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Dovetail Jig Workcenter

Project by Geedubs posted 74 days ago 945 views 12 times favorited 17 comments Add to Favorites Watch

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.

-- "Setbacks are just opportunities to re-think your position." DAVID OVERBAY, father of Andy Overbay


17 comments so far

View woodworm's profile

woodworm

8310 posts in 489 days


posted 74 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.

View RKW's profile

RKW

81 posts in 345 days


posted 74 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

View degoose's profile

degoose

2021 posts in 253 days


posted 74 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 once, cut twice. New website up.... lazylarrywoodworks.com.au

View Geedubs's profile

Geedubs

44 posts in 128 days


posted 74 days ago

Thanks degoose. I think I fixed the URL reference.

-- "Setbacks are just opportunities to re-think your position." DAVID OVERBAY, father of Andy Overbay

View SgtSnafu's profile

SgtSnafu

63 posts in 170 days


posted 74 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.

-- ~ SgtSnafu - Central North Carolina

View Bricofleur's profile

Bricofleur

93 posts in 91 days


posted 74 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.

Benchtop Router Horse

Best,

Serge

http://www.atelierdubricoleur.spaces.live.com

-- Learn from yesterday, work today and enjoy success tomorrow.

View navyman's profile

navyman

96 posts in 304 days


posted 74 days ago

that’s great detail.

-- Michael . USN ( Ret ) Batesville,AR

View bear2's profile

bear2

2 posts in 74 days


posted 74 days ago

Super nice

-- It isn't always about being fast or even accurate that counts, it's being willing

View a1Jim's profile (online now)

a1Jim

17023 posts in 475 days


posted 74 days ago

All the bells and whistles and fine set up well done.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com

View Beginningwoodworker's profile

Beginningwoodworker

4217 posts in 571 days


posted 74 days ago

Nice dovetail jig.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

View Innovator's profile

Innovator

3125 posts in 312 days


posted 74 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!!!

View cabinetmaster's profile

cabinetmaster

8663 posts in 456 days


posted 74 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

View jockmike2's profile

jockmike2

7352 posts in 1145 days


posted 74 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.

-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com

View Geedubs's profile

Geedubs

44 posts in 128 days


posted 74 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!

-- "Setbacks are just opportunities to re-think your position." DAVID OVERBAY, father of Andy Overbay

View jockmike2's profile

jockmike2

7352 posts in 1145 days


posted 73 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

-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com

View Rasta's profile

Rasta

20 posts in 340 days


posted 71 days ago

I have that dovetail jig and love it. I have big plans on making that exact workstation for it, love the wood choice.

View Geedubs's profile

Geedubs

44 posts in 128 days


posted 70 days ago

I think the 4212 is a good choice. I just need to keep using it. Practice, practice, practice.

-- "Setbacks are just opportunities to re-think your position." DAVID OVERBAY, father of Andy Overbay

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