How-To Videos & Instruction

Single Pass Half-Blind Dovetails on the D4R Pro


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Single Pass Half-Blind video — Leigh D4R Pro Dovetail Jig

"Single pass" half-blind dovetails share the same characteristics as "variably spaced" halfblind dovetails with one notable exception — the pins and tails can be routed in a single pass with both boards mounted in the jig at the same time. They are generally used when production time is critical. Although not considered as aesthetically pleasing as variably spaced, single pass half-blind dovetails are equally as strong and jig set up minimal.

Here’s How

1 All single pass half-blind dovetails are routed with the guide finger assembly in the half-blind tail mode. The scale is always set to 1/2", regardless of the board thickness. The readable area of the scale is always to the right, and is colour coded green for half-blind dovetails. An icon identifies the joint type.
2 The supplied spacer is used to space the guide fingers apart.
3 The same spacer offsets the tail board from the pin board. The black stop rod is used to limit the travel of the router, resulting in the correct socket depth and tail thickness.
4 Use the supplied Leigh e7 guide bushing with your router and one of two supplied half-blind bits. Three other optional bits are also available.
5 Rout around the guidefingers to form the pins and tails in a single pass.
6 Fit the boards together to check the joint fit.

 

For more detailed instructions, see User Guides and Bulletins in the Support section.