Porter-Cable’s 4200-series jigs contain some new features that make setup and use very easy. For my evaluation, I used the 4212. The 4210 has a lower price but cuts only half-blind joints.

The 4212 base is solidly made and uses fast-acting cam clamps. Setup and adjustment went smoothly, though the instruction manual could be better. Very helpful are the additional setup lines and instructions etched onto the templates themselves. The jig is also the only one to include built-in gauges for setting the router-bit height. The jig comes with 1/2-in-dia.-shank router bits, which reduce vibration (most others use 1/4-in. bits).

After using the jig a few times with the help of the information on the templates, it becomes pretty intuitive, and switching between templates, joints, and different-size boards goes quickly. At an average street price of $150, this jig is a real bargain.

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