AKEDA dovetail jig. Variable spacing in 1/8th inch increments, "fingers" snap in place - and stay there - no screws to tighten and maybe move while tightening. Router isn't supported by the "fingers" but by the jig body which is beefy. Dust is constrained by the way the jig is made - can fall out the bottom, but can't fly out into the shop. If you get the "accessories kit" which includes ALL the "finger sets", all the other router bits and a dust collector port thing-a-ma - jig which, connected to a vac gets ALL the dust before it gets into the room. No 200 page, well illustrated, manual - don't need much instruction to use the jig. My only gripe with the AKEDA is all the snap in fingers - there's a SH*T Load - five sets of 6, or maybe it's six sets. What I REALLY appreciate is the clamping system
- turn either end and the fence face moves parallel to the back of the part of the jig that the vertical part is held to - one hand operation so the other hand can hold the part. Same goes for the clamp for holding down horizontal parts. And the inside ends of the jig are big and square - so the part goes in square and stays there - no rocking, no tilting. These are subtle things - but really appreciated AFTER "doing it the other way".
Earlier poster added the Incra Router Fence System, or whatever it's called. If you're thinking of going the router table and precision postionable fence system - add JoinTech's Cabinet Maker Fence and precision fence positioner.
Note that with all the router methods, getting the joint fit is a function of the depth of cut. In a router table and fence set up the memory air is HEIGHTEN TO TIGHTEN, LOWER TO LOOSEN. (that's a reminder that the deeper the sockets the tighter the joint fit ).
But, if you've got a saw, some chisels, a marking gauge and a mallet have a go at handcutting at least three dovetail joints. Keep it real simple - two half pins and one dovetail. You should be able to cut a joint that holds the two parts together at or before the third attempt. Refining is just a matter of practice. Oh - and don't try to learn on pine - unless you have REALLY sharp chisels pine will discourage the hell out of you. Practice on cherry, or maple, or even poplar.