I want to buy a DT jig, but don't know whether to buy the Akeda or the Leigh. The Akeda is a little cheaper in price than the Leigh. I heard the Leigh is harder to learn. The Akeda's are currently backordered. Thanks for your opinions
Joe asks:
The Akeda is easier to use, but limited in capabilities. The Leigh is much moer versatile, IMO well worth the extra cost.
Charlie Self
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I read on the Akeda web site
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I just bought the Leigh and it is an wonderful tool. I was able to set it up and do through dovetails in somewhere around an hour. I have already made a semi-production run of 4 through-dovetailed boxes (so 16 chances to screw up both pins and tails) and with some minor issues most likely due to my lumber preparation the parts were all interchangeable. I also looked at the Akeda, but the 16" capacity really made the decision for me. I often build casework and am likely going to build a lot of chests of drawers, which are often up to 24" deep. With the leigh it will be a snap to half-blind dovetail the carcase parts. Also, the true infinite adjustability of the fingers is better than the Akeda, IMO.
I will say that the dust collection accessory for the Leigh is almost a necessity. I made those boxes without it and that drove me to order it ($35? or so at Lee Valley). It works really well and the small number of operations I've done since then were much more pleasant. I also ordered a full set of dovetail bits and guide bushings, so the price does add up fast, but like Charlie Self said, the extra cost is more than justified.
DAGS on "leigh jig reviews" and you'll find several very well written overviews of the Leigh, as well as direct comparisons to the Akeda.
Mike
Consider a WoodRat too. It's an interesting alternative. Send away for the video, it's super cheap and is the best spokesman for the product.
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