That’s right, dovetails on the table saw! It’s a concept that takes a little getting used to. But the fact is, with some practice, plus a unique, shop-made jig and a specially-ground saw blade, you can use your table saw to make dovetails quickly, easily, and accurately. Best of all, this technique results in through dovetails with that distinct, “hand-cut” look with narrow pins and variable spacing if desired.

The jig is similar to a crosscut sled but the fence is adjustable to allow for cutting both the pins and tails. You can download plans for the jig here: Table Saw Dovetail Jig

Besides the jig, you’ll also need a special saw blade to cut dovetails on the saw. You can use a regular blade, but the cuts will require a fair amount of hand clean up to fit. But, with the help of any local sharpening service, you can get the teeth ground to match the angle of the dovetail. It can be done inexpensively and it’s well worth the effort.

Crosscuts, rips, and the occasional miter. That’s the extent of most of our table saw usage. But it’s capable of so much more. For example, did you know you can cut coves on a table saw? All it takes is an auxiliary fence that’s skewed across the table top, which allows you to pass a board over the blade at an angle. The results are amazing and the uses too numerous to mention.

During this evenings seminar, Carol Beronich will talk about or demonstrate three “fancy” cuts that can be made. Don’t be confused by that word fancy though. It not so much the cuts that are impressive — it’s the results. Tapered legs, angled tenons, and raised panels…they all can be done on the table saw.

There is one bonus download for tonights seminar: Adjustable Taper Jig

In addition, the raised panel door was used on a project in Woodsmith Issue No. 187. If you’re interested in purchasing the project plans for the “Two-Tiered , you can pick up a copy at the Customer Service Desk at the store for only $4.95. Or call the Woodsmith Store at (800) 835-5084

If you could take a stack of boards, rip them to width and cut them to length, and then build a simple, yet beautiful project using nothing more than a simple jig and a handful of screws for joinery, would you be excited to learn about that jig?

We’re betting you will be after tonight’s seminar, because that is exactly what Randy Maxey intends to do. The side table you see in the photo at right was built in a weekend.

There are lots of ways to make pocket holes. Randy’s favorite happens to be the K3 Master System from Kreg Tool Company. It’s a simple system that provides quick, sturdy, and foolproof joinery in a matter of minutes. Randy has provided a SketchUp model for his table design. You can find it here: Randy’s Side Table. If you don’t already have SketchUp you can download the latest version here: Google SketchUp v7.1. It’s a great way to create 3D drawings of your projects and it’s a free download. Finally, Randy has provided a short video showing how the project goes together: Woodsmith Seminar Pocket Hole Project

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to cut perfect dovetails every time using the unique new jig designed specifically for this technique. Bryan Nelson came up for the idea for the jig and the technique.

Thursday, February 25, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Woodsmith Store Seminar Room

Tickets and Season Passes available at the Customer Service Counter

Another band saw seminar is on tap for this week. In this one, Phil Huber will walk us through some of the techniques he uses to resaw lumber on a band saw.

Thursday, February 18, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Woodsmith Store Seminar Room

Tickets and Season Passes available at the Customer Service Counter

In this seminar, Carol Beronich will offer step-by-step instructions for using the table saw to make “fancy” cuts.

Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Woodsmith Store Seminar Room

Tickets and Season Passes available at the Customer Service Counter

Randy Maxey has used pocket screws for a lot of his personal projects. He’ll offer a few tips for using pocket hole joinery and provide detailed techniques for building projects with the convenient, new form of joinery.

Thursday, March 4, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Woodsmith Store Seminar Room

Tickets and Season Passes available at the Customer Service Counter