Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Having heard how easy it was to make good dovetail joints with the Keller system and after a lot of research, I bought the Journeyman Model 1500 system. "Easy" may be a slight reach for a newcomer, but with a bit of reading and understanding of the instructions, it all worked out okay. The instruction manual is written for their aluminum templates with a single sheet inserted for the 1500, but the process is generally the same for both types of templates. The 1500 requires a block of wood 2? x 3? x about 18 inches on which the template is mounted. I don't think these dimensions are very critical. The workpiece is clamped vertically in a vise and the block of wood is clamped on the side of the workpiece with the template projecting over the edge to be dovetailed. It is suggested you put the block on the near side of the workpiece so you route away from you and so the chips don't come off in your face. Keller provides two router bits - one to cut the tails (a dovetail bit) and one for the pins (a straight bit). You cut the tails first, then put the mating workpiece in the vise and lay the just-cut piece with the tails on the edge (line it up good) and scribe the inside of one of the tail cutouts on the new workpiece. Then you align the template pin side OVER the scribed lines and clamp it down. This determines what will remain when you route the pins. The first set came out okay but were too tight. Keller provides instructions on how to loosen up the joint (slide the pin side of the template further onto the backing block). I nearly wore out the screws holding the template to the block of wood with my fiddling around to get the joints fitting the way I wanted. The Keller system makes through dovetails, so if you want half-blind dovetails, this is not the one you want unless there is a trick I am not aware of. IMO I think through dovetails are more elegant than half-blind as you see the artistry on both sides of the joint. I also like the idea of not being limited to a maximum width workpiece. I understand additional router bits are available for box joints.
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