Leigh FMT mortise and tenon jig

An impressive looking tool. I wonder if it is really worth $800 for the hobbiest? How many M/T joints would you have to make for this to break even? I can see for a small production shop spending that kind of cash, but it is way too far out of my price range…:-)

-- ....next big purchase is wood for the next project, Mark

Consider the TREND M&T jig for $300 as a great alternative

-- Regards, Steve2

Thanks Molly, I think I’ll stick with my Hirsch chisels for now … I don’t think I could convince Jen that I need a M&T Jig as well as a new(ish) bandsaw.

-- ....next big purchase is wood for the next project, Mark

Slacker and Mark,

You NEED the FMT. Hard to beat, easy to use, repeatable, wonderful… Hmmmmm ….. I am sure I forget something… ;-) It is (just about) impossible for a hobbyist to justify ANY large tool based on cost alone. Many other factors are usually taken into consideration. :-)

Sorry I just now see this post – I have been on the road, and did not view or read posts for one week.

-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com

Al is right about hobbyists justifying any large tool based on cost alone.

That said, if you were going to spend that kind of money on a macihine, perhaps it would make sense to have something that can do more than just mortise and tenon joints. Maybe add dovetails, box joints and other joinery to the mix.

-- Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?

The FMT is clearly inspired by a shop-made jig that appeared
in Fine Woodworking. The author built it for making angled
tenons on chair parts originally.

You could put together such a jig for under $50 – you would have
to make your own templates though.

-- http://amherstcabinets.com - also a marketing consultant with expertise in direct response marketing for woodworking and online businesses - http://COPYMATCH.COM

I just read a couple of reviews on the Trend jig, and while not unfavorable, they did say the Leigh is superior. It appears as if the Trend jig has some problems making accurate tenons. What I did not find was where to buy the thing to see what the actual price was. One of the reviews indicated $375 plus another 50-75 for accessories, which put it in the range of the Leigh.

-- There are three kinds of people... those who can count, and those who can't