|
I figured it would be a good place to practice since the joints would be essentially hidden and I would be the only one using it. I find it essential that you joint the bottom of the backer wood you use, not just throw any old piece of scrap on there.I used the Precision Brass Setup Bars from Rockler(why no sizes stamped on these Rockler). But I highly recommend getting a soft-faced dead-blow mallet too (not a black rubber mallet) and carefully read the back page of the instructions. But I won't mark this against the product rating since it was easy to remedy (you are already using a spiral up-cut bit anyway). Once you cut the first piece, you have to reverse it to line up the second piece.
That is why I decided on 5-stars. For whatever reason (poor setup or execution on my part, or the bit was just too small) the joints came out pretty loose and unattractive. Then I cut all my drawers and they are just as tight. I just finished making 6 drawers for my own desk with this. The next issue was that the backer slider is just a drop-in piece so you have to be careful because it likes to rock a little. for setting up and it was very easy to do. Any difficulties I had are easily remedied by anyone with a small amount of woodworking skill. This time when I made my test cuts, it fit so tight I wasn't sure I could get glue to stay on the pieces while assembling them.
The first problem I ran into was there is no slot for the router lift kit socket even though I have a Rockler router table kit. The first pieces I cut used the 1/4" bit Rockler sells with the jig (sold seperately). Just glancing at the pictures will mislead you (another good reason to always use test pieces). But instead of returning or abandoning the jig, I ordered a 1/2" bit from Amazon (1/2" x 1-1/4" x 1/2").
|
