Travis Posted August 27, 2012 Report Posted August 27, 2012 So I'm trying to build some new drawers for my bathroom cabinets. I thought it would be nice to use dovetails in the construction. So I bought a Porter Cable dovetail jig (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HG ... ayzcach-20) to cut the dovetails. I wanted to use plywood for the stability (and the cost...these aren't the greatest cabinets to begin with). I bought a sheet of 1/2" maple ply for the drawers. I spent all day trying to cut these dern things. Almost every time, the router will tear-out the plywood. It was terrible. I did everything I can think of to get a clean cut: blue tape, backer board, scrap wood on the front, slow speed, fast speed, ultra-slow feed rate, left to right, right to left. I even had a brand new router bit. Nothing really worked. Just out of curiosity, I tried using it on solid wood (pine, of all things). It worked like a charm. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that using dovetails on plywood is next to impossible. Is this a safe assumption? Or am I missing something? Quote
Messman Posted August 28, 2012 Report Posted August 28, 2012 The only thing I can think of, besides hand cutting (which would be the best for the plywood) maybe run a stright bit through first and then try the dove tail bit. I suspect that you may still end up with blow out, but it cant hurt to try. Quote
wedo scroll Posted September 23, 2012 Report Posted September 23, 2012 Travis, I experience the same thing with plywood. I guess the individual plys and glue is not strong enough to withstand the cutting action. Probably about the same as we use baltic birch ply as opposed to normal ply for scrolling. Bill Quote
Messman Posted October 7, 2012 Report Posted October 7, 2012 It is more than likely the plywood that is the issue. Moving to a plywood with less ply's (5 ply to 3 ply), if you can find it, will sometimes help deal with the issue. Travis 1 Quote
dust4tears Posted October 10, 2012 Report Posted October 10, 2012 I make signs out of Oak Ply. It cuts (surprisingly) well. I know you said you put a sacrificial piece of wood in front, but I would do it on both side, and maybe try it on a different side of the ply....and then to second Messman, maybe use a straight bit to get most of it the cut done, then use the dovetail bit. Quote
amazingkevin Posted October 29, 2012 Report Posted October 29, 2012 I've no knowedge of dove tails but glad to keep this under my hat,thanks! Quote
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