Dovetail Jig Fixture
I do a fair amount of box joints and dovetails using my porter cable jig. It's great, but there are a few problems.
Because you have to get down and check the depth of the router bit multiple times during set-up, it can be a pain in the neck if you mount it to a regular height table or workbench. The second problem is all the little bits and bobs that it comes with- storing it away in one place is a mess.
So here's what I did. I designed a box that could be clamped to a work surface that raises up the jig to a more comfortable height, but also provides storage for all the templates, bits, and tools used with the jig.
The box has threaded inserts to accept hand turned walnut knobs for mounting the fixture as well as risers that keep a workpiece square. The tails on the bottom edge accommodate clamps to keep the fixture stable.
With everything tucked away, it's just a box. Rabbets and dados along with screws and glue hold it together.
Here's everything put away. I still need to make either a drawer box or a door for this side, along with some handles to carry it.
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That's why when you attach a table top to a base, you have to account for movement- either a slot allowing the screw to move, or specialized fasteners that can move.
When you do a breadboard edge like this-
You can't just glue the end piece of wood on- the field, the main part of the table, wants to get wider and shrink with humidity, at an angle different than the piece that's perpendicular on the end.
So only the center peg and groove is glued tight- the ones on the end are in an elongated slot to allow movement.
