Store Front Sign In Product List View Basket Search Store Map Checkout

Button (Center Plate) Setting Calculator

1> Select a Dovetail Bit Width measurement:  millimeters  inches 

2> Select a Dovetail Bit Width: 

3> Select a Dovetail Bit Angle: 

4> Select a Straight Bit Width: 

   

Button Setting: 

In making dovetail joints, a big advantage of the WoodRat WR5 machine is that it can use any dovetail and straight bit combination. You choose the bits, not the machine.

No dovetail jig can make this statement. Bit geometry is part of the jig architecture. Some jigs, such as the Akeda, may even require slightly oversize or undersize straight bits to adjust for tightness of fit. Not so with the WoodRat. All you need is a button setting and your machine is ready to cut dovetails using your existing bits or any bit that you may buy.

The WoodRat manual provides button settings for WoodRat bits. If you are using other bits then our Button Calculator will give you the correct button (center plate) settings. The button is used when cutting dovetail pins.

After you set the button, rotate router plate to dovetail angle and set spiral stops. Cut a trial pin and test fit. Slight adjustment of the button setting will change tightness of fit. For tighter fitting pins move button to a higher setting. To loosen fit move to a lower setting. Repeat the same button and spiral settings whenever you use the same bits.

View Button setting chart for Craftsman Gallery dovetail bits (PDF, 15KB)

Would you like a free copy of the button calculator that you can use on a PC without an Internet connection?

Download the Button Calculator ZIP file. UnZip and put a SHORTCUT to the 'buttoncalculator.html' file on your Desktop. Just double click on the file and your browser should start up with a version of the Button Calculator that does not require an Internet connection."