Dovetail technique

I very largely agree with you Bandersnatch, in retrospect I should have said a little more information. In this case, just the details of machine would be sufficient for starters. Having this then the answer would be rather different if we considering a mini mill compared to a Bridgeport. Of course, if the later, it is likely that the owner would be sufficiently knowledgeable not to need to ask the question, but we do very occasionaly see a beginner being able to afford and house larger machinery.

My apologies Murray if I misunderstood your reply, but as you started by saying “Sounds like pussy footing about to me” I though you were referring to using the two stage method for producing dovetails. However, it is obvious that you are using relatively robust machinery and maybe you , as with many others, may not be aware the situations that those with lighter duty machines often have to contend with.

For an example, I quite often receive emails from those who have made one of my designs and stating that they have made it predominantly with aluminium as their milling machine is only a light duty one. I have even known the grinding rest, which started the thread, being made mainly out of aluminium. In this case, the maker in his email referred to the accessories not moving that easily over the table top, and could I suggest anything to overcome this.

I cannot remember the actual answer I gave, probably to attempt to make the table out of steel. I do though remember I suggested he could try “Slick Tape”, low friction tape used, typically, by woodworkers in their router jigs. As I had some of this for my cabinet making activities I intended to try out the suggestion on my own rest. Unfortunately, around 10 years later, I have not found the time to test it out. I must try to find the time, what a hope.

For anyone reading this who would like some more detail about the tape then it is sold by Axminster, and no doubt others.

Harold