Hi all…...I have been researching dovetail/box joint jigs for quite some time now. I am leaning toward PC's 4216 12inch. It is on sale at Woodcraft this month and has all the extra tempplates for future anticipated expansion. The Leigh is a tad expensive and I can't afford to even look at Festool. Any comments on the Porter Cable? Are there others out there that are good and reasonably priced? ($200 + or -). Thanks. Uncle Snail
If I were buying again, I would keep an eye on ebay, craigslist, etc. for a leigh. The (relatively) new isoloc remplate designs look just too interesting to not try them. The Akeda faired well in most comparisons, and I found it on sale for about $250.
To Skarp: TY for the reply and info. I don't understand the Incra jig as yet….but I will investigate it further…it is intriguing. Does it work on the router table? if yes…then I really need to look at it….might be worth the extra cost.
To Rgholl: Like to TY also….good stuff. I will look further into Leigh….but they do appear pricey….and more complex. My philosophy is usually to buy high in anticipation of increased need. On the fence with this however. Thanks for the info. Uncle Snail
I've got the PC. It is a decent starter jig. Dovetails a bit generic, as they often are with dt jigs. The learning curve is not too bad. Plan to spend a little time practicing with scrap.
thanks Paul…..A decent starter jig is exactly what I am looking for. I just checked out the Incra Positioner more thoroughly…very impressive but…it is PRICEY! I would like variable spacing on my joints…..does the PC 4216 do that? Uncle Snail
I have 2 of the PC's I set one up for the pins, and one for the tails, and also have 2 separate PC routers dedicated to the jigs. It saves a lot of setup time. They work just fine. Check out http://www.deltaportercable.com/jigs/dovetail/ for instructions on doing much more with them as well you can download the advanced manual that show more tricks.
The Incra LS17inch positioner system is looking better all the time. I really like the idea of using my router table as opposed to freehanding another router. $350 and it comes complete. $150 more then I am prepared to pay at this time but I am in no hurry…I'm retired..hehe…....I can wait and scrounge up another $150 over the price of the PC 4216. Plus….the LS Positioner Fence is a beautiful router fence….another big plus. Uncle Snail
I have the PC also. As mentioned above having 2 dedicated routers is the way to go. I think they even recommend it in the manual.
Also mentioned is the learning curve( more like the RE-learning for me) is pretty quick when you use infrequently.
The PC does not do variable spaced tails. I also have the Incra Super System (positioner). That system is great, although it is best for short pieces of wood for boxes, etc. You would never want to do a large pieces on it because you need to run boards through standing on ends for one half of the joint (pins? tails? ... the drawer sides).
I have a Leigh DR4 and it is amazing…worth ever penny… I have used a few ominjgs, older models and the leigh beats them up…I have heard that a lot of people really like the akeda.
Get lots of info on what you are going to use them for before you take the dive.
I saved up for an extra year to get the leigh and now it takes me 10 minutes to route four drawer sides with variably spaced pins and tails…That includes setup of the router, now that I have it dialed in with my digital calipers.
The Akeda does not fit your price but you might consider saving for it. I really like mine and it has a 16" capacity. I like the fact that it operates on a variability of 1/8" to create variable spaced dovetails.
The general public cannot tell what a hand cut dovetail is, but if you do large dovetails and small pins, they will pick up on that and perceive it as hand cut.
dave r your right they do look like there made in a jig…no doubt.but for some wood workers cutting them free hand doesn't always happen…so having the strong joint is better then not…but free hand and custom is ideal…but not always practical …
yea your right on that…i really hadnt thought of other joinery…and for a few more dollars you do get the option of your placement of tails and fingers…good point …well taken…...now if i could just afford the more expensive jig…can you seee my hand held out for a donation dave…lol…..
I like my Incra's. I'm sure the others have thier benifits also but I guess I'm just used to the Inra setup. It takes a little while to figure them out but once you do, you have a ton of options.
Todd, That is a great video you show. We also use the Akeda and give it a strong vote. It may end up being our first and last jig. I have not ventured out much with it's capacity. I noticed you played with the spacing, that is really nice and looks very custom. Also, I noticed you did through dovetails. Do you do the through dovetails a lot on your jobs. I always use the HB dovetails. I have not even tried to set up for through dovetails. We always have drawer faces on anyway so I feel the more simple HB with one router set up is best for us. Also, which wood do you use mostly for your drawers. It looked like your router went right through that wood. I just did some out of soft maple and had to take it very slow. 2 times my collet came loose and the cutter cut to deep and messed up my joint. I think that is an issue with either the base or the collet, not anything to do with the cutter or jig. Just wanted to pick your wisdom a little.
My 2 cents - - The Leigh 12" Super Jig is only $229. I know that crosses the $200 limit but I think it is well worth it. You get variable spacing which I really like. It is a high quality tool in every regard.
If the Leigh 12" Super Jig allows for variable spacing for $229, then that is the one you want.
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