Leigh Dovetail Jig-personal reviews and best price

[ToolMiser]

I was at The Woodworking Show last weekend in the Twin Cities, and I watched a gentleman use a Leigh D4 dovetail jig. I need to make some kitchen cabinet drawers in the future, and after the fact, have decided that maybe the Leigh jig would have been a good purchase. I wouldn't mind putting in a little extra time to make some fancy joints in drawers to show off some of my talents. (OK I know there isn't a lot of skill, but most people wouldn't make there own cabinets anyways. It is just a personal pride in doing something that others won't spend money to do. Understand what I mean? My theory is that my time is cheap, and if I get personal satisfaction that is good for me. I like to do things that aren't practical for others, my neighbor has a lot more money than me, but he isn't into woodworking so I can do things like this). Anyways, this person at the show had a combination deal for about $525.00 and change, where you got the D4 jig, a bunch of router bits (8mm and adapter for router), vaccuum attachment, and some other perks. I didn't want to buy it then because I hadn't done much reading about it, but I can't find anyone who has a similar deal. Let me know if you are aware of one. I thought about the PC omni jig, but I think I will enjoy the versatility of the Leigh better. Let me hear your thoughts!

[BobS]

You may want to look at Lee Valley site first and see what the optional "Bear Ears" templates and others cost and then decide on how fancy you want to get. I have the D4 and there is a learning curve but it sure is nice once you learn.

Bob S

[Mike in Mystic]

I have the D4 and it is awesome. As with anything, it takes a little getting used to it to get good at it, but I'm not one of those that feel the Leigh was difficult to figure out. Bascially, if you can follow instructions (with pictures, no less), then you'll do fine with this jig. The manual is extensive, but that's not to say complicated. The jig itself has a lot of versatility, so that lends to varied instructions depending on what you are trying to do. For making simple through dovetails or half-blinds, it is VERY easy (IMNSHO).

I recently bought the finger joint attachment and have used that a few times now, too. Not inexpensive, but it has the same type of flexibility that I've come to appreciate from the D4 and so I felt good about the purchase.

If you've seen it in person, then you have the best perspective on how satisfied you will be with it. I highly recommend it.

Mike

[Leon]

My advise is to buy the bits as you need them. I think I have 4 bits dedicated for the Leigh.

[Leon]

Umm my adviCe.

[Greg Millen]

But, didn't you adviSe him, not adviCe him?

Sorry, please don't get tense (past or present) with me ;-)

[Larry Jaques]

On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 20:48:05 +1000, "Greg Millen" calmly ranted:

One Atta Boy comin' your way, Down Unda, Grogs.

LJ--Another soldier attempting to get and keep the the troops spreaking Engrish.

[Swingman]

The Leigh D4 is a top notch tool for production dovetail cutting in a small shop. Its versatility makes it a bit difficult to fully master without frequent reference to the excellent manual. However, if you can read, and particularly if you finished your basic education prior to 1972, you should have little trouble using it for the most complicated tasks.

[Greg Millen]

To be fair Larry, Leon had already corrected himself. I was just funnin' with him ;-)

[Larry Jaques]

On Sun, 24 Oct 2004 00:32:21 +1000, "Greg Millen" calmly ranted:

OK, but it's ALL the other troops we're still after...

[Phil Hansen]

I have a D4. It took few hours to read the manual (comprhensive), watch the video and set it up. Dovetails in no time. Made a few mistakes (who doesn't) but nice neat tight joints. Great quality. Very happy. BTW if you want to do M&T joint the FMT is awesome.

[ToolMiser]

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate all the honesty here, it doesn't always come out in magazine reviews. I am sure of the post stating I would be alright if I completed my basic education before 1972. Does it deteriorate real quickly after that? I graduated from college (Industrial Education major) in 1983. Will that help bring me back into the fold? LOL Have a good day!

[brian lanning]

I have the D4 and I'm very happy with it. It's definitly in the cry once category: expensive, but worth the price. I think it's biggest strength is in mass production. You'll be making a lot of drawers for teh cabinets, this will let you cut all of the dovetails in an afternoon, complete with hand cut looking variable spacing. The only two downsides for me are that ther thinest pin isn't that thin. Also, I have a hard time remembering which way the boards should face. I have to really think about what I'm doing. They're just nitpicks though. Make sure you have a good router with good concentricity. I use the small porter cable now and it works great. I had a ryobi before and got poor results. The dust collector is only so-so.

brian

[Greg Millen]

Howzit Phil,

Ya had to sneak in the drive-by didn't you. I honestly don't know who is better at it, you or David Eisan!

:-)

[Phil Hansen]

Hi Greg, I am not in David's class. This was my first. He does it all the time :)

[Never Enough Money]

Great shop Swingman! I am sooo jealous.

Guess I'll go out and buy a few more lotto tickets.

"Swingman" wrote in message news:

[Never Enough Money]

Swingman, your I-beam idea is great.

"Swingman" wrote in message news:... [snip]

[Swingman]

LOL ... thank you. Even though you could put my shop in Tom Plaman's new shop 117 times, I'll take what I can get. ;>)

[Swingman]

Actually got the idea from an old time cabinet/furniture maker in England back in the early 60's, who called them "saddles". Definitely a handy, but frequently overlooked by most, aid to a myriad of tasks ... and a great use for plywood scraps.