Porter Cable Dovetail Jig #4216 #2: FedEx delivers and I started to test the unit.

The PC 4216 came in last week. I was able to open it up yesterday and get started.

Looks like everything is here. Seems to be very well made…. like all of my PC equipment.

In about 20 minutes, I had it ready to make my first joint. I decided to attempt a half blind dovetail joint. This unit as an adjustable side stop and this allows you to get that classic half pin on each end of the joint on any size drawer side.

Well, the first attempt was way too tight… in fact, I could not get the joint to join. The second attempt was too loose. I was closing in on the fit. (if you didn’t know, to adjust a half-blind dovetail joint you move the bit up and down) The third and forth attempt was dealing with the depth of the pieces.

So the fifth attempt, BINGO! The joint is really tight and perfectly centered with half pins on each end. I was testing with finger-jointed pine and it cupped a little but I think with a little glue and clamp pressure, it would join up nicely. The jig has a depth stop integrated into the template and once you dial in that perfect fit, it is very easy to repeat.

Next I tried the through dovetail. I set up the jig just as described in the manual. My first attempt turned out perfect. I set the bit just a small amount lower than the thickness of the wood so that I would get a joint with tails and pins extending out of the joint. I would plane or sand this excess wood to make a flush joint.

I am really impressed with this dovetail jig!! I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to make dovetail joints. (and who among us doesn’t?)

I found on Porter Cable’s website a Supplemental Manual that has some very interesting way to use this jig to make advanced joints. Here is the link: Supplemental Manual for PC 4200

I hope to try out some of these advanced joints, but first, kitchen drawers for the wife’s new kitchen.

-- Makin' Sawdust!!!