Prazi Inc. - Chestmate Dovetail Jig
The benefit of this new jig from Prazi USA is its versatility: the number and size of the tails is variable and there is no limit to the stock width.Prazi USA recently released the Chestmate dovetail jig. The benefit of this jig is its versatility: the number and size of the tails is variable and there is no limit to the stock width.
For each project, you first need to create a unique index board, really just a length of scrap wood equal to the width of the stock being dovetailed. You cut shallow kerfs in this board to register the side-to-side placement of the jig and thus the number and placement of the tails.
My main issue with the jig was that, at each end of the stock, it created half-tails rather than the more traditional and aesthetically pleasing half-pins. That said, half-pins are doable if you alter the normal setup and add extra support at each end of the stock. Another option is to start with extrawide stock and, after the joint is cut, trim the edges to make the half-pins.
The Chestmate handles stock from 1/2 in. to 1 in. thick. The standard model cuts 14-degree through-dovetails, but a new 7-degree template is available as an accessory.
The user must supply a guide bushing and router bits, which are all standard sizes and readily available. The Chestmate retails for about $100 from many woodworking retailers or online at www.praziusa.com.
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