I have a similar Craftsman Dovetail Template jig that I use about once every two years - just enough time to completely forget how it's done. This video is tremendously instructive for setup and use of the template. Watching the video has saved me hours of frustration, and many discarded drawer sides. Thank you Colin!
Today, I watched the video then went to the workshop and unpacked my Harbor Freight dovetail machine for the first time. I found no manual, but I managed to complete my first dovetail joint. There is no way I could have done this without the video. Thank You.
This video, is without a doubt, the most comprehensive instructions I've ever heard on the use of Dovetail jigs. I would love to have had someone explain their use to me 40 years ago, the way you just explained to the world. Thank you.
Hi Colin. I know this video on the half-blind dovetail jig is ten years old already, but this might help someone with regards to the "S" on the template. It is the setup line for aligning your work pieces correctly. Cheers
I received one of these types of jigs from a purchase i made and the gentleman threw them in the deal last minute. I haven't had a manual or anything to figure them out. this is super helpful.
I just bought a craftsman dovetail jig reg 120 on the clearance rack 30 bucks! Now after watching your video I can't wait to get in the shed. Thank you so much, perfect video
30 bucks ... are you kidding me Jim?? that's the deal of year, well done. Let me know how you make out with it, maybe you will share some pics with us of your projects?
Colin, I liked your style of video making. You try hard to make it very visible and accessible for anyone watching the video which I really appreciated. Thanks.
lol ... good to hear, thanks for commenting. Maybe you can share some pics with us one day. We always love looking at other people's creations :) Colin
Thank you for explaining all this. The instructions that came with the craftsman jig from the late 80's left me in the dark. This came in very handy. Now off to the shop to make some dovetails.
WoodenCreationz Most of these units have really poor instructions but they are all fairly easy to use once you can watch someone ... thanks for posting
Thank you for taking the time to do this helpful videos Sr. As an old carpenter here, I appreciate a clear and simple class on dovetailing… I'm now going to try some Bubinga, (hard wood), Speaker Cabinets I have on my Do-List… Previous practicing with scraps af wood of course… thanks
Recently was given a Craftsman jig by a friend with no manual. Your video clarified a lot of things. Now if you could show how to make through dovetails useful for box joints that would be fantastic. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Great tutorial, I like you, feel the instructions that come with them are some what to be desired..after many test pieces, finally have it set up to operate as it should....only to have it sitting on a shelf......I much rather the look of a through dove tail and the ability to cut different sizes, so I made two jigs, one for my table saw, and one for the band saw.....with perfect doves every time.....never the less i do enjoy your videos....take care, and keep up the good work....
I know this is a really old video but it was very helpful. My grandfather had so many woodworking tools but we were never able to learn together. Included was an old sears craftsman version of this jig. Going to try this out soon!
Very clear, concise, and informative. Thanks a lot for the information. I've had my jig just sitting around for while since I wasn't sure how to use it. Can't wait to get started.
I own a Trend (UK) router, table and dust collection unit so it made sense to purchase the dovetail jig as well. It looks identical to one you are using so might pay to check out the through dovetail jig to see if it will fit your unit. After watching your video a few times and making a couple of dummy runs with scraps I have just made my first project of a shelf unit (four sides) with inlay shelves. Pleased so far thanks to you and the clear instructions from the video (also the tips)......eye
I've had a rig for years and only used it a few times when i was a very new w/wrkr.made a mess and lost interest,now I just watched your lecture and know what to do,i will also buy a through d/tl.template,thanks for the vid it is most helpful,MAC.
Hi Ricardo, not sure if you have one of these half blind dovetail jigs, but if you do, you will see that their design is such that they cut shorter. This is to hide the roundness of tails caused by the router bit, and to hide the round side of the pins inside that those tails, that is why they cut short. Its much easier to see when you have the jig in front of you, much harder to describe with limited text. Hope this helps. Colin
Wow, we owe you a great deal of thanks. I bought one on e bay and it came with a one page instruction sheet that made little sense. Thanks to your efforts I will be able to get this monster to do its thing.
Unfortunately i bought a dovetail jig and did not know about half blind and thanks you sir i will set it up next week hope it works thank you you so much for that (best of irish luck to you)
Thanks. Getting back to woodworking and was trying to remember about the commercial jig I purchased a long time ago. Also, liked your later video on box joints. First rate.
