1/2 router bits with dakota dovetail jig?

[fras23]

Hi,

I have a 1/2 router and I like the look of the 'dokota dovetail system' that Rutlands sell, I have read it's very easy to setup and i'm happy using through dovetails. However it's sold with 1/4 router bits, does anyone know of a compatible 1/2" bit I could use?

Sorry if this is a basic question, I'm quite new to woodworking and learning a lot as I go!

 

[carlb40]

Is it this one?
http://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+woodworkin ... kota+dkl35
Easy answer will be just get a 1/4 inch collet for you router

Other option, ask rutlands what diameter/ length etc of the cutters are. Then have a look on their site or others such as wealden/ axminster/trend/titman to find the same sizes in 1/2 ich bits.

The critical one will be the dovetail cutter.

 

[fras23]

Hi,

thanks for your reply, it's this one:

http://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+dakota-dov ... D51?tyah=y

It does seem expensive for what it is, but it seems to get good reviews for ease of use.. I have read some bad reviews for setup time on the one you linked.

Of course I didn't think of that, a 1/4 collett would be best. I have a triton jof router which came with 1/2 inch and 12mm collett, 12mm is 0.47" which seems like a strange size.. I just found a 1/2 to 1/4 reducer sleeve for £7 though which looks like it should do the job.

Thanks very much for your help.

 

[Eric The Viking]

Reducer sleeves aren't a wonderful idea. They increase wear on the collet, and the shaft of the cutter, and you have to overtighten to get it to grip (it has to grip two bits of metal). Get a proper 1/4" collet if you can.

Regarding 12mm, there are a range of metric collet sizes for routers. They're not common here or in the USA, except in commercial environments: 6mm, 8mm, 12mm. 8mm gets some use as it's a 'stronger' version of 1/4".

You won't be able to find a 1/2" dovetail bit for that jig, because the geometry means it won't work.

Hope that helps (a bit!)

E.

 

[John. B]

I use a TRA001 in my routing table which is a 1/2" router as yours is.

I assume the 1/2" cutter fits without a collet just as mine does. To use a 1/4" bit I insert a 1/4" collet.

It seems to me all you need to do is to buy a 1/4" collet for a TRA 001 which as far as I can see should just slide in

where your 12mm collet slides in?

John. B