Dovetail jig

If I was willing to spend that on a jig, I'd get the Leigh.

Brian.

|What is the best dovetail jig for under $400. I would like to be able |to make multiple width tails and pins and I am no rocket scientist so |easier is better. I own the Sears version and it works ok but creative |options are limited.

Leigh D4

Wes Stewart wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Another option would be the Akeda, which I own. Slightly better repeatability in setup function. Decent dust collection. Good manual. Not nearly as widely used. Available in the US only through Woodcraft, and maybe not at every location. I made through dovetails with variable spacing, rubber mallet tight, within 45 minutes of mounting the jig to the bench. Half-blinds can be screwed up, but you have to be creative to do so.

Another interesting product is the Katie jig.

Just my US$400 worth....

Patriarch

I'd say the top two vote getters are Leigh and the Akeda.

You did leave out a very nice machine made by Porter Cable.

The 24" Omnijig is a monster of a jig and is currently being sold with the adjustable through template and the

It comes > Another option would be the Akeda, which I own. Slightly better

Not so fast. I have a 16" Omni Jig and it is great. I would buy another one in a minute. I had a cheapo import once but this is a Cadilac or maybe now a Lexus?, in comparison. Even I can make drawers one after another and everything fits.

Pat Barber wrote in news:veyLc.119792$ snipped-for-privacy@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net:

Only 'cause I didn't (don't) know anything about it... ;-)

I apologize if it seemed as though I intended my reviews to be exhaustive. Far from the case, what I meant to imply was that those were the thoughts and experiences of an enthusiastic hobbyist.

Here's hoping others can contribute their experiences, too.

Patriarch

A Toyota by any other name ...

Or Jaguar/Taurus...

Seems like 16" would be a severe limitation. I don't doubt the jig itself is nice, though.

Brian.

I should have offered this link earlier:

"Brian" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com:

I think, that when I need to do a dovetail wider than 16", I will end up with another joinery solution. Or hand cut them.

Patriarch

I picked up a used Leigh for a good price a number of years ago from a contact made on the listserver. Anybody here have one to sell. (Mines not for sale :-)

Try Ebay. The Leigh's not the quickest to set up but offers the most options.

rhg

Limitation? Severe? Depends on what you routinely make. If you make a number of drawers and one blanket chest per lifetime, the 16 makes sense.

rhg

Brian wrote:

Severe in that your $400 isn't going as far as it could. And besides, if you only make drawers, why is a $400 jig needed in the first place?

I don't know, maybe its just me.

Brian.