This jig puts your chisel exactly where you want it when chopping dovetails. It guarantees that shoulder lines will be perfect on both sides of the pins and tails and will be consistent from one workpiece to another.

The jig consists of a 3/4-in.-thick wood or plywood base, two side fences, an adjustable stop and a hold-down. Cut the side fences from 3/8-in.-thick stock or stock that is thinner than any lumber you will be working. One pair of wing nuts tightens the hold-down onto the workpiece, and another pair of wing nuts, fit over slots, allows adjustment of the stop.

To use the jig, adjust the stop so that the shoulder line of the pins or tails is directly under the edge of the hold-down. Insert the dovetail workpiece by sliding it against one of the side fences, then tighten the hold-down in place. Once the workpiece is secured, hold the chisel against the edge of the hold-down, where it is registered at a perfect 90¡, and chop down halfway through the waste. Flip the workpiece to complete the other side.

Jacque L. Dupuy, Ft. Leavenworth, Kans.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, June 2000 No. 142

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