Dovetail Jigs

**Missouri Jane (Guest)** · 03-05-2002, 11:06 PM

I am thinking of buying a dovetail jig and would like some feedback on different types on the market. I am woodworking professionally so I would prefer a jig that allows a range of spacings and will cut half-blind as well as through dovetails...as many options as possible. The best I have found so far is the Leigh dovetail jig. Any opinions?

Thanks,
Missouri Jane

**JohnP** · 03-06-2002, 01:03 AM

I use the Porter Cable 7116, its a 24 inch chunky heavy indurstrial design, for a link on the basic machine try; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...754747-0073558
This is the Amazon sales site but offers a good discription. For the adjustable spacings they offer a templet that allows adjusting the spacing. One of the nice things about this jig is that it allows you to do both the tail and pin at the same time.
This is in my opinon a very good machine, I've been using it for years and I think it would take a bomb hit and still be usable.
JohnP

**John Lucas** · 03-06-2002, 04:09 AM

MJ,
Your keywords are "woodworking professional, half-blind through dovetails" I think that speaks for Leigh. I have used the PC Omni, KatieJig, Stots, Incra, Keller and Leigh. Only the Incra and Leigh give you all that. While Incra allows you a lot of choice and vairability...it doesnt have as much as Leigh.
Here is a section on Incra that is on my site:
www.woodshopdemos.com/incra4.htm">http://www.woodshopdemos.com/incra4.htm</a>

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/incra315.jpg

I forgot to mention the "WoodRat and Little Rat" - british machines that do quite a job. The WoodRat review is on my site; the Little Rat I am working on these days: http://www.woodshopdemos.com/wr-6.htm
http://www.woodshopdemos.com/wr-6.h13.jpg
John Lucas
www.woodshopdemos.com

**Roger (Guest)** · 03-19-2002, 12:00 PM

I have the Leigh and love how well it works. Main advice is, do not lose the instruction book, make lots of trial runs, and save everything that works for future reference. Im a Missourian as well so that means you have the opportunity to make it work if I can.

**Tom Hintz** · 03-19-2002, 12:53 PM

I have to agree, if you want to alter spacing, the Leigh is the best there is. It's pricy, but it will last forever with a little care. Your price-per-dovetail will be very cheap indeed.

Tom Hintz
www.newwoodworker.com

**Barbara Gill** · 03-19-2002, 03:15 PM

I will chime in here with a yeah, me too. I have a Leigh and have been very happy with it. The instruction book is awesome. In my experience, if it is made in Canada, it is a good product.
Barbara
www.velvitoil.com