Has anyone else ever used this system it's frustrating the heck our of me. My joints keep coming our ro tight. Ive watched the video arteaat 25 time even took it to an experienced woosworker and he had trials. My joints below arw just ugly lol.
You'll always be on a pedestal any one who sees the master pieces you've created couldn't deny that fact we will figure it out eventually or throw it away lolI have the original jig and following the directions, haven't been able to make a decent joint using different templates. Jerry, Jclrk, no longer sees me as a master of anything wood--I've fallen off my lofty pedestal because I can't make this system, this supposedly simple system work. It's not that dovetails aren't nice, it's just these purdy little heart joints and dog bone joints are such eye candy--at least in the pics on the advertisements. I acquired my set when I bought out my brothers shop a dozen years ago. I don't think he had any success with the thing either.
Well pop you got your work cut out for you when I get home be prepared to teachThat last suggestion just may be the best idea yet! LOL:
After reading Charley's post I feel a little better, because he is much more detail oriented than I am--like the King of detail oriented!
Since the recesses/fingers are both too wide by a smidge- you could have a bit that is just a few thousandths too small. That would at least account for the fit. Are you using the supplied spiral bit or one (or a straight bit) from another source?
But, I still get back to the guide bushing. Not having a bushing with the correct OD or moving in the router plate insert can cause similar results. I have one set of guide bushings that never stay where I lock them- the vibration causes the locking ring to loosen and by the time I realize it, the joint is ruined.
The other thing that concerns me a lot is the irregular appearance of both profiles and the nibs left on fingers and recesses- sure signs you are attempting to cut too fast and/or have a dull bit. Do you have dust collection on your router table? Are you letting too much dust/splinters collect around the cutting area that might be getting into the template recesses and preventing the guide bushing from fully following the template surface and bottoming out in each recess? (see photo) . If the wood is a bit springy, another thing to try is make two complete passes, the second one slower than the first. Make sure there is no dust and chips between the template fingers before the second pass.
If you really want this or a similar joint, get a Leigh jig and their Clover and Bear Ears templates.
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I was thinking same thing so I ordered them last time homeI neglected to add an additional tip -
Guide bushings can loosen and move a little from the vibration of the router as you are cutting the joint. Peachtree Woodworking www.ptreeusa.com sells wave washers to fit your guide bushings and cost only a few bucks for 2. Add one behind the router base and the guide bushing nut and then once the bushing is centered, get the nut as tight as you can. This will prevent the bushing from loosening and moving after you have so carefully centered it.
Charley