Jig Set up

• 1). Select a firm, stable work surface. The bench must be heavy enough so that it doesn't move or vibrate when power equipment is used on it. A folding leg table or lightweight work bench will not work for this operation. The best option is a work bench that is connected to the wall.
  
  
• 2). Fasten the jig to the side of the work bench. The one-piece steel base features flanges, so the tool is easily clamped or bolted into place.
  
  
• 3). Insert a piece of wood into the vertical clamp on the front side of the jig. Bring the wood all the way up to the top of the jig and clamp it in place.
  
  
• 4). Insert a piece of wood the same thickness into the horizontal clamping area on the top of the jig. The horizontal piece slides all the way forward so that it butts into the vertical board. Leave no space between these two boards where they meet. These two boards are automatically offset from one another by the guides in the jig. This offset alignment sets both boards in the proper configuration, so they are cut accurately in one pass.
  
  

Routing the Boards in the Jig

• 1). Insert a bearing guided dovetail carbide router bit into the router. A carbide bit is required to route any hardwoods without overheating. A bearing guided bit is required to use this jig properly. The router bit is included with the jig.
  
  
• 2). Set the depth of the router bit to cut the dovetail joint in one pass. The height of the bit will change based on the thickness of the boards you use. The height will also change based on whether you are cutting half blind or full dovetail joints.
  
  
• 3). Turn the router on before placing it into the jig. Most routers experience a sudden burst of torque when the motor turns on. The tool motor must be up to speed before placing it into the jig.
  
  
• 4). Stand in front of the jig, facing your workbench. Starting at the left-hand side of the jig, slowly guide the router into and out of each finger in the template. The bearing on the router bit will guide the router bit smoothly.
  
  
• 5). Guide the router through each finger in the template. After completing one pass, repeat the procedure to remove any stray wood strands which were not cut cleanly completely on the first pass. When complete, turn the router off and remove the pieces of wood.