Looking at dovetail cutters and would like to get opinions...

[ScrapMetal]

I just cannot see how this insert type of cutter will cut a "perfect" 60 deg. angle. Any angle 60.25 deg or greater I can see. For this cutter to cut a perfect 60 deg. it would have to scrape on the end of the insert, which on a light duty mill would create lots of chatter. I would be courious if someone could measure the angle cut to see how close to 60 deg it will cut. 60-1/2 deg. is not close enough for me, 60.0625 deg would work.

Anyone out there using these cutters can offer feedback on accuracy of the 60 deg angle cut?

I guess I don't see why one couldn't cut a true 60° slot. Taking a closer look at the geometry of the cutter though, it looks a bit more complicated than I had originally thought...



The prices on them aren't too bad but still more than I'd like to spend, especially if I could build it myself. Prices from Travers.com $95 -$300 depending on radius - http://www.travers.com/skulist.asp?r=s&q=block id 71217

-Ron