Hi Ricardo, very good question. So the answer to your question, the pins are not 1/2 long, they are only 3/8" long, which means the template is 1/4" thick and that would account for the 1/2" length. So the template is designed to cut pins that are always a 1/4" shorter than the thickness of your wood, which is what makes them "blind", otherwise they would be through dovetails. Thanks again for the question. Colin
Very informative video. I have just bought my first Jig from MLCS which came with both through and half blind dovetail templates. I will keep your video handy when trying !. Thanks for a great tutorial...
Thanks for the video's and information. Have had a dovetail jig for a few years now and its been collecting dust. Instructions are lousy for it as well. Heading down to shed now to play around with it.. Thanks again.
Don Wilson Hi Don, yeah instructions on all of them are poor at best, even mine is ... as you say, "lousy" ... I would be interested to hear how you make out after watching the vid ... Colin
Hi James, I'm not sure that I would build a book case with this kind of a dovetail jig, but building book cases can be very simple or it can be complicated depending on the style you want. Best thing to do is find plans of a picture of what you like and start with that. Thanks for commenting :) Colin
Thank you for posting this. I'm about to buy a used one and it's great to see how to use it, you have given me confidence. I'd like to see the through dovetail template, and also how to make box comb joints.
Hi Ricardo, great to hear you have a jig, and with 3 templates. I have not used that newer version so I'm not sure if they have made any changes to it. Depending on what template you are using, the set-up you describe might be the right one. I would say give it a try with some scrap pieces and see how it works. I wish I was there, I would love to see the jig a work, but will need you to tell me how you like it :)
Wow 9 years ago. I got my dovetail jig last year and havent used it yet. You made it looks easy. I just want to ask if i can use any power capacity of plunge router for this jig.
brilliant colin as always, just one small suggestion, if each outward face had a coloured referance (tape maybe) and each joint was colour referanced, I think the understanding of your video would be idiot proof, I should know, I'm that idiot lol, keep posting Colin and once again, a big thanks. from Garry from the UK
Fine Video! I like it and will learn from You, Sir! Colin You are the best of instrks. and fine to learn from. You tell the good and not so good, that is so good!
Thank you. This has been of more use than frustrating hours of mistakes following MLCS manual's instructions accompanied by poor photos of setup. Could I ask that you show your technique marking up the drawer pieces for routing (beehive box, in my case)? And loosening or tightening the dovetail joints... Thanks again
Well Colin considering the difficult subject of today’s video. I say you did well. Every video I have seen on ANY of these types of jigs have all been very confusing. Which makes me think that these jigs are a pain to use , or at the very least, difficult to get set up correctly. I have been thinking of purchasing one of these for every now and then projects. I’m wondering, in your opinion, is a guy better off either. Buying a higher end one that comes complete with everything you need and not have to go out and buy this attachment and that attachment for the cheaper version. ( which in the long run probably costs as much as a good PoterCable jig) OR just do it the old fashion way with a pull say and a hammer and chisel. OR use your router and make your own jig ( that only possible if you are a skilled wood worker)? So what advice would you give me as a newbie to wood working . Thanks for all your time and effort pounding out these great instructional videos.👍
Hi Colin - thanks for a great video! Can you say any more about how such a jig can be used to cut through dovetails? Like you I bought my jig (an old ELU one that looks just like the one in the video) only to find it can't do through dovetails straight out the box.
Oh, maybe ... the one I used was many, many years ago, don't even know the number and it only came with one template the one for blind dovetails. Different templates will of course have different setups.
Hi! Thanks so much for the tutorial! I just bought a simple jig from Lee Valley but I can't figure out how to make through dovetails. Do you know anywhere I can find a similar video on that with a jig like this? Thanks again!!
I have a similar Craftsman Dovetail Template jig that I use about once every two years - just enough time to completely forget how it's done. This video is tremendously instructive for setup and use of the template. Watching the video has saved me hours of frustration, and many discarded drawer sides. Thank you Colin!
Today, I watched the video then went to the workshop and unpacked my Harbor Freight dovetail machine for the first time. I found no manual, but I managed to complete my first dovetail joint. There is no way I could have done this without the video. Thank You.
Warren P Clark Thanks Warren, appreciate the feedback buddy, great to hear
This video, is without a doubt, the most comprehensive instructions I've ever heard on the use of Dovetail jigs. I would love to have had someone explain their use to me 40 years ago, the way you just explained to the world. Thank you.
