To properly create a drawer box for CNC machining, there are a few parameters that need to be set. Several of these setting revolve around the geometry of the female dovetail router tool that will be used.
Load a drawer box into the drawer box designer. Go to construction setting, then construction parameters of the part that will have the male dovetails. You will see the Dovetail Settings in the upper right corner of this dialog. These values (excluding inset fields) can also be changed globally on the global settings tab of the construction setting dialog.
Placement Inset Values: Distance from the edge of the part to the center of the first tail.
Max. Dist. Between: Maximum allowed distance between (center to center) before adding an additional tail.
Dovetail Depth: This value is dependant on the female dovetail tool ‘s geometry.
(see dimension A in illustration 1) When using the Thermwood supplied dovetail tool FSH1065 this value is .35”
Fit Clearance: This value will apply side clearance for the dovetails. This may be desired for gluing purposes. The amount entered is the sum of the total clearance (a .01” fit clearance will apply .005” of clearance on each side of the dovetail)
Thickness (% of Material): This value defines the thickness of the dovetails. When using the Thermwood supplied dovetail tool FSH1065, it will be necessary to machine down approximately .21” of material to hide the dovetail radius when parts are assembled. The Thickness % can be calculated by taking the material thickness being used minus .21” divided by material thickness being used.
Thickness % = ((Material Thickness - .21”) / Material Thickness)
Dovetail Width: This is the dovetail width from tip to tip. Typically this value should not exceed 2 times the dovetail bit diameter (see dimension B in illustration 1)
Corner Radius: This value is dependant on the female dovetail tool ‘s geometry.
(see dimension R in illustration 1) When using the Thermwood supplied dovetail tool FSH1065 this value is .125”
Corner Angle: This value is dependant on the female dovetail tool ‘s geometry.
(see angular dimension C in illustration 1) When using the Thermwood supplied dovetail tool FSH1065 this value ranges 7-10 Degrees.
