Rockler dovetail machine

[Jimmy]

I was looking at the rockler dovetail machine. Has anyone used it? Is it easy to use and set up for different thickness's of wood? Also, what router would be best for this operation?

[Gooey TARBALLS]

I used the Harbor Freight Dovetail Jig and found it lacking in instructions I could follow. Mechanically, it looks the same as the more expensive Rockler, et al stuff. Hope we see some detailed instructions on how best to use these.

Which bit and collar is as important as which router. From what I can gather.

[Fred]

I have the HF machine which seems to be the same machine at a lower price but with a poorer manual. It is kinda flimsy. This makes it hard to reproduce results because any force shifts the router guide. I have made some nice dovetails with it, but it isn't easy. If I had it to do over, I'd choose a better quality jig. A lot of my life has gone this way. Thickness adjustments are no problem. A light, 1 horse router is plenty for this purpose. D handles work well. Fred

[garry parker]

Go to this site, and you can download a very good manual for their own dovetail jig. It shouldn't be too different from the Rockler.

Garry

[C & E]

Fred said, " If I had it to do over, I'd choose a better quality jig. A lot of my life has gone this way".

I know the feeling, Fred. Years of being sure that the 'kids have shoes', and the like. You short yourself on the toys and try to make do. I mostly didn't re-buy... just suffered through it until it would die.

[Leuf]

There was a post a while back from someone at Rockler stating that it was not the same as the HF version. It's easier for me to say do a google groups search for "rockler dovetail jig" and it will be the first result than try to paste the long google link.

-Leuf

[Tom]

Why don't you check into the new Porter Cable jig? It just cost a little bit more to go first class. If you want to splurge get a Leigh.

[support]

My earlier thread post on this topic had noted: The Rockler Dovetail Jig has been noted as being the same jig as the one offered by Harbor Freight. I'd like to point out that the Rockler jig is not from the same manufacturer as the HF jig. The Rockler jig has some features which are important to note which distinguish it: - a wider body which gives more stable jig and more room for larger, easier to grip knobs. - a sandpaper type grip under the bars for a better grip of the wood. - one piece side stops which are faster and more accurate than a two piece stop set up. - side stops that can be adjusted without needing to remove the clamping bars - the jig accepts a through dovetail template which adds to it's versatility.

Steve Technical Support [e-mail] Rockler Woodworking and Hardware

[RicodJour]

Hey Steve. When are we going to see the "Mention rec.woodworking and receive a 10% discount"? ;)

R

[support]