Menards Dakota Closet Shelf Cam Lock Jig
These router jigs are used to cut the camlock holes back into a Dakota shelf after cutting it to a custom length. The shelves come in 12", 24", and 36" lengths. If you want say a 18" shelf you purchase the 36" shelf, cut in half, and then use the front and rear router jigs to cut the cam lock holes.
The Cam Locks are built by Midwest Manufacturing. I contacted them about a jig pattern and they were super helpful. Although they couldn't provide me a jig they gave me very specific measurements:
- Hole size is 20mm
• Hole size is off set from the edge of the shelf by 9.5 mm, so that the edge hole creates a small opening for the metal dowels to engage in the cam lock
• The depth of the hole required is 14 mm deep, which gives you about 5 mm of material let before you puncture the top surface of the shelf
• Locations of the holes from the front edge of the shelf need to be precise if you are to match up with the columns of holes pre-drilled in the uprights. The holes for the cam locks are 35mm and 259 mm from the front edge (OC).
Note: I found that I had to add 1mm to the front measurement due to the laminate edge that is ironed on after manufacturing which was not accounted for in their measurements.
Tools Needs:
1) Smaller handheld router
2) 1/4" Top bearing flush edge router bit with approximate cut radius 0.625" and exact depth of 9/16" (14mm)
How to use the jigs.
1) Use the front/rear jigs for left and right cuts. (It is best to pin the jib between two boards and clamp so it doesn't move)
2) Use plunge feature of router with depth set to 14mm
https://external-midwest.menards.com/MidwestWebsite/productType.do?productGroupId=69