Hi Colin. I know this video on the half-blind dovetail jig is ten years old already, but this might help someone with regards to the "S" on the template. It is the setup line for aligning your work pieces correctly. Cheers
Mine came with no instructions at all, then I thought utube and hear you are , fantastic I’m now “clued up” good on you Collin ❤️
I received one of these types of jigs from a purchase i made and the gentleman threw them in the deal last minute. I haven't had a manual or anything to figure them out. this is super helpful.
I just bought a craftsman dovetail jig reg 120 on the clearance rack 30 bucks! Now after watching your video I can't wait to get in the shed. Thank you so much, perfect video
30 bucks ... are you kidding me Jim?? that's the deal of year, well done.
Let me know how you make out with it, maybe you will share some pics with us of your projects?
Colin, I liked your style of video making. You try hard to make it very visible and accessible for anyone watching the video which I really appreciated. Thanks.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Tamur
Colin
gracias por comentar, grandes tenerte con nosotros
Colin
This video is just what I needed for using the Wood River jig. Thanks for all of you videos.
Hi Will, thanks for taking the time to comment, great to have you with us
Colin
Thank you very much Colin i have not stopped cutting half blind dove tail joint's after watching you video You are the man 5*****
lol ... good to hear, thanks for commenting. Maybe you can share some pics with us one day. We always love looking at other people's creations :)
Colin
Hi David, glad to hear I am not alone it trying to decipher poor instructions. Thanks for commenting, great to have you with us
Colin
Very good video, can't find one as good as this with detail instruction verbally in video.
***** Thanks so much for your feedback, appreciate you making the effort
Colin
Thank you for explaining all this. The instructions that came with the craftsman jig from the late 80's left me in the dark. This came in very handy. Now off to the shop to make some dovetails.
WoodenCreationz Most of these units have really poor instructions but they are all fairly easy to use once you can watch someone ... thanks for posting
Thanks for commenting, great to have you with us
Colin
Thank you for taking the time to do this helpful videos Sr.
As an old carpenter here, I appreciate a clear and simple class on dovetailing…
I'm now going to try some Bubinga, (hard wood), Speaker Cabinets I have on my Do-List…
Previous practicing with scraps af wood of course…
thanks
Thanks for commenting Alejandro, Great to have you with us
Colin
Thanks for the commenting, great to have you with us
Colin
Glad you enjoyed, and thanks for commenting about it.
Colin
great video! I've had a jig for two years and have not been able to get usable results until I watched this video. THANKS!!!!!
Andrew McIntire Thanks for commenting Andrew, appreciate your feedback buddy.
Thanks for the note MAC ... great to have you with us
Colin
Recently was given a Craftsman jig by a friend with no manual. Your video clarified a lot of things. Now if you could show how to make through dovetails useful for box joints that would be fantastic. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Great tutorial, I like you, feel the instructions that come with them are some what to be desired..after many test pieces, finally have it set up to operate as it should....only to have it sitting on a shelf......I much rather the look of a through dove tail and the ability to cut different sizes, so I made two jigs, one for my table saw, and one for the band saw.....with perfect doves every time.....never the less i do enjoy your videos....take care, and keep up the good work....
I am learning how to make a dove tail joint---- this vid was REALLY a lot of help... Thank You!!
I know this is a really old video but it was very helpful. My grandfather had so many woodworking tools but we were never able to learn together. Included was an old sears craftsman version of this jig. Going to try this out soon!
Very clear, concise, and informative. Thanks a lot for the information. I've had my jig just sitting around for while since I wasn't sure how to use it. Can't wait to get started.
Thanks for the note Mac ... maybe you will share some pics with us once you get it going :)
Yes Dane, I am using CMT Dovetail jig, but I have used others in the past and have found them to be all very similar.
Thanks for asking :)
Colin
Very useful video, I couldn't find anyone else who gave thus much info. Thanks!
Best tutorial I have seen on this, legend.
I own a Trend (UK) router, table and dust collection unit so it made sense to purchase the dovetail jig as well. It looks identical to one you are using so might pay to check out the through dovetail jig to see if it will fit your unit.
After watching your video a few times and making a couple of dummy runs with scraps I have just made my first project of a shelf unit (four sides) with inlay shelves. Pleased so far thanks to you and the clear instructions from the video (also the tips)......eye
I've had a rig for years and only used it a few times when i was a very new w/wrkr.made a mess and lost interest,now I just watched your lecture and know what to do,i will also buy a through d/tl.template,thanks for the vid it is most helpful,MAC.
