I've been using your DVD on dovetails recently to better myself at cutting dovetails. I'm plagued with the following question. You like to use 14 deg angle for most and most bit manufacturers specify their bits in width of cut and angle ie 14 deg x 1/2 inch etc. Marking gauges are usually 1:6 or 1:8 ratios which I have assumed to be the slope or tangent of the angle. Since these ratios equate to approx 9 1/2 deg and 7 deg angles, how do these tie together with mfrs bit angles? Would you please help me out here? Thanks very much. Your DVD is excellent on techniques.
- Jerry G.
Port Ludlow, WA
Thank you for the compliments on my Mastering Dovetails DVD; I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it. A dovetail joint with 14 degree angles between the tails and pins has a very pleasing appearance and the pronounced angle makes a strong joint. I lay out the joint with an inexpensive aluminum marker on which I've modified to a 14 degree angle.