After reading Mac Campbell’s article on sliding dovetails (Fine Woodworking #62, p. 80), I was compelled to use the joint on a project. The jig for cutting the pin that Campbell describes is attached to the edge of an existing tabletop. I modified the jig so a wood baseplate mounted on the router replaces Campbell’s stationary table. With the whole fixture attached to the router, I can move the bit across the wood rather than having to move the wood across the bit. With long pieces, this can be a big advantage in a small shop.

To cut the dovetail slot, I remove the fence entirely and slide the baseplate against an auxiliary fence clamped to the workpiece. Then, I reattach the fence and adjust it to cut the correct size dovetail to fit the slot. I mark where the fence is set so I can repeat the setting.

Larry Naumann, St. Louis, Mo.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, December 1989 No. 79

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Festool DF 500 Q-Set Domino Joiner

This joinery machine revolutionized woodworking for so many. There is no easier way to get mortise and tenon joints—but it comes at a cost.

Buy at Amazon

Marking knife: Hock Double-Bevel Violin Knife, 3/4 in.

This heavy, double-beveled knife stays on track in all directions, and works just fine without adding a handle.

Buy at Lee Valley

Incra Miter 1000HD

One of many extremely accurate Incra miter gauges, this model offers 180-degree adjustment to 1/10 of a degree, and a long, straight fence with a telescoping stop system.

Buy at Amazon