Replies

1. 
   DougU | Apr 04, 2006 07:49am | #1

   Yes, I do it all the time.

   The problem that I've encountered is the blow out of the birch.

   This was discussed just recently(last month or two) and there was a couple tips on how to avoid the blow out. If you can navigate the search feature then you can probably find the thread.

   My solution is to make a table saw cut about 1/16th of an inch deep in the sides that is exactly, or a hair longer, then the dovetail bit will cut.

   Picture your dovetail bit sitting in the dovetail jig with the bit pushed up to the ply. I make my cut so that it's just a hair lower then the depth of the bit.

   Someone else on here mentioned using a wood conditioner of some sort, I guess it makes the wood solid enough to avoid the tear out, sounded like it worked for him but I don't recall the product that he used.

   Doug

2. 
   galenajoe | Apr 04, 2006 03:33pm | #2

   I just made three 12" deep drawers for a file cabinet in baltic birch. I found that if a made a light cut with the bit from right to left first it eliminated almost all of the splintering.

   Joe Hartford