Festool VS-600 Manual

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VS600 Jointing System — Procedure for Half Blind Dovetails
A Step by Step Procedure for these templates: SZ14 and SZ20
1
Template SZ14 - Half Blind Dovetail
for wood thickness .63 - .79" (26-20mm)*
Cutters: 490 991 (HSS); 490 990 (carbide)
Template SZ20 - Half Blind Dovetail
for wood thickness .63 - .79" (26-20mm)*
Cutters: 490 991 (HSS); 490 990 (carbide)
* wood thickness measurements refer to front/back
piece only - sides can be thinner.
2
Install the copying ring. The ring should be the
one that came with the SZ14 or SZ20
template or one that fits in the template
grooves exactly.
3
Install the appropriate bit in the router.
Cutters: 490 991 (HSS)
490 990 (carbide)

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4
Install SZ14 Template. Before tightening
locking knobs, be sure the alignment shoulders
on underside are touching the base.
5
Rotate end stops so that SZ14 is pointing to
wood edge.
6
I lower the template and adjust the two black
positioners so they are in the "D" window.
I move the black positioner left and right until
the arrows are touching the flat side of the "D"
and lock it in that place.

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7
This is the drawing from the Manual. You
should mark the pieces of your box
accordingly.
8
I have laid out the test drawer and have
numbered everything the exact same way.
9
Position the front/back piece in the horizontal
clamp with insides facing up. The "A"
corners will be on the left; the "B" on the right.
Position the sidepiece with the inside edge
facing front and touching the underside of the
template.
Make sure the front/back piece is touching the
backside of the sidepiece end.

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10
Zero router by placing it on the template and
plunge the bit until it "kisses" the top of the
wood. Lock the plunge.
11
Move the plunge rod to the 12mm position.
This is the recommended start depth for use
with this template.
12
I move the router over where it is still on the
template but no wood is beneath. I plunge to
the preset point and lock the plunge setting.
I also adjust the dust hood so that it allows
free movement of the router on the template
— including room to cut the tails.

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13
It doesn't take long to run the router for both
the "A" and "B" joints. I have made a very
light pass from right to left (climb cut) — this
will reduce tear out. Then, guide the router
into each of the fingers.
14
Test fit the pieces. They are exact. I did spray
paint the "A" front side for a contrast —
otherwise, these photos are unretouched.
15
This template can do great drawers. At the
right, the front joint is with 3/4" front and 3/4"
sides. Since many cabinets have drawers with
1/2" sides and 3/4" fronts, the upper example
is just that and did not require any change to
the set-up.
It can even do 1/2-blind dovetails with a
rabbet front.