| Project by Geedubs | posted 1342 days ago | 4921 views | 25 times favorited | 22 comments | ![]() |
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I recently purchased a Porter-Cable 4212 dovetail jig and checked out a great video at woodworkingonline.com when considering various dovetail jig choices (http://www.woodworkingonline.com/2007/04/30/podcast-20-machine-cut-dovetails/ ). Not only did I select the 4212 as a purchase but also decided that the dovetail jig workcenter shown in the video also made sense. So, I purchased the plans from PlansNow.com and made it my first dovetail project. I generally stuck with the workcenter plans except for the following. I had access to purchasing some recycled straight-grain fir so I made that purchase and planed it to 1/2” for the basic box construction. I used some leftover poplar that I had from a previous project and used that for accent and when 3/4” stock was called for. Rather than purchasing more expensive pre-manufactured threaded knobs, I used round wooden balls, drilled them to receive 1/4” threaded bolts…then cut the heads off the bolts and epoxied them to the ball knobs. Also, it just seemed like sacrilege to make the drawer and not use dovetails, so I modified the drawer face to 3/4” stock and used blind dovetails to connect it to the 1/2” fir drawer sides. I stained the knobs and stops mahogony and then finished the rest of the workcenter using linseed oil. The jig is taking me a while to get used to but I’m making progress. I really recommend the workcenter as a way to both store the jig/accessories and get the jig to a better working height.
-- Todos los dias aprendemos algo nuevo.
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22 comments so far
woodworm
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14104 posts in 1756 days
#1 posted 1342 days ago
PC DT jig its self is beautiful & very useful – the additional workcenter make it more handy. Great job and thanks for sharing.

-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.
RKW
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326 posts in 1613 days
#2 posted 1342 days ago
Nice job Geedubs, I too purchased the 4212 jig after watching the same podcast. Good job on the workcenter, maybe some day. Too many other priorities right now. Best part is the heighth, I have to slunch over when i use mine. Well worth the time and effort. Enjoy!!!
-- RKWoods
degoose
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6589 posts in 1521 days
#3 posted 1342 days ago
The web address has the last bracket included. I have a Leigh and will be looking at the workcentre seriously.
Thanks for the post.. the working height is important when you are over 6’ tall.
-- Drink twice... and don't bother to cut... @ larrysworkshop.wordpress.com For lovers of all things timber...
Geedubs
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#4 posted 1342 days ago
Thanks degoose. I think I fixed the URL reference.
-- Todos los dias aprendemos algo nuevo.
SgtSnafu
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#5 posted 1342 days ago
I have this same jig (yet to use) and have seen the plan. You did a great job on it, I can only hope mine turns out as well.. Thanks for sharing.
-- Scotty - aka... SgtSnafu - Randleman NC
Bricofleur
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947 posts in 1359 days
#6 posted 1342 days ago
Nice job! I remember having seen this plan in the magazine, but using real wood makes it look “high class”. Congrats !
And hat’s off for having used dovetail joinery for the drawer. Another point here.
RKW - If you want or need to raise your dovetail jig to a more comfortable height, build yourself this Benchtop Router Horse. It’s easy to build, it raises the jig and/or any workpieces, and also provides the left vertical support to rout ends of narrow workpieces. Wide workpieces can be clamped to the front side to rout their edges too, needing to use another method than C-clamps to hold it down on the workbench.
Best,
Serge
http://www.atelierdubricoleur.spaces.live.com
-- Learn from yesterday, work today and enjoy success tomorrow. -- http://atelierdubricoleur.wordpress.com
navyman
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#7 posted 1342 days ago
that’s great detail.
-- Michael . USN ( Ret ) Batesville,AR
bear2
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#8 posted 1342 days ago
Super nice
-- It isn't always about being fast or even accurate that counts, it's being willing
a1Jim
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#9 posted 1342 days ago
All the bells and whistles and fine set up well done.
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
Beginningwoodworker
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#10 posted 1342 days ago
Nice dovetail jig.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
Innovator
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#11 posted 1342 days ago
Thanks for the idea, I may have to make one of these!
-- Whether You Think You Can or You Think You Can't, YOU ARE RIGHT!!!
cabinetmaster
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#12 posted 1342 days ago
nice job on the workcenter. Looks very beneficial when using the DT fixture.
-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps
jockmike2
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10636 posts in 2412 days
#13 posted 1341 days ago
I just ordered the 4212 yesterday, let me know how you like it. It sure was a deal. Also has anyone used the bench cookies. They are a marvel. They are absolutely the best thing anyone has come out with in a long time. I got 2 sets just in case I mess one up. They really work great. You set anything on them and it won’t budge.
-- (You just have to please the man in the Mirror) Mike from Michigan -
Geedubs
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140 posts in 1395 days
#14 posted 1341 days ago
Mike, so far I like the 4212 but I am like the adventurer at the beginning of the trail…and looking forward to a rewarding journey. I am now looking for projects that will specifically let me hone my dovetail skills. Good luck with your 4212 projects!
-- Todos los dias aprendemos algo nuevo.
jockmike2
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10636 posts in 2412 days
#15 posted 1341 days ago
Thanks Geedubs, I’m also looking forward to making things with mine. I bought a cheapee at HF for 50 bucks quite a while ago, never could make a decent set of dovetails on it. I tried and tried. Hoping this one is a no brainer, I guess that’s what I need. The ones you made on that box look pretty good to me. mike
-- (You just have to please the man in the Mirror) Mike from Michigan -
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