I ordered the Woodhaven 7517K dovetail jig, which is an upgrade to its 7500 half-blind jig with fixed spacing, which includes the optional through-dovetail template and bits—actually a copy of the Keller Journeyman template.

The clamping bars have slots so that clamps can be moved next to the stock to prevent flex in the bars. The jig can be used upside down on a router table. I also liked the speedier, optional Kamtite clamps. On the downside, the Woodhaven comes in many parts and takes time to assemble. The side guides are different for various dovetails and must be changed out. The outrigger support arm for the router was more trouble than it was worth. Last, I preferred using the Keller through-dovetail system on its own (see Keller review); its versatility is limited in the Woodhaven jig.

In its basic configuration without the optional template, the Woodhaven jig is a solid half-blind jig that uses bearing-guided bits, an advantage over jigs that use fussier template guide bushings.

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