Tool and method for machining a dovetail

Abstract

Tools and methods for machining a dovetail are disclosed. The dovetail includes a plurality of tangs. In one embodiment, the tool includes a body and a plurality of mount brackets, each of the plurality of mount brackets connected to the body and positionable in contact with a crush surface of the dovetail. The tool further includes an engagement member connected to the body and adjustable such that contact by the engagement member with the dovetail forces each of the plurality of mount brackets against the associated crush surface. The tool further includes a machining assembly for machining one of the plurality of tangs of the dovetail, the machining assembly connected to the body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tool for machining a dovetail, the dovetail comprising a plurality of tangs, the tool comprising:
 a body;   a plurality of mount brackets, each of the plurality of mount brackets connected to the body and positionable in contact with a crush surface of the dovetail;   an engagement member connected to the body and adjustable such that contact by the engagement member with the dovetail forces each of the plurality of mount brackets against the associated crush surface;   a machining assembly for machining one of the plurality of tangs of the dovetail, the machining assembly connected to the body.   
     
     
         2 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the machining assembly comprises a grinder and an abrasive, the abrasive positionable in contact with the one of the plurality of tangs. 
     
     
         3 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the machining assembly further comprises a bracket connecting the grinder to the body, the bracket adjustable relative to the body. 
     
     
         4 . The tool of  claim 3 , wherein the bracket comprises a key member and the body defines a corresponding keyway, the key member slidable within the keyway such that the bracket is adjustable along a z-axis of the body. 
     
     
         5 . The tool of  claim 3 , wherein the machining assembly further comprises a locking assembly configured to selectively restrict adjustment of the bracket relative to the main body. 
     
     
         6 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of mount brackets has a curvilinear surface positionable in contact with the crush surface of the dovetail. 
     
     
         7 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement member comprises a roller, a bracket connecting the engagement member to the body, and a screw connected to the bracket and roller and adjustable relative to the body. 
     
     
         8 . The tool of  claim 7 , wherein the engagement member further comprises a spring. 
     
     
         9 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement member is a plurality of engagement members. 
     
     
         10 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein each of the engagement member and the plurality of mount brackets comprises a key member and the body defines at least one corresponding keyway, each of the plurality of key members slidable within the at least one keyway such that each of the engagement member and the plurality of mount brackets is adjustable along one of an x-axis and a y-axis of the body. 
     
     
         11 . The tool of  claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of mount brackets further comprises a locking assembly configured to selectively restrict adjustment of the associated one of the plurality of mount brackets relative to the main body. 
     
     
         12 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle connected to the body. 
     
     
         13 . A method for machining a dovetail, the dovetail comprising a plurality of tangs, the method comprising:
 mounting a plurality of mount brackets in forcible contact with a crush surface of the dovetail;   positioning a machining assembly in contact with one of the plurality of tangs of the dovetail; and   moving the machining assembly along the dovetail while generally maintaining the forcible contact between the plurality of mount brackets and the crush surfaces.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the mounting step comprises:
 positioning each of the plurality of mount brackets in contact with the crush surface of the dovetail; and   forcing each of the plurality of mount brackets against the crush surface of the dovetail.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising adjusting each of the plurality of mount brackets along one of an x-axis and a y-axis. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising selectively restricting adjustment of each of the plurality of mount brackets along the one of the x-axis and the y-axis. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the positioning step comprises adjusting the machining assembly along a z-axis. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising selectively restricting adjustment of the machining assembly along the z-axis. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 dismounting the plurality of mount brackets from the crush surface of the dovetail;   opposedly remounting the plurality of mount brackets in forcible contact with the crush surface of the dovetail;   positioning the machining assembly in contact with an opposite one of the plurality of tangs of the dovetail; and   moving the machining assembly along the dovetail while generally maintaining the forcible contact between the plurality of mount brackets and the mount surface.   
     
     
         20 . A tool for machining a dovetail, the dovetail comprising a plurality of tangs, the tool comprising:
 a body;   a plurality of mount brackets, each of the plurality of mount brackets connected to the body and positionable in contact with a crush surface of the dovetail;   means connected to the body for forcibly engaging each of the plurality of mount brackets with the crush surface; and   means connected to the body for machining one of the plurality of tangs of the dovetail.