Chip collection from dovetail jig
This project started with simply a support shelf on which to park my router when routing dovetails in a Leigh D4 jig. The top surface of the support shelf is the same height as the top of the dovetail fingers so the router can be slid onto it without any lifting. That solved one problem, but did nothing to reduce the mess that the router made with chips all over the shop. Leigh now has the VRS to take care of both the router parking issue and chip collection, but has anyone tried to actually obtain one of these? The dust collector portion of my rig is quite simple. The floor rests on the lower clamping bar of the Leigh jig with a 1/8″ plywood spacer to provide clearance to the clamp handle, and has a couple of screws running up into the router support shelf.
In use this catches the vast majority of the chips and dust coming off the router bit. I do sacrifice width capacity, but I seldom cut dovetailed pieces over 12 inches wide and the support shelf takes up only 6 inches. It ain’t pretty, but it works quite well until if and when my VRS ever arrives.
Replies
Looks neet and a year ago I would have built one myself. Now the (the MFG) has one you can buy that works very well.
Doug
Now if only the manufacturer would deliver the product to their retailers so that customers like you and me could actually purchase the units. Until then, I've got drawers to build. ".... Now the (the MFG) has one you can buy that works very well."
I just received my new Leigh Vacuum & Router Support from Highland Woodworking in Georgia last week. Haven't used it yet, but I have it!. They are becoming available.
Just got my VRS about a 2 weeks ago. Made 4 drawers last week. It was a little difficult to get level w/ the fingers but worked well overall.
I have a D4 and I put up with the dust. Looks like you have it 'licked' and have additional router support! Great Jig!
Yes it works well, and frankly I like the support part of it enough to justify (to me anyway) the cost and the DC is just a (big) bonus.
Doug
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