality tool, but you did a good job in helping me to not buy one of those.

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  7 лет назад +3

      Aren't you lucky I did the leg work for you by finding what is wrong with this jig and instructions. What did you expect from a company like Harbor Freight which asks for you phone number, name and address every time you buy something only to turn your personal information over to companies like RedPlum to spam you.

  • @sjeverett75
    @sjeverett75 Год назад +3

    Download the instructions for the Woodstock jig. Same jig as this one with very clear instructions.

  • @russelldevane5434
    @russelldevane5434 5 лет назад +21

    Makes me want to quit woodworking!

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  5 лет назад

      Yeah it's frustrating but once it's setup it easy to use and repeatable.

  • @ZappninLLP
    @ZappninLLP 7 лет назад

    Thanks for the help!

  • @hanspijpers2100
    @hanspijpers2100 7 лет назад

    You changed the entire clamping rail? you just had to turn out the handle and screw it back in from the other side same result I found out A very nice tutorial by the way kind regards Hans

    • @MrDabrudda
      @MrDabrudda  7 лет назад

      I removed the two adjustable knobs and flipped the clamping rail 180 degrees and reinstalled the knobs.

    • @hanspijpers2100
      @hanspijpers2100 7 лет назад

      As I said it is a lot easier to just flip over the handle and screw it in the other side of the hole
      goes faster thanks for the follow up by the way, I now also have a decent manual thanks.

  • @brianlee360
    @brianlee360 18 дней назад

    The bushings fit the Harbor Freight Hercules router....

  • @summerfox9292
    @summerfox9292 3 года назад

    Great video, thanks. I was having trouble with mine

  • @ChuckBorsenik-gt1jt
    @ChuckBorsenik-gt1jt 9 месяцев назад +1

    Looking at the space in front between the edge of the finger and the wood appears to be more that 5/32. Is this on purpose?

  • @eddyflo2978
    @eddyflo2978 4 года назад +6

    So ill be solving string theory instead....
    .... good video