- 1). Divide the three-inch side of one end of the 1 x 3 x 8-inch hardwood board into three equal parts by making a pencil mark at one inch and two inches along the tape measure. These marks will be the center points of the dovetail cut.
- 2). Place the 1 x 3 x 8-inch hardwood board on the router table. Adjust the height of the dovetail bit so that it clears the one-inch width of the board. Center the board with the bit on the first pencil mark. Adjust the fence to a depth of one inch. Place a scrap block of wood against the router table fence and secure it in place with a clamp. This will be the stop to guide the board as you make the dovetail cut. Turn the router on and push the board into the blade allowing the bit to cut the dovetail as you go until the board reaches the fence. Pull the board out in an even motion. Turn the router off.
- 3). Cut the final dovetail cut on the second pencil mark following the same procedure.
- 4). Place the second 1 x 3 x 8-inch hardwood board on the router table. Mark the center of one end by measuring in 1 1/2 inches in from the edge. Mark the measurement with a pencil. This will be the center of the center dovetail cut. Set up the stop to allow the first dovetail cut to begin at the edges of the board. The outer edge of the router bit should be flush with the outer edge of the board. Clamp the stop block in place. Turn the router on and make the first cut. Flip the board over to make the other dovetail on the opposite edge. Make the cut and turn the router off.
- 5). Adjust the stop block to make the center dovetail cut. The center of the dovetail bit should be aligned with the center pencil mark. Turn the router on and make the cut. Turn the router off.
- 6). Fit the ends with the dovetail cuts together. The dovetails should fit together so the edges of the boards are flush. Use this technique to make a complete box or other element of a woodworking project.
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