Hi Ricardo, not sure if you have one of these half blind dovetail jigs, but if you do, you will see that their design is such that they cut shorter. This is to hide the roundness of tails caused by the router bit, and to hide the round side of the pins inside that those tails, that is why they cut short. Its much easier to see when you have the jig in front of you, much harder to describe with limited text. Hope this helps.
Colin
Thank you for your detailed explanation. I have been afraid to attempt dovetails. With your help I am ready to do it.
Wow, we owe you a great deal of thanks. I bought one on e bay and it came with a one page instruction sheet that made little sense. Thanks to your efforts I will be able to get this monster to do its thing.
Excellent presentation...a great help for new woodworking people like me...deeply appreciated. Thanks for sharing it. Regards from PR.
Well done, learned a lot. I have a 16" craftsman jig with no instructions. Think i can figure it out from here... Thanks for posting the video.
Unfortunately i bought a dovetail jig and did not know about half blind and thanks you sir i will set it up next week hope it works thank you you so much for that (best of irish luck to you)
You did a great job of explaining how the jig works,even I could use it.
Thanks Colin
Thanks. Getting back to woodworking and was trying to remember about the commercial jig I purchased a long time ago. Also, liked your later video on box joints. First rate.
Hi Ricardo, very good question. So the answer to your question, the pins are not 1/2 long, they are only 3/8" long, which means the template is 1/4" thick and that would account for the 1/2" length. So the template is designed to cut pins that are always a 1/4" shorter than the thickness of your wood, which is what makes them "blind", otherwise they would be through dovetails. Thanks again for the question.
Colin
Thanks so much for an easy to grasp video. I immediately went out & set up my jig perfectly.
Well done ... thanks for commenting, glad to here it worked for you
Very informative video. I have just bought my first Jig from MLCS which came with both through and half blind dovetail templates. I will keep your video handy when trying !. Thanks for a great tutorial...
Sunil Dixit That's the first one I have heard of that came with both ... should be a good jig for you
Quite helpful, thanx. Picked up a craftsman jig at a yard sale yesterday, no manual.
Ah ... another garage sale shopper like me :)
I'll bet you can find a manual on-line somewhere, or at least one that is pretty similar.
Thanks for the video's and information. Have had a dovetail jig for a few years now and its been collecting dust. Instructions are lousy for it as well. Heading down to shed now to play around with it.. Thanks again.
Don Wilson Hi Don, yeah instructions on all of them are poor at best, even mine is ... as you say, "lousy" ... I would be interested to hear how you make out after watching the vid ...
Colin
Very very beautiful. The best video over CMT 300 I saw.
Really helpful and clear demonstration. Thank you.
Thank you very much for very detailed videos ! I got two of these type jigs as a gift, now I can use them !
... would love to see some pics of your jigs, they sound very interesting. Thanks for commenting
Colin
Sure thing I already have a little project in mind. When I get done ill show you how I made out. Thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to comment Zz
Finally FINALLY KISS (Keep it simple stupid) finally somebody has explained dove tail jigs that didn't sound like "mumbo jumbo" THANKS
Charles Jackson Thanks for the feedback Charles, appreciate you taking the time
Thanks colin, another great video,you've taken a lot of the mystery out of that jig, finally going to have a go at the weekend. Richie.uk.
+Richie Thewles Glad this was helpful Richie .. thanks for commenting
Hi James, I'm not sure that I would build a book case with this kind of a dovetail jig, but building book cases can be very simple or it can be complicated depending on the style you want. Best thing to do is find plans of a picture of what you like and start with that.
Thanks for commenting :)
Colin
Thank you for posting this. I'm about to buy a used one and it's great to see how to use it, you have given me confidence. I'd like to see the through dovetail template, and also how to make box comb joints.
For the through dovetail you need the T129 template and 918.129.11 dovetail bit form CMT.Check manual for US size.
You also need the 912.080.11 straight bit form CMT for the pins.Been using this jig for more than a year now.
Very nice , video.... thx from Denmark... (in Danish : meget fin video - tak fra Danmark)
Laura L Thanks for commenting
Excellent! Thank you
Great video! The Sears Craftsman instructions are horrible! You simplified so much, not sure why they have to muddy up the process!
Hi Ricardo, great to hear you have a jig, and with 3 templates. I have not used that newer version so I'm not sure if they have made any changes to it. Depending on what template you are using, the set-up you describe might be the right one. I would say give it a try with some scrap pieces and see how it works.
I wish I was there, I would love to see the jig a work, but will need you to tell me how you like it :)
excelente clinica del tema...!
Thanks for posting ... glad this was of some use to you
Colin
Wow 9 years ago. I got my dovetail jig last year and havent used it yet. You made it looks easy. I just want to ask if i can use any power capacity of plunge router for this jig.
Thanks Colin - greetings from Brazil very helpful
You are very welcome ... and greeting to you in Brazil, great to have you with us
Your videos are really great. Well thought through and very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Excellent explanation. Rb
THATS THE BEST VIDEO ON THIS TOPIC! THANK YOU...
brilliant colin as always, just one small suggestion, if each outward face had a coloured referance (tape maybe) and each joint was colour referanced, I think the understanding of your video would be idiot proof, I should know, I'm that idiot lol, keep posting Colin and once again, a big thanks. from Garry from the UK
Very well done and informative instructional video. Thank you Sir.
Thank you for your comments :)
Best explanation that I've seen on u tube
Fine Video! I like it and will learn from You, Sir! Colin You are the best of instrks. and fine to learn from. You tell the good and not so good, that is so good!
Nice video. It would have been helpful to hear how you decide the proper width of your boards so that the half pins are symmetrical.
Excellent instruction!!! this is a 10/10
Thank you
Thanks for taking the time to comment ... great to have you with us :)
Love the video but your router is way overkill for dovetails lol. I got the new woodriver jig and love it. Making beehives and selling them
Congratulations on the correct spelling of 'through'. :)
Nice😊 will you make a review of the 127 American tales for the cmt300?
Hi Charlie, hope the video helps you ... and thanks for that bit of Irish luck, I can always use it :)
Colin
wow, this was incredibly helpful. Thank you!
You're welcome!
CMT 300 can make through dovetail joints with extra template. Can show us a video with T129 or T190 template?
Thank you. This has been of more use than frustrating hours of mistakes following MLCS manual's instructions accompanied by poor photos of setup. Could I ask that you show your technique marking up the drawer pieces for routing (beehive box, in my case)? And loosening or tightening the dovetail joints... Thanks again
Thank YOU!!!! (from Italy)
Thanks for commenting ... from so far away :)
Colin
Thanks very much. Extremely helpful.
best explanation ever!
Victor L. Velazquez Hernandez Thank you Victor for the feedback
Colin
Great video on the dovetail jig, just the other day I was looking for something on setting up one. (you have esp LOL)
Well Colin considering the difficult subject of today’s video. I say you did well. Every video I have seen on ANY of these types of jigs have all been very confusing. Which makes me think that these jigs are a pain to use , or at the very least, difficult to get set up correctly.
I have been thinking of purchasing one of these for every now and then projects. I’m wondering, in your opinion, is a guy better off either. Buying a higher end one that comes complete with everything you need and not have to go out and buy this attachment and that attachment for the cheaper version. ( which in the long run probably costs as much as a good PoterCable jig) OR just do it the old fashion way with a pull say and a hammer and chisel. OR use your router and make your own jig ( that only possible if you are a skilled wood worker)? So what advice would you give me as a newbie to wood working . Thanks for all your time and effort pounding out these great instructional videos.👍
Nice Explanation and detail Video , Thanks
This jig are only for drawer or you can make boxes? For dovetail boxes need another template or you can't do boxes with this jig?
Nice clear video. Glad I bought a Gifkin jig. So much easier to use for dovetails
NI idea de ingles pero la imagen es muy ilustrativa . Gracias
Hi Colin - thanks for a great video! Can you say any more about how such a jig can be used to cut through dovetails? Like you I bought my jig (an old ELU one that looks just like the one in the video) only to find it can't do through dovetails straight out the box.
Oh, maybe ... the one I used was many, many years ago, don't even know the number and it only came with one template the one for blind dovetails. Different templates will of course have different setups.
Great video explanation!
Thank you, I needed this.
Hi Chris, thanks for commenting ..
Colin
Good job, Thanks for your clip
Thank you Tao
Спасибо за отличный видео урок!
Спасибо, что нашли время, чтобы комментировать, здорово, что ты с нами
Yes practice first
Very helpfull vid thankyou ,Will
Nice explanation
Hi Stu, thanks for taking a moment to comment
Colin
Good job, but you leave me thinking you have not used this jig much.
Thank you!
+navanarun Thanks for commenting
Hi! Thanks so much for the tutorial! I just bought a simple jig from Lee Valley but I can't figure out how to make through dovetails. Do you know anywhere I can find a similar video on that with a jig like this? Thanks